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DOT issues statement on demolition of Louie's Barber Shop

By Howard B. Owens
louis barbershop on route 63

After reporting on the demolition underway at 229 Ellicott Street, the former Louie's Barber Shop, in Batavia, The Batavian sought more information about the history of the right of way, the Department of Transportation's agreement with the shop's last owner, and the DOT's plans for the parcel.

We received the following statement:

“The New York State Department of Transportation is demolishing a vacant structure located within our State Route 63 right-of-way in the City of  Batavia that had previously housed Louie’s Barber Shop. The decision to demolish the structure — which has been located in our right-of-way since the 1970s — was made after the building’s previous operator communicated his plans to retire and terminate his occupancy. NYSDOT had no further use for the structure and will pave the property at a later date. NYSDOT’s agreement with the nearby Pok-A-Dot restaurant remains unchanged.”

Photos by Howard Owens.

louis barbershop on route 63

From modest origins in Byron, Oxbo grew into international company producing high-tech farm equipment

By Howard B. Owens
oxbow hawley factory tour 2023

During a drive down Byron Road, you might spot a group of low-slung buildings and figure it's some small ag-related business, maybe even a dairy farm.

You would never guess that it is a sophisticated manufacturing plant producing high-tech farming equipment that generates $65 million in annual sales.

Not bad for a company that started out repairing pallets a half-century ago.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley paid a visit -- and invited the press -- to Oxbo International's plant Thursday, and the company's first location, to highlight the importance of agricultural-adjacent businesses in the 139th Assembly District and in New York State.

"There are many different types of enterprises that highlight the fact that agriculture is not only the number one industrial employer in this area and ag-related businesses like this, not just farming, are critical to our economy," Hawley said.

Plant Manager Chris Chadbourne provided Hawley and reporters with a history of the company before escorting the group on a tour of the facility.

The original pallet repair company became Byron Equipment after filing for a patent on a corn head -- a mechanism to attach to the front of a combine that picks ears of corn off of stalks, leaving the stock behind. 

The company then grew through mergers and acquisitions.

In 1998, Byon Equipment acquired a competitor in Wisconsin, and the new management team settled on the name Oxbo, after an oxbow that yolks and ox team together, to symbolize the concept of the new two integrated teams pulling together.

Both plants stayed in production.

In 2003, Oxbo acquired a pea-picking combine company in Illinois and moved that manufacturing operation to Byron.  Oxbo is the only manufacturer of a pea-picking combine in the U.S.  

In 2004, Oxbo acquired a fruit company in Washington state, and this past June, the company acquired another company in Wisconsin.

One of the biggest mergers came, however, in 2009, when Oxbo merged with its largest customer in Europe and the company's headquarters were moved to the Netherlands.

The company also operates plants now in Brazil, the United Kingdom, and France.

In total, Oxbo employs about 1,200, with 700 employees in the U.S. and 140 in Byron.  Gross annual revenue exceeds $400 million for the entire company.

"And one of the founders still lives in the same house he's lived in forever, right up here," said Hawley, pointing to a house on property adjacent to the plant. "Richard 'Lefty' Glazer."

Chadbourne explained that working for Oxbo takes more than a bit of brawn to tighten bolts.  The equipment the company makes is sophisticated, exacting, and high-tech.  Oxbo needs employees educated enough and smart enough to do the job right.

"The equipment we make is simplistic and what it does, but it's not simplistic and how it acts and what it does on the shop floor or in the field," Chadbourne said. "We need high-quality people that are technically savvy, that can understand and read schematics and understand how things function and work together. It's not just, 'Hey, there's a lever and a clutch' in here anymore. 'We're going to bolt three parts together.' There's a lot of tech that goes into these machines."

Oxbo has been fortunate, Chadbourne said, to have good partners in Genesee County and throughout the region.  BOCES and other institutions provide a pathway for students to learn the necessary skills, and they can participate in job training and job shadowing. There's a welding program at Alfred State that helps supply workers. 

Employees for Oxbo come to Byron from through the GLOW area and Erie County but Chadbourne thinks the company needs to attract more talent from Monroe County.

"We have some really phenomenal schools in Western New York, and as we continue to grow, we need more of those technical guys," Chadbourne said. "We've got great colleges and universities in Rochester. We need to pull from there."

Photos by Howard Owens.

oxbow hawley factory tour 2023
oxbow hawley factory tour 2023
oxbow hawley factory tour 2023
oxbow hawley factory tour 2023
oxbow hawley factory tour 2023
oxbow hawley factory tour 2023

$12 million rehabilitation of School House Manor in Oakfield underway

By Howard B. Owens
Oakfield School House Manor

A $12 million project to restore and remodel the former Oakfield High School, which has been used as low-income housing since the 1970s, is underway.

The project is mostly privately funded and has also received $1.1 million in state and federal aid.

School House Mannor currently has 27 apartment units for people age 62 and older or disabled, regardless of age. All units are one bedroom.

"It is a historical renovation, and after the renovation is done, the former Oakfield High School will be on the national register of historic places," said Emmett Ogiony, principal with ODS Property Management.

In addition to the facade restoration, a lower-level former gym will be converted into apartments and the former library in the back of the building, which was once the residential unit of the complex's former owner and operator, will become apartments. 

In all, the developer, which is now the owner of the building, will add eight new apartments.

The USDA funded the school's conversion to affordable housing in the 1970s.

"It's the biggest property in Oakfield, and I think the funding is important just to maintain the structure and what it does for the community," Ogiony said. "It is the only source of affordable housing in the Oakfield-Alabama area so it is a big help to rural people who want to stay close to where they grew up. Without this project, Oakfield would lose an important part of its community."

Photos by Howard Owens.

Oakfield School House Manor
Oakfield School House Manor
Oakfield School House Manor
An architectural rendering of School House Manor once the facade restoration and new landscaping is completed.

Chamber of Commerce accepting nominations for annual awards

By Press Release
Norm Argulsky 2022 Geneseean of the Year
Norm Argulsky accepting the Chamber of Commerce Geneseean of the Year during the chamber's annual awards ceremony at Batavia Downs in March.
Photo by Howard Owens.received

Press Release:

The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee has announced the “2023” Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Batavia Downs Gaming, Park Road, Batavia. This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service, and volunteerism.

Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration. Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition & Geneseeans of the Year. Business Nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify).

Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia, and can also be downloaded from the Chamber Website at www.geneseeny.com. Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY December 29, to be eligible for consideration.

If you would like more information, feel free to call or email Kelly J. Bermingham, Director of Member Relations & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 1026, kbermingham@geneseeny.com.

GC participates in STOP-DWI end of summer campaign

By Press Release

Press Release:

Genesee County law enforcement agencies, including the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department, and Village of LeRoy Police Department will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.

Law enforcement officers across New York State are taking to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Campaign will start on August 18 and will end on September 4.

This event is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, however, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaigns aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

Always remember impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning.

Tenney defends hunting and archery classes in schools

By Press Release
le roy clay target team training 2018
The Le Roy High School Clay Target Team during a practice at a range in Le Roy in 2018.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

File photo of
Claudia Tenney

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the Protecting Hunting and Archery in Schools Act of 2023 to protect hunting, archery, and shooting sports programs in schools.

Additional cosponsors include Reps. Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Jim Banks (R-IN), Brandon Williams (R-NY), and Andy Ogles (R-TN). 

Specifically, this bill strikes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act’s (ESEA) current restriction on ESEA funds on “the provision to any person of a dangerous weapon… or training in the use of a dangerous weapon.”

This provision was added to the ESEA by the so-called “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act” in 2022. Now, the Biden administration is intentionally misconstruing Congressional intent and using this provision to prohibit ESEA funds from being used to fund hunting, archery, and shooting sports programs in schools. 

“The Biden administration continues to advance its radical anti-Second Amendment agenda by prohibiting ESEA funding for archery and shooting sports programs,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Upstate New York schools offer hunting, archery, and shooting sports programs to teach students how to responsibly handle firearms and respect our Second Amendment rights. The Biden Administration’s attempt to defund these outdoor recreational programs is a power grab and flies in the face of Congressional intent. This important legislation will protect these popular after-school programs and end the Biden Administration’s attack on our constitutional rights.”

“Biden’s extreme agenda is being thwarted by our Constitution, and our First and Second Amendment Rights remain their main targets,” said Jack Prendergast, Chairman of The Board, New York State SCOPE. “The Left fears citizens that can speak the truth and defend themselves. That’s why the Biden administration is working to drive legal gun retailers out of business and pass laws that will make owning guns unaffordable to all but their elite. With the twisting of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, they are working to discourage another generation from enjoying their constitutional rights. Thank you to Rep Tenney for her leadership on working to restore federal funding to our youth hunting and archery programs.”

GLOW Arc announces 19th annual 5k on September 16

By Press Release
Brandon Rebert took a quick, long lead in the 2022 GLOW Arc Friends and Family 5K in Elba. Photo by Howard Owens.
Brandon Rebert took a quick, long lead in the 2022 GLOW Arc Friends and Family 5K in Elba. 
Photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

Come down to Arc GLOW’s Day Habilitation Center in Elba to walk, run, skip, or jump to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Arc GLOW is hosting its 19th annual Friends & Family 5K and Fun Walk on September 16. It's an event that gives people of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to participate. It also welcomes and embraces the participation of the people Arc GLOW serves, aligning with its mission to support people with disabilities in partnership with their families and community.

Taste of Country, the signature event within the Friends and Family 5K, features a wonderful display of fruits and vegetables donated by area farmers. Runners, walkers, sponsors, and volunteers each have the opportunity to take some home with them. 

Arc GLOW expects over 300 runners and walkers this year. The event’s post-party features live music by The Buffalo Road Show with Jim and Babe Catino, kid’s activities, food, beverages, and an award ceremony. 

mary-anne-graney.png
Submitted photo of 
Mary Anne Graney

The Friends and Family 5K began as a memorial to Mary Anne Graney, a parent, educator, advocate, and friend to Arc GLOW who died in 2004. Her dedication to people with IDD and their families enriches countless lives. The Bluebonnet sponsorship is in honor of Graney’s Texas roots.

The Graney family is pleased funds raised in this event help support education through the Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship program. Scholarships are presented to area high school seniors planning to further their studies in human services, special education, or related fields. The money also goes toward helping fund various programs and services Arc GLOW offers for individuals with IDD.

terri-carr-krieger.png
Submitted photo of 
Terri Carr Krieger

In 2017, the Friends and Family 5K combined forces with the former 5K held in memory of Arc staff member Terri Carr Krieger. Krieger was a longtime employee who lost her battle with cancer in 1997. The Blue Spruce sponsor level is in Krieger’s honor. 

Finally, for many years the Livingston-Wyoming 5K was held in memory of Dr. Ramon M. Rocha. He passionately believed in the possibilities of life and has been an endless source of inspiration for people of all ages and abilities. A beloved family man and enthusiastic volunteer, the Blue Knight sponsorship connects Dr. Rocha to SUNY Geneseo where he was a respected professor.

ramon-rocha.png
Submitted photo of 
Dr. Ramon M. Rocha

The Friends & Family 5K will take place September 16 where check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. and the race beings at 10 a.m. Race t-shirts will be guaranteed for all participants who register by September 7 and until quantities last for walk-ins. It will be held at the Arc Day Habilitation Center, located at 4603 Barrville Road in Elba.

For anyone who wishes to sponsor the 5K, contact Sandy Konfederath at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1715 or skonfederath@arcglow.org by Aug. 21. Walkers and runners wishing to register can do so online at ArcGLOW.org or by contacting Konfederath.

arc family 5k
Walkers in the GLOW ARC Friends and Family 5k in 2022.
Photo by Howard Owens.

OA FFA receives grant to grow maple program at school

By Press Release

Press Release: 

Oakfield-Alabama Future Farmers of America(FFA) is excited to announce that they have just received the “Tractor Supply Company/National FFA Grants for Growing, $5000 grant”. The Grant funds are made possible
through Tractor Supply Company and donations are made to local stores during National FFA Week in mid-February each year.

OA FFA will use the awarded funds to help offset the cost of a new 2x6’ maple arch. The OAE FFA Alumni will match the funds to complete the purchase of the new arch. 

"This is so exciting," said OA FFA advisor, Todd Hofheins.“The old 2x4 arch that the students made 10 years ago has done a great job for the maple program here at school but a new 2x6 will help the students be more efficient in the boiling process and will produce higher quality maple syrup, quicker. I am also very appreciative of the support Tractor Supply Company provided. Maple production can be very expensive and without this grant and help from our OAE FFA Alumni, we wouldn’t be able to make this upgrade.”

OA FFA is scheduling an open house during the spring of 2024 maple season and will be demonstrating their new equipment. Follow us on Facebook for more details: https://www.facebook.com/oaeffa.

Photos: Canna on Starowitz Road, Elba

By Howard B. Owens
canna on starowitz road

Turning onto Starowitz Road this afternoon, I was surprised to spot a rather large patch of canna growing on the edge of a farm field. 

Photos by Howard Owens

canna on starowitz road
canna on starowitz road
canna on starowitz road

Alleghany Farm Services celebrates 40 years of hard work, family, and good customers

By Howard B. Owens
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Thursday's Ribbon Cutting at Alleghany Farm Services. From left, Brian Cousins, president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Chad Klotzbach, Dianne Klotzbach, Drew Klotzbach, Harriett Klotzbach, Morgan Wagner, and Craig Wagner.
Photo by Howard Owens.

"Hard work and a good wife" is the answer that quickly came to mind to Drew Klotzbach when asked why a company he founded 40 years ago with a backhoe and a bulldozer is still going into its second generation of ownership.

Now Alleghany Farm Services uses the most advanced equipment in the business to precisely install farm field drainage systems, laying more than five million feet of pipe a year, and now employing more than 30 people in the Town of Alabama and in Delaware.

Located at 7342 Alleghany Road in Basom, Alleghany Farm Services celebrated its four decades in business with a party, equipment and history displays, a back-hoe "certification" practice for kids, and an adult backhoe competition, along with a catered lunch and ice cream.

The company remains a family venture.

"We bring my 94-year-old grandmother out," said Chad Kotzbach, Drew's son and now the managing partner. "She does a lot of our mailers, and that keeps us busy."

The other big secret to success, Drew said, is the customers.

"The customer base too, and especially agricultural customers, are great people to work with," Drew said. "Yep, that's really what's made us grow is a great customer base," Chad added, "It's about relationships. This is a relationships business."

Previously:

 

Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Chad Klotzbach with some of the historical artifacts related to Alleghany Farm Service and drainage tiles.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Chad Klotzbach shows off an old drainage tile.  Drainage tiles were introduced to the U.S. from Scotland at a farm in Seneca County in 1838.  They were once made from fired clay, with the pipes shaped around a worker's calf (which Klotzbach is explaining).  Installing clay, and later concrete, drainage tiles, was labor intensive. Nearly 60 years ago, plastic, corrugated pipe was introduced, which can be laid in long layers, and now are placed precisely in farm fields with GPS technology.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Children who visited Alleghany Farm Services on Thursday could operate a backhoe with the assistance of an experienced adult.
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
The adult backhoe competition involved removing basketballs from the top of traffic cones, dumping them in a bucket, and then trying to place the balls back on top of the cones. 
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Photo by Howard Owens.
Allegheny ribbon cutting 40th anniversary
Photo by Howard Owens.

Windy Brew's second location ready to 'share our love' in Batavia

By Joanne Beck
Bradley and Michelle Snyder
Bradley Snyder and his mom Michelle Snyder, business partners for Windy Brew, open their second location Thursday at 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.
Submitted photo.

It was a year ago Thursday when Bill and Michelle Snyder spent their wedding anniversary dinner discussing business ambitions to open a second location for Windy Brew, Michelle says.

And a year later, the couple is celebrating its 32nd anniversary and the opening of that location at 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia. Windy Brew is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It took some connections in Batavia and the local business world — Rob Credi of Pub Coffee Hub and Crapshoot Commissary, and Tammy Hathaway of Batavia Development Corp., the couple said — and then plans began to unfold.

“And when we were at dinner a year ago, we talked about opening a second location and reached out to some friends in the City of Batavia to see if there were any buildings for sale or for lease, and we came across the Harvester Center through Tammy, and she put us in the direction of talking to Rob … and that's how we got in touch with (Harvester Center Manager) Jarrod Clark and took this space,” Michelle said about the street-level site on the city’s east side. 

“We completely renovated the area that we have. We had some tear-out and things like that. There are two complete new bathrooms. The taproom and bar are all brand new. All the tables and chairs, it’s all brand new. We have shiplap walls, the floor is like a vinyl planking, and the bar was custom-built by a friend of ours. 

“It’s beautiful. I wanted a rustic, industrial look, and I feel like we really captured that with the way the heating and cooling ventilation and our chairs and tables just really came together really nice,” she said.

It’s a family partnership between Michelle and her son Bradley Snyder. They share their story online about how the family-run business began with a passion and love for beer. Someone gave them a beer kit as a gift, and that turned into buying a kettle and going into a full-grain brewing hobby. 

“Then we thought it was time to share our love with others,” the Snyders said. 

The first Windy Brew is on their home property in Strykersville, and the Snyders have been running it for six and a half years. 

There are 15 beers on tap, a cider and, with a full liquor license, there will be mixed drinks and wine available as well at the Batavia location, Michelle said. “But our focus is really our craft beer,” she said. 

“I consider us a brewpub. But the city of Batavia said it has to be a restaurant tap room, so I don't know. They have their own version of what a brewpub is,” she said.

As for the food menu, there will be pulled pork sandwiches made from pork that is smoked at the Strykersville facility, loaded nachos, pretzels with dill pickle dip, chips and dip, a taco basket, and tortilla chips with salsa and guac. 

The long wooden bar in variegated hues of blond is highlighted by the dropped hooded lights that give off a yellow glow. There's a definite juxtaposition of industrial silver ceiling fixtures atop the rustic flooring and weathered side paneling for an eclectic mix of design materials. Adding to the ambiance will be musician Rob Koepf, performing 1980s and 90s rock and classic country from 7 to 10 p.m. this Saturday. 

Michelle is anxiously awaiting for another vendor to open in the other half of the property, as they will be sharing some equipment, and Windy Brew will also be making custom pizzas as part of the menu. That is “coming soon,” Michelle said. 

 “I am just so excited that we are here and able to open at this point. It's been a long road, but it's been well worth it," she said. "I feel it's going to be really great for Batavia to have this location. And customers seem to be very excited about us opening in the Batavia area.” 

Though there is a clear definition between the two businesses, the other half of the site will be quite visible, and at least one operator has been identified as Vianiliz “Vee” Echevarria Rivera and her mother Elizabeth under the takeout restaurant name of Linda Borinqueña.

Rivera had hoped to open in June, and said that she had unexpected delays and would have to push that date back.

Meanwhile, Windy Brew will be there, with hours of 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Windy Brew 2
Windy Brew 3
Windy Brew 4

Submitted photos.

GCC announces Stephanie Ortel as new director of veterinary technology

By Press Release

Press Release:

stephanieortel-edit.jpg
Photo of Stephanie Ortel,
courtesy of Genesee Community College

Genesee Community College is excited to announce the appointment of Stephanie Ortel, LVT as the new director of Veterinary Technology. With a proven track record of leadership and expertise in the field, Stephanie brings a wealth of experience that will contribute to the continued growth and success of the college's Veterinary Technology program.

Stephanie is a Western New York native. She graduated from Medaille College with an AS in Veterinary Technology in 1999 and a BS in Veterinary Technology in 2005. Throughout her career her area of veterinary medicine has focused on pain management and physical rehab therapy for dogs and cats. 

Stephanie earned a MS in Adult Education from Buffalo State College in 2018. She started as an adjunct instructor at GCC in 2016 and then became a full-time instructor in 2021.

Stephanie expressed her excitement about joining Genesee Community College,stating, "As program director, I hope to continue the tradition passed from Dr. Carrie Caccamise of a highly regarded vet tech program. The Vet Tech department is committed to producing quality graduates ready to enter the workforce."

Batavia butter arrives in Syracuse for annual State Fair sculpture

By Press Release
batavia butter
Photo courtesy the American Dairy Association North East.

Press release:

More than 800 pounds of butter has arrived at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, N.Y., as construction of one of Central New York’s best-kept secrets and most beloved attractions gets underway – the 55th Annual American Dairy Association North East Butter Sculpture, sponsored by Wegmans.

Over the weekend, sculptors Jim Victor and Marie Pelton began to create the annual sculpture, a process that will take approximately 11 days on-site to complete.

“For 55 years, the butter sculpture has been an iconic, can’t-miss attraction that has entertained millions of fairgoers,” says John Chrisman, CEO of the American Dairy Association North East. “This unique tradition pays tribute to our hardworking dairy farm families who work 365 days a year to sustainably and responsibly produce milk.”

The butter used for the sculpture comes from Batavia-based producer O-AT-KA Milk Products and is out of specification for retail sale for a variety of reasons, so American Dairy Association North East works with the sculptors to put it to good use by creating a beautiful piece of art.

Following its 13-day stint at The Fair, the butter will return to Western New York, where it will be recycled into renewable energy at Noblehurst Farms, a dairy farm in Pavilion, N.Y. Noblehurst Farm’s vast recycling program turns over 500 tons of food waste from supermarkets, universities and schools each month into enough energy to power the farm and over 300 local homes. The recycling program not only reduces the farm’s carbon footprint, it diverts all of that food waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Last year’s butter sculpture was “Refuel Her Greatness,” and it celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Title IX.

American Dairy Association North East will unveil the 55th Annual Butter Sculpture to the media on Tuesday, August 22nd, the day before The Fair officially opens.

Pavilion trustees approve confirmed tax rate for 2023-24

By Howard B. Owens

The tax rate in the Pavilion Central School District for 2023-24 is final, and the numbers are in alignment with budget projects from earlier this year, Donald Childs, school business official, told the Board of Education on Monday.

The board approved the tax warrants for the academic year.

The tax rate in the Town of Pavilion will be $16.68 per $1,000 of assessed value, a decrease from $16.73 this school year.

The rate for Bethany will be $19.06, up from 18.19; for Stafford, $16.34, down from $16.73; and, in Le Roy, $20.93, up from $20.16.

Outside of Genesee County, the towns of Covington, Middlebury, Caledonia, Leicester, and York also all contribute to the total tax levy.

The total tax levy is $5,788,283, which is a $85,396 over 2022-23.

The total assessed value of property in the district is $324,875,934.

The total spending plan for the 2023-24 academic year is $18,869,393, which voters approved in May.  The approved budget is 3.18 percent higher than 2022-23, for a total increase in spending of $582,042. 

At the time of the budget vote, district finance officers can only estimate the tax rate because town assessments are not always final. Once the total assessed value within the district is known, school districts can finalize the tax rates.

Photo: DOT begins dismantling Louie's Barber Shop building on Ellicott Street

By Howard B. Owens
louis barbershop on route 63
Photo by Howard Owens

Work crews and contractors for the NYS Department of Transportation began dismantling the former Louie's Barber Shop at 229 Ellicott Street (Route 63) today.

The building sits on a state highway right of way, and the state allowed the barber shop to continue operation so long as owner Rich Lamkin continued remained active in the business. Lamkin retired earlier this year.  The barber shop was originally owned by Louie Fanara.

A portion of the Pok-A-Dot is also on the state's right of way, and there is an agreement in place between the business and the DOT to allow the restaurant to occupy that space.

GO Health addresses vaping issues

By Press Release

Press Release:

What is a Vape?

Electronic Cigarettes (E-Cigarettes), better known as vapes, have become a widely used product for teens and young adults. Vaping is the action of inhaling vapor created by an E-Cigarette device. The devices can look like flash drives and come in many different flavors, sizes, and brands. The vape device works by heating an oily liquid until it becomes vapor. The liquid in the device, also known as vape juice, contains chemicals and can contain marijuana distillate or oil. The liquid also contains some mix of flavorings, aromatic additives that could smell and taste fruity or minty, depending on the flavor of the device.

Is Vaping Bad For You?

“There are still many unknowns about vaping and its long-term effects, including the vape liquid contents,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “Although vapes have been advertised as a way to quit smoking regular cigarettes, vapes still contain nicotine, the same addictive chemical in cigarettes. They also contain chemicals that have the potential to damage the lungs and there are no real regulations on how much nicotine and other chemicals are added.”

Vaping Associated Risks

Our lungs are not built to take in chemicals and oils over time. According to John Hopkins Medicine, the oily liquid from vape devices could have the ability to coat the lungs and cause chronic lung diseases such as lipoid pneumonia, a form of lung inflammation. A National Library of Medicine research review article discussed that
nicotine can lead to brain development risks and may cause anxiety. Nicotine also raises blood pressure and spikes adrenaline. The heart rate then increases, increasing the risk of heart attack. The risk of becoming a regular cigarette smoker and or developing other addictions is high. Reasons for quitting not only involve the health risks, it is also financially expensive and sports performance can dwindle as vaping may lead to lung
irritation.

Tips on Quitting

  • Pick a day on a calendar when you plan on quitting, and let friends or family know.
  • Download an app that helps you track your sober days, build new healthier habits, and provide motivation– visit SmokeFree.gov for free apps to download.
  • Get rid of all vaping devices.
  • Understand what the withdrawal symptoms are such as headaches, hunger, trouble sleeping, and concentrating are just a few.

Feeling the urge to vape? Try these instead:

  • Chewing gum or drinking water
  • Exercise
  • Yoga or meditation
  • Keeping your hands busy

The sooner one quits, the quicker the body rebounds and repairs itself. For more help or information, contact your healthcare provider. You can also text, chat or call the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit the New York State Department of Health website.

For more information on GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or call your respective health department at:

  • Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
  • Orleans County: 585-589-3278

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at GOHealthNY.

Tenney releases plans to defend Second Amendment rights

By Press Release

Press Release:

File photo of 
Claudia Tenney

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) released her American Values and Second Amendment Plans to highlight her commitment to supporting conservative and family ideals in Congress on behalf of New York’s 24th District. 

Tenney, a long-time champion of upholding the Second Amendment, introduced the Protecting Hunting and Archery in Schools Act to protect hunting, archery, and shooting sports programs in schools. Her three-pillar Second Amendment plan builds upon the progress achieved by NYSRPA v. Bruen and shows her vision for safeguarding our Second Amendment rights. She also released her comprehensive plan to preserve American Values, such as equality of opportunity. Tenney would do this by ending anti-American racist policies such as Critical Race Theory and DEI, and protecting the rights of the unborn. Tenney has also been a fearless leader in promoting legislation that protects equal opportunity for women and girls to compete and succeed in athletics. 

 “As the voice of New York’s 24th District in Congress, I will always be a steadfast advocate for American Values and Second Amendment rights,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Today, I demonstrated my commitment by unveiling two three-pillar plans on how I will continue to strengthen American Values and defend our Second Amendment rights in Washington. I am dedicated to ensuring a future for our country that is anchored in liberty, equality of opportunity, and freedom while embracing the enduring principles that have defined our nation for centuries."

To view Tenney’s full Second Amendment plan, click here.

To view Tenney’s full American Values plan, click here.

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