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.
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.
Amelia Sorochty gets the win on the mound for the Irish at Genesee Community College on Tuesday. Photo by Steve Ognibene
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.
Arianna Almekinder strikes out 14 and picks up win on the mound at Batavia High School Tuesday afternoon. Photo by Steve Ognibene
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.
Batavia played a tough HFL team Tuesday afternoon in opening round of sectionals. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia’s varsity tennis team ended its season with a 5-0 loss to Honeoye Falls-Lima in the sectional tournament on Tuesday, finishing the year with an 8-8 record.
Finn Halpin “battled the Class B1 Singles Champion in a well-played and competitive match,” said Head Coach Tom Redband.
Halpin advanced to individual State Qualifiers, scheduled for Friday, with the chance to advance to States at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
“We had a tough draw playing HFL, who had a very difficult team schedule due to their division in Monroe County and a lower seed, but the team fought hard against a formidable opponent, and I was proud of that,” Redband said.
“The most satisfying part of the season is seeing new players come out for the team and grow to love the game and hopefully continue to play as a lifelong sport,” Redband said. “I would encourage more kids to try the sport of tennis, no matter what school they attend. It’s a good environment, the vibe is positive, it’s an individual sport wrapped into a team sport, and there is usually a place for a range of abilities.”
Byron-Bergen Jr/Sr High School hosted a busy night of events on Tuesday, with its annual Buzzin’ Bistro student concert, plus the annual budget vote, a district-wide art show and a chicken barbecue fundraiser hosted by the school’s wrestling team.
The art show displayed work from students at all levels of education, covering the walls in one hallway with bursts of color and creativity. Families viewed their children’s artwork and then watched them perform in the bistro.
Meanwhile, in the high school gymnasium, parents and community members participated in the annual budget vote, which was approved.
The smell of tangy barbecued chicken drew others to the cafeteria, where the Byron-Bergen wrestling team held a fundraiser using chicken from Chiavetta’s Barbecue to raise money for the team in the upcoming years.
The evening entertainment began with a performance from the fifth and sixth grade band, followed by the fifth and sixth grade choir. The Singing Silhouettes, Byron-Bergen’s more competitive high school choir, then joined the younger group onstage for a combined piece before continuing to sing several songs on their own. A solo performance from senior Roman Smith -- a familiar face from many school musical productions over the years -- then dazzled the room.
Performances this year, especially those of the Silhouettes, carried special meaning due to a sudden staffing change. Jr/Sr High School choir teacher Joseph Paris left the district earlier this spring, leaving the school’s vocal groups without a teacher just weeks before their performances.
In response, elementary school band teacher Robert Lancia and Jr/Sr High School Vice Principal Katie Gratton, who previously taught music, stepped in to help them. Despite the challenges that they faced, the Silhouettes were able to deliver a full performance.
The high school band closed the evening, rounding out a night of decision-making, art, music, and fundraising with a familiar favorite, "Mr. Brightside."
The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation’s 41st Scholarship Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. The Foundation is proud to celebrate its rich Italian heritage and invites the community to share in an evening filled with friendship, pride, and, of course, delicious Italian cuisine.
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased from Board members or at Ben’s Appliances on East Main Street Road in Batavia. New members are always welcome to join the Foundation and be part of preserving and promoting our shared cultural legacy.
As part of this special evening, the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation is proud to recognize the following outstanding achievements of this year’s scholarship candidates.
Adam Charles Root
Adam Charles Root, son of Joel and Roxanne Root of Hilton, and grandson of Diane Beradini Martino and Jerry Martino, will graduate in 2025 from Hilton High School and WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center at BOCES.
After graduation, Adam plans to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, where he will study Culinary Science with a focus in Culinary Arts.
Throughout high school, Adam has been actively involved in Model UN, Student Council, the Announcement Club, Track and Field, and the School Band, where he plays the trombone. He is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, has been recognized as Student of the Month, and has received Academic Merit certificates.
Adam has also volunteered during Make a Difference Day and has cooked and served meals at St. Peter’s in Rochester.
His passion for the culinary arts has led him to create a variety of specialty dishes, particularly focused on unique sauces. Adam enjoys experimenting with homemade pizza dough, often using unexpected and creative toppings. His imagination and culinary talent are sure to pave the way for his future success.
Greyson Irving Fix
Greyson Irving Fix, a graduating 2025 Batavia High School Senior, will also be graduating from Genesee Valley BOCES for Automotive Technology, where he earned his car lift certification. His parents are Aaron and Kristen Fix, maternal Italian Grandmother AnnaMarie Crescuola Wood.
Greyson will be attending Alfred State College, pursuing the Building Trades program and playing football. Greyson participated in Varsity Football, Indoor Track and Field, Varsity Baseball, and Outdoor Track and Field for Batavia High School. He is the 2025 Recipient of the Danny Lullo Scholarship.
Volunteering is a part of who Greyson is. He volunteered at the Ricky Palermo Golf Tournament, working the chicken barbecue and the closest to the pin challenge. He is involved with Ascension Parish, volunteering for the Soup Suppers, Habitat for Humanity, where he measured and cut drywall, as well as Make a Difference Day, cleaning up the Cemetery, raking leaves, and picking up trash and sticks.
Greyson stated that having an Italian-American upbringing has helped mold the person he is today, along with the hard work and commitment to himself and his family. He believes this is going to continue to ensure him a successful life, with his relationship to God, helping others, and being an honest and kind person.
Kaitlyn Kratz
Kaitlyn Kratz is a graduating senior at Notre Dame High School and the daughter of John and Jill Kratz. Her grandparents are Jean Peca and John Peca.
She has been a member of the National Honor Society from her sophomore year through to graduation. Kaitlyn plans to attend Genesee Community College, where she will major in Nursing.
Kaitlyn has participated in volleyball and tennis as her extracurricular activities. She has also volunteered at the Notre Dame Youth Volleyball Camp, All Babies Cherished Fundraising Events, St. Joseph’s Regional School Halloween Parties, the ND Meat Raffle and Golf Tournament, and the Live Like Levi Pantry. In addition, she has helped prepare meals for the Free Little Pantry.
Kaitlyn expressed great appreciation for her Italian heritage, shown through the customs, lessons, and love passed down by the DeFazio and Peca families. She believes the way she was brought up was not just a coincidence; her Italian heritage and family traditions played an important role in shaping who she is today.
Matthew Wittmeyer
Matthew Wittmeyer is a member of the Class of 2025 at Batavia Senior High School. He is the son of Jerry and Lisa Wittmeyer, and the grandson of Rocco and Debbie Pellegrino.
Matthew plans to attend the University of Indiana, where he will major in Economics and minor in Sales. Since his sophomore year, he has challenged himself academically through dual enrollment college courses.
He currently serves as Senior Class President and Co-Mayor of Student Government, while also leading the Varsity Soccer Team as captain, having played for four years. His involvement extends to the Key Club, Travel Club, and My Brother’s Keeper, where he has demonstrated strong commitment and leadership.
Matthew volunteers at Ascension Parish, reflecting his dedication to community service.
His many honors include being named Junior Year Homecoming Prince, a Batavia Daily News GLOW Region Teen of the Week, and a Finalist for GLOW Region Teen of the Year. He is also a 2025 Mr. Batavian contestant and a Genesee Youth Lead graduate.
Reflecting on his Italian heritage, Matt shared, “They have shown me invaluable morals, some of which have truly resonated with me. I’ve found clarity in the values they lived by: fierce loyalty to those we love, a scrappy sense of resourcefulness, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to keep going. Life can be wilder than a thunderstorm, but that’s exactly when you learn to dance in the rain.”
Rocco Sprague
Rocco Sprague is a proud member of the 2025 graduating class of Notre Dame High School. He is the son of Lisa Sprague of Le Roy, the maternal grandson of Corrine Rapone Sprague, and the paternal grandson of Duane Pangrazio Sprague.
Rocco is a member of the National Honor Society, an active participant in the Scholastic Bowl Team, and a contributor to the Yearbook Club. He plans to attend SUNY Oneonta, where he will major in Communication Studies with a minor in History or Political Science.
Among his many academic and extracurricular achievements, Rocco has received the George Eastman Youth Leadership Award, and was recognized as a Scholar-Athlete on the baseball team for having the highest GPA. As a member of the Genesee Scholastic Bowl Team, he helped lead the team to a 3rd place finish. He also earned 2nd place with the Genesee Park Environment Team, and was honored with the Notre Dame Department Awards in both Math and Spanish, the Faculty and Staff Award, the Student of the Month honor, and consistently achieved placement on the High Honor Roll.
Rocco was selected by the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332 to represent Batavia at New York Boys State, where he served on the Yearbook Team and was appointed Relations Officer for the city.
His extracurricular involvement includes JV Baseball, Varsity Tennis, playing trumpet in the ND band, and taking guitar lessons.
Rocco also demonstrates a strong commitment to his faith and community. He serves as an altar server at Our Lady of Mercy, has taught Summer Bible School, volunteered at Lenten Fish Dinners, and assisted at St. Joseph Regional School’s Halloween and Christmas Parties, the Baptist Church Christmas Dinner, the ND and St. Joe’s Meat Raffle, and at the Batavia Italian Festival, working at the Youth Game Station.
Rocco values his Italian heritage deeply, sharing that it is important to him to maintain the traditions of his ancestors, who brought with them a rich and vibrant language, history, and culture that has been lovingly passed down and proudly celebrated by his family.
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GCEDC-provided photo of Apple Tree Acres when the industrial park's first tenant, Liberty Pumps, was under construction.
Misconceptions about economic development incentives persist in Genesee County, suggests Mark Masse, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, but the results at Apple Tree Acres in Bergen show a different reality: more jobs, higher payroll, and a growing tax base.
Masse met with The Batavian on Tuesday to discuss a recent case study that the agency presented at its annual meeting two weeks ago.
“We wanted to take a look at this as a case study to dispel a lot of the myths that we hear constantly about IDAs and incentives—that after 10 years and the pilot expires, companies are going to leave, that they never meet their job creation goals, all of those types of things,” Masse said.
The companies currently in Apple Tree Acres, collectively, initially pledged to create 119 jobs. The companies have created at least 419 jobs (companies no longer under a PILOT agreement do not report employment numbers annually, so the agency is including their numbers from the most recent annual report filed).
Combined, the companies maintain a payroll of at least $30 million.
The PILOT payment (payments in lieu of taxes) and property taxes being paid to local taxing jurisdictions is $343,000 annually.
“That is 28 times what that would have been had it remained ag land and under an ag exemption," Masse said. "By the time all the PILOTs roll off, it’ll be a million dollars in property taxes.”
Apple Tree Acres, which began development around 1999, is now fully sold out following the decision by Oxbo International Corporation to move from Byron to a new plant at Apple Tree. Construction began in September and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The park has attracted a mix of new and expanding local businesses. Liberty Pumps, the first tenant, has grown from 10 employees to more than 300. Masse noted that Oxbo, which considered building in Wisconsin, ultimately chose Bergen because the site fit their needs better.
Oxbo will open with 140 employees and expects to create 60 new jobs once fully operational.
Masse addressed the common misperception that incentives are simply cash handouts.
“People think we’re handing out bags of cash to companies and we are not,” he said. “If they didn’t build, then there are no incentives.”
He also explained that corporate businesses draw significantly less in municipal services than residential properties, which means the taxes and PILOTs the companies pay help subsidize services for residents.
“Any corporation with the taxes they’re paying is helping to subsidize the cost of municipal services for the residents,” Masse said. “So having businesses like this, even under PILOTs, helps to defer a lot of those municipal service costs that residents are paying for.”
Multiple companies at Apple Tree Acres have completed their PILOT agreements and remain in operation, exceeding their initial job projections. They didn't move away, as critics often suggest such companies do once the tax incentives expire.
“Ad Tech and Leonard Bus have been off of their PILOTs for about six years now, and they’re still going strong with no issues,” Masse said. “Most of the others are still kind of in the middle of their PILOT schedules.”
The park currently hosts eight businesses, including a store for the ubiquitous retail giant Dollar General, a recent addition, which Masse said chose the site for its location, the number of employees and businesses at the park, and the daily traffic from the park and nearby I-490.
The impact of Apple Tree Acres extends beyond direct employment and tax revenue. Masse pointed out that companies in the park hire local contractors, vendors, and service providers, creating additional economic benefits that are not captured in the employment numbers.
“If they sub out, if they hire a local mowing company to mow, landscaping company, window cleaners, their suppliers that are paying their truck drivers to bring in product and take product out—those companies aren’t paying those salaries (in the calculation of annual salaries mentioned above), but those people do have jobs and are being paid because of this particular development,” Masse said.
The Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia offers another example of the long-term impact of economic development projects.
Masse noted that H.P. Hood, which took over a facility originally built by Pepsi Mueller, has invested heavily in the site and now exceeds the original job creation projections.
“Hood just recently won a national award for that facility as well. On the national food manufacturing scale, the Hood facility is known as one of the best in the country, if not the world,” Masse said. “Hood thinks so highly of Batavia, and we’re so glad they’re here that they bought some of the additional acreage there to plan for future expansions, because a lot of their other places are landlocked. So if they’re going to expand again, it’s going to be in Batavia.”
Upstate Niagara, which bought the former Alpina yogurt plant, has also exceeded job projections and uses local milk, supporting area farmers.
The Ag Park still has 20 acres available, with CH4 Biogas holding a right of first refusal for a biodigester facility and J&L Ice planning a new facility.
Buffalo East in Pembroke has overcome significant site challenges, including extensive wetlands, to attract new investment.
Yancey’s Fancy built a 112,000-square-foot facility in late 2015. The facility occupies 12 acres and represents a capital investment of $20.6 million. J&R Fancher Property Holdings completed a mixed-use development in 2022 and is currently working on approvals for two 10-unit townhouse complexes.
“That’s going to end up being a very beautiful park when it’s completed,” Masse said.
Gateway I, developed in the mid-1990s, and Gateway II, developed in the early 2000s, have both generated substantial economic activity.
Infrastructure investments for the Gateway II have attracted companies like Milton CAT, LandPro, New York Bus Sales, and SCP Pools along East and West Saile drives.
“You’ve seen a lot of other companies gobble up that acreage because of the available infrastructure that was funded to put in the park,” Masse said. “We’re going to take a look and see, from a case study perspective, what the park generates, and then what the spin-off outside of the park generates as well for an overall economic impact.”
Masse emphasized that the results at these business parks are not theoretical.
“These projects are real. They’re here. You can go drive out and look at them, and as I said, you can see the cars in the parking lot of the people who are working there,” Masse said. “We have to be competitive on these incentives, on these abatements, because if we aren’t, these companies will build, but they won’t build here, and then we will lose not only the workforce and the people we have, you’ll lose the community efforts that a lot of these companies do.”
He explained that the benefits of these projects extend into the fabric of the community.
“All of these employees have kids in the school system. They have kids in Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. They’re always selling things. They’re fundraising for different causes. All of these things are happening inside of these facilities in our communities to benefit our communities," he said. "And if these companies weren’t here, I don’t know where that would come from, and that is a piece of economic impact that is never measured, that nobody ever wants to talk about, but it is vital to the survival of your kids’ T-ball team, your kids’ soccer team.”
GCEDC-submitted photo of Apple Tree Acres in 2014
GCEDC-submitted photo of Apple Tree Acres in April 2025.
Remembered in the hearts of those who knew them -- or know them, for those still living -- Batavia’s Hometown Heroes, the men and women who served in the U.S. military, are the subject of a new tribute.
Rows of nearly life-size banners now line Park Road and Redfield Parkway, each one honoring a service member. The banners went up ahead of Memorial Day, marking the launch of the City of Batavia’s Hometown Heroes Banner Program.
“Obviously, this is a great idea that the city of Batavia and the Batavia Fire Department had to honor Hometown Heroes,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, during an unveiling of the banners with the family members of the veterans whose faces grace the banners. “We’re thankful to all of the families for allowing the city of Batavia to honor your family member. I know that we’re honoring service members who have protected our nation in the past and in the present. And it’s always great to honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.”
Jessica Best, secretary for the City of Batavia Fire Department, shared her gratitude for the community’s response.
“I want to thank everybody. It’s been wonderful. Thank you. It’s been wonderful to get to meet so many fantastic families, and I feel like I know some of you personally now, and I really appreciate that everybody’s been wonderful,” Best said. “And I think we had a really good turnout for our first year, and very good feedback. And so I want to thank the families. I appreciate everybody, and I appreciate all the help we’ve gotten from the city and from the Downs. Like I said, I’ve met so many wonderful people, and I think this is a great opportunity for the city to show their support for our veterans, and I look forward to future years.”
The program began with encouragement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley and City Manager Rachael Tabelski and was coordinated by Best. In its first year, 52 banners are displayed—28 along Park Road and the rest on Redfield Parkway. Each banner measures 30 by 60 inches and is expected to last at least three years. The banners will remain up through Labor Day.
City and Batavia Downs crews assisted each other in attaching the banners to light poles.
Best said, “For our first year, this year, we have 52 banners. So we, like he said, we have some here on Park Road, and the rest are over on Redfield Parkway, and they’re going to be up. We wanted them up by Memorial Day, and they’ll be up through Labor Day. And the goal is that each banner will last at least three years, and then every year, we’re just going to keep continuing to hang them until the integrity is no longer good, and at which time, then we can either purchase new ones, or if the family wants to discontinue it, then they can, but they’re going to be up every year, and then we’ll just continue to add on every year for the program, and hopefully we’ll have all of the city covered.”
As the program grows, Best said, the city will need to evaluate which city poles can support the larger, heavier banners.
“Because of the size of the banners, they’re larger and heavier than we anticipated. So, not all of the city poles, even though everybody’s like, 'Oh, we have lots of city poles,' but not all the city poles will hold them," she said. "Obviously, given what they are, we want them to have integrity and to be able to hold the banners. So that’s something we’re going to have to look into before next year to see where exactly they can go.”
Best encouraged anyone interested in purchasing a banner for next year to contact the fire department to be added to a mailing list.
“Anybody who wants to move forward and purchase for next year can call the fire department and talk to me, and I’ll just put them on a mailing list," she said. "That way, not only will it be advertised in September, but then I can send out mailings as well.”
Looking ahead, Best said, “I think this is a great opportunity for the city to show their support for our veterans, and I look forward to future years.”
CO-Week Proclamation Presentation (from left to right): Legislator John Deleo, Jail Superintendent Diana M. Prinzi, Deputy Jail Superintendent Jason R. Queal, Correction Officers Mariah A. Blachowiz and Michael C. Kennedy
Press Release:
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week. National Police Week honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and recognizes the service and sacrifice of all law enforcement professionals.
The Genesee County Legislature issued a proclamation to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at last night’s meeting recognizing May 11–17, as National Police Week. The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola have been changed to blue to acknowledge this week.
Law enforcement officers are always prepared to respond and aid our residents, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This week honors all those in the law enforcement profession for the countless hours each officer dedicates to the community in which they serve.
This year, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and other members of the Office traveled to Washington, DC, to participate in National Police Week events which include the 37 th Annual Candlelight Vigil and to Stand Watch for the Fallen at the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial. This year, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello was approved to be engraved on the memorial wall and join fallen Deputy Frank G. Bordonaro and Constable William H. Johnson.
Thank you to the Batavia Police Department Officers who made the trip in support of Sergeant Sanfratello and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. The National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“As Sheriff, I am honored every day to serve alongside the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. During National Police Week, we take time to remember and pay tribute to the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their courage, commitment, and service will never be forgotten,” stated Sheriff Joseph Graff. “I am incredibly proud of the deputies in our Office and all law enforcement officers across the country. Their professionalism, integrity, and selfless dedication are the foundation of public safety.”
Submitted photos.
National Police Week Proclamation Presentation (from left to right): Deputy Alexander R. Hadsall, Legislator/Former Sheriff Gary T. Maha, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, Deputy Nicholas R. Chamoun
Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Regional Competition. Photo by Terry Vick.
Press Release:
On May 9, the Byron-Bergen Science Olympiad team ended the competition season by visiting local manufacturer and team corporate sponsor, Liberty Pumps. This end-of-season tradition began when the team was founded three years ago. They have improved each year since 2022, finishing the 2025 season with eight medals at the March 8 Regional Competition in Pittsford. Despite representing the smallest public school in the region, the Dynamic Planet team earned a first-place finish, the first in the team’s history.
“It has been amazing to watch this team develop over the past three years,” said Byron-Bergen Science Teacher and Science Olympiad Advisor Terry Vick. “We all started at square one and now our students are surpassing team goals and competing head-to-head with larger districts with more experience. I’m extremely proud.”
The Byron-Bergen team earned medals in Dynamic Planet (Earth Science - glacier formation and movement), Tower Construction (design and build the lightest and tallest tower that will support a load of 15 kg), Mission Possible (construct a Rube Goldberg type energy transfer device), and Road Scholar (ability to interpret and analyze various types of maps).
Additionally, the Tower Construction team received a round of applause when their tower was able to support a maximum load of 15 kg.
The team was greeted by Liberty Pumps CFO, Dennis Burke, who took them on a tour of Liberty Pumps Offices and Production Floor. He congratulated these future engineers on their hard work and dedication.
Thirteen Olympiads competed for Byron-Bergen this season, but the team is open to any students in sixth through eighth grades who are interested in challenging themselves by competing in different STEM activities.
Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Liberty Pumps. Photo by Terry Vick.
Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Regional Competition. Photo by Terry Vick.
Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Regional Competition. Photo by Terry Vick.
Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Liberty Pumps. Photo by Terry Vick.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on May 27. The meeting will be held at the Association at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia and is open to the public.
For more information, please contact Yvonne Peck at ydp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 x123.
Please be advised that our team will continue conducting critical repairs to the sewer infrastructure on Dellinger Avenue on Wednesday, May 21st, and will also begin work on repairing a service line in the area.
Work is scheduled to begin at approximately 7 AM and will continue throughout the day until all necessary repairs are completed.
At this time, Dellinger Avenue remains closed to all through traffic due to ongoing overnight work and early morning activity required to ensure the project progresses safely and efficiently.
Access is limited to local traffic only, and we kindly request that residents and the public avoid traveling down the street during active construction hours for safety and to avoid delays.
In addition, please be aware that properties within the immediate work zone may experience temporary disruptions to water service while repairs are underway.
We encourage affected residents and property owners to plan accordingly and prepare for the possibility of reduced or no water availability during the day.
We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we complete these important infrastructure improvements.
Tom Phelps, Director of Public Works, City of Batavia
Most of the school budgets in Genesee County passed during Tuesday’s vote, with Oakfield-Alabama district residents saying no to a proposed $25,555,345 budget 198 to 171.
Here are the results as reported by each district:
Alexander Central School’s Proposition 1, the budget, passed by 75 yes to 24 no.
Proposition 2, equipment capital reserve fund, authorizing the board to “expend $122,000 from the existing 2022 Equipment Capital Reserve Fund for the acquisition of Computer Hardware with an estimated cost of $7,000, Chromebooks with an estimated cost of $64,000, (1) enclosed trailer with an estimated cost of $11,000, and (1) bus snow remover with an estimated cost of $40,000 as permitted by law,” received 89 yes votes versus 19 no.
The election of Board of Education members gave 69 votes to Christopher Mullen for the on open seat, with two write-in votes.
Byron-Bergen Central School Superintendent Patrick McGee said he was “proud to say our school budget and propositions passed this evening.”
The district’s budget passed 266 yes to 90 no, and Proposition 2 for a bus purchase also passed by 264 yes to 89 no.
“Thanks to all who came out to vote,” McGee said.
Board of Education seats went to Kim Carlson with 305 votes, Rich Pringle with 296 and Heidi Ball, 291. (Plus there were nine write-ins.)
Elba Central School’s budget passed by 94 yes to 17 no, and the district’s Capital Outlay Reserve Fund vote was approved with 90 yes and 21 no votes.
Proposition 3 to “expend from the Capital Bus and Vehicle Replacement Fund to purchase 1 (one) 28-passenger school bus,” also passed by 98 yes to 13 no.
One Board of Education seat went to Michael Riner for a five-year term. There were no voting tallies available for him.
Le Roy Central School District residents gave approval by three times or more with a yes vote of 275 to 92 no for the general budget, and 314 yes and 54 no for the library budget.
Two Board of Education candidates, Peter W. Loftus and Rachael Greene, were each voted in for three-year terms by 319 and 311, respectively. Woodward Memorial Library Trustee candidate Michael Iten was given 326 votes for one open seat.
Oakfield-Alabama Central School's budget failed with 198 voters no and 171 voting yes. Board of Education members Kevin Beuler and incumbent Justin Staebell each received 319 votes for two open seats.
The Batavian reached out to Superintendent John Fisgus for comment Tuesday evening and he asked for emailed questions. We had not heard back by the time of publication, and will follow up with his comments.
Pavilion Central School’s budget was approved by residents with 113 yes and 24 no votes, and the library tax levy vote also passed by 99 yes to 37 no.
Board of Education members Callin Ayers-Tillotson received 110 votes and Margaret Gaston 113, each for five-year terms, while library trustee votes came in at 122 for Stephen Gould and 114 for Timothy Wasiewicz, each for three years.
Pembroke Central School’s budget was given 250 yes to 71 no votes, and the request to purchase school buses was also approved by 250 yes to 69 no.
One school board seat for a five-year term went to Jessica Edwards with 290 votes.
Proposition 3 (Corfu Public Library) was approved by 243 yes to 76 No, and the library’s board election for two three-year seats went to Michael Doktor, with 276 votes, and Michael Hobbs, 277.
Batavia City School District residents gave a resounding thumbs up to the board's proposed $63.3 million budget Tuesday, by a vote of 250 yes to 124 no, according to district results.
Votes for the two Board of Education candidates running for two open seats came in at 320 for Dan Schmidt, who will be new this year, and 294 for incumbent Chez'eray Rolle. Both of their terms are for three years beginning July 1.
This 2025-26 budget will mean a 2.22% tax levy increase, or approximately 35 cents more per $1,000 assessed value. That will add about $35 more a year for a home assessed at $100,000 and $70 for a home assessed at $200,000.
Oakfield-Alabama collected 15 hits and scored in five separate innings on Monday to defeat Caledonia-Mumford 10-1.
Oakfield-Alabama opened the game with four runs in the first inning and added runs in the second, fourth, fifth, and seventh.
Avery Watterson went 3-for-5 with a triple, one RBI, three runs, and two stolen bases. Watterson also pitched two innings, allowing no hits or runs and striking out one to earn the win.
Jack Cianfrini went 3-for-5 with a double, one RBI, three runs, and three stolen bases. Cianfrini pitched 2.2 innings, allowing three hits and one earned run with three strikeouts. Hunter Tobolski added a triple and two RBIs.
Levi Kabel finished 3-for-4 with one RBI, one walk, and two stolen bases. Ryan Schnaufer went 2-for-4 with a double, one RBI, and one walk.
Caledonia-Mumford managed three hits. Landon Sheehan pitched 6.2 innings, allowing 15 hits, 10 runs (four earned), and four walks with four strikeouts. Aidan McKay and Dillon Alcott each had a hit for Caledonia-Mumford.
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