Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is calling out the Majority for its inability to present a finished state budget. The budget, which was due on April 1, is now over three weeks late with no end in sight. Without a finalized proposal, local organizations such as school boards will have to prepare their own budgets without any idea of how much revenue they will be getting from the state.
“The delayed budget is a slap in the face to our local school districts courtesy of Gov. Hochul and the Majority in Albany,” said Hawley. “How can our school boards create their budgets if they don’t even know what funds they will be getting? This isn’t just a mild inconvenience. They are setting our schools up for failure. We need real leadership if we want to provide for our local school districts.”
What was supposed to be a time when the state Legislature was not scheduled to be in session has turned into a colossal waste of taxpayer funds. Currently, Gov. Hochul is costing taxpayers $40,000 per day in per diems and mileage to bring members back to Albany. That’s nearly $300,000 that could have been avoided had the Majority presented a budget on time.
Hawley has introduced a proposal that would prevent the governor from receiving a paycheck until the budget is passed. Currently, the same standard is applied to the state Legislature, and Hawley believes this should be the case for the governor as well.
“The fact that the governor can continue to hold up budget negotiations and still cash her paychecks is completely ridiculous,” said Hawley. “Working New Yorkers across this state understand that if you don’t do your job, you don't get paid. We cannot continue to waste taxpayer dollars while making zero progress on the budget. There’s no reason why Gov. Hochul should not be held to the same standard as every other elected official in the Capitol.”
The Batavia Concert Band is beginning its 101st season, and is actively recruiting youth musicians to join us for a couple of amazing concerts in beautiful Centennial Park this summer!
Eligible student musicians need to be able to play level 2/3 music.
Session One
Tues. July 8 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC Tues. July 15 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC Tues. July 22 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC Wed. July 23 - 6:30 p.m. Arrival, 7 p.m. Concert in Centennial Park
Session Two
Tues. July 29 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC Tues. Aug. 5 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC Tues. Aug. 12 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC Wed. Aug. 13 - 6:30 p.m. Arrival, 7 p.m. Concert in Centennial Park
For more information, please contact Lindsey Almeter at Lalmeter@albionk12.org or 716-949-5376.
Welcome home to 8465 Violet Lane! This gorgeously updated 4 bedroom, modern colonial is situated on a .5 acre lot in a quiet cul-de-sac. Entering this pristine 2,790sqft home, you are greeted by a grand staircase and welcoming foyer. Enjoy the formal dining room, or the updated eat-in kitchen. The impressive great room has a built-in fireplace & vaulted ceiling; perfect ambiance for the holidays! Convenient home office! Natural light streams through professionally tinted windows, ensuring efficiency & privacy. Enjoy the long-term protection of the maintenance-free metal roof. Upstairs, enjoy the primary suite w/ walk-in closet, and en-suite master soaking tub. The luxuries abound in the other 2.5 baths and spacious first floor laundry. 1,600sqft of finished basement, feat: built-in bar, optional LRoom, 2 additional storage rooms, a newer on-demand hot water tank & furnace. Between the 20'x25' reinforced (hot tub ready!) vinyl deck wrapped around a new 24' above ground pool and the 15'x11' stamped concrete patio, ample outdoor space and a fully wrapped NEW vinyl fence for added privacy. Also includes an attached 2 car garage with epoxy floor, and a 12’x20’ Amish-made shed! Call Sunny Rathod today!!
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Genesee County has established a scholarship opportunity to provide financial support to an individual pursuing their education at an institution of higher learning in the fields that represent the mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Applicants must be a student in Genesee County and accepted at an accredited college or university and enrolled in or matriculated in an eligible program or major. Eligible programs or majors that fall under: Agriculture, Animal Science, Horticulture, Environmental & Nature, Food & Agribusiness, Food Systems & Technology, Nutrition, and Youth Development.
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to one Genesee County HS student and one adult student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Applications must be received by May 2, and the scholarship recipients will be announced at the CCE Genesee’s Board Meeting in May.
As part of our ongoing effort to ensure public safety and maintain a smooth flow of traffic, the Batavia Police Department would like to remind residents and visitors of the importance of adhering to parking regulations in our city.
Did you know that improperly parked vehicles can:
Block traffic lanes and sidewalks, causing congestion and hazards for pedestrians and motorists alike.
Obstruct emergency responders, such as fire trucks and ambulances, from reaching their destinations quickly.
Limit parking availability for businesses, residents, and visitors, negatively impacting local commerce and quality of life.
To avoid fines and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Batavia, please remember to:
Park in designated parking spaces only, and within the marked lines.
Avoid parking in areas with posted "No Parking" signs or zones.
Keep a safe distance from fire hydrants, crosswalks, and intersections.
Be mindful of time restrictions and parking permits in designated areas.
By following these simple guidelines, you can help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in Batavia.
Remember, parking regulations are in place to protect you, your neighbors, and our community. If you have any questions or concerns about parking regulations in Batavia, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Batavia Police Department.
Together, let's make our city a better place to live, work, and visit!
The New York State Governor’s Youth Council is seeking passionate, dedicated youths ages 13-21 to apply for their 2025-2026 term. Members of the Youth Council meet virtually with their Regional Peers and Regional Representative at least twice a month. Members also participate with Statewide Peers at youth led events.
2025-26 Topics Include:
Youth Mental Health
Social Media Impact on Youth
Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
Youth Voice & Engagement
Environmental Changes to Our Communities
How to Apply:
Those youth interested in applying will need to complete an online application process. Applications are due Monday, May 19. Visit, https://nysylc.secure-platform.com/a/ to apply now.
If you want to make a lasting impact on issues you see in your community, please apply. You can be the voice and change you want to see.
For additional information, contact Genesee County Youth Bureau at Genesee.Youthbureau@dfa.state.ny.us or 585-344-3960.
Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of more than 200 participants who took part in the inaugural Pembroke Teachers' Federation (PTF) Heart & Sole 5K on Saturday.
Thanks to their efforts, the PTF raised $2,815 in support of Genesee County Mental Health.
The top three male and female winners (distance of 3.47 miles):
Male Overall:
1st: Jeff Dibble - 22:55
2nd: Mitchell Humel - 23:40
3rd: Toby Behan - 25:18
Female Overall:
1st: Alyssa Antinore - 26:20
2nd: Brooke Reynolds - 26:47
3rd: Cherie Cousins - 26:59
Photos by Kara Richenberg
Photo of the overall female and male winners (from left to right): Cherie Cousins, Brooke Reynolds, Alyssa Antinore, Jeff Dibble, Mitchell Humel, and Toby Behan.
Photo of (from left to right) Lynda Battaglia, Director of Mental Health and Community Services; Arron K. Brown, Race Director/Pembroke 6th Grade Teacher; Cora Ivison, Pembroke 6th Grade Teacher; Philippe Abraham, NYSUT Secretary/Treasurer; Ann Fenik, Pembroke 4th Grade Teacher; and Jodi Stoldt, Pembroke 5th Grade Teacher.
Artist Shad Nowicki at Foxprowl on Saturday. Photo by Howard Owens.
Shad Nowicki, an Ellicottville resident who has gained a national reputation as a pop artist specializing in vivid portraits of movie characters, appeared at Foxprowl Toys and Collectibles on Ellicott Street, Batavia, on Saturday.
He met with fans and discussed his work for six hours.
Owner Bill Hume said Nowicki "has been commissioned directly by many celebrities to do work for them and is very well-known in the Comic-Con circuit."
John F. Innes III, age 61, of Stafford, who passed away on March 29, was honored today with a truck memorial parade on Saturday from the Genesee County Fairgrounds through Stafford.
More than 50 trucks participated in the parade.
It was organized by Bruce Scofield, owner of Scofield Transfer & Recycling Inc., where Innes worked for nine years.
"He was like family to everyone at Scofield Transfer & Recycling," Scofield said. "He was a great employee. He never called in sick the entire time he worked for me."
Scofield said more than 250 people attended a celebration of life after the parade.
Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander in softball on Saturday, 8-0.
The winning pitcher was Savannah Durham, who went all seven innings, scattering five hits while striking out eight and walking one.
Offense:
Allie Williams, 2-4, 2 RBIs
Emma Moeller, 1-3, 2 RBIs
Chloe Lamb, 1-1, triple
Tori Davis, 1-1, RBI
Allison Harkness, 1-4, RBI
Piper Hyde, 1-3
Raine Denny, 1-4, double, 3 runs scored
Ysa Schrauger, 1-3
"I'm very proud of our team's defense today," said Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "We got a well-pitched game from Savannah, and we were solid defensively against a very good Alexander team. We got timely hits when we needed them."
Batavia native Celia Puccio sits next to the many cards and flowers she received for her recent 103rd birthday celebration, and behind her is a beloved picture frame with scrolling family photos that enjoys viewing at her home. Photo by Joanne Beck
Wholesome nutrition, doing chores as needed, daily exercise and family have been the staples to ensure Celia Puccio’s longevity all these years.
Just how many years? A native of Batavia, she just celebrated her 103rd birthday earlier this week.
Celia grew up on Hutchins Street with her parents, Josephine and Rocco, grandmother, and nine siblings, plus brother Tony’s hunting dogs. They grew a garden and canned vegetables, baked bread, sharing chores either before and/or after school, she said.
“I did whatever had to be done, they were always baking or cooking, and we had to pick up after them,” Celia said at her Oak Street home. “They did the canning process, and you had to clean up all the messes.”
Was it ever tough to get attention or enough to eat in that brood? “Never,” she said. “It was wonderful.”
“My brother said ‘never eat everything on your plate, give some to the dogs,’” she said.
His sisters would clean up after dinner, and Mary didn’t listen to him; she ate everything on her plate, Celia said with a smile. Celia went to Lincoln, then Jackson Elementary School, finally attending the former Batavia Jr-Sr High School on Ross Street. She didn’t graduate, because “I met him,” as a junior, she said, pointing to her framed wedding photo of her and the late Charley Puccio from decades ago.
She dropped out of school a year early and married Charley, and they first moved in with her grandmother in Oakfield before settling into their longtime home on Oak Street. Charlie set up a barbershop with his uncle, beginning at age 12 before meeting the love of his life. He incrementally built onto the original structure as money allowed, to create a larger home, barber shop and garage. Those renovations more than doubled the space, Celia said.
He died in 2002 after the couple was married for nearly 60 years. And the barbershop carries on with daughter Kathy, who stays with mom about three days a week. Just thinking about all of that commotion and dry wall dust made Celia wince a bit.
“I wouldn’t want to go back,” she said. “I was a stay-at-home mom ,and in later years I worked as an assistant cook at the high school. I enjoyed cooking for the family.”
Every Sunday meant the air was filled with simmering homemade tomato sauce — with tomato paste added in — for the weekly spaghetti supper.
Her meals have been nutritious, such as beans and greens of all kinds, with lots of garlic. And she used to take daily walks, meeting four girlfriends at the corner of Oak and Richmond. She also refused a few habits, such as smoking and drinking.
Walking is more difficult now, and Celia likes to watch cooking shows and use a bike pedal machine. She pointed to a picture frame of scrolling family photos.
“They mean more to me than TV,” she said.
Family includes four children, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two twins on the way for a September arrival. That's a new goal to make, her daughter said.
Visits with family are golden.
“I enjoy it very much,” Celia said, sharing a piece of life advice she’s learned along the way. “Just love one another.”
Celia Puccio has rarely imbibed, unless "we make her," daughter Kathy says, during special occasions as seen here with a glass of Amaretto during her 103rd birthday dinner. Submitted Photo
Dedicated Muckdogs fan Cathy Preston gets her copy of "Homestand" signed by author Will Bardenwerper at Eli Fish on Friday. Photo by Howard Owens.
Will Bardenwerper's book about baseball in Batavia and America has been getting national attention and is currently ranked #17 on Amazon's list of best-selling baseball books.
The book, "Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America," is resonating with readers and reviewers.
That may signal, Bardenwerper said, that people are looking for small-town values of community.
"I think it speaks to the fact that maybe there is a real hunger for these kinds of places where people can come together for an affordable price and have a good time and kind of put some of the division that we find in our society behind us for a few hours and just have fun," Bardenwerper told The Batavian during a book signing at Eli Fish Brewing Co. on Saturday evening.
There have been several book reviews of Homestand published, including in major publications such as the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal.
The book addresses the growing divide in America between the corporatist world of Major League Baseball and the grassroots game in places like Batavia, which lost its historic minor league team when MLB broke with tradition and consolidated its minor league affiliates. That decision turned out to make baseball in Batavia better with the arrival of Robbie and Nellie Nichols, owners of the revived Batavia Muckdogs of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.
If highlighting that dichotomy has ruffled any feathers in the executive suites at the MLB, Bardenwerper hasn't heard about it.
"I don't know to what extent it is or isn't on their radar," Bardenwerper said. "If it is, I'm guessing they just kind of would like it to go away."
If you missed Bardenwerper at Eli Fish, there is another book signing Saturday (today) in Medina at Author's Note Bookstore, as part of Independent Bookstore Day. Bardenwerper will be in store from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Other authors participating are Doogie Horner from 10:30 to noon and Mylisa Larsen from noon to 1:30 p.m. Author's Note is located at 519 Main St., Medina.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Will Bardenwerper Photo by Howard Owens.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Will Bardenwerper and David Reilly, a columnist for The Batavian, hold each other's books. Photo by Howard Owens.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of a newly updated Barn Quilt Trail brochure and companion website, enhancing the way locals and visitors can experience one of the largest collections of hand-painted barn quilts in New York State.
Created by Le Roy Historian Lynne Belluscio and the Le Roy Historical Society, the self-guided driving tour now features nearly 120 barn quilts throughout Le Roy and the surrounding countryside. The updated brochure and interactive website at LeRoyBarnQuilt.org offer full-color photos, quilt stories, and four scenic driving routes that guide travelers through the rural beauty and charm of Genesee County.
“Folks really like the new brochures and are amazed at all the new barn quilts that have gone up recently,” said Belluscio. “Even local people who thought they had seen them all are going back out to find the new ones. They also enjoy using the barcode to learn more about the stories behind each quilt. We hope folks will see the billboard on the Thruway, take Exit 47, and enjoy the rural byways. Now’s a great time to look for them before the leaves come out—and of course, we hope they’ll stop to have something to eat while they’re in town.”
The Barn Quilt Trail began in 2011 as a bicentennial project for the Town of Le Roy and has since grown into a beloved regional attraction. Barn quilts now adorn barns, garages, homes, and other structures, each one a piece of public art that shares a unique story rooted in family heritage, community spirit, and local pride.
These updated trail materials celebrate that storytelling tradition while making the experience more accessible and engaging for travelers seeking authentic, heritage-rich adventures. Barn quilt trails have become a hallmark of rural tourism, and in Le Roy, they represent a deep connection to agriculture, art, and history.
Printed brochures are available locally at the Genesee County Visitor Center (8276 Park Road, Batavia) and at many Le Roy locations, including:
Crocker’s Ace Hardware, Attic to Basement, Le Roy Post Office, Woodward Library, Le Roy Historical Society, Town and Village Offices, JELL-O Museum, No Finer Diner, Frost Ridge Campground, Timberline Campground, Genesee Country Campground, Tracy B’s Microbrewery, and Pully’s Farm Market.
8515 E Lake Road Stafford. Super opportunity to ownwaterfront 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.
NOW HIRING seasonal agribusiness positions. CDL A & B Drivers to deliver bulk crop nutrients. Potential long-term opportunities. Great for retirees! GENERAL LABOR positions. Daily variety of indoor/outdoor responsibilities. Loader experience a plus. SIGN-ON BONUS and plenty of OT during spring/summer months. Apply in person at: 8610 Route 237, Stafford, NY www.cecrocker.com
