Press Release:

The Batavia Police Department is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all residents. To achieve this goal, we need your help. If you have information about illegal drug activity in our community, we urge you to report it anonymously through the Submit a Tip link on our Crimewatch page. 

Drug abuse and trafficking can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and our community as a whole. By reporting suspicious activity, you can help us identify and disrupt illegal drug operations, making our streets safer for everyone. 

Our Tip Line is a secure and confidential way to share information about drug-related crimes. You can remain anonymous, and your tip will be investigated promptly by our dedicated team. Your contribution can make a significant difference in our efforts to combat drug abuse and keep our community safe. 

Here's how you can report drug activity anonymously: 

• Visit our Crimewatch page and click on the Submit a Tip link.
• Provide as much information as possible about the suspected drug activity, including location, time, and any other relevant details.
• Submit your tip, and our team will review and investigate it promptly. 

Remember, your tip can be the key to making a positive impact in our community. Let's work together to create a safer, healthier environment for everyone. Report drug activity anonymously today! If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, please seek help from a trusted healthcare provider or a reputable treatment center. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our community safe.

8515 E Lake Road Stafford. Super opportunity to own waterfront property in Genesee County! This lovingly kept and well maintained ranch sits directly on waterfront edge of super peaceful Horseshoe Lake. Updated throughout the years this home is move in ready and will surprise you with how much space you have! Starting at road front this home has extra parking space across private road for all your guests as well as ample parking at house. As you walk in back door you are immediately in large enclosed porch in case you want a change of scenery and a perfect place for your extras and coats and shoes! Walk into pretty kitchen with plenty of cupboard space and work island and with easy viewing out through dining area to the lake-the scenery makes all cooking better! There is also an open office room or sitting room/hobby area off of kitchen! The formal dining area of course looks over "front" yard and lake and leads to large deck for outside entertaining as well as private dock for your water toys(Lake rules and regulations apply) The home has three good-sized bedrooms with plenty of closet space and then best of all there is large and brite family room with cathedral ceiling, wet bar and cozy gas fireplace! Furnace and hot water tank are 7/8 years old approximately, there is PUBLIC water and a BRAND NEW septic system install in 2021. Conveniently located to dining shopping college and thruway!! This year round waterfront property checks all the boxes! Any accepted offer is subject to approval by Horseshoe Lake Corporation.. Call Reliant Real Estate today - call 585-344-HOME (4663)

This morning, some members of the Batavia Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc., placed flags on the graves of Veterans to honor and remember their service and sacrifice this Memorial Day.

Flags were placed in several cemeteries in Bethany and East Bethany.

This is the fifth year this local service organization has carried on this tradition, which it proudly began in 2020.

Special thanks to the Town of Bethany, which purchased and supplied the flags that were placed at the gravesites.

Information provided by Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club 

Batavia Downs is betting on experience and an increased commitment to racing as it promotes longtime employee Nicolle Fortes to director of live racing and moves forward with track improvements.

“Nicolle Fortes, who has been with the Corporation for 31 years and is currently director of intertrack wagering, has been selected for the position of director of live racing,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.

Fortes, a Batavia resident, replaces Don Hoover, who retired.

The Western OTB board approved Fortes’ promotion to grade seven pay level, which keeps her $102,000 annual salary consistent with the prior director's salary, who was part-time. Fortes will be on the job 12 months a year. 

There is a long-term trend, even at the national level, in live-race attendance and wagering, Brown said. He hopes Fortes can invigorate the experience at Batavia Downs.

 “As you know, racing, harness racing, and thoroughbred racing have been down nationally, and we want to place more focus on it strategically, to bring more people into enjoying racing,” Brown said.

Brown acknowledged that maintaining a racing operation is required for the casino’s license, even as the industry faces a decline in popularity. 

“We are required to have our casino operation. We’re required to continue our racing operation, which is one of the priorities of New York State -- to support the racing industry. So we are leaning into that. We’re going to provide more focus and resources to that element of our business, and we are hopeful that we will see increased patronage, more customers coming in and enjoying racing,” Brown said.

Brown described Fortes as “a very hard worker, very knowledgeable about racing, someone who is well respected by her colleagues in the corporation and very well respected by our customers, and we are pleased to offer her this promotion.”

The board also authorized hiring Gary Wolf, a consultant with more than 30 years of experience, to oversee racetrack maintenance and training, and awarded Keeler Construction a $44,396 contract to resurface the track. 

“Having optimal track conditions is important to the horsemen, to the drivers, and certainly to the safety of the horses,” Brown said.

The Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association will pay half Wolf's salary.

Brown said the changes are part of a broader strategy to boost interest in harness racing at Batavia Downs. 

Track resurfacing and consultant services are scheduled to begin before the new season and the Night of Champions event. 

Le Roy High School senior Aubrey Puccio demonstrated fan appeal during preliminary rounds of competition for  Stars of Tomorrow NYC Bound, a Rochester Broadway Theatre League press release states.

The 18-year-old performer was voted a Fan Favorite in event sponsor WROC News 8’s poll conducted in conjunction with the local competition, the release stated.

Puccio was one of 40 finalists chosen out of nearly 300 students to compete for the Rochester area this week, taking the stage at West Herr Auditorium Theatre Thursday as part of the National High School Musical Theater Awards local competition.

Tessa Meyers and Ian Royse, both from Greece Arcadia, were chosen to go on and compete among more than 100 other student performers from across the country. Perhaps better known as the Jimmy Awards, the national high school musical awards are to be presented June 23 at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City.

Daniel R. Yates, 55, of Batavia, is charged with attempted robbery, 3rd degree, and attempted criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd degree. Yates allegedly attempted to take a Batavia police officer’s gun out of the holster while police were attempting to take him into custody on May 2. He was arraigned in City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Roman B. Warchol, 45, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Jennifer R. Warchol, 43, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree; operating a motor vehicle without insurance; operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; and operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. Roman and Jennifer Warchol were arrested May 21 following a traffic stop, during which both were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. They were processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Supreme N. Ervin, 26, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. Ervin was arrested May 20 after allegedly exposing private parts of his body while in a store on Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Daquan J. Butler, 29, of Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn, is charged with possession of contraband. Butler is accused of possessing contraband inside the Genesee County Jail on May 16. He was issued an appearance ticket and will appear in Batavia Town Court on May 27.

Bernard L. Parnell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd degree. Parnell allegedly stole merchandise from Speedway and resisted police when they attempted to detain him. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. Earlier the same day, Parnell was arrested on Otis Street after he allegedly refused to leave a residence and allegedly punched another person. He was charged with criminal trespass, 2nd degree, and harassment, 2nd degree.

Anthony A. Bomasuto, 31, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd degree, and aggravated family offense. Bomasuto is accused of being involved in an altercation with a person who has an order of protection against him on April 10. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Kara B. Baker, 52, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Baker is accused of stealing merchandise from Aldi on April 15. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Jerome W. Amesbury, 59, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Amesbury was arrested on April 10 following a traffic stop on Jan. 10, when he was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Anthony G. Cicoria, 56, of Caledonia, is charged with DWI. Cicoria was arrested on April 10 following a traffic stop on West Main Street. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Michael A. Fanizza, 31, of Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd degree, and criminal contempt, 2nd degree. Fanizza allegedly entered a residence illegally in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Donyel E. Walker, 26, of Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd degree, criminal contempt, 1st degree, and harassment, 2nd degree. Walker was arrested April 17 after allegedly violating an order of protection inside a residence on Hutchins Street. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Thomas J. Preedom, 36, of Batavia, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender. Preedom is accused of failing to register his address as a level 2 sex offender. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Jacob W. Patterson, 29, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Patterson was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during an incident on State Street on April 15, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Christopher E. Tanner, 52, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd degree. Tanner allegedly struck another person during an altercation on State Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Kelly R. Seeler, 52, of Albion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Seeler was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on Pearl Street on Jan. 17. She was arraigned and released.

Benjamin M. Klotzbach, 34, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd degree, and harassment, 2nd degree. Klotzbach allegedly headbutted another person and prevented them from leaving a residence during an altercation on Elmwood Avenue. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Johnny D. Vidal, 40, of Batavia, is charged with filing a false written statement. Vidal is accused of signing a written statement alleging that another person threatened him with a firearm. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Nathiel D. Wilson III, 19, of Batavia, and Ashton T. McWethy-Thornley, 18, of Batavia, are charged with criminal mischief, 3rd degree, and conspiracy, 5th degree. Wilson and McWethy-Thornley are accused of damaging a window on a house and a vehicle on State Street. Wilson was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. McWethy-Thornley was arraigned and released.

Karen B. Armstrong, 48, of Batavia, and Ashlee S. Thomas, 28, of Batavia, are charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Armstrong and Thomas were charged following an altercation on Denio Street, where Armstrong allegedly kicked a 13-year-old girl and Thomas allegedly slapped another person who was holding a young child. Thomas was additionally charged with harassment, 2nd degree. Both were issued appearance tickets and released.

Andrew R. Del Gandio, 31, of Rochester, is charged with DWI. Del Gandio was arrested April 27 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

James R. Briggs, 49, of Corning, was arrested April 30 on four warrants, including two bench warrants and two arrest warrants. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Nankumar McLaulin, 32, of Hicksville, was arrested April 24 on a warrant. McLaulin allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket in December 2023. He turned himself in, was arraigned in City Court, and released.

John W. Biaselli, 56, of Batavia, was arrested April 24 on a warrant. Biaselli was initially charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing merchandise from Dollar General on Feb. 28. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Shelby L. Fryer, 29, of Batavia, was arrested April 24 on a bench warrant. Fryer was initially charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree, following a traffic stop on Dec. 17, 2024. Fryer was arraigned in City Court and released.

Nicole Granger, 34, of Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing, grand larceny, 3rd degree, and three counts of forgery, 1st degree. Granger is accused of failing to report that the biological father of her child was residing in the home and earning wages, and of forging three documents related to her rental payments. As a result, she allegedly received $6,426 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Granger was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Nicole Sprung, 39, of Le Roy, is charged with forgery, 1st degree, welfare fraud, 4th degree, and grand larceny, 4th degree. Sprung is accused of failing to report that the biological father of her child was living in the home and earning wages, and of forging a neighbor’s signature attesting that he was not in the home. She allegedly received $2,641 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Sprung was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Cheryl Ditzel, 61, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud, 4th degree. Ditzel is accused of failing to report monies being deposited into a bank account she had access to, resulting in her allegedly receiving $2,435 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Jacqueline Sogunro-Pitan, 44, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud, 4th degree. She is accused of failing to report wages she was earning at Walmart and, as a result, receiving $2,304 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Erica E. Cullen, 34, of Bank Street Road, Elba, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing, 1st degree; welfare fraud, 3rd degree; and grand larceny, 3rd degree. Cullen is accused of receiving $3,138 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arrested following an investigation by the Department of Social Services and arraigned in Batavia Town Court on May 22, where she was released on her own recognizance.

Brandon Gerald Starkweather, 33, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st degree. Starkweather is accused of striking another person who had an active stay-away order of protection against him. He was held for arraignment following his arrest on May 22.

Davon H. Patton, 39, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th degree. Patton was allegedly found operating a stolen vehicle on Oak Street on May 7. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Brian M. Raphael, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd degree. Raphael was allegedly found in possession of a bludgeon, specifically a club with barbed wire wrapped around it, on May 7. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Joseph M. Tornabene, 33, of Buffalo, is charged with aggravated family offense and criminal contempt, 2nd degree. Tornabene allegedly violated an order of protection by being at the residence of a protected party on April 30. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Marissa A. McGill, 39, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and circumventing an interlock device. McGill allegedly had a child blow into her vehicle’s interlock device and left her children unattended for an extended period of time on May 9. She was issued appearance tickets and released.

Michael J. Cutitta, 40, of Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd degree. Cutitta allegedly threatened to kill another person on May 10. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

Colleen M. Hutchinson, 50, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd degree. Hutchinson was allegedly found in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop on Ellicott Avenue on Feb. 19. She was issued appearance tickets and released.

Justin T. Gladney, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Gladney was allegedly found in possession of narcotics on West Main Street on Aug. 1, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket at the Genesee County Jail, where he is currently incarcerated on a separate matter.

Kaila I. Tidd, 40, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. Tidd allegedly allowed a sex offender to be at her residence around her children, in violation of an order of protection, on May 1. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Edward J. Ludwig, 62, of Alden, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Ludwig was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on Jan. 17. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

Ricky A. Marsceill, 60, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Marsceill was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on May 20, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Bill A. Thomas, 65, of Batavia, was arrested on three bench warrants, all stemming from previous trespass charges where he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Michelle L. May, 50, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd degree. May allegedly had physical contact with another person during an altercation on East Main Street on May 3. She was arraigned in CAP Court.

Press Release:

The Batavia Police Department is proud to announce its annual Flag Commemoration Ceremony, honoring the memory of those who have served our community and have passed away. This solemn event is a tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of our fallen heroes who have served our department and the community with distinction. 

The ceremony will take place on May 28 at 1 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery. The event will feature a brief ceremony, a moment of silence, and a reading of the names of those being honored. 

The Batavia Police Department invites the public to join us in paying respects to these brave individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

We hope you can join us for this meaningful ceremony as we come together to pay tribute to those who have given so much.  Let us take a moment to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who have served our community and have passed on. Their legacy lives on in our hearts and in the work we do every day to keep our community safe.

Press Release:

Lucine Kauffman, program coordinator for the Library Visits Program at the Richmond Memorial Library, was honored with the 2025 Outreach Award at the Nioga Library System's annual meeting on Wednesday evening at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The award honors an individual in the library or community who has shown a commitment in providing/promoting library services to special populations such as the elderly, geographically isolated, or those who have a physical disability.

"Lucine has consistently gone above and beyond to serve marginalized and isolated groups in our community," shares RML Interim Director Samantha Stryker, who nominated Kauffman. “She recognizes the need to address the epidemic of loneliness we often see in our elderly population. The Library Visits program utilizes a small staff and a network of volunteers to deliver tremendous amounts of resources to those who need them most.”

Nioga Trustee and Genesee County representative Kristie Miller presented Kauffman with the award, sharing that she works diligently to provide as many services as possible to Library Visits patrons, whether it is library materials, help with technology, or a social connection with their dedicated volunteer. Through her initiative, the program is now able to serve caregivers in addition to those who are homebound or unable to visit the library.

Since 1997, The Library Visits Program has been serving residents of Genesee County through the Muriel H. Marshall Fund. In addition to serving 70-80 patrons directly, the program delivers group loans and resources to more than 15 residential and program facilities in Genesee County, serving over 1200 Genesee County residents. Thanks to recent funding, caregivers are also eligible to receive services through Library Visits.  

If you or a loved one are interested in the services provided by Library Visits, visit batavialibrary.org or call 585-343-9550 x6.

Now hiring! Wine & cocktail enthusiasts wanted at Bar Olo Wine Bar! Apply today! Click here to fill out an employment form. 

Press Release:

The City Department of Public Works TEAM will be continuing with essential and time-sensitive repairs to the sewer infrastructure along Dellinger Avenue, continuing on Thursday, May 22, with work anticipated to extend through Friday, May 23, at a minimum. Additional Water service restoration work will begin on Tuesday, May 27, with hopeful completion on that day as well, with the water line work.

The construction activities are scheduled to take place throughout the day on Thursday and are expected to continue into Friday until all identified and necessary repair tasks have been successfully completed. This work is to ensure the long-term reliability and functionality of the local sewer system. 

Please be advised that Dellinger Avenue will remain closed to all non-essential through traffic during this period. This closure is in place due to the ongoing nature of the work, which includes overnight pump operations and early morning activity that are required to maintain progress and ensure the project’s timely and safe completion. 

At this time, access is strictly limited to local traffic only, including residents, buses and service vehicles which may be required to enter from one end of the road or the other. 

We respectfully request that all residents and members of the public avoid traveling through the construction area on Dellinger Avenue while construction is actively underway. This will help prevent unnecessary congestion, reduce potential delays, and, most importantly, support the safety of both the construction crews and the public.

We greatly value and appreciate your continued patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work to complete these important infrastructure upgrades. Your support is instrumental in helping us deliver long-term improvements that benefit the entire community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Press Release:

Paolo Busti Foundation names Elizabeth Riter as Outstanding Italian-American. Elizabeth Riter is being honored as an Outstanding Italian-American by the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation of Genesee County for her countless hours of community service. 

Liz will receive her award at the Foundation Scholarship Dinner planned for 6:30 p.m. June 10 at Batavia Downs. Tickets may be purchased at Ben’s Appliances, 634 East Main St, or from any board member.

Liz relocated to Batavia in 1988 after completing her Master’s degree at Alfred University. A born leader, Liz became involved in the Batavia Area Jaycees, soon becoming Individual Development Vice President and Community Services Vice President. Community Involvement led to Liz’s commitment to make Batavia and Genesee County a better place. 

Liz began her career at GCASA, The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, now UConnectCare. Her role as Prevention/Student Assistance Counselor at Notre Dame High School in Batavia led to her role as the Chief Compliance and Quality Assurance Director. 

Assuming roles of Secretary, Vice President and President of the Board of Directors of the Genesee County Mental Health Association were inevitable. Leading with her strength and her kindness, Liz volunteered for the Parent Teacher Organization at Robert Morris Elementary School, serving as Vice President and later President. 

Liz has continued to give and give, volunteering for Genesee Cancer Assistance and the Batavia Rotary Club. Liz and her husband John have chaired the YMCA Invest in Youth/Strong Communities campaign together several times and Liz has served on the United Memorial Medical Center Quality Committee Board for the last 3 years.

Liz attributes much of her Italian heritage to the importance of family and tradition. The values of respect, kindness, helping others, loyalty to family and friends, honesty and hard work shaped Liz’s future and were instilled in her children. Elizabeth Riter is the perfect person to be receiving the “Outstanding Italian-American of Genesee County” Award. Her Italian background and strong Italian values learned, which have influenced Liz’s commitment to serve, while fulfilling the demands of career, wife and mother, are to be admired and recognized. 

Liz’s maternal great-grandparents, Maria (Tomasso) and Joseph Basile, came from Campobasso, Italy. Liz’s grandmother Rita was the youngest of their six children. Liz’s maternal great-grandparents were Michael, who was originally from Modugno, Italy and Teresa Razzante. Her grandfather Eugene was the eldest of their nine children.

Nearly 3,000 households in Genesee County receive SNAP benefits on behalf of 4,796 adults and children, for a total mandated expense of $835,256 a year that’s on the table for cuts, Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein says, as part of the promoted “big, beautiful bill” in the House.

For the sake of argument, she rounded that up to an even $1 million and made her point crystal clear.

“That’s what the county would have to pay,” Stein said after an online meeting with New York State executives about potential repercussions from a proposed $15 billion in annual cuts plus mandated costs that would heavily affect state Medicaid, healthcare and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

While some taxpayers may champion cost-cutting measures to reduce government spending, Stein said some of these measures are likely to fall on taxpayers' shoulders.

“We don’t have a choice to say no,” Stein said. “It’s like the two-headed llama of push and pull, and the push is coming from the federal government. We don’t know what the response is going to be from the state government, but it’s important for our budget folks at the county to understand what that budget impact could be and be really factual about it. So that’s a big job for our staff, because what we saw today was the first time we’ve seen numbers about any program.”

Genesee County officials believe their voices are important, she said, by sending messages to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney seeking her support and explaining that “if our levy is $30 million for Genesee County, any impact on that is going to cost our taxpayers,” Stein said.

“It will also impact on our ability to do roads and bridges. It'll impact our ability to invest in our machinery. We just … moved from leasing a piece of equipment to owning a piece of equipment, which was with the wheel loader. But because we didn't have access to resources, we still owned the county nursing home, we were really struggling with our budget, so we're coming out of that. We know that there will be an impact. We just don't know of the total impact of it yet,” she said. “So somewhere there is going to be a compromise down the road. There has to be, because the counties are the backbone of being program providers for both the federal and state governments. I just hope they don't get us to the last inch of the cliff before those two levels of government can hear us.”

What makes you feel that compromise is possible, given that the federal government has not seemed so inclined to bend lately?
“Those are the programs put into place by the state and the federal government, which are put into practice by counties. They need us, and if we cannot sustain ourselves, I don't want to go down that road,” she said. “I’m probably more practical right now than most people. But I'm raising the voice of Genesee County. I am raising the voice of our taxpayers to our congressional representative, which is the thing to do right now, right? And we have a relationship. She's been to our county. She knows who we are. She comes from a rural area. She has that understanding, and she comes from an agriculturally backed family, so she takes that with her.”

Stein is also counting on Sen. Chuck Schumer's support. He has been “an incredible supporter of our STAMP campus and the companies that are investing there.” He and others “know who we are,” which bodes well for this county, she said.

She also wanted to make the point that New York is different from other states when it comes to federal funding.

“So when the federal government makes cuts, it doesn't impact the state, it impacts counties directly,” she said. “I think that folks don't understand that, and that's important to understand.

“So, where other states -- every other state -- is going to feel the impacts of whatever federal cuts happen. They're going to feel it at the state level. We're going to feel it directly at the county level. So, of course, it's going to be different for us in New York,” she said. “Do we know exactly how much it's going to impact us? Today was the first time that I'd actually seen numbers for our county.”

Other financial items being considered in the bill include:

- $1.3 billion increase in uncompensated care costs for hospitals.
- $3 billion in Medicaid costs shifted to NYS every year.
- Over 1 million Medicaid enrollees (15% of the entire program) would lose coverage.
- Work requirements and other changes would increase administrative costs by more than 20%.

The bottom line message via meeting host, Executive Director and general counsel for the state Association of Counties Stephen Acquario was that, without immediate congressional action to prevent these cuts and resulting outcomes, New York and its counties “face an unsustainable $15 billion negative impact that will force choices between raising taxes or eliminating essential services for our most vulnerable residents.”

The report prompted Chautauqua County Executive Paul Wendel Jr. to pitch a scenario of a collision between federal and state entities. He asked if Hochul had information that would indicate any type of compromise.

“This is a dangerous game of chicken,” he said.

Jen Metzger disagreed with compromise as a solution.

“We don’t want our citizens here in New York State losing their health care, and we have to push, push, push at the federal level,” the Ulster County executive said. “Depriving people of healthcare is not the way we want to go.”

There was still no consensus about the bill as of Wednesday night, though some officials said they were getting closer, as House Speaker Mike Johnson and the president worked to secure enough votes for passage, according to a New York Times article. 

Press Release:

As part of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department’s (GO Health) ongoing effort to promote healthier homes and raise awareness about hidden household dangers, they are encouraging all families to take action against radon. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that enters your home through cracks in the foundation, walls and around pipes. You may also find it in well water and dirt floors. Any home can have radon whether it is new or old, has a basement, or sits on a concrete slab and the only way to know it is there, is to test your home. 

How to Protect Your Family.

Testing your home with a short-term radon test kit is a quick and easy way to determine if there are high levels of radon in your home.

• Genesee County residents can receive a short-term test kit free of charge from the Genesee County Health Department.
• Residents of other counties can purchase a test kit from their local hardware store.

“Every home should be tested for radon, regardless of age, location, or foundation type,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The health risks are too significant to ignore.” 

What to do if Radon Levels are High.

If test results show radon levels at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action level, families should install a radon mitigation system. These systems can greatly reduce radon levels in your home and
protect your family’s health. 

If you live in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, or Wyoming Counties (GLOW region) and qualify, funding may be available through a local grant program. Contact the Genesee County Health Department for more information.

Simple Steps to Stay Safe:

• Test your home for radon every 2 years or after major renovations.
• Seal foundation cracks and improve basement ventilation.
• Do not allow smoking indoors. Radon exposure combined with smoking greatly increases cancer risks.
• Ask for radon test results when buying a home.

Radon Awareness Saves Lives

A simple test and a few preventive steps can help you keep your home safe and your family healthy.

For more information on radon or to find a certified radon professional in your area, visit The New York State Department of Health at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/mitigators.htm.

For more information on other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. 

The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign begins Friday, May 23 and will continue thru Monday, May 26. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel holidays and marks the official start of summer. Law enforcement agencies and local STOP-DWI programs will be collaborating in force across the state in an effort to reduce the number of impaired driving related injuries and deaths.

• Before the first drink - plan a safe ride home.
• One is all it takes. Call a taxi, a ride service or a sober friend.
• If someone has been consuming drugs or alcohol, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a safe ride home.
• When hosting a picnic or a party, whether consuming drugs or alcohol, make sure everyone has a safe ride home.

STOP-DWI efforts across New York State have made great strides in reducing the number of alcohol and drug related fatalities, however everyday lives continue to be impacted by drunk or impaired driving. Make a positive impact - choose to drive sober. 

Press Release:

The concert by Bart Dentino at the Holland Land Office Museum, scheduled for Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m., has been postponed.

The concert will be rescheduled for a later date.

When a new date is confirmed, the information will be released. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 for more information. We apologize for any inconvience.

In the quarterfinals of the B3 sectionals on Tuesday, Oakfield-Alabama beat Alfred-Almond 5-0.

• 1st singles, Carson Warner beat Patrick Power 6-0, 6-2
• 2nd singles, Brady Williams beat Will Lawrence 6-1, 6-0
• 3rd singles, Trevor Enes beat Luca Regino 6-0, 6-0
• 1st doubles, Corbin DeMare/David Schichler beat Calob Diaz/Gabe Fioretto
• 2nd doubles, Alex Fuller/Logan Clark beat Jamison Snyder/Leon Beaudry 6-2, 6-0

OA is now 14-0 and will play HAC in the semifinals of Class B3.

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Oakfield-Alabama scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth to defeat Northstar 4-3 on Tuesday, improving to 10-8 on the season. 

Northstar fell to 10-10.

Travis Chaya earned the win for OA, pitching 6.1 innings and allowing seven hits, three runs (one earned), one walk, and striking out five. Chaya also went 1-for-3 at the plate with an RBI. David Schnaufer recorded the save, getting the final two outs in the seventh.

Jack Cianfrini led OA with two hits, including a double. Avery Watterson tripled and drove in a run. Ryan Schnaufer went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk. Levi Kabel scored a run and drew a walk. Jake Gehlert added a run and a walk.

Northstar’s Charlie Oakden went 3-for-4 with a double. Da’Vonn Stevens had two hits and two stolen bases. 

Tysen Deaton pitched six innings, allowing six hits, four runs (three earned), four walks, and striking out eight.

Trailing 3-2 in the sixth, OA tied the game when Levi Kabel scored on a passed ball. Chaya then singled home Ryan Schnaufer to give OA the lead. In the seventh, Northstar threatened with runners on second and third, but Schnaufer came in to record the final two outs and secure the win.

OA finished with six hits and four errors. Northstar collected seven hits and one error.

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski.

The Pembroke Varsity Dragons put on an offensive and defensive clinic Tuesday afternoon, steamrolling the Elba Varsity Lancers 13–3 in a commanding road victory.

Pembroke wasted no time getting on the board, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. Anthony Abbatiello ignited the Dragons’ bats with a two-run triple, followed by a run-scoring double from Trey Newton to stake an early lead.

Elba briefly clawed back in the third, knotting the game at 3–3 on a Mark Caparco RBI single and a productive play. But the tie was short-lived.

Brayden Lang broke the deadlock in the fourth with an RBI double, and the Dragons never looked back. They piled on nine unanswered runs, fueled by timely hitting and aggressive base running.

Lang was just as dominant on the mound, tossing 4.1 innings of hitless relief. The right-hander struck out six without issuing a walk, slamming the door on any Lancers comeback hopes. Starter Hayden Williams gave up three runs (only one earned) across 2.2 innings, fanning four.

Pembroke’s offense was relentless, collecting 13 hits. Newton led the charge with three RBIs, going 2-for-3 at the plate. Lang and Jacob Johnson each tallied three hits, while Jayden Bridge added two of his own. Johnson and Landon Santini sparked the running game with multiple steals as the Dragons swiped five bags on the day.

Elba’s offense was limited to three hits—one each from Caparco, Nicholas Scott, and Brayden Jachimowicz. Caparco and Brady Werth drove in the Lancers’ only runs. Despite the loss, Elba showed life on the base paths with five stolen bases, including three from Jachimowicz.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

Sofia Falleti drove in five runs on three hits to lead Notre Dame Varsity Fighting Irish past Kendall 19-7 on Tuesday. Falleti hit a grand slam to center field in the sixth inning, scoring four runs, and singled in the fifth inning to drive in another.

Notre Dame trailed 7-0 in the fourth inning before rallying for the win. The comeback started in the bottom of the fourth when Clairissa Milliman hit a solo home run to right field. Anna Panepento drew a walk to bring in a run, and Riley Hare hit into a fielder’s choice that scored another.

Notre Dame took control in the fifth, scoring 12 runs on eight hits to lead 15-7. Hare delivered the biggest hit of the inning with a single that drove in two runs.
Falleti capped the scoring in the sixth with her grand slam.

Amelia Sorochty earned the win, allowing three hits and three runs over two innings, striking out two and walking two. Stangler took the loss for Kendall, giving up 13 runs on eight hits over four innings. Ferris started for Notre Dame, allowing three hits and four runs over three innings. Mia Treleaven pitched one inning in relief, striking out two and allowing no hits or runs.

Notre Dame finished its regular season 7-9.

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Batavia defeated Alexander 9-4 on Wednesday, improving to 8-11 on the season. Alexander dropped to 8-10.

Arianna Almekinder earned the win for Batavia, striking out 14 batters. Almekinder followed up Monday’s 20-strikeout performance against Brockport with another strong outing in the circle.

Kyleigh Kabel went 2-for-3 at the plate. Libby Grazeoplene hit a three-run home run. Hannah Carney delivered a two-RBI double. Drew Stevens and Gabby Smith each added RBI singles.

Batavia scored two runs in the first inning, five in the fourth, and two in the fifth. Alexander scored one run in the first, one in the fifth, and two in the seventh.
Batavia will play in the first round of sectionals on Friday.

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