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Batavia pastor fulfills vow to memorialize 'long-lost' family with stone marker, ceremony Saturday

By Joanne Beck
Jim Morasco and Sharon Burkel at Batavia Cemetery
2024 File Photo of Jim Morasco and Sharon Burkel at the Potter's Field in Batavia Cemetery. They invite the public to a memorial ceremony to dedicate a stone monument to Morasco's long-lost family members at 11 a.m. Saturday.

In February 2024, Jim Morasco was halfway there to fulfill a goal of memorializing his long lost relatives Giovanna and Nicholas Morasco with a stone at Batavia Cemetery.

The third-generation Batavia resident, pastor and author of “Dreaming A Spiritual Journey” traced his family members, who died in the 1930s, to Potter’s Field in the cemetery and vowed to give them something to mark their lives, and their importance to his.

That moment will come at 11 a.m. Saturday at the cemetery on Harvester Avenue, Batavia.

“The Morasco family and the Batavia Cemetery Association would like to invite you to the dedication of the stone for Giovanna and Nicholas Morasco, their ancestors who are buried in the Potter's Field at Batavia Cemetery,” cemetery President Sharon Burkel said.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of his book was going towards purchase of the monument for the Paupers grave, used for those that had no designated grave site due to their social or financial status at the time of death. 

His genealogy project morphed into a project involving well known Batavian Catherine Roth, a staunch supporter of city and cemetery history. She had helped Morasco with research to track the whereabouts of his long-lost family members: his grandmother had died at the age of 40 with heart issues, and Nicholas was just 6 years old when he died of scarlet fever. 

“When I called Catherine Roth the second time, she said ‘they’re here’; that was the a-ha moment; that’s how I found them,” Morasco said during a previous interview with The Batavian in 2024 at The Pub Hub just across from the cemetery. “When I was in Italy … I went to a church and touched the baptismal. All those people I never knew contributed to who I am.”

The dedication will also mention the importance of recognizing all the others who are buried there, Morasco said. Musician Bart Dentino will sing a song during the program.

Morasco is semi–retired, having worked in the field of human services, and is an ordained minister dually certified through the American Baptist and United Church of Christ denominations. He is currently serving as a part-time pastor at the Morganville United Church of Christ. 

“We are very grateful that last fall Jim also donated $1,000 from the sale of his book for the restoration and care of the cemetery,” Burkel said. 

During that 2024 interview, Burkel had said that “every soul in the cemetery has a story,” promising that “We’ll pick a nice spot in that area for the marker.” 

Noah Pickard named to SUNY Oneonta's spring 2025 dean's list

By Press Release

Press Release:

Noah Pickard of Batavia, was one of more than 1,175 SUNY Oneonta students who earned Dean's List honors for the spring 2025 semester.

To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

Law and Order: Batavia man charged with assault and strangulation in separate incidents

By Howard B. Owens
dominic dyer
Dominic Dyer

Dominic J. Dyer, 20, of Batavia, was arrested May 19 and charged with assault 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Dyer allegedly punched another person multiple times in the presence of a child during a fight on Liberty Street. He was also charged with strangulation 2nd and harassment 2nd in connection with a separate incident on April 20 on East Main Street, where Dyer allegedly strangled another person during a fight in the parking lot of the Mobil gas station. Dyer was arraigned in CAP Court.

Jadeyn R. Goras, 22, of Alabama, was arrested May 15 and charged with burglary 2nd, conspiracy 4th, criminal mischief 4th, and criminal facilitation 4th. Goras was charged in connection with a burglary on Hutchins Street on Jan. 12. He was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date.

Anthony A. Bomasuto, 31, of Batavia, was arrested May 18 and charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 2nd. Bomasuto allegedly entered the victim’s residence in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in CAP Court and remanded to Genesee County Jail.

Lakeisha A. Gibson, 38, of Batavia, was arrested May 19 and charged with criminal contempt 1st. Gibson allegedly violated an order of protection. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to Genesee County Jail.

Meaghan A. Conti, 38, of Rochester, was arrested May 27 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Conti was allegedly found in possession of narcotics while being arrested on an unrelated warrant. She was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision.

Gary A. Rhim, 64, of Albion, was arrested May 29 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Rhim was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on Aug. 12, 2024. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released.

Elise C. Maddox, 31, of Batavia, was arrested May 31 as a fugitive from justice. Maddox was located during a traffic stop and taken into custody on a warrant out of Gwinnett County, Georgia. She was arraigned and remanded to Genesee County Jail to await extradition.

Jacalyn J. Klein, 66, of Batavia, was arrested May 30 on a warrant. Klein was initially charged with harassment 2nd after an incident on East Main Street where she allegedly struck another person. The warrant was issued after she failed to appear in court. She was arraigned in CAP Court and is due in Batavia City Court at a later date.

William D. Gamble, Nefetiria L. Turner, Passiona C. McConnell, and Anthony J. Terry were arrested on May 27 and charged with disorderly conduct. The arrests followed an investigation into a fight on South Main Street. All four were issued appearance tickets and released.

Joey A. Evans, 34, of Batavia, was arrested May 29 and charged with harassment 2nd. Evans allegedly threatened another person during an altercation on Jackson Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Alicia M. Lyons, 45, of Batavia, was arrested May 26 and charged with trespass. Lyons allegedly went onto the property of a business on Jackson Street where she had previously been trespassed. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. Lyons was also arrested May 12 and charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly threatening another person during an altercation on West Main Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Justine D. Wood, 38, of Batavia, and Austin A. Heideman, 27, of Batavia, were arrested May 23 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Wood and Heideman were charged following a traffic stop on West Main Street, where they were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. Both were issued appearance tickets and released.

Thomas J. Claffey, Lisa R. Richmond, and Carl T. Amesbury were arrested May 22 and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. The three were charged following a traffic stop and K9 deployment on River Street, where they were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. Richmond was additionally charged with criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd, and Amesbury was additionally charged with tampering with physical evidence. All three were issued appearance tickets and released. Claffey was also arrested May 12 and charged with DWI after allegedly being found intoxicated and sleeping at the wheel of a vehicle. He was issued several traffic tickets and is due in court May 27.

Amanda M. Garcia, 30, of Brockport, was arrested May 21 and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Garcia was charged after a traffic stop on East Main Street. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Dennis R. Peters, 68, of Batavia, was arrested May 20 and charged with menacing 2nd. Peters allegedly threatened another person with a metal pipe during an argument on West Main Street. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released. He is due back in court June 18.

Brandon M. Kirby, 32, of Batavia, was arrested May 18 and charged with criminal mischief 4th. Kirby allegedly took a cell phone from the victim in an attempt to prevent them from calling 911 during a domestic dispute. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

Anthony G. Cicoria, 56, of Caledonia, was arrested May 20 and charged with petit larceny. Cicoria allegedly stole a cowboy hat from the 7-Eleven on East Main Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Benjamin A. Rachow, 42, of East Bethany, was arrested May 12 and charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Rachow allegedly had contact with the protected party of an order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Dawn Orlando, 55, of Batavia, was arrested and charged with offering a false instrument for filing 1st, grand larceny 4th, and welfare fraud 4th. Orlando is accused of failing to report money received from babysitting, friends, and access to cash app accounts, which allegedly resulted in her receiving $2,257.50 in public assistance benefits she was not entitled to. The charges stem from an investigation by Genesee County Social Services Investigator Sherri Sibley. Orlando was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Michelle Mault, 39, of Corfu, was arrested and charged with welfare fraud 3rd, grand larceny 3rd, and two counts of offering a false instrument for filing, all felonies, as well as welfare fraud 5th, a misdemeanor. Mault allegedly failed to report income from employment, resulting in a SNAP overpayment of $3,705 and a HEAP overpayment of $441. The charges follow an investigation by Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi. Mault was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance with a return date.

Joseph M. Tornabene, 33, of Batavia, was arrested June 5 and charged with criminal contempt 1st. Tornabene allegedly violated an order of protection by calling the protected party while incarcerated at the Genesee County Jail. He was arraigned in CAP Court and is scheduled to return to Batavia Town Court at a later date.

Mary A. Virgilio, 50, of Batavia, was arrested June 5 and charged with harassment 2nd. Virgilio allegedly punched the victim in the face following a verbal altercation on State Street Road in the Town of Batavia. She was transported to Genesee County Jail and is due to appear in CAP Court on June 6.

Timothy J. Wenzel, of Batavia, was arrested June 1 and charged with four counts of forcible touching. Wenzel is accused of inappropriately touching another employee on four separate occasions at his place of employment, without the employee’s consent. He was held at Genesee County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court.

Mary L. Seekins, 35, of Le Roy, was arrested June 8 and charged with aggravated DWI (operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .18% or higher), DWI, moving from lane unsafely, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Seekins was charged following an investigation into a property damage accident on West Bergen Road in Bergen, where she allegedly drove off the road and struck several trees. She was released on traffic tickets and is scheduled to appear in Bergen Town Court on July 2 at 5 p.m..

Sponsored Post: Open House this Saturday - 3 Norris Avenue in Batavia! Call Charles Flynn today

By Sponsored Post
Charles Flynn

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12 days away: Tee off for a cause at the 2025 inaugural HomeCare & Hospice golf classic

By Press Release

Press Release:

 

The countdown is on! In just 12 days, the inaugural HomeCare & Hospice Golf Classic tees off at Terry Hills Golf Course in Batavia on Tuesday, June 24. Golfers from across the region will come together for a fun, meaningful day on the greens—all in support of compassionate end-of-life care in our communities.

 

With 16 foursomes already signed up and just a few team slots left to fill, now’s the time to join in. Registration is $100 per golfer or $400 per foursome and includes:

  • Greens fees & cart
  • Lunch out on the course
  • Dinner at the awards ceremony
  • Swag bag
  • Contests, surprises & prizes

This isn’t just a day of golf—it’s a chance to support critical hospice services in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, and Genesee Counties. 

“We’re so excited to bring this tournament to Batavia and strengthen our support in the northern counties,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice. “It’s meaningful fun—with a mission behind every swing.”

Terry Hills, home to the Jim Kelly Celebrity Classic and ranked WNY’s #1 Public Golf Course, offers 27 pristine holes, a top-notch experience, and a beautiful setting for a day of giving back. 

This year’s event includes popular challenges like longest drive, closest to the line, and mulligans, plus two unique features:

Putting Contest – $5 for one ball or $10 for three. Sink a hole-in-one for your shot at $500 in cash and prizes, courtesy of Both, Branch & Hendrix of Olean.

Air Cannon Shot – Launch your ball like never before—$10 per shot!

Sponsors are helping bring the day to life. Recent additions include:

  • Ontario Shore Federal Credit Union – Cocktail Hour Sponsor
  • Ellicott Development – Tee Box Sponsor
  • Turbo Machining & Howard Hanna Professionals – Hole Sponsors

They join ten other organizations already committed as sponsors, showing widespread community support for hospice care across all four counties.

While HomeCare & Hospice has hosted tournaments in the past, this year’s event is part of a new rotation that alternates fundraising locations between the north and south. Batavia is about a 90-minute drive from Olean and Wellsville—and golfers from the Southern Tier are encouraged to make the trip, tee off for a cause, and enjoy the fun.

“Hospice care touches every corner of our region,” said Sullivan. “This event reflects that—uniting people across county lines to make a difference.” 

Spots are limited! The event committee is aiming for 20 total foursomes, with just four left to go. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including lunch, hole, swag, and specialty signage. 

To register or learn more, call 716-372-2106 or visit homecare-hospice.org. 

Swing big. Give back. Make a difference.

UMMC hosts Girl Scouts for stroke education event, aimed to raise awareness and save lives

By Press Release
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Press Release:

Rochester Regional Health (RRH) teamed up with Batavia-area Girl Scouts to offer a Fun Patch educational event at United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC). Over a dozen Girl Scouts ages 6–12 earned the RRH Stroke Superstar patch by learning what to watch for when it comes to strokes and how to call for help. 

The girls received a behind-the-scenes tour of UMMC, had an up-close look at state-of-the-art medical equipment and the inside of an ambulance, and met real-life healthcare heroes. The girls also donated blankets they made to the Lipson Cancer Center to be given to cancer patients and family members.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a stroke. Since 1990, incidences of stroke in people aged 49 and under have steadily increased. Healthcare workers noted that children were often present when a caregiver experienced a stroke, making it essential for all ages to recognize the signs and know how to engage Emergency Medical Services quickly.

Rochester Regional Health remained committed to the well-being of the community. Educating the public on life-saving health knowledge, such as recognizing the signs of stroke, was one of many ways RRH partnered with the community to promote better health outcomes.

Submitted photos.

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Welding and plumbing training offered this fall at Genesee Community College

By Press Release

Press Release:

 

This fall, Genesee Community College's Business and Employee Skills Training (BEST) Center will offer hands-on training in two in-demand skilled trades: Welding and Plumbing. Evening classes begin on Sept. 2 and are designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults.

 

"Students will be awarded an industry-recognized credential upon completion of the training," according to Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of Workforce Development at The BEST Center. "We are proud to offer these short-term programs that open doors to long-term career opportunities."

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Sal Bonafide
Photo courtesy of GCC.

The Welding Fundamentals Program equips students with essential skills for immediate entry into the workforce. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of techniques, including basic gas and arc welding, gas metal arc welding (MIG), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW/stick), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG), and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). Students will also learn the principles of industrial safety, equipment setup and operation, as well as shop safety protocols.

Welding instruction will be led by Sal Bonafide, a GCC instructor with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Bonafide is eager to begin working with a new cohort of welding students: "Being able to work with students across different generations and disciplines is something I've always worked hard at; I can't wait to share my knowledge and experience with a new generation of welders."

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Walter Szczesny
Photo courtesy of GCC.

The Plumbing Certificate Program prepares students for entry-level employment in the residential plumbing trade. The training includes a strong foundation in plumbing theory and hands-on instruction in areas such as safety procedures, tool and material use, pipe fitting, fixture installation, and system maintenance. Students will also complete the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety training.

Instruction is provided by Walter Szczesny, a lifelong Batavia resident and Master Plumber who has owned and operated WTS Plumbing since 1993. Szczesny brings a lifetime of experience to share with his students: "I am excited to take my 45 years of knowledge and experience in the plumbing industry and pass it on to the next generation of plumbers with the skills needed to succeed in the field."

The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is the recognized regional leader in workforce development, offering targeted seminars, workshops, and training programs to strengthen both individuals and businesses throughout the GLOW region. To learn more about the BEST Center's offerings, please visit our Technical Programs page.

HomeCare & Hospice welcomes four new staff members to Batavia team

By Press Release

Press Release:

 

HomeCare & Hospice is proud to welcome four new team members serving the Batavia and Arcade areas: Jennifer Byroads, Daythin Hamilton, Samantha Schiavi, and Roberta LaDue. Each brings compassion, experience, and a unique personal touch
to the organization’s mission of caring for individuals and families in their most vulnerable moments. 

 

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Jennifer Byroads

“We’re excited to welcome these talented individuals to our team,” said Melissa Sullivan, CEO of HomeCare & Hospice. “Their dedication and heart for service reflect the values we strive to bring to every patient and family. We know they will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Jennifer Byroads joins as an Administrative Assistant in Batavia. With more than 25 years of experience in medical offices spanning primary care, pediatrics, psychology, and community outreach, Jennifer says joining HomeCare & Hospice was “a natural fit.” 

“I saw this as an opportunity to be part of a great team that helps patients and families through maybe their greatest time of need,” Jennifer said. 

Jennifer lives in Batavia with her husband, and together they enjoy cheering on the Buffalo Bills, cooking, and spending time with their three adult daughters. 

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Daythin Hamilton

Daythin Hamilton, based in both Batavia and Arcade, also steps into an Administrative Assistant role. A Florida native now living in Attica, Daythin brings years of nonprofit and administrative experience from her work at Buffalo City Mission. 

“I enjoy working with people and connecting them to needed services,” Daythin said. “Every day brings something new, and I’m glad to help individuals and families get the support they need.”

Outside of work, Daythin enjoys embroidery, crocheting, painting, and audiobooks.  

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Samantha Schiavi

Samantha Schiavi joins as an LPN Specialist based in Batavia. With her medical background and passion for nursing, Samantha will play a critical role in delivering compassionate care to patients and supporting their families.

Roberta LaDue, a new Home Health Aide in Batavia, brings a warm and nurturing spirit to her role. She lives in Batavia with her two daughters and boyfriend and says her caregiving comes from the heart.

“I have always loved taking care of friends and family,” Roberta shared. “I care for my patients like they’re my own.” 

She enjoys family time, walking, baking, and is especially proud of her daughters, both of whom are honor roll students.

HomeCare & Hospice provides compassionate care for individuals with advanced illness and those facing end-of-life. Serving Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee, and Wyoming counties, HCH offers both home care and hospice services tailored to meet the needs of patients and families with dignity and comfort.  For more information, please call 585-343-7596, visit homecare-hospice.org, or email snegron@homecare-hospice.org.

Submitted photos.

Four local students named to Paul Smith's College Spring 2025 dean's list

By Press Release

Press Release:

Paul Smith's College is pleased to announce the students who have been named to the Dean's List and Adirondack Scholars for the Spring 2025 semester.

Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this academic achievement.

  • Ashley Carli of Le Roy
  • Nicholas Grover of Batavia
  • Noah Keys of Le Roy
  • Michael Marchese of Batavia 

GO Art! showcases local talent with new exhibits by BOCES students, Jodi Fisher, and Matthew Fox

By Press Release
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Matthew Fox - A Fine Arrow

Press Release:

Go Art is thrilled to announce the opening of three captivating new exhibitions, featuring the diverse talents of the Genesee region BOCES Graphic Arts students, Matthew Fox, and one of GO Art’s staff members, Jodi Fisher. Join us at GO Art for the opening reception on June 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.

On display in our Oliver’s Gallery is the exhibit "Through a Lens,&" featuring the work of photographer and poet Jodi Fisher, a collection of nature photography showcasing some of her recent work.

Jodi invites the public to see her raw, unaltered photographs, which bring into focus how random things can be intensely interesting, especially when light, shadows, and angles come into play. Everyone who views this body of work will agree that Jodi successfully achieved her intention to transform the simple and sometimes mundane subject matter into an art piece.

Jodi says, “Each photograph captures not only what I see at any given moment, but it also tells a story about how simply looking at something from a different angle changes the whole feeling and mood of the piece”.

Contemporary painter Matthew Fox's collection offers the public a contemplative introspection in his exhibition, so aptly titled “Beyond Boundaries: Form and Fantasy.” 

Matt says, “In my work, I explore the convergence of the visceral and the ethereal through bold color relationships and symbolic imagery. My paintings oscillate between representational and abstract forms, creating visual narratives that examine our relationship with both the microscopic world within us and the vast cosmos beyond."

Matt Fox (b. 1985) is a contemporary painter based in Batavia, New York. Working primarily in acrylics, Fox creates vibrant, symbolically rich compositions that bridge the gap between scientific understanding and emotional experience.

Featured in the Rotary Gallery are over 50 art pieces created by Genesee Valley BOCES Graphic Arts Students. Their work explores the impact of color use in art and its effect on our emotions. The public will see diverse interpretations of this subject through the eyes of our young graphic artists.

GO Art! invites the public to immerse themselves in these three new exhibitions and support our talented artists.

Both Matt and Jodi will give brief artists’ talks at 6:30 p.m. during the reception. Justin Reynolds will provide live music. 

As always, all exhibition receptions are FREE to the public, but the experience is invaluable. For more information, please contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313.

Submitted photos.

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Jodi Fisher – Coral
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Cadence Cook – Why Wont it Fit

Opening statements delivered in Edward Dunn murder trial

By Camryn Brookhart
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Edward Dunn

The murder of Michael Poole, a 59-year-old Olcott resident, was calculated and driven by paranoia, District Attorney Kevin Finnell told jurors on Tuesday during opening statements in the trial of Edward A. "Eddie" Dunn, the man accused of killing Poole and leaving his body in bed of a pickup truck in the town of Alabama.

Dunn has denied the charges against him.

According to Finnell's account of events, Dunn shot Poole in the head after suspecting him of knowing too much about a string of burglaries allegedly committed by Dunn and his friend, Katherine “Kat” Henry. 

Poole’s body was discovered on March 19, 2024, in Alabama in the bed of his own pickup truck, abandoned and buried under a pile of debris and towels. 

“Michael deserved to die. Why? Because he was a man who knew too much,” Finnell said to the jury in his opening remarks. 

He described the killing as an execution, saying Dunn, armed with a .22 caliber rifle, shot Poole multiple times before attempting to cover up the crime. 

The prosecution highlighted the timeline of events leading to Poole’s death, claiming that Dunn and Henry had been staying with Norman "Bud" Dubois in Middleport while committing burglaries across the region. 

On March 17, 2024, Henry allegedly called Poole for a ride for her and Dunn. They had known each other in the past. When they returned from scouting out a laundromat, the prosecution says, Dunn fatally shot Poole from the back seat of Poole’s truck. 

Evidence recovered includes shell casings, the murder weapon found in a crawlspace at Dubois’ home, and a fingerprint linking Dunn to the rifle. The truck was located on March 18, and Poole’s body was later found inside. 

The defense, led by attorney Casey Spencer, urged jurors to question the credibility of key witnesses, particularly Henry and Dubois, who she says are both unreliable due to their criminal histories and drug use. 

“You will not find physical evidence to support the narrative that’s been presented,” Spencer said. 

She stressed that Henry’s story changed only after she had been charged with second-degree murder. She also suggested that the evidence could have been tampered with in the three days that Henry and Dubois were alone in that house before a search warrant was issued. 

The defense also cast doubt on the forensic value of the fingerprint that was found on the rifle, arguing that it cannot be said that was the last time that Dunn handled the weapon. 

The case will resume Wednesday at 9:15 a.m., with further testimony from law enforcement, forensic experts, and key witnesses, including Henry and Dubois. 

The trial is anticipated to last until June 20.

UMMC Wound Care Center celebrates 9 years of national recognition

By Press Release
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Press Release:

Rochester Regional Health (RRH) is proud to announce that The Wound Care Center at United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) has achieved clinical and operational recognition from Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services.

UMMC Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center earned the most prestigious Healogics’ award, the President’s Circle Designation, and was the only center in New York State to achieve this esteemed honor.

The Center also earned designation as a Center of Excellence and Center of Distinction for 2024. These national awards recognize Wound Care Centers that consistently demonstrate high performance in several key areas including patient satisfaction, wound healing rates and overall clinical outcomes. This recognition verifies that the wound care team at UMMC achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent. This is the 9th year in a row UMMC has received the Center of Distinction recognition and the 2nd year as a Center of Excellence.

“We are incredibly proud of the team at United Memorial Medical Center Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine for once again being recognized by Healogics for their exceptional commitment to patient care,” said Daniel P. Ireland, EVP, Chief Nursing Executive and Patient Care Officer for Rochester Regional Health. “Earning these prestigious designations for nearly a decade reflects the unwavering dedication of our clinicians, nurses, and support staff to providing advanced, evidence-based wound care. Their work not only improves healing outcomes but truly transforms lives in our community.”

United Memorial Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine uses an interdisciplinary approach that includes specialized practitioners together with the latest advances in wound care management and technologies to assure quality outcomes. The team specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, and other wounds that have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Many patients who find relief at UMMC Wound Care have been suffering after months or years of other treatments have been unsuccessful.

As a hospital-based outpatient service, the center uses the most up-to-date approaches to wound healing including use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and remains current in the latest scientific advances in wound care.

Hydrant flushing scheduled Tuesday in north section of the city

By Press Release

Press Release:

Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation has notified the City of Batavia that they will be flushing their fire hydrants on Tuesday, June 10. This may cause flow disruptions and water discoloration in the north section of the City.

If you do experience a discoloration of your water, turn on a cold water tap and let it run for about 5 minutes or until clear. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the discoloration has dissipated.

We apologize for any inconvenience. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

Batavia Police invites community to 'Skate with a Cop' on June 20

By Press Release

Press Release:

Join us for a fun-filled evening of roller skating and community connection at the David McCarthy Ice Rink! The Batavia Police Department invites you to "Skate with a Cop," an exciting opportunity to get to know your local officers in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. 

On June 20, from 7:30 to 9 p.m., come lace up your skates and hit the rink with your friendly City of Batavia Police Officers. This event is designed to bring our community together, build relationships, and create a positive atmosphere for all ages. 

Enjoy some quality time with your family and friends while getting to know the men and women who serve and protect our community. Our officers are excited to meet you and share in the joy of roller skating! 

So mark your calendars and we'll see you at the David McCarthy Ice Rink! Don't miss out on this fantastic chance to build bridges and create lasting memories with your local law enforcement.

We look forward to seeing you on the rink!

GCEDC supports Le Roy housing project and HP Hood expansion at Ag Park

By Press Release

Press Release:

Two projects submitted to the Genesee County Economic Development Center are projected to generate $9 million in community benefits.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) board of directors advanced an initial resolution at its June 5 meeting for HP Hood LLC’s 7,722 sq. ft. facility expansion at the Genesee Valley Agri Business Park.

HP Hood LLC’s $25 million investment will include the construction of a two-bay, raw milk silo alcove and silo pads for four silos, Clean-in-Place (CIP) room for four CIP systems, remote truck testing lab and electrical room. The expansion will enable HP Hood to increase capacity and boost dairy product production.

HP Hood LLC is requesting a sales tax exemption estimated at $1.12 million and a property tax abatement estimated at approximately $84,097 based on the incremental increase in assessed value via a new traditional 10-year PILOT. The project is estimated to generate $6.3 million in financial benefits, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $10 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

A public hearing on the proposed project agreements will be held in the town of Batavia.

The board of directors also approved a final resolution for Ivy Village Corp.’s proposed $3.5 million construction of 20 units of market-rate patio homes in the Village of LeRoy. The project will add 24,960 sq. ft as part of a planned three-phase, 60-unit development on 16 acres.

Ivy Village Corp. requested a sales tax exemption estimated at $168,000, a mortgage tax exemption estimated at $28,000, and a property tax abatement estimated at $669,440 based on the incremental increase in assessed value via a 20-year PILOT. The project is estimated to generate $2.7 million in local fiscal impacts, including payroll and tax revenues, for an estimated $4 local benefit for every $1 of requested incentives.

Batavia resident graduates from James Madison University

By Press Release

Press Release:

Lucas Grammatico of Batavia graduated with a degree(s) in Accounting - MS from James Madison University during commencement exercises in May.

Grammatico was among 4,575 students who received undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Congratulations to all graduates and their families!

Hawley hosting annual electronic recycling event, June 21

By Press Release
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2024 file photo by Howard Owens.

Press Release:

It's time to clear out that old tech and give back to our amazing community! Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is thrilled to announce his annual FREE electronic device collection and recycling event, once again teaming up with the fantastic folks at Sunnking. This is your chance to make a real difference and keep our neighborhoods clean! 

Collection day will be Saturday, June 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the parking lot at 5130 E Main Street Road in Batavia. Attendees can access the required pre-registration form here.

“Recycling is a small but impactful way we can help keep our communities clean, and I’m grateful to the good people at Sunnking Sustainable Solutions for partnering with me for another year of work,” Hawley said. “Anything from cell phones to computers to TVs can be recycled, so please, register today and help keep our communities clean!”

Genesee County Office for the Aging releases July schedule for farmers’ market coupon distribution

By Press Release
jackson-public-market-batavia

Press Release:

The Genesee County Office for the Aging has released its Farmers’ Market Coupon Distribution Schedule for the month of July.

For residents living in senior housing, a flyer will be posted at each location announcing the specific date the Office for the Aging will be on-site.

Community Distribution Schedule:

Tuesday, July 1 - Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Saturday, July 5 - Le Roy Farmers’ Market, Trigon Park, Le Roy, 9 to 11 a.m.

Tuesday, July 8 - Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, Between Center and Jackson Street, Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Thursday, July 10 - Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Friday, July 11 - Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, Between Center and Jackson Street, Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Tuesday, July 15 - Bergen Harvest Market, 1 Hickory Way, Hickory Park, Bergen, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 16 - Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, 2 to 4 p.m.

Friday, July 18 - Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, Between Center and Jackson Street, Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Saturday, July 19 - Le Roy Farmers’ Market, Trigon Park, Le Roy, 9 to 11 a.m.

Friday, July 25 - Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, Between Center and Jackson Street, Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Monday, July 28 - Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Monday, July 28 - Corfu Farmers’ Market, Corfu Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, July 31 - Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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