Press Release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation will proudly induct both the 2020 and 2021 honorees into its Alumni Hall of Fame in Batavia today at 4 p.m. after missing last year's ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eager to honor the work done by these four individuals, GCC will induct Timothy S. Whitcomb, Jim H. Tuttle, David M. DiMatteo, and Robert W. Hirsch into its Alumni Hall of Fame, forever marking their contributions to their communities and the pride they have brought to Genesee Community College.

Timothy Whitcomb, GCC class of 1989, is the Sheriff for Cattaraugus County in Western New York and has served in this role for 30 years. Sheriff Whitcomb is also a Board Member and PTP Director for Law Enforcement Operations at TTMPT (Talk to Me Post Tour); an independent not-for-profit group of committed and concerned retired police officers and police professionals, and actively speaks nationwide as on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Sheriff Whitcomb earned a master's degree in Counseling Education from St. Bonaventure University and is a certified police instructor in the areas of Interview and Interrogation, the Investigation of Sex Crimes, and the Law Enforcement Response to School Violence. Sheriff Whitcomb is a graduate of the 206th Session of the Federal Bureau Investigation's National Academy. He has also recently been certified as a SWAT Team fitness specialist.

Sheriff Whitcomb has been an adjunct professor for both St. Bonaventure University and Jamestown Community College. He has served as President for the New York State Sheriffs' Association and is a past President of the State of New York Police Juvenile Officer Association.

Jim Tuttle, GCC classes of 1971 and 1982 graduated from Genesee Community College with his AAS degree in Criminal Justice and enlisted in the United States Army. Mr. Tuttle re-enlisted in the Army Reserves several times continuing to serve the United States of America for a total of 21 years and eventually returned to earn an Associate degree in Business Administration in 1982 and later to serve on the Alumni Council.

Mr. Tuttle continued his education and earned a bachelor's degree in Hazardous Studies from SUNY Empire State College. He served as a police officer for the City of Batavia for thirty years, retiring as a Lieutenant.

Mr. Tuttle met his wife while working as an EMT at St. Jerome Hospital in Batavia.

Mr. Tuttle has demonstrated his compassion for others and the community by serving four years as a Town of Pembroke Supervisor, GCC Alumni Council member, GCC Alumni Homecoming Committee, GCC's Cougar Classic Golf Committee and on the Advisory Board for Genesee County Stop DWI.

David DiMatteo, GCC class of 1984, has been a practicing attorney in the region for over 32 years. A 1982 Notre Dame high school graduate, he began his college education pursuits at Genesee Community College, graduating GCC in 1984, he continued his education at Le Moyne College, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Sociology then completing his legal studies at the University of Buffalo Law School in 1989. Upon graduating he took a position in Warsaw, NY where he found his own general law private practice in 1993. He works with municipalities in Erie, Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties addressing siting or prohibiting siting of windmills and a variety of solar projects, writing and adapting local law, and creating and financing water districts. He has worked with the NY State Senate to facilitate legislation for local communities.

Mr. DiMatteo has a farm in Wyoming County where he raises Black Angus cows and horses. He also enjoys hunting locally as well as in Africa, Alaska and the Arctic Circle. Mr. DiMatteo and his wife enjoy their farm with their three children and their new granddaughter.

Robert Hirsch, GCC class of 1997, earned his leadership certification from the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester, a master's degree in Education from Buffalo State, a bachelor's degree in History with a minor in Education from SUNY Brockport, his coaching certification and an associate degree in History and Education from Genesee Community College.

Mr. Hirsch began his career at Warsaw Central School (WCSD) where he taught history and coached the wrestling team for over a decade. The wrestling program he built there included eight LCAA titles, seven Section V championships, over 50 sectional champions, eight individual state champions, and a team NYS title in 2007. Beyond the wrestling mat, Mr. Hirsch encouraged his wrestlers to be involved in community service; he himself served a total of 18 years as the Director of Recreation for the towns of Freedom and Arcade where he organizes the annual Summer Olympics for children.

Mr. Hirsch also coached the NYS Women's Wrestling National Team which earned Mr. Hirsch the title of 2014 Wrestling Coach of the Year by USA Wrestling. Mr. Hirsch went on to coach the Alfred State wrestling team to win the Northeast Championship and placed second two other times. Coaching four NCWA All-Americans, one National Champion and MVP of the tournament, including an eleventh-place team finish, Mr. Hirsch lead the Alfred State Wrestling team through their NCAA III transition in 2019. During this time Mr. Hirsch was the RTI Director at Alfred Almond Central School. Mr. Hirsch is currently the middle/high school principal at Franklinville Central School.

Mr. Hirsch resides in Arcade with his wife and their two beautiful daughters.

Each year, candidates are nominated by friends, family, colleagues or other associates for their impactful contributions to their profession and distinguished service to the community and/or Genesee Community College. The GCC Alumni Hall of Fame, which is located on the second floor of the Conable Technology Building, boasts honorees from a wide variety of industries and backgrounds.

The City of Batavia is doing all it can to “head off” the unpleasant odor that has been emanating recently from its Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is located behind the Industrial Park off Pearl Street.

With a $1 million capital project to replace the air header system at the WWTP completed, the ponds are receiving more oxygen and the “bugs” that breakdown the biological material are beginning to multiply again, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said in a response earlier today to an email from The Batavian.

“There will be a period of pond turnover where the organic material that was not broken down over the last several months is turned over or bubbles to the top of the ponds in an effort to digest it,” she wrote. “We sincerely hope that this post project period of turnover is only a short time and ponds go back to normal operations in the very near future.”

Tabelski reported that the city plans to conduct a headworks, capacity analysis and financial planning study for the WWTP and wastewater system in the near future.

The headworks is the first stage of the water treatment process. Its purpose is to remove large inorganic materials from the wastewater, with the goal to ensure the wastewater is free of toxins and debris when it reaches downstream equipment. 

The study, according to Tabelski, “will help us understand the long-term needs of the system and any other problem areas that need to be addressed so that we are operating at optimum efficiency and can continue to take waste from multiple industrial clients in the city and Town of Batavia.

Previously: Project at Batavia's Wastewater Treatment Plant is nearly complete

The Genesee County Legislature’s Ways & Means Committee this afternoon responded to a call from the New York State Association of Counties to oppose Gov. Kathy Hochul’s order forcing all healthcare workers to be vaccinated by Sept. 27 or risk losing their jobs.

The committee passed a resolution urging Hochul and new Health Commissioner Ann Marie T. Sullivan to modify the COVID-19 mandate by providing options such as regular testing for those opting to not take the vaccine at this time. It will be presented to the entire legislature at next Wednesday’s meeting.

“This came as a result of the letter that was sent from the nine counties in the Finger Lakes Region (expressing) our concern in regards to the healthcare crisis that is facing us on September 27^th,” Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein said. “It was delivered to the NYSAC folks, and they sent a letter immediately but they’re asking for counties to please send resolutions urging the same.”

Ways & Means Committee Chair Marianne Clattenburg echoed Stein’s thoughts, stating that “there will be a crisis in healthcare if all of these people who are not vaccinated are forced to resign their positions without any kind of alternative testing options.”

Stein pointed out that many healthcare facilities are closing departments as workers have already decided to quit.

“Just this week, Lewis County shut down – their hospital shut down their maternity ward, St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany is shutting down a whole wing and Wyoming County Hospital’s nursing home is looking at 50-plus people resigning over the vaccine mandate,” she said. “And the result is going to be overwhelmed hospitals and we’re going to be in a worse position than we were last March, April and May in New York State.”

Clattenburg said that the committee is encouraging other options, such as twice-a-week testing and masking -- “everything we’ve been doing in order to keep our healthcare workers working.”

Stein agreed, noting that while “everyone is encouraged to take their vaccine as a preventive … those who are not, this would at least give them an opportunity to continue in the care for our communities.”

On Aug. 28, New York 28 issued the order requiring healthcare workers in hospitals and nursing homes to get at least their first vaccine shot by Sept. 27. On Tuesday, a federal judge in Utica temporarily blocked the state from forcing medical workers to be vaccinated, following a lawsuit by 17 healthcare workers, who contend that not allowing religious exemptions to the mandate violated their Constitutional rights.

The state has until Sept. 22 to respond, and if it opposes the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary court order blocking the vaccine mandate, an oral hearing will take place on Sept. 28.

The Genesee County resolution stipulates that copies be sent to Hochul, Sullivan, State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay and Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt.

In a related development, about two dozen people -- mostly healthcare workers -- gathered at the Main and Ellicott in downtown Batavia around 6 p.m. yesterday, holding signs stating "Coercion is Not Consent" and "If it's Forced, Are we Free?" and protesting what they proclaimed is a loss of freedom. The protesters found support for their cause by passers-by honking horns and giving thumbs up.

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. announces that inmate visitation resumes at the Genesee County Jail effective today. 

Press release from Batavia Police Department:

On 09/14/2021 at approximately 12:57 PM, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call regarding a male who became stuck in a stone bin at Western NY Concrete, located at 638 E Main St, Batavia, NY.

The City of Batavia Fire Department, City of Batavia Police Department, and Mercy EMS responded to assist.

The City Fire Department was able to extricate the victim but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was identified as Randy Ridd, 64, of Batavia.

The Genesee County Coroner’s Office sent the victim to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death. The Batavia Police Department conducted an investigation into the incident, which appears to be accidental at this time.

Brock Orion Doberstein, 28, of Cattaraugus, is charged with criminal mischief 2nd and petit larceny. Doberstein allegedly damaged a vehicle and stole its license plates on Aug. 14 while at Darien Lake. He was arraigned in Darien Town Court and released on his own recognizance.

Kyle Allen Hawley, 31, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. At approximately 3:38 a.m., Aug. 26, while at a residence on Spring Street in Bergen, Hawley allegedly overdosed on a narcotic analgesic while in the presence of a child less than 17  years old.  Hawley was reportedly revived by medics with the use of Narcan and transported to a local hospital. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Press release:

The OACS Alumni Hall of Fame Committee will be honoring the Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2021 during an Alumni Hall of Fame weekend.

This year's honorees are: Lawrence Bartholf ('59), Leanne Skelton (‘79), Mark Will ('85) and Gary Patnode (’95).

On the evening of Saturday, Oct. 16th, there will be a community dinner and ceremony to induct our newest members. The dinner will be held at the OACS High School cafeteria. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6 o'clock.

Tickets are on sale only through Oct.9th and are available at the Oakfield-Alabama High School, Oakfield Family Pharmacy on Main Street in Oakfield, or by contacting committee member Lynette Crawford through email at nwcrawford@verizon.net. Tickets are $25 each for adults and children ages 11 and up, $12 each for children ages 4 to 10 and no charge for children 3 and under.

The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements. 

We hope to see you there!

For bios of this year's honorees, click here.

Batavia Town Supervisor Gregory Post this morning contacted The Batavian, stating that he misunderstood a question regarding the possibility of a Gabe's store coming into the former Kmart building at 8363 Lewiston Rd. and that he has not been contacted by any representatives of the West Virginia-based company.

"I want to clarify as I misunderstood the question and I take responsibility for not clearly understanding the question regarding potential for the development of a Gabe's store in Batavia," he said.

"Currently, there is no knowledge nor have we been contacted by any representatives of Gabe's or affiliates of Gabe's, and the only conversations have been between developers regarding future opportunities at the Kmart site, which has been an ongoing theme for several years, especially with the impact of the Park Road reconstruction on potential outbuilds and future uses for that property."

Post went on to say there is "no indication" that Gabe's is interested, and apologized "for not clearly understanding the question presented during a conversation last evening."

Without any information confirming that Gabe's has inquired about placing a store in the Town of Batavia at this time, The Batavian has retracted the previous story.

Press release:

The Arc New York chapters serving the GLOW region invite Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming County residents to “Grow with GLOW” and discover the rewards of a career as a Direct Support Professional.

Soon to be named Arc GLOW under a pending merger, Arc of Genesee Orleans and The Arc Livingston-Wyoming are participating in a statewide job fair on September 23 in Batavia and Mount Morris.

“The coordinated effort highlights the flexible, meaningful and rewarding positions available, supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities in their homes and day programs across our four counties,” said Martin Miskell, Arc GLOW Executive Director.

Direct Support Professionals provide integral support to individuals, such as assisting with communication, providing on-the-job coaching, and helping with daily living needs. DSP team members play a critical role in helping ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in their communities.

“This is work that matters, work that is meaningful and it’s the opportunity to feel proud of the difference DSPs make in the lives of individuals we serve.  It’s a true calling to care,” the Executive Director said.

Arc GLOW Director of Human Resources, Christa Hartigan, says new Direct Support Professional team members can expect flexibility and the opportunity to advance.  “We offer stability and a generous benefits package,” she said, adding, “If you have been wondering what’s next, it’s time to find your future and grow with Arc GLOW as a Direct Support Professional.”

The September 23 Job Fairs scheduled in Genesee and Livingston Counties will be held at the following locations and times:

• Arc Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road, Batavia from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Arc Admin. Building, 18 Main Street, Mount Morris from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Direct Support Spotlight

Oakfield native, Kristen Ace first started working at Arc after college and returned in 2018 as a Relief Direct Support Professional in residential.  She now works full time at Arc’s Day Habilitation Center in Elba as a Day Habilitation Specialist, and describes her job as very rewarding. “I love what I do and I love being here to help, advocate and teach. I go home happy, knowing that I’ve made a difference and look forward to going in tomorrow.  I smile knowing the ladies I work with had a great day,” Kristen said. “I’m glad I decided to come back to the Arc and begin my career!”

Jessica Stevens, an Arc staff from Leicester is the Assistant Site Supervisor at Arc’s Warren IRA residence in Warsaw.  According to Jessica, she enjoys finding all the good about the individuals she serves in the residential program.  “I get to learn about their past, their dreams and goals and what’s helped mold them into the person they are today,” she said, adding “Assisting people out of rough patches, reminding them of all they are, and making my guys laugh is definitely a favorite part of my job.” Jessica’s career at Arc began in the Day Habilitation program.  During the height of the pandemic, she picked up extra shifts in the residential department, and transferred there when she realized how much the enjoyed it.

“Remember, this is work that matters and an opportunity to make a positive influence on the lives of others,” Executive Director Martin Miskell said. “Please plan to attend one of our job fairs on September 23!”

Submitted Photos. Top photo: Jessica and Joe at his Arc home in Warsaw.  According to Jessica, she loves to learn about the individuals she serves and help them plan for their future.

Stephanie and Arc’s Kristen Ace show off a completed puzzle. Kristen says knowing she makes a difference each day in the lives of others is an amazing feeling.

A City Council member’s request Monday night to add a “Divide New York” discussion to a future Conference Meeting agenda resulted in an admonition by Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. over her use of a certain word.

Toward the end of the governing body’s Business Meeting at City Hall Council Board Room, Rose Mary Christian brought up a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Steven Hawley that provides for a referendum on the question, Do you support the division of New York into two separate states?

“I think we have a right to bring this forth so people will be able to vote on it next year, and leave it up to every resident in the State of New York …,” Christian said.

The Sixth Ward representative then accused Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. of attempting to prevent it from being discussed.

“I don’t recall telling you that,” Jankowski replied, as Christian said, “Oh, yes you did.”

Jankowski then said he recalled telling her he didn’t think it was appropriate for City Council to weigh in on it.

“It is appropriate; it’s for local governments,” Christian said.

Jankowski agreed to put it on the agenda, adding, “That’s what I think we intended to do, but you never got back to us.”

“No, you didn’t,” Christian replied. “You might be able to bull---- these other people, but you’re not going to do it to me.”

That prompted Jankowski to say, “Will you please watch your language, Rose Mary? We’re on video and there might be some young child watching it.”

Seeking the last word, Christian said, “Oh, please. Give me a break – with the language that’s out there now. Are you serious?”

Jankowski then asked, “Are you done?”

To which Christian responded: “Will you please put that on for the next meeting? I’m done.”

A man working at Western New York Concrete Corp. at 638 East Main St. died this afternoon after becoming stuck in a stone bin, Batavia Police Department Chief Shawn Heubusch reported.

"About 12:57 (p.m.), the Batavia Fire Department along with the city police department were dispatched to Western New York Concrete for a report of a male stuck in a stone bin," Heubusch said. "Upon arrival, ... the employees that were working were trying to extricate the gentleman from the stone bin. City fire made an extrication; unfortunately, the individual has passed. We're not going to be releasing the name at this point and time, pending notification of family members."

Batavia Fire Chief Dan Herberger explained that at the concrete operation, "several tons of stone dust, which is a very fine dust that is used for concrete production. It's a big hopper that's very wide at the top and narrow at the bottom."

Herberger said the stone bin, which is located in a blue building toward the back of the lot, is "an internal thing that has a belt that takes the stone dust up into where they need it to create concrete, and he fell into the hopper and was buried."

He said the cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner, who arrived on the scene shortly before 2 p.m.

The fire chief said when his crews arrived they initially assessed what type of equipment was in operation as to not endanger firefighters

"Just taking control of equipment and ... do some disassembling just to get him out," he said, adding that the victim was in the bin for about 30 minutes after the time of the call.

Herberger said this situation differed from grain bin incidents because the stone dust is much finer than grain and "is very heavy."

He said all city firefighters on duty responded to the scene while another platoon was called into to cover fire headquarters. Heubusch said several police officers were at the scene as well as detectives who will be taking statements and assisting the fire department in the investigation.

"Our thoughts go out to the families and the employees here at WNY Concrete," he said. "They did make an attempt at a rescue to save this gentlemen, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers."

Police Chief Shawn Heubusch and Fire Chief Dan Herberger.

City Fire Lt. Dave Green

Photos by Jim Burns

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies enjoyed another day of domination on both sides of the football in their second game of the season on Monday.

The final score: OAE 68, Clyde-Savannah 0.

The Aggies gained a total of 589  yards on the ground.

Gaige Armbrewster had five carries for 113 yards and three TDs. Noah Currier, six carries, 149 yards, two TDs.  Aidan Weisbrodt, two carries, 117  yards.  Connor Scott, eight carries, 74 yards, and a TD.  Jayden Allport had one rushing TD and an interception on defense. Aiden Warner scored a TD on the ground.  

Brayden Smith had a big game on defense with six tackles, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. CJ Gottler had five tackles. Kameron Cusmano had an interception. 

"In these first two games, our boys have really enjoyed the 'success by committee' approach the team is taking," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "This was another complete team performance, and we had a lot of guys contributing to the win."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Emergency responders are on scene at Western New York Concrete, 638 East Main St., Batavia, for a man stuck in a stone bin.

City Fire, Mercy EMS and Batavia PD have responded.

Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

Press release:

Genesee County 4-H members Bing Zuber and Ian Keberle competed at the New York State 4-H Dairy Bowl Contest at Cornell University on September 11th.  Bing Zuber placed 8th in the Junior Division and Ian Keberle placed 8th in the Senior Division.

The contest was held in a quiz bowl format and tested youth’s knowledge of dairy cattle, environmental stewardship, nutrition and the dairy industry.  Youth qualified to participate in the event by scoring well in their 4-H regional competition. 

The Genesee County 4-H Program is a youth development program for youth ages 5-18.  New 4-H youth members, adult volunteers and clubs are always welcome.  For information about how to join the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040 ext. 131.  Enrollment information is available on our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development/how-to-join-4-h

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) participated in the House Agriculture Committee’s markup of their portion of the $3.5 trillion partisan reconciliation package.

“The House Agriculture Committee met to once again consider a massive, partisan reconciliation bill crafted in secret by Speaker Pelosi. One would have thought that record inflation and struggling small businesses would have been enough to teach Democrats this style of unilateral legislating is unworkable and damaging, but sadly this is not the case,” Jacobs said. “This package will likely include taxes that will devastate farmers and rural communities but possibly won’t even pay for the whole $3.5 trillion cost of this bill.”

The hearing, which started Friday and finished today, was to consider the House Agriculture Committee’s piece of the overall budget reconciliation package. This section will total roughly $90 billion in new spending, though $28 billion of that total was not even considered by the committee because it has not been written yet. At the hearing, Jacobs offered an amendment to redirect funding to combat an invasive species, the spotted lanternfly, that has become a threat to growers in the Northeast and Midwest. It was rejected.

“The Democrats in control of this committee did not hold one single hearing with farmers or agribusinesses to learn the exact needs of rural America. If they had, they would’ve learned that their partisan wishlist is unneeded and unwanted. They would have instead directed funding to fix very real problems facing our farmers, such as rural broadband, disaster assistance, and invasive species,” Jacobs said. “This process once again shows Democrats are more interested in political power than serving their constituents' needs – a truly unfortunate change of tune for the Agriculture Committee that has in previous years been lauded as the most bipartisan committee in the House.”
 

Press release:

National Grid customers and local law enforcement are reporting utility billing and payment scams across upstate New York. The company is asking its customers to beware and know the signs of a scam.

Imposters claiming to be from National Grid may tell customers that they have past due balances on their utility bills, even promising a savings on their next bill. Customers who reported the scams, say they were contacted by telephone and email, and in some cases automated recordings.

The scammers threaten that service will be shut off immediately unless the customer purchases a prepaid debit card in a specific amount, such as a Green Dot card, and provides the caller with the card’s account number, or in the case of business customers, by way of a Western Union money transfer. Imposters also may ask for a Social Security number and a National Grid account number. These calls are not officially from National Grid and instead are from scammers who are looking to obtain personal information and payments.

The scenario can change, but the goal of the scammer remains the same: scare customers into making hasty decisions that often include large payments.

National Grid does contact customers with past due balances by phone to offer payment options, but never demands direct payment through the use of a prepaid debit card and never accepts payment through these cards.

Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in replicating National Grid’s recorded messaging and directions for phone prompts, even spoofing the phone number on caller ID, making it more difficult to differentiate an actual National Grid call from an imposter’s call. Similar scams have been reported across the U.S. by other utilities.

Customers who believe they have fallen victim to the scam should contact local law enforcement officials immediately. If you are provided a phone number that does not match numbers on the billing statements, it is likely that the call is a scam.

National Grid reminds customers to know the red flags and offers the following tips:

• Be vigilant. If you believe you are current on your National Grid account, it is highly likely a call seeking payment is a scam.

• Protect yourself. Verify you are speaking with a National Grid representative. Ask the caller to provide the last five digits of your National Grid account number. If the caller doesn’t know your account number and phishes for help, take charge and hang up immediately.

• Do not take the bait. Scammers will not have access to your account information, social security number or other personal details and you should never offer that information if asked. National Grid representatives will know your account number.

• Scammers also may contact you by email and attempt to lure customers into clicking on a link, visiting a malicious website, revealing account information, or calling a phone number.

• While National Grid may ask for a payment to be made over the phone, the payment method will be left to the customer’s discretion.

• Do not fall for scare tactics and threats. National Grid will not contact customers demanding immediate payment by wire transfer, Green Dot Money-Pak or any other prepaid card service.

• Do not cave to pressure. Never -- under any circumstances -- offer personal or financial information to someone who you cannot identify.

• Every National Grid employee carries a photo ID card, and contractors working for the company are also required to carry ID. If someone requesting entry into your home or business does not show an ID card, don’t let that person in, and call National Grid or local law enforcement.

  To learn more about protecting you and your loved ones from scams, please visit ngrid.com/scam.

The Pembroke Classic Car Show returns to Pembroke Town Park on Sunday with another large turnout of cherry classic cars and car fans expected.

The event, sponsored by the Pembroke/Corfu/Darien Kiwanis Club runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The registration fee is $15 and is required for all participating vehicles. 

The number of trophy classes is expanding this year and the first 200 cars will receive a commemorative dash plaque.

More than  60 vendors are expected along with several food trucks. Crossroads House will host a huge basket raffle.  PCD Kiwanis will conduct a 50/50.  There will be a free blow-up slide for the kids and if you don't feel like walking ... ride the Trackless Train around the event. 

The Kids Car Cruise will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

The Pembroke Community Band will play from noon to 1:00 pm and a magician show will be held from 1:30 - 2:30 pm. 

Pre-registration has ended for the cars but classic car owners who wish to attend can download the application at pcdkiwanis.com to save time the day of the event.

Robbie Nichols and Marc Witt say they have about 50,000 reasons to support their claim that the first year of the Batavia Muckdogs’ participation in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League was a resounding success.

The team owner and general manager, respectively, took a few minutes at Monday night’s Batavia City Council meeting to report encouraging attendance figures for not only the team’s home games but also for the various other events that took place at Dwyer Stadium.

Nichols said the team averaged 1,778 fans per game over their 27 home games and attracted 501 season ticket holders, compared to 2019, when the team averaged 951 per game and had 79 season ticket holders.

An online check of Minor League Reference, however, lists the Muckdogs’ 2019 attendance at 1,135 per game for 37 home games.

Regardless of the exact numbers, Nichols was justified when he said, “We’re quite pleased at the way our first season turned out.”

When you combine the Muckdogs’ games with the numerous events held at Dwyer Stadium this summer, more than 50,000 people strolled through the gates. Other events included KMS Dance Academy competitions and clinics, PRIDE Festival, Challenger baseball, GLOW Academy Youth Baseball and Battle of Badges.

Collegiate baseball tournaments, an Alzheimer’s Walk and Muckdogs Monster Mash for kids (Oct. 23) are yet to come, Nichols said.

Witt acknowledged the “energy” provided by the Community Dance Team that entertained the crowd on a nightly basis, and pointed out how the players regularly interacted with the fans and community.

Nichols thanked the many sponsors and Council “for entrusting us with this great tradition.”

Council member John Canale, who said he attended several games, commented that the atmosphere “was tremendous.”

“You promised us that and you came through for us,” he said, prompting applause from his colleagues.

In other developments, Council passed the following resolutions:

• A modified and restated sales tax allocation agreement with Genesee County through Dec. 31, 2059. The new contract does not change the terms and conditions between the city and county, but does include wording that allows the county to distribute $10 million annually in sales tax revenue to its towns and villages, beginning Jan. 1, 2022.

In 2018, the city and county reached a deal giving Batavia 16 percent of the county’s share of the sales tax – with provisions for that amount to grow in future years by a maximum of 2 percent per year. In future years, the city’s share will depend upon sales tax revenue growth, eventually being no less than 14 percent.

• An amendment of the city’s zoning map to rezone parcels at 211 and 211 ½ East Main Street, just east of the existing Genesee Area Family YMCA, from P-2 (Planned Development) to C-3 (Commercial) to accommodate the construction of the Healthy Living Campus.

• The installation of a street light on Highland Park due to insufficient lighting on a portion of that street. The resolution authorizes National Grid to install the fixture on an existing pole, which would cost the city about $90 a year for the electricity.

• A contract with Bailey Electric Motor and Pump Supply of Corfu to replace a high service pump Variable Frequency Drive control at the Water Treatment Plant in the low bid amount of $23,878. Tabelski reported that the current part, which is 20 years old, has failed and the repair would be most costly than replacement. A VFD is a type of motor controller that drives an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage of its power supply, and normally is a key component at the mechanical treatment stage, biological treatment stage, and chlorination and filtration stage.

Council also forwarded to next month’s Business Meeting a recommendation by City Manager Rachael Tabelski to transfer $711,000 in general fund balance to reserve funds and another $50,000 in the workers’ compensation fund to that fund’s reserves.

The funds earmarked for allocation are Police Reserve, DPW Equipment Reserve, Facilities Reserve, Compensated Absences, Parking Lot Reserve, Health Care Fund Reserve and Workers’ Compensation Fund Reserve.

Looking forward, Tabelski said she will be outlining recommendations for the use of the $1.4 million the city received in American Rescue Plan Act funding at the Conference Meeting on Sept. 27, and reported that bonding financial figures and design phase information for the new city police headquarters will be presented in November or December.

Photo: Marc Witt, left, and Robbie Nichols of the Batavia Muckdogs at Monday night's City Council meeting. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Press release:

The Buffalo and Rochester Building Trades Councils joined together this morning in the Town of Alabama to welcome Plug Power’s latest manufacturing plant to the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park.

Construction of the $264 million plant in Genesee County is slated to begin Oct. 4. When completed the plant will produce "green hydrogen" for freight transportation and materials handling equipment.

Plug Power will become the first tenant of the STAMP campus, a 1,250-acre business park, in the town.

The Building Trades, representing 20,000 skilled trades people, are looking forward to working with Plug Power on this project as it will employ many craftspeople. When completed, the company also plans to create 62 full-time jobs with an average salary of $75,000, plus benefits.

To date, the Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board recommended awarding $1.5 million to support this project. The New York Power Authority has the final say over awarding those funds.

The company is also seeking $2 million in support from Empire State Development, and a package of sales and property tax breaks through the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

Through a process called electrolysis, the Plug Power plant will produce “green hydrogen” for fuel-cells used in transportation and material handling equipment.  This will be clean energy manufactured here in Western New York.

The Building Trades Councils represent 20,000 members in 18 construction unions in the Western NY region including :

Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Carpenters & Piledrivers, Cement Masons, Electricians, Elevator Constructors, Insulators, Ironworkers, Laborers, Millwrights, Operating Engineers, Painters, Plasterers, Plumbers & Pipefitters, Roofers, Sheetmetal Workers, Sprinkler Fitters and Teamsters.

Submitted photo from the WNY STAMP site this morning.