batavia

Press Release:

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.

Press Release:

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 

Press Release:

Golfers, mark your calendars and grab your clubs! The inaugural HomeCare & Hospice Golf Classic tees off Tuesday, June 24, at the scenic and celebrated Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia. HomeCare & Hospice has been servicing the Wyoming and Genesee Counties since 2000.

Recognized as Western New York’s #1 Public Golf Course and home of the famed Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic, Terry Hills offers 27 meticulously groomed holes and a reputation for providing an exceptional yet challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Registration is $100 per golfer or $400 per foursome, which includes: Greens fees and cart, Lunch out on the course, Dinner at the evening awards ceremony, Swag bag of goodies, and Fun contests and on-course surprises.

More than just a day of golf, the event supports a deeper purpose. Proceeds benefit the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation, helping deliver compassionate care and vital services across Allegany, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and Genesee Counties.

"It’s a chance to enjoy 18 holes on a top-tier course, spend time outdoors with your colleagues or friends, and know that your day on the green is directly supporting families in our communities," said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice. "It’s meaningful fun—with a mission behind every swing."

This year’s classic features favorite contests like mulligans, closest to the line, and longest drive, as well as two unique events: 

• Putting Contest – $5 for one ball or $10 for three. Sink a hole-in-one and you could win $500 cash, courtesy of Both, Branch & Hendrix of Olean. If multiple players make it in, we’ll draw from the names of those top putters to crown the winner.
• Air Cannon Shot – Ever launched your golf ball from an air cannon? Now’s your chance—for just $10, take aim and fire!

While HomeCare & Hospice has hosted golf tournaments across its four-county service area in years past, this marks a new beginning. Following direction from the organization’s Board of Directors to alternate fundraising events between the northern and southern regions, Batavia was selected as the site of this year’s tournament to strengthen support in Genesee and Wyoming Counties—while welcoming teams traveling north from Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties.

"Hospice doesn’t have a location—it impacts families everywhere,” Sullivan added. “And we’re excited to see the southern counties show their support by hitting the road for a great day of golf in the north."

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including hole sponsors, swag, lunch, cocktail hour, specialty tee signs, and golf hole discs. For more information, contact HomeCare & Hospice at 716-372-2106. 

Twelve teams already committed include: Portville Central School, Databranch, Kinley Contractors, National Fuel, Paul Brown Chevrolet, Siemens, Tim Keller / Vision Financial Group, Wright Beverage, Lawley Insurance, HomeCare & Hospice, Bradford Publishing, and 7 Mountains Media.

The event committee is seeking to fill a field of 20 foursomes, and spots are filling fast. To register, call 716-372-2106 or visit homecare-hospice.org. Swing big. Give back. Make a difference.

Press Release:

The Building Champions Basketball Camp is set to return this summer, offering athletes in Grades 1 through 7 the opportunity to develop core basketball skills in a fun, structured environment. The camp will take place from July 7–10 at the newly designated location, Zambito Gymnasium at GCC, located at 1 College Road, Batavia.

Campers will receive training in fundamental basketball areas including dribbling and ball handling, shooting, passing and catching, defense, footwork, and movement. Each day, participants will have access to a hydration station and a healthy snack, with a pizza party planned as part of the experience. All athletes will receive a camp T-shirt and have the opportunity to be recognized as “Camper of the Day” or to win the “MVP of the Week” trophy.

Camp Schedule:

• Grades 1 - 3: 2 - 4 p.m.
• Grades 4 - 7: 5 - 7 p.m.

Registration Fee: $125

For more information, contact Camp Director Coach Zambito at 585-813-8592 or ciaci4zambito@gmail.com.

David Jeffery Pinkerton, 32, of Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with assault 2nd and criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use. Pinkerton is accused of fighting with two people at around 1:58 a.m. on May 18 in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven in Bergen. He allegedly caused physical injury to one person who was transported to UMMC with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. He was held pending arraignment.

Kelly J. Mungo, 49, of East Main St., Batavia, is charged with tampering with physical evidence and criminal possession of controlled substance 7th. Mungo was arrested due to an investigation during a traffic stop on South Lake Road, Bergen, at 4:39 p.m. on May 5 by Deputy Jonathan Dimmig. She is accused of attempting to conceal cocaine and a crack pipe on her person. Mungo was held pending arraignment. Also charged,  Colleen M. Hutchinspon, 50, of Spring Street, Bergen, who was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. Hutchinson was allegedly found in possession of cocaine. She was held pending arraignment. Also charged, Timothy L. Corcoran, 61, of Maple Street, Batavia, who was charged with conspiracy 4th and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Corcoran is accused of possessing cocaine and contributing to the commission of two Class B felonies. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Kurtis Rashod Washington, 34, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. Washington is accused of possessing 23 grams of cocaine, enough to constitute intent to sell, during a probation home visit at 10:51 a.m. on May 5 on West Main Street Road, Batavia. He was transported to the Genesee County Jail and held without bail.

David R. Cook, no age or address provided, is charged with grand larceny 2nd and fostering the sale of stolen goods. Cook was arrested on April 25 following an investigation by Erik Andre and Deputy Nicholas Charmoun into thefts from Upstate Farms Culture Products at 5011 West Ag Park Drive, Batavia. Cook is accused of stealing property that belonged to Upstate over a six-month period and selling the property for financial gain. Cook allegedly stole more than $100,000 in goods. He was arraigned and released.

Heather McGinnis, 35, of Dublin Road, Bergen, is charged with assault 3rd. McGinnis was arrested following a report at 1:15 a.m. on April 17 of a disturbance at an address on Dublin Road. She is accused of biting another person. She was transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released.

Terrance D. Barner, 36, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Barner is accused of failing to leave the Quality Inn and Suites after being ordered to leave by deputies at 9:07 p.m. on April 21. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Casandra L. Matson, 38, of Railroad Avenue, Silver Springs, and Del John Akin, 47, of North Main Street, Silver Springs, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Matson and Akin are accused of skip-scanning merchandise at Walmart at 4:04 p.m. on April 23. The defendants were transported to the Genesee County Jail for processing and released.

Yulia Pityk, 24, of Silver Birch, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Yulia was stopped at 1:52 a.m. on April 25 on Route 33 in Bergen by Deputy Ryan Mullen. Pityk was released on tickets.

Cody James Nichols, 40, of Avenue A, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Nichols was allegedly found in possession of cocaine at 4:22 p.m. on May 1 at a location on Apple Tree Avenue, Bergen, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Stephen Douglas Freeman, 54, of Conlon Road, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, driving with registration suspended, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle, and driving without insurance. Freeman was stopped at 8:29 p.m. on May 2 on West Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Zachary Hoy. Freeman was held for arraignment.

Jennifer Lynn Maher, 42, of Prole Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and no plate lamp. Maher was stopped at 1:24 a.m. on May 4 by Deputy Zachary Hoy on Clinton Street Road, Stafford. Maher was issued tickets and released.

Jason Joseph Meyer, 48, of West Avenue, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and following too closely. Meyer was stopped at 10:05 p.m. on April 18 on Veterans Memorial Drive by Deputy Alexander Hadsall. Meyer was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Dylan Michael DIbble, 29, of Pole Bridge Road, Avon, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding, aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd, and driving left of pavement markings. Dibble was stopped at 2:08 a.m. on May 10 on Broadway Road, Bethany, by Sgt. Mathew Clor.

Thomas Howard Forbes, 58, no address provided, is charged with DWI and failure to stop at a stop sign. Forbes was stopped at 12:57 a.m. on May 18 on Park Road by Deputy Leah Bezon. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Press Release:

Please be advised that our team will be performing necessary repairs to both the water and sewer lines on Dellinger Avenue beginning Tuesday, May 20th.

Work is scheduled to commence shortly after 7:00 AM and will continue throughout the day until the repairs are completed. During this time, there is a strong possibility that road access will be limited or, in some areas, completely closed to through traffic in order to ensure the safety of the crew and the public.

Additionally, please be aware that there may be temporary disruptions to water service for properties located within or adjacent to the work zone. We recommend preparing in advance for the possibility of reduced water availability during the day. As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we carry out this important infrastructure work. Estimated time of completion is undetermined. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office at 585-345-6329.

With a bio that shares how she uses humor at the heart of her storytelling to encourage, inspire and heal, commencement speaker Kate Welshofer had a lot on her plate Saturday during Genesee Community College’s 57th annual graduation ceremony.

It’s fair to say the Western New York native — a former television news anchor, reporter and producer who made an abrupt shift after 27 years to pursue a more creative path with the National Comedy Center — did not disappoint.

At the crux of her message was for graduates to locate their innermost free spirits and act accordingly.

“In the grand scheme of things, it's pretty easy to create an existence that looks good on paper, good grades, great internships, decent jobs, respectable salaries, prestigious awards and on and on and on. But how does it all feel in here? Where is your heart in all of it? When it comes to answering that question, I highly recommend consulting your inner weirdo. That little voice inside that makes you sometimes, maybe a lot of times, makes you feel like you have no idea what you're doing,” she said at the Richard C. Call Arena. “I will tell you I tried to mute mine for a long time, but she is incredibly persistent. The little weirdo in all of us can be a great guide. It is filled with very unique magic that is all yours. 

"It is the best of you, trust it. It will carry you. And I know, because mine has carried and continues to carry and sometimes pushes me," she said. "Whether you realize it or not, your inner weirdo got you here. It has already helped you carve your unique place in this world, and it will continue to help you build what will be your life and eventually your legacy.”

She also cautioned them against rushing these fleeting moments, which are already fleeting enough. Along the lines of stopping to smell the roses, she suggested that they “celebrate, exhale, relax, and enjoy.” 

Society seems to have a way of wanting to know “what’s next” after one reaches a milestone such as graduation, in a dash to find out what plans are in store for the next chapter. Welshofer encouraged these students, whom she addressed as scholars, as did her professor father, to take a pause for this special time before pressing onward with life’s demands.

“Often there’s pressure to do more and do better,” she said, sharing her father’s philosophy. “He saw education not as a means to an end, but as an opportunity. His approach to life was with a sense of whimsy and wonder. He was always asking questions, always.”

He taught her lessons outside of the classroom, including that life didn’t have to be taken so seriously; a little levity can go a long way to connect people, she said.

That’s advice she has apparently incorporated on her way to becoming an award-winning writer, speaker, content creator, owner of Welshofer Creative LLC, columnist, and more recently author of her book “You Monster! (That’s a Compliment),” released in December 2024, with a second one in the works.

Her father perhaps best demonstrated his devilish humor by listing a three-letter alleged degree on his bio in the GCC catalog. Tickled with himself, he flipped open the newly printed publication and showed her the page. After she gave up on what the letters S.F.B. stood for, he told her: Short, Fat, Bald. They each got a laugh out of that, though mom didn’t seem as pleased, Welshofer said.

“The things that make us us, those are the things that matter,” she said, asking that everyone lightly wrap their arms around themselves in a hug and close their eyes. “If no one has ever told you this before, you are the most wonderful miracle to anyone who has or will have the great pleasure of knowing you. Cherish this moment and all it took to get you here, knowing that you are and always have been, in good hands, yours. 

"Give a little squeeze. Trust yourselves, trust your instincts. Trust that your joy, if you let it, will pull you in the direction of your very greatest potential," she said. "Whatever you do, don't let the what-if steal the infinite joy to be found in what already is.”

Being president of the Academic Senate and history professor at GCC has earned Charles Scruggs a continuing place at the podium, and this year he talked about learning the difference between gorillas and guerrillas. That early lesson led him down a path of seeking answers and unlocking one of the best gifts life has to offer: tuning into news and songs that aired on his blue portable Panasonic radio given to him by his parents in the early 1970s, he said.

The radio was a reward gift for his persistent spirit of finding out all he could about the five “gorillas” he had first heard about on the car radio with his folks and sister. They had taken over an airplane, and he couldn’t believe that the hairy animals would do that and was perplexed as to why. His dad, a teacher, used it for learning moments to define the difference between those creatures and the people who had hijacked a plane.

Scruggs had just turned 5, and his fascination with all that emitted from the radio grew after receiving his own device, he said.

“I held the magic of Marconi in the palm of my hand, and thanks to the miracle of my opposable thumbs, I could now dial in with an endless array of pop songs, live sporting events and business reports and pump up the volume or turn it down, as my heart desired. Even with my limited life experience, a lot of what I heard coming through that speaker spoke loud and clear and made a good deal of intuitive sense,” he said. “You don't tug on Superman’s cape, you don't spit into the wind, you don't pull the mask off the Lone Ranger, and you don't mess around with Jim. I've come to think of these as the four noble truths of the late great Jim Croce.”

He waxed nostalgic as he took students on a trip to his childhood and back again, sharing bits and pieces of what he learned on the “racetrack of life” and how not to let it become an inevitable hamster wheel.

A few tips to keep in mind:

• One, tap into the power of stories to instruct and inspire, using material that you know best, such as family.
• Two, thank the people who are there to support you and cheer you on as you navigate the racetrack of life.
• And three, run the race that allows your unique gifts to breathe. In other words, love what you’re doing rather than merely pursuing the big paycheck and material wealth.

As for his love of that little blue radio, it helped him to literally — and figuratively — discern the right direction for his own path while not losing a beat.

“It trained me to find the signal amidst the noise,” he said. “So, graduates, please follow my lead. Be sure to thank mom and dad and as you sturdy your ships and prepare to set sail from what is now the safe harbor of your alma mater, it is our hope at GCC that you make your own kind of music and sing your own special song. You can count on us to listen.”

GCC Foundation President Scott Gardner presented a posthumous Alpha Medal of Service award to Gillian Romano, wife of the late Russ Romano, who died in July 2024.

“This prestigious award is the highest honor bestowed by the Genesee Community College Foundation,” Gardner said. “It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary volunteer service and generous philanthropic support.”

Russ Romano served on the Foundation’s board of directors for 20 years, including two years as president, and also held leadership roles on the housing board of directors, stewardship committee and development committee.

"Through this work, Russ has guided others in strengthening the college's programs, mobilizing community support for capital initiatives, and making high-quality facilities available to students. Russ led by example and had engaged generously and selflessly with his financial resources in support of Foundation projects and created and funded the Russell and Gillian Romano scholarship to assist deserving students in their educational pursuits at GCC,” Gardner said. “Russ was deeply committed to the preservation and growth of our local communities.”

Romano was a founder of Genesee Cancer Assistance and an enthusiastic supporter of the community, and exemplified the “highest standards of volunteer service and inspired all those around him with his loyalty, commitment and honesty,” he said.

Andre' Miller, owner of Zoom n' Groom, along with assistants, was parked outside the Genesee County Animal Shelter on Sunday afternoon, trimming the nails of dogs as a fundraiser for the Volunteers for Animals.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

The Batavia City School District (BCSD) is proud to announce it has once again been honored with the 2025 NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education designation, recognizing its continued excellence and longstanding commitment to comprehensive music education. 

The designation honors districts that demonstrate exceptional achievement in ensuring access to high-quality music education for all students. This marks the second consecutive year BCSD has earned this national honor, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in music education.

Superintendent Jason Smith said of the honor, “We are incredibly proud to once again be recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. Receiving this distinction two years in a row is a true reflection of our district’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded education where the arts—and especially music—play a central role. From our elementary school instrumental and vocal programs to high school ensembles, marching band, and theater productions, Batavia students have access to meaningful, enriching music experiences at every stage of their education. As someone who personally benefited from our music program, I’m thrilled to see our students and staff receive this well-deserved national recognition.”

“Being honored with this award for the second consecutive year speaks volumes about the strength and depth of our music program here at BCSD. Our students engage in everything from voice and instrument lessons to performing in chorus, orchestra, rock band, pep band, and musical productions. This achievement belongs to our students, our passionate music educators, and the families and community members who continue to support the arts. We are building something truly special in Batavia, and I’m excited to see where we go from here,” said Melzie Case, BCSD Music Department Chair.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, BCSD answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.

Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.

Press Release:

Emmanuel Baptist Church’s Community Garden is looking for green thumbs to come and grow! We have 20 raised 3X4 garden plots, water, tools, seeds, and fertilizer. We need gardeners! Do you want to provide fresh from the garden veggies or flowers for your family? Come grow with us! 

The Sun is shining and the plots have been re-done with new soil but not enough people signed up for plots! We still have several in need of gardeners. Plots are free till gone! Call 585-343-4905 or email ebcbatavia@gmail.com to sign up!

Perry's supplied ice cream on Saturday to the Mercy Flight ground and air base on Call Parkway in Batavia in celebration of EMS Week.

Photos submitted by Wesley Rehwaldt.

Churches often draft mission statements that encompass far-reaching goals across the country and throughout the world; however, there’s also something to be said for extending a kind hand to someone right next door to you, Jo-Ann Bestine says.

As a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia, she knows the extensive hard work that’s been done in the name of outreach, she said.

“We’ve done outreach for years, internationally and nationally. We’re making an attempt to do outreach on Main Street, Batavia. And why it’s perfect, this is the Presbyterian Church. We’re both on Main Street, we’re both in Batavia, we both want to do outreach; it just fits the bill,” Bestine said Saturday outside of First Presbyterian Church at East Main and Liberty streets. “Get to know our neighbors, they don’t have to come into our church to be our neighbors. So let’s be a good community, just get everyone to know your neighbors in this local community.”

The churches invite everyone to stop by, grab lunch, mingle, play a lawn game and get to know fellow residents. The event is free and will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia.

Besides the common denominator of food — who doesn’t like creamy toasted cheese sandwiches or peanut butter and jelly? — now might be a perfect time to take moments for relaxation and socializing, Bestine said.

“Actually, right now, people are a little bit upset with things going on internationally and nationally, and are frustrated that they can’t fix what they think is broken. I can’t fix what’s overseas, I can’t fix what’s in the nation, but maybe if I focus on my community, on Main Street, Batavia, it’ll help me, it’ll help us,” she said. “That’s something we can do. We can’t fix the world, but maybe we can make a difference right here in Batavia. It does satisfy, it’s the frustration with what’s going on nationally and internationally that we can’t fix, but we can do this. This is achievable. One grilled cheese sandwich at a time.”

The Rev. Roula Alkhouri of First Presbyterian added that it’s “the fun of coming together as a community.” The goal is to build community and connect people through a fun and simple event, she said, where people may bring a lawn chair and sit and enjoy a time of conversation and fun with others.

Action doesn’t have to be major to be effective, she said.

“We don’t have to be divided on anything. We just love each other and enjoy a good time. I think that’s always the challenge, is for people to remember that you don’t have to do big things in order to change the world, you could just be together and change how you see others,” Alkhouri said. “It’s going to be a great event, I think, no matter where we end up doing it, inside or outside, but we’ll have fun. And I think it’s a great way for them to share their gifts, teach them more by service and caring for the community.”

Both women agreed that this isn’t any type of recruiting event for the churches, even though folks might just find that what’s behind the walls of each less intimidating than what they may have previously thought.

“No, it’s just we’re part of the community, so let’s look like it, get out from behind the walls,” Bestine said. “The idea of having it, if weather permits, having it on the lawn, perhaps one is a little bit intimidated with coming through the big stone walls at St. James. I mean, they call it the castle on the hill. It’s just not an inviting structure, so we’ll meet you on the front lawn.”

Genesee County's Master Gardeners held the group's annual Spring Gala plant sale at the Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 E. Main St., Batavia, on Saturday.

Photos by Howard Owens

A visit to the back portion of the Harvester Center, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, in the daylight of a Friday afternoon reveals that the old factory buildings are in as bad a shape as the collapse of a wall of one of the buildings suggested on Thursday night.

The city of Batavia has cited six buildings in the complex for code violations, and the owners are under court order to submit an action plan for addressing the code violations.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski has recommended that City Council submit a $1 million Restore NY grant application to fund an extensive demolition project at the Harvester campus.

The city’s plan, developed in cooperation with Amerinac Holding Corp., proposes demolishing the severely deteriorated buildings to open space for parking, lighting, and green areas, while supporting redevelopment of the remaining structures.

Amerinac Holding Corp. is a company based in Ohio led by John F. Wachter III and John F. Wachter Jr. 

The complex spans 29 acres, contains approximately 1 million square feet of former industrial use.

Tabelski described the project as “phase one of the redevelopment of the campus,” to transform the site into a mixed-use destination similar to Buffalo’s Larkinville district. The total cost for demolition and redevelopment is estimated between $8 and $12 million, with the Restore NY grant covering a portion of that amount.

The Harvester Center, originally the Massey-Harris-Ferguson plant, closed in 1958, causing a sharp rise in local unemployment. The Mancuso family purchased the complex and, in 1959, pioneered the business incubator model by dividing the space for use by small businesses. Over the past six decades, more than 3,000 businesses have operated within its walls. The property was sold to Amerinac Holding Corp. in 2021.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said Friday that a newly approved tax reduction for the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. will directly benefit OTB employees and communities across Western New York.

Speaking at a press conference at Batavia Downs, Peoples-Stokes said, “I assure you, both the elected representatives as well as the board members, that in Albany, we paid attention to what you asked for.” 

She called the $4.5 million annual tax cut, signed last week by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the result of persistent local advocacy and a commitment to workers.

“It’s really challenging when you’re working on a budget the size of the one that New York works on,” Peoples-Stokes said. “You can get right to the last day, and some things that you think were in there could come out because something else found its way in. That did not happen with this issue.”

Peoples-Stokes said the tax reduction will help Batavia Downs provide better wages and benefits for employees, improve entertainment for guests and increase distributions to the 17 member municipalities.

“I want to give God all the glory, because clearly that’s how I take my lead, and it’s been working for me my entire life,” she said.

She also credited Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for supporting the measure, saying she personally lobbied him to keep the provision in the budget for Western New York. 

“The idea came from Western New York. So the idea should actually happen for Western New York in this budget,” Peoples-Stokes said.

About 50 Batavia Downs employees stood behind the speakers during the press conference, holding signs thanking the political leaders who helped secure the tax cut in the state budget.

Byron Brown, president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., said the tax cut will allow Batavia Downs to do “even more for all of you and our host communities,” estimating the change will provide $25 million over five years.

“Our dedicated employees and the 2.7 million residents in our 17 member municipalities will be the beneficiaries,” Brown said.

Dennis Bassett, chair of the board, said the measure is a step forward, but more work remains in Albany.

“There are issues that need to be addressed in Albany that haven’t been addressed until now, issues that must be addressed if Batavia Downs and the OTB are going to increase revenue and profits for the municipalities,” Bassett said. “We know that we can’t grow this business and be successful if we don’t look at how we can go into different ventures, and we can’t do the same things we’ve been doing tomorrow that we’re doing today and be successful.”

Rochelle Stein, chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature and a board member, said the partnership between management and the board was critical to achieving the tax reduction.

“This is what happens when everyone pulls in the same direction for the good of our region,” Stein said. “It’s not just about Batavia Downs -- it’s about every community that benefits.”

Mo Sumbundu, Western New York regional director for Gov. Hochul’s office, praised the collaboration in order to benefit the municipalities and OTB employees.

“The tax rate reduction also allows Western New York Off Track betting employees, who are standing here with us today, to receive much-deserved pay raises, reducing costs for their families and also reducing their health care insurance costs,” Sumbundu said.

Antonella Rotilio, a representative of the United Public Service Employees Union, said the tax reduction is a win for the staff.

“Our members work hard every day to make Batavia Downs a success,” Rotilio said in a statement. “This tax relief means our voices were heard, and it will help us continue to provide for our families and support our communities. We appreciate the leadership that made this possible.”

Peoples-Stokes closed by urging Batavia Downs to “keep doing that great job of entertaining " and congratulating the board and staff on their work in securing the tax cut.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley has opened a new district office in Batavia, aiming to make state government more accessible for Genesee and Monroe county residents.

The office is located inside the Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 420 East Main St. in Batavia. Hawley said the move brings his staff closer to constituents who previously had to travel to Albion, the site of his official district office in Orleans County.

“We just decided that it was about time,” Hawley said. “I had talked to Jocelyn Sikorski, the coordinator and director here, about maybe having a space on the first floor for handicapped accessibility. She said, ‘We’ve got just the right space for you.’”

Hawley said his staff will be available at the Batavia office at least once a week, every Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m., with more hours added if needed.

“We need to be visible and accessible,” he said.

Hawley noted that his team has always offered outreach hours in Genesee County, previously operating out of Genesee Community College, and in all four Monroe County towns in his district. The new Batavia office, he said, is a practical step to better serve the community.

“It’ll also be a little closer for folks from Scottsville and Monroe County, up in Sweden too, rather than going over to Orleans County,” Hawley said.

He emphasized that the new location comes at no additional cost to taxpayers.

“No, none whatsoever,” Hawley said. “Spending taxpayer money to have an office -- one office is plenty to pay money for. But when they came forward and said, ‘We’ve got a spot for you,’ it just made sense.”

Hawley represents the 139th Assembly District, which covers parts of Genesee, Orleans, and Monroe counties.

   Batavia’s bats broke loose in the sixth inning, powering a 24-2 victory over Attica on Senior Night, Thursday night, at Dwyer Stadium.

The Blue Devils sent 19 batters to the plate in the sixth, racking up 15 runs on 13 hits. They finished with 24 runs on 23 hits overall, with every starter collecting at least one hit and scoring a run.

“We’ve been struggling to get big hits with runners in scoring position, but tonight it clicked,” Batavia coach Michael Sputore said. “We scored 12 runs with two outs and had 11 hits with two outs.”

Jameson Motyka led the charge, going 4-for-4 with four runs, a double and an RBI. Lakoda Mruczek finished 4-for-5 with three runs, two doubles and four RBI. Brady Mazur, who also earned the win on the mound, went 3-for-4 and drove in five runs.

“Brady threw very well for us tonight, keeping the Attica hitters off balance and challenging them,” Sputore said.

Maggio Buchholz added a triple among his three hits, scoring three times and driving in three. Carter Mullen and Bronx Buchholz each had two hits, combining for five runs and four RBI.

Attica scored in the top of the first, but Mazur settled in, tossing six innings and allowing just three hits, striking out four and giving up one earned run.

“Proud of the boys tonight,” Sputore said. “It was a nice way to bounce back after a challenging week for us.”

Batavia improved to 9-8 overall and 5-3 in league play. The Blue Devils close out the regular season at Brockport on Friday at 5 p.m.

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