Press Release:
Confirmation candidates, along with their families and sponsors, pledged their collective commitments to their Confirmation journey at St Joseph’s Church at 10 a.m. Mass on January 12.
Thank you to Father Pat O’Keefe for his support, who presided at the Mass and offered spiritual guidance.
May God bless our candidates as they continue their faith journey.
Submitted photos.
Press Release:
The Town of Bethany GOP Committee has set an Endorsement meeting on January 23 for the following positions:
- Town Board Member (2)
- Town Justice (1)
Any town resident who has an interest can submit a letter of interest and resume to Gregg Torrey at gregg.torrey@gmail.com by January 22.
As 2025 has run in the front door, it’s worth taking a look at where last year went and what’s happened throughout Genesee County in the world of business, people, construction projects and events during 2024 and that are continuing into this New Year.
The Spa at Artemis, a longtime beauty salon, abruptly closed its doors on Downtown Batavia’s Main Street. Still, not long after business owner Kate Willson of Meraki Beauty announced in April that she was going to transform the space as her own, and she opened The Beauty Lounge in July with a fun boutique in front and pampering spa services in the back half. She also accommodated customers that were holding gift certificates from the prior beauty salon by honoring them at a discount.
Across the street, GLOW YMCA kept its doors open while an entirely new construction project went upward alongside it, creating a wall of windows along Main Street and a Healthy Living Center that merged Rochester Regional Health United Memorial Medical Center and YMCA programs into two floors of wellness. Healthy Living opened toward the end of December, and the YMCA opened for physical fitness and child care services on Jan. 2.
Over at Batavia City Centre, yet more construction has taken hold of the former mall, removing the concourse stage and old silo-type entrances and putting in more contemporary-looking entryways with more windows and light. Another new business opened at the Centre, Renee Marie Aesthetics and Wellness, and more are to follow with the purchase of properties by Tyler Crawford, with plans for an indoor golf facility, and Guillermo Leon, with plans for Euphoria bar and lounge.
Buckets have been removed, except for portions of Main Street 56 Theater, which has been in the throes of negotiations with the city over back rent owed from 2021, when the theater fell behind due to pandemic shutdowns and the inability to open and draw any revenue. Batavia Players members Patrick Burk and Jo Coburn have said that the backstage green room has had issues with leaking water, and the Players hope the situation can be worked out as they are trying to work out a payment plan.
As the New Year was about to begin, City Manager Rachael Tabelski issued a statement that the city is considering the Players a “holdover tenant,” and they plan to have further talks about the situation.
Down on Jackson Street, a new Shush Wine Bar — the unofficial name for now — is to open in early 2025 at the former Gilliana’s Restaurant, across the street from where Save-A-Lot closed its doors, leaving a gap for a downtown grocery store and a sign with the words “Stay Tuned” in the glass doors as a tease that something may be coming in the future. A call to Victor Gautieri, property owner and landlord to the former grocery tenant, for comment did not get a response.
At the corner of Jackson and Main streets, the House of Bounce reopened after moving from the east side on Harvester Avenue, filling two floors of a void left by the Next Level Fitness when it closed in 2019 after 10 years.
As for Harvester Avenue, it also lost Pub Coffee Hub, which closed after four years, and Xavmen Ramen and Linda Borinqueña, two short-lived takeouts inside of Crapshoot Kitchen Commissary, which has also closed.
With goals to improve the east side business climate, revitalize a deteriorating Harvester Center in need of rehab and renovation and increase the city’s tax base, Tabelski recommended — and City Council agreed to — a Restore NY grant application for up to $1 million.
“The Harvester Campus project qualifies for Restore NY funding for an extensive demolition project,” Tabelski said in a memo to council. “The owners of the Harvester Campus are looking to strategically demolish six buildings at the campus and commit to redeveloping the remaining buildings into a multi-use campus similar to Larkinville in Buffalo.
Meanwhile, a couple of new businesses, including CleanHit Services and Synapse Artistry Tattoo, have moved into the Harvester Center.
Continuing east, Tim Call sold his longtime Empire Tractor business in Stafford, but is remaining involved as an employee, which was welcome news for customers. James Pontillo faced some contention with the Stafford Town Board over an unresolved Odd Fellows Hall.
Back in downtown Batavia, Derek Geib bought and opened up O’Lacy’s in a similar Irish pub fashion, Audrey’s Bakery opened inside of GO ART! on East Main Street, and projects have begun at the former Batavia Showtime Theater — to turn it into a vampy live performance venue — and at the nicknamed Carr’s Reborn site at Main and Jackson streets, turning the former grand department store into market-rate apartments.
A $120 million planned expansion project that was to create 48 new jobs and boost the economy was quashed in March after each the town and city of Batavia had a scuffle over their wastewater agreement and the city’s contention that the town repeatedly violated its contracted wastewater capacity limit.
By September, both municipalities drafted a new wastewater agreement, and it was believed that HP Hood would be able to proceed with its project; however, a Hood official set the record straight by stating that the project was not going to happen in Batavia due to the delay, and it would be moving that particular project elsewhere.
Oxbo International, one of Genesee County's most successful industrial manufacturers founded in Byron 50 years ago, announced a plan for a new 195,000-square-foot facility in Bergen. The new factory was to replace the existing plant at 7275 Byron Road, Byron.
The new location is part of the GCEDC-created industrial park, Apple Tree Acres, which already includes Liberty Pumps, Craft Cannery), All Season Party Tent Rentals, GE Renewable Energy, Insurance Auto Auctions, and Leonard Bus Sales.
Mark Sen. Chuck Schumer’s words, he promised in August 2024 that a year from then, there would be “hundreds" of local workers employed at the Edwards Vacuum factory that was celebrated at the time.
“What makes us so happy about this project is J-O-B-S," said Sen. Charles Schumer at the groundbreaking for Edwards Vacuum in the town of Alabama. "Jobs, right here. In just over a year, hundreds of local workers will be employed at this factory behind me, where they will build some of the most sophisticated, cutting-edge equipment for the semiconductor industry, not just in New York and not just in America, but in the world. This will be one of the world-class plants right here in Genesee County."
The clock has begun ticking.
As for the promises of Plug Power, that project has apparently been stalled locally.
Heatmap, a news organization that tracks alternative energy companies, reported last year that the STAMP site is not included in Plug Power's loan application with the Department of Energy.
Plug Power has preliminary approval for a $1.6 billion loan from the DOE to help it build more fuel plants. The company is aiming to become the nation's first vertically integrated green hydrogen producer, providing customers with fuel, products, and support.
Chris Suozzi, VP for business and workforce development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center, reportedly told a Washington, D.C.-based commercial real estate firm that Plug Power's STAMP project is on hold.
Asked to authenticate the quote, Suozzi said, "No comment."
According to Heatmap, Suozzi spoke to PRP Real Estate Management. The firm recorded the phone call.
“They’re not ready to go," Suozzi reportedly said. "They’re on pause. We don’t know what’s going to happen with them at this point.”
On the outskirts of the county, eastward toward Bergen, there’s been growth at Appletree with grants awarded and winning a Grow NY competition, enabling Craft Cannery to expand.
The proposed $1.465 million project enables Craft Cannery to expand operations at Apple Tree Acres by adding 4,000 sq. ft. to its existing 5,000 sq. foot facility. The USDA-certified contract manufacturer provides dozens of customers with the capacity to ramp up the production of sauces, dressings, marinades, and other foods, produce small-batch foods, and pilot unique recipes for commercialization.
The expansion was said to create four new full-time jobs and retain six full-time positions. Craft Cannery also won a $500,000 grant at the 2022 Grow-NY Global Food and Agribusiness Competition that supports the expansion that was announced in April.
And westward in Pembroke, all sorts of developments-in-progress have broken out, including at the Thruway travel plaza, the Nexgistics distribution warehouse and an apartment complex.
Who were the most-notables of 2024?
Claiming the most honorable, by far, goes to the late Tom Sanfratello, a hero who died tragically in the call of duty on March 10 at Batavia Downs. Named Officer of the Year by his own Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Sanfratello has most rightfully been talked about, memorialized and remembered as a great officer, friend, family member and an all-around good person.
Next up, perhaps more controversial, is Byron Brown, the new chief executive officer of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. at Batavia Downs.
No wallflower, Brown has been ever-present at meetings and events, announcements and in related news articles since the beginning of his term in October.
The city of Batavia lost a walking encyclopedia of facts when City Historian Larry Barnes died on June 21, 2024.
The position wasn’t just a job to Barnes, especially since he wasn’t even paid for most of his time there. He had a genuine passion for research and knowledge about all things Batavia.
The gauntlet was passed from longtime Sheriff William Sheron to Joseph Graff after Sheron announced he was retiring from the post at the end of 2024, and Graff was elected.
Well-known Batavia Pastor Marty Macdonald made the news after he was accused of sexual abuse by his family’s former babysitter, Melissa Hobson, for several years as a young girl. He denied the allegations through an attorney representing him and City Church. He had stepped down as senior pastor two years before the resurfaced allegations but hasn't been involved in church life since August.
Events of Note
Although it didn’t shut down in 2024, we would be remiss not to mention the ongoing saga of a sad and stalled Ellicott Station apartment complex sitting lifeless on Ellicott Street as city and county officials remain tight-lipped, offering little to no more comments about the situation.
Having progressed to the point of management notifying people that they were chosen to live there as tenants to ceasing all construction and pulling the rug out from under prospective apartment dwellers, the property now sits idle and vulnerable to the wintry elements.
The vacant JC Penney building at Batavia City Centre was announced that it will be going up for auction on Jan. 16 after its California owner defaulted on mortgage payments to the bank; city officials unveiled plans to sell the Brisbane Mansion, which currently houses the city police department and a section of the parking lot between the Penney site and Bank Street. Another plan is in the works to market Creek Side near the Tonawanda, but details with FEMA and the flood map need to be worked out first, city officials have said.
There was a groundbreaking for the new downtown city police station, to be built by the end of 2025, and the new Genesee County Jail — a $70 million venture for taxpayers — was celebrated with tours and a ribbon-cutting behind County Building #2 in 2024.
Considered to be the city’s largest structure fire in recent years, the blaze at Baskin Livstock was reported early on a Saturday morning on Nov. 9, and city firefighters continued to hit hot spots days afterward, Batavia City Fire Chief Josh Graham had said.
The call came in at 7:47 a.m. at 20 Howard St., Batavia, and Batavia patrol officers arrived on scene first and confirmed smoke and flames, which led to an immediate second alarm. When the first fire crew arrived he said, they realized the fire was going to require more resources so a third alarm was called.
It took hours to fight the fire, which as of 2 p.m. that Saturday, wasn't completely extinguished as firefighters worked to extinguish various hot spots. During a City Council meeting the following Monday, firefighters were still checking at the scene to catch any stubborn hot spots that remained.
No piece of lumber was going unturned at 46 Swan St., Batavia, the former Backhoe Joe's, as fire investigators attempted to determine how a conflagration enveloped the vacant building that Friday afternoon and brought it to the ground.
Both Chief Josh Graham, City Fire, and Capt. Robert Fix, had said at the time that they had no clue how the fire started or why it spread so quickly. The building was a total loss as the property owner had no insurance on it.
An initial caller at about 12:10 p.m. Jan. 12, 2024 reported smoke coming from one of the windows. A few minutes later, Fix was leaving the County Courthouse, where Engine 17 had been dispatched earlier for a medical call, and he saw a tower of smoke to the east and immediately called for a second alarm.
Brian F. Kent, 53, of Batavia, is charged with assault 2nd, assault 3rd, and obstruction of governmental administration 2nd. Kent was arrested on Dec. 24 in connection with an incident on Dec. 21. When officers attempted to take Kent into custody on a separate incident, he allegedly fought with two police officers, causing injuries to both of them. He was arraigned and jailed.
Nathan L Royse, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. Royse is accused of attempting to stab another person in Austin Park on April 23. He was arrested on Dec. 19. He was arraigned and released.
James E. Murray, Jr., 36, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal contempt 1st, and harassment 2nd. Murray is accused of violating an order of protection on Dec. 6 during an incident on Montclair Avenue. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Samuel R. Blackshear, 23, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal contempt 1st, criminal obstruction of breathing, and endangering the welfare of a child. Blackshear is accused of violating an order of protection at a location on Ellsworth Avenue on Dec. 15. He is accused of placing his hands around the neck of another person. She was reportedly unable to breathe. He was arraigned and released.
Douglas G. Goodwin, 33, of Alabama, is charged with reckless endangerment 2nd and aggravated unlicensed operation 1st. On Dec. 13, officers were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Ellicott Street. When officers approached the vehicle, the vehicle was placed in reverse, and it accelerated almost striking one of the officers. The driver then fled the area. Goodwin was arrested on Dec. 14. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Adam J. Howard, 39, of Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Howard is accused of stealing a TV and Amazon Fire TV stick from a residence in Batavia. He was arraigned and released.
Cody M. Landin, 36, of Middlebury, is charged with DWI. Landin was reportedly involved in an accident on Dec. 14 on West Main Street. When police arrived on scene, he allegedly left and initially failed to stop when officers attempted to pull him over. he was arraigned and released.
Marcus Cauldwell, 32, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th and endangering the welfare of a child. Cauldwell is accused of damaging a door in the presence of a child during a fight on Bank Street. He was arraigned and released.
William E. Tolliver, Jr., 62, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Tolliver was stopped on Dec. 20 on East Avenue. He was issued traffic tickets and released.
Trace G. Brewer, 24, of Batavia, was arrested on Dec. 19 on two warrants. Brewer is accused of fleeing on foot from police when officers attempted to take him into custody, leading to a charge of resisting arrest and objecting to governmental administration 2nd. He was arraigned and released.
Samantha L. Tate, 32, of Batavia, was arrested on Dec. 19 on a warrant. She was initially charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs in March, 2023, and allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arraigned in City Court and released.
Robert Z. Johnson, 65, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of harassment 2nd. Johnson is accused of hitting another person on Dec. 19 during a fight on East Main Street. In a separate incident on Dec. 18, Johnson allegedly threatened another person. He was issued appearance tickets.
Charles P. Stevens, Shelby L. Fryer, Jasmine C. Mayo, and Taylor A. Browne, no ages or residences provided, are all charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. They were arrested on Dec. 17 following a traffic stop on South Main Street, Batavian, and allegedly found in possession of narcotics. They were issued appearance tickets.
David L. Weaver, 34, of Batavia, was arrested on Dec. 18 on a warrant. Weaver was charged with harassment in December 2022 and allegedly failed to appear in court. Weaver was arraigned in City Court and released.
Cassandra F. Smith, 39, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Smith was arrested on Dec. 17. She was accused of throwing an object at another person in violation of an order of protection. She was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Ajia R. Hasenauer, 31, of Rochester, was arrested on Dec. 17 on two warrants. Hasenauer is accused of using a vehicle without permission. Hasenauer was also issued multiple traffic tickets. She was arraigned in City Court and jailed.
Janell M. Sauer, Colleen M. Hutchinson, and Brandon M. Seppe, no ages nor residences released, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. During a traffic stop on Dec. 17, all three were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. They were issued appearance tickets.
Victoria J. Paul, 33, of Le Roy, was arrested on Dec. 13 on a warrant. Paul was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd on Jan. 18 and allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arraigned in City Court and released.
Jade A. Fayko, 29, of Ridgeway, was arrested on Dec. 10, on a warrant. Fayko was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd in August 2023 and allegedly failed to appear in court. She was arraigned in City Court and released.
Richard D. Neal, 35, of Albion, is charged with DWI. Neal was stopped on Dec. 14 on West Main Street, Batavia. He was issued traffic tickets and released.
Tyler Robert Cook, 24, of Birchwood Drive, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving on a suspended registration, no inspection sticker, and inadequate lights. Cook was stopped at 12:05 a.m. on Dec. 22 on South Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Mason Schultz. Cook was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Jamielyn Polizzi, 37, of South Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with three counts of acting in a manner injurious to a child, harassment 2nd, and disorderly conduct. Polizzi was arrested on Dec. 29 after deputies arrived at a residence on South Street Road, Le Roy, to investigate a report of a disturbance. Polizzi was reportedly at the residence to pick up her daughter. Polizzi was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Robert Anthony Gayhart, 21, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful dissemination of an intimate image. Gayhart was arrested on Dec. 28 following an investigation by Deputy Leah Bezon. He was held pending arraignment.
Joseph Carl Jeffords, 33, of Clinton Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, and unlicensed operation. Jeffords was stopped at 2:22 a.m. on Dec. 31 on Bank Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Mason Schultz. He was allegedly found in possession of narcotics.
Batavia Players' annual Harvie Awards gala culminated in two ties, Maia Zerillo stealing the show with Best Performance, downtown's Business Improvement District getting a nod for Community Partner, and several others earning rightful recognition for their roles in productions throughout the 2024 Main St. 56 Theater season.
And the Batavia Players – Main St. 56 Theater 2024 Harvie Awards went to:
2024 Best Male Lead Performance in a Play
Anthony Haitz – King John
2024 Best Female Lead Performance in a Play
Sophie Houseman - Pygmalion
2024 Best Male Supporting Performance in a Play
Steven Coburn - Pygmalion
2024 Best Female Supporting Performance in a Play
Dorothy Gerhart – Whirligig of Time
2024 Best Male Featured Performance in a Play
Elijah Van Epps - Pygmalion
2024 Best Female Featured Performance in a Play
Sophie Houseman – Whirligig of Time
2024 Best Male Lead Performance in a Musical: a tie
Anthony Haitz – White Christmas
Elijah Van Epps – Evita
2024 Best Female Lead Performance in a Musical
Kristin Gelia – Evita
2024 Best Male Supporting Performance in a Musical: a tie
Robert Balbick – White Christmas
Skylar Dence - Evita
2024 Best Female Supporting Performance in a Musical
Teressa Hirsch – White Christmas
2024 Best Male Featured Performance in a Musical
Bill Moon – White Christmas
2024 Best Female Featured Performance in a Musical
Rory Van Epps - Evita
2024 Best Male Performance in a Cabaret
Deacon Smith – Four the Record
2024 Best Female Featured Performance in a Cabaret
Jocelyn Coburn – Four the Record
2024 Best Group Performance in a Cabaret
This Man – Just One More Time
2024 Best Solo Performance in a Cabaret
Ian Cannioto – Wickedly Musical
2024 Best Youth Performance in a Cabaret
Lilah Mordell – Wickedly Musical
2024 Best Youth Performance in a Musical or Play
Maia Zerillo – Bye Bye Birdie
2024 Best Child Performance in a Musical or Play
Elle Williams – White Christmas
2024 Best Solo Performance in a Musical
Kristin Gelia – Don’t Cry For Me Argentina
2024 Best Group Performance in a Musical
And the Money Kept Rolling in - Evita
2024 Performance of the Year
Maia Zerillo - Bye Bye Birdie
2024 Director of the Year
James Chamberlain
2024 Community Partner of the Year
Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District
Press Release:
The Town of Byron Republican Committee is seeking registered party members who are interested in becoming endorsed Republican candidates for the following Town of Byron open positions for 2026:
- Town Supervisor
- Town Clerk / Tax Collector
- 2 – Town Board council persons
Those interested can contact or send a letter of interest and or resume to:
- Steve Hohn, Chairman - gatorgang19@aol.com, 585-703-5528
- Jim Northup, Vice Chairman - jimmynorthup@yahoo.com, 585-409-4327
Letters of interest and resumes must be received by January 21.
Press Release:
The Town of Oakfield Republican Committee is seeking Candidates that are interested in being selected as the endorsed Republican candidate for the following offices in the November General Election:
- County Legislator District #1 (Alabama, Oakfield)
- Town Supervisor
- Town Justice (1)
- Town Board – (2)
All the above offices are four-year terms.
Please send a letter of intent by January 25, to: Aaron Chamberlain, 21 Cary Avenue, Oakfield.
More than 1,000 people attended Sunday's Great Train Show at the Richard C. Call Arena at Genesee Community College.
Organizers said spectators attended from as far away as Syracuse, Watertown, and Ontario. Vendors included businesses from Pennsylvania.
The Genesee Society of Model Engineers hosted the event.
The next show is Sept. 7.
In his 28 years as a member of the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department, Chief Don Newton Jr. has observed that typically, the call volume for the department is between 300 and 350 per year.
Before 2024, the highest call volume was 358.
Then, 2024. The department responded to 462 calls.
Of those calls, 354 were for medical assistance, or EMS calls. There were 17 fire calls. The remaining calls, 13 hazardous condition, 25 service, 33 good intent, and 20 false alarms.
"I'd like to thank my district, my fire district; without them, these numbers wouldn't be possible," Newton said. "And my members for making these numbers possible, and the community members, our local businesses, anybody who helped us throughout the year to continue doing what we do."
In addition to annual awards, the 2025 officers and directors took oaths to office, administered by Tim Yaeger, Genesee County emergency management coordinator.
Firematic Officers:
Administrative Officers:
Board of Directors: Andrew Martin, Charles Chatley, Dale Lewter, Kyle Rupp, and Jennifer Groff.
Fire District Commissioners: James Gayton, Patrick Reeves, Kristi Humphrey, Kevin Gill, MaryAnne Chatley, Richard Groff.
Bergen resident C.M. Barons was inspired by the column published last week by Anne Marie Starowitz on her reading of old local directories. He also owns a couple of antique directories, one from 1992 and another from 1917. He also has a souvenir publication, "Illustrated Genesee County and its Industries," published by The Batavia Times in 1907.
Previously: Recovering local history in names and places from old directories
By C.M. Barons
The 1882 directory contains useful information such as "A barrel of apples, pears, quinces, or potatoes, must represent a quantity equal to one hundred quarts of dry grain or dry measure, and a person buying or selling either of these commodities in the state, by the barrel, is understood as referring to the quantity specified in this section." It also explains mortgage laws, wills, contracts and deeds. Rules of polite behavior include guides for cleanliness and proper dress for men and women. The section on helpful information concludes with a brief history of the county and its towns and villages.
What follows is an alphabetical directory of residents by town, detailing street address and occupation. EG: BATAVIA Kibbe, Chauncey S. dealer in gloves and mittens, Gloversville, N.Y., res 33 State. McKenzie James, builder, 1/2 (Bergen,) Vill. (James and brother, David, built many of the era's homes in Bergen, including mine.)
The 1917 directory has a more familiar feel, opening up with an advertisement for Scott & Bean, dealers in dry goods, carpets, notions, lace curtains, etc. Another ad was placed by C. L. Carr, 101 Main St., pledging to carry as much splendid stocks of reliable merchandise, to sell at such reasonable prices, to give such pleasant, courteous service that you will instinctively turn to this store when in need of anything in the Dry Goods or Coat and Suit Line.
Other familiar businesses include Le Roy Lime and Crushed Stone Products, Batavia Times, Sibley, Lindsay & Curr Co. (Rochester), H.E. Turner Furniture - Funeral Directors, Chas. J. Call, J G McJury Photographic (Bob McJury was a photographer/stringer for the Buffalo newspapers and the Batavia Daily.
The 1917 version of the directory (which bears the same cover plate as the 1950 version, image of the county courthouse) does include general information, but perhaps of a more down-to-earth practicality than mortgages, deeds and New York commerce regulations. There is a handy guide to weights and measures, e.g., an acre is 8 rods wide by 20 rods long; a pint of water weighs one pound. A spraying calendar for pesticide application on various produce crops, preventing crows and blackbirds from pulling up your seeds, farm animal diseases and do-it-yourself treatment, measuring a room for wallpaper- each is thoroughly covered in the volume.
The Batavia Times souvenir booklet is a trove of pictures--- the officers and directors of the Batavia Board of Trade, Batavia Mayor George D. Williamson, schools, churches and local businesses. There are also backgrounds of local businesses and business leaders such as the Richmond family, William Bohm, John Ward, Wiard Plow Co., Bidwell Thresher, Dr. Gray's Primrose Hospital and E H Gamble, giving mention to Eli Fish.
Also mentioned: Batavia Gun and Forging Co., Minor Shoe Mfg Co., W F Crickler, Fix & Fix Printing Establishment, Casey Moving, E J Salway, C M Ebling, The Eagle Hotel, Joseph Lapp, Wiss House, Beaudry Pipe Organ Co., W S & C E Housel, bankers, Miller Bros grain, A S Fisher & Son druggist and A J Tanner & Co canning.
Byron Bergen beat Notre Dame in Girls Basketball on Saturday 58-55.
For the Bees, Janessa Amesbury scored 22 points. Olivia Senf, who missed the previous five games with an ankle injury, scored 12, and Riley Shallenberger scored 10.
For the Irish, Sofia Falletti scored 19, and Shirley Thompson scored 11. Both girls had eight rebounds. Gianna Falleti scored seven and Lucia Fiorentino scored six with 11 rebounds.
"Nice quality win for us tonight against a very good and young ND team," said Byron-Bergen Coach Rick Krzewinski. "We did a nice job on Sofia Falletti in the first half as she scored six but added 13 in the second half. Eight grader Shirley Thompson scored 8 of her 11 points in the first half. You are going to hear a lot about her in the years to come."
Byron-Bergen is now 8-1. Notre Dame is 6-4.
Photos by Jennifer Diquattro.
The Elba Lancers beat Jasper-Troupsburg on Saturday in Boys Basketball 65-58 for the team's first win of the season.
The Lancers are now 1-8.
Nick Scott scored 31 points and Ryan Marsceill scored 26 for Elba.
Photos by Debra Reilly.
Oakfield-Alabama beat Attica on Friday 45-13.
The Hornets held Attica scoreless through the first two quarters.
Team stats:
"This was an outstanding defensive effort by our girls tonight," said Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "We played with a lot of discipline and intensity. We got contributions throughout our lineup."
Photos by Jordyn Tobolski.
Batavia beat Greece Olympia in Boys Basketball on Friday 78-54.
Gavin White scored 27 points for the Blue Devils and Casey Mazur scored 24.
Batavia is 6-3 and play their next game on Jan. 15 at Greece Odyssey at 7 p.m.
To view or purchase photos, click here.
Press Release:
In the wake of a series of horrific crimes linked to individuals with histories of serious mental illness, Senator George Borrello criticized the failure of state leaders to act on legislation he introduced in 2022 with former Senator Diane Savino. The proposal aimed to expand the criteria for involuntary commitment and strengthen Kendra’s Law—reforms he argues could have prevented many tragedies and saved countless lives.
"Our state’s inaction on addressing serious mental illness has cost many innocent lives in recent years and put countless others at risk," said Sen. Borrello. "While most people with mental illness are not violent, the alarming rise in violent attacks by mentally ill individuals—many targeting unsuspecting victims on New York City subways—shows just how severe this crisis has become. State leaders’ refusal to enact commonsense reforms like the bipartisan solution proposed three years ago has had devastating consequences, leaving ordinary New Yorkers to bear the tragic and preventable outcomes of a broken system."
He noted that among the countless crimes that could have been potentially avoided are the following:
- November 2024: Ramon Rivera, an individual with documented mental health issues and a long criminal history, is accused of a stabbing rampage across Manhattan that resulted in the deaths of three people.
- December 2024: Kamel Hawkins was charged with attempted murder and assault after allegedly shoving a random stranger onto Manhattan subway tracks, causing severe injuries. Family members said Hawkins displayed signs of mental instability in the weeks leading up to the incident.
- December 2024: A woman was intentionally set on fire while she was sleeping on a New York City subway train, allegedly by a migrant with substance abuse and mental health issues.
- March 2024: Franz Jeudy, a criminal recidivist with mental health problems, was accused of sucker-punching a Brooklyn school bus aide in the face as she walked home. The victim lost teeth, suffered facial fractures and a broken jaw, and has lasting nerve damage from the assault.
- May 2022: Andrew Abdullah is accused of fatally shooting Daniel Enriquez as he was heading to Sunday brunch on the subway. Abdullah had an extensive criminal history and severe mental health problems.
Sen. Borrello pointed out that, amid this seemingly endless string of crimes, Governor Hochul has announced plans to propose strengthening state laws on involuntary commitment standards and Kendra’s Law—proposals that will likely echo reforms Borrello himself introduced years ago.The legislation, originally introduced by Sen. Diane Savino and Sen. Borrello in 2022 as S.8508A, has been in existence for nearly three years and was most recently S.5508, sponsored by Sen. Scarcella-Spanton, with Sen. Borrello serving as a co-sponsor. The legislation has two key components that would:
- broaden the standard for involuntary hospitalization if an individual’s mental illness renders them unable to meet their own basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, or health care. This is the standard recognized by most other states; and
- strengthen Kendra’s Law by allowing longer hospital stays for people who fail to follow their court-mandated, assisted outpatient treatment (AOT). Current law allows for an involuntary, 72-hour hospitalization, a timeframe that is often inadequate to stabilize a patient. In these instances, the bill would allow mental health professionals to request longer hospital stays.
"This legislation is about saving lives and preventing tragedies," said Sen. Borrello. "By broadening the standard for involuntary hospitalization, we can ensure that individuals struggling with severe mental illness receive the care they desperately need before their condition spirals further. Strengthening Kendra’s Law is equally critical - allowing longer hospital stays for those who fail to comply with court-mandated treatment ensures that patients have the time and support to stabilize. These reforms are long overdue and will protect not only those suffering from mental illness but also the public from avoidable and often devastating consequences."
Kendra’s Law is named in honor of Kendra Webdale of Fredonia, New York, who was tragically killed by a man with a long history of schizophrenia in a subway-shoving incident in New York City in 1999. She was a friend and schoolmate of Sen. Borrello’s during their years at Fredonia High School.
“Kendra’s Law was spurred by a preventable and horrific tragedy that took the life of a kind, gifted young woman and a friend from my high school days. However, that tragedy gave us an important tool for helping seriously mentally ill people access lifesaving treatment,” said Sen. Borrello. “Evidence has shown that is extremely effective in helping prevent homelessness, incarceration, suicide and other harms that are often linked with serious mental illness. However, it is underutilized and deserves to be strengthened. Our bill would address these issues.”
"Nearly three years ago, a bipartisan solution was proposed that could have saved lives and provided critical help to those struggling with severe mental illness. Leaving mentally ill individuals to suffer on the streets, consumed by delusions, is neither compassionate nor humane—it is cruel and dangerous. What the governor is advocating for is the concept of the legislation we introduced three years ago. The framework already exists. If Governor Hochul is serious about reforming New York’s mental health system, she should include this bill’s language in her executive budget,” Sen. Borrello concluded.
Press Release:
Continuing the organization’s work to grow the economy, workforce, and communities of Genesee County, the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) supported 13 projects in 2024.
These projects spread across Genesee County’s business parks and other sites are estimated to produce an economic impact of $202 million. These include new municipal revenues and salaries for careers generated by over $1 billion of investment.
“The GCEDC is pleased to support the growth of our economy, workforce, and the tax base of Genesee County through projects that increase our manufacturing sector, renewable energy generation, and housing,” said Mark Masse, GCEDC President and CEO. “These investments have a significant impact that will grow over the next decade and beyond.”
In 2024, projects supported by the GCEDC pledged the creation of 96 new full-time equivalent positions and the retention of 513 positions.
In the town of Bergen, GE Bergen Owner, LLC’s $42.4 million project includes a new headquarters and manufacturing facility for Oxbo. The agricultural equipment manufacturer will increase their workforce to 200. The facility broke ground in September.
In the city of Batavia, Graham Corporation’s $17.59 million project includes a 28,867-square-foot expansion. The heat transfer equipment manufacturer will increase their workforce to 391. The facility broke ground in August.
The GCEDC supported market-rate housing developments in the towns of Batavia and Pembroke, with MedTech Landing, LLC building 80 units and Countryside Apartments building 96 units.
The GCEDC’s 2024 projects plan to build or renovate over 445,000 square feet of facilities, including Rochester Davis-Fetch's 32,500 square-foot renovation of a village of Le Roy facility and Craft Cannery's 4,000 square-foot expansion in the town of Bergen.
Six solar energy developments in the towns of Batavia, Byron, Elba, LeRoy, Oakfield, and Pavilion will generate 524.275 megawatts of electricity.
“This kind of success cannot happen without the support of the Genesee County Legislature, all our local municipalities, and the companies who are willing to invest capital in our community and create jobs,” said Masse. “We also must recognize the number of hours that the GCEDC Board members have invested in reviewing the details for all these projects. Their knowledge, guidance, and support have been invaluable to our success.”
In total, projects supported by the GCEDC in 2024 will generate a $16 benefit to the local community for every $1 of local incentives.
Press Release:
Grace Baptist Church announced today that they will serve as a host of the 2025 Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. The unforgettable worldwide celebration event, centered on God’s love, honoring and valuing people with special needs will be held by host churches around the world simultaneously on Friday, February 7.
Grace Baptist is excited to join hundreds of other churches around the globe in celebrating people with disabilities as God’s image bearers.
Night to Shine is hosted every year by churches on the Friday before Valentine’s Day. Each event is unique to its location, but some cornerstone activities included across all of them are a red carpet entrance complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, shoeshines, limousine rides, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a Sensory Room, a Respite Room for parents and caregivers, dancing, and a crowning ceremony where every guest is honored as a King or Queen – the way God sees them each and every day.
“Night to Shine is my favorite night of the year! It’s my favorite because we get to celebrate so many Kings and Queens and share how much they are loved by us and by the God of this universe. Our goal is to be able to get to every person with special needs around the world – until all are celebrated. No matter what city, no matter what country, no matter where you are, we want Night to Shine to be there.” said Tim Tebow, founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation.
As sponsor of Night to Shine, the Tim Tebow Foundation provides each host church with the official 2025 Night to Shine Planning Manual, personalized guidance and support from a Tim Tebow Foundation staff member, the opportunity to apply for a financial grant, and access to planning resources that will assist them in creating an unforgettable experience for their honored guests.
The foundation also provides access to ongoing disability ministry resources through Shine On. Shine On, a ministry of the Tim Tebow Foundation, is a faith-based community – a source of inspiration, belonging, and education for everyone impacted by disability. Shine On envisions a global community of churches and families that foster belonging and purpose for all.
Over the past 10 years, Night to Shine, through hundreds of churches worldwide, has provided over half a million guest experiences and over a million volunteer experiences.
For additional information on the Night to Shine hosted by Grace Baptist Church in Batavia, visit: https://gracebatavia.org/night-to-shine/.
For more information on the worldwide movement of Night to Shine, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, please visit: www.timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine.
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