Following what has been arguably one of the most challenging years for athletics departments across the nation, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) has recognized Genesee Community College's Assistant Vice President of Student Engagement & Inclusion and Director of Athletics, Kristen Schuth, as the 2020-21 Junior/Community College Athletics Director of the Year.

In addition to the countless impacts the coronavirus pandemic has had on collegiate communities, NACDA has also had to reinvent its recognition ceremony and will present Schuth with the Director of the Year honor at its 56th Annual Convention virtually in July.

"I've always been immensely proud of GCC's athletes and the strong teaching and coaching staff we have," Schuth said. "They make me want to work harder and do more, and so, I love what I get to do and am so grateful for the team I'm surrounded by.

"With athletics facilities among the finest in the region and partnerships with other areas in the College such as Student Success and Student Engagement & Inclusion, our programs and students have demonstrated growth and strengthened relationships.

"I look around the country and I see the amazing things my counterparts are doing to uplift their athletes and support their programs and I am truly humbled by this award."

Schuth first came to GCC as Head Softball Coach in 2004 and became an Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Health and Physical Education in 2005. Between 2004-2010 Schuth compiled a win/loss percentage of .534. Prior to her first season, the softball team went 7-19.

But under her leadership, her teams recorded five winning seasons, finished in the top four in Regional Finals and produced two NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) All-Americans. In 2010, she was named WNYAC (Western New York Athletic Conference) Women's Softball Coach of the Year at GCC.

After a short three-year break while she served as Assistant Director of Athletics at Finger Lakes Community College, Schuth returned to GCC as the Director of Athletics in 2013.

As part of an effort to more fully integrate Student Engagement and Inclusion initiatives into every aspect of GCC's student experiences, Schuth added this area to her oversight in 2019 in becoming the Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement & Inclusion, in addition to retaining her role as Director of Athletics.

Schuth grew up in Hilton, NY and is a member of the Hilton High School Athletic Hall of Fame. At SUNY Brockport she starred in both softball and basketball, earning letters in both sports all four years as well as being named SUNY Brockport female athlete of the year in two consecutive years. She was an All-American in basketball her senior year. She is a member of the SUNY Brockport Athletic Hall of Fame.

Kristen earned her master's degree from California University of Pennsylvania and now resides in Spencerport with her husband and two sons.

"When I was notified that Kristen would be receiving the Athletics Director of the Year Award from the NACDA, I couldn't have been more proud," said GCC President James Sunser, Ph.D. "Kristen exemplifies what it takes to be a great leader.

"From the wisdom and knowledge to the skill and experience, her students and her staff look up to her and know she will do what it takes to provide leadership and guidance. Throughout the adversities of the last year, Kristen has accomplished so much and has led GCC's Athletics Department with a courage and strength to be envied."

This prestigious award has earned Schuth a place in GCC's Recognition Matters series which highlights the accomplishments of the College's faculty, staff and students. Officials at GCC have embraced this series as a way to acknowledge not only the achievement, but the high quality of the recognized individuals who demonstrate GCC's "beyond expectations" brand.

Lauren Kingsley came up big against Bolivar-Richburg to lead Pavilion to a 53-28 Class C2 semifinal at home on Wednesday night.

Kingsley scored 19 points.  

Karlee Zinkievich scored 13, Emily Kingsley, 11, and Shea Amberger, 8.

The Lady Gophers (12-0, #1 seed) will now face York, who started the tournament as the #7 seed at 7-3 and beat the #2 seed (Oakfield-Alabama) and the #3 seed (Dundee/Bradford) to advance to the championship game.

Game time tomorrow is 7 p.m. and the game will be played at Pavilion.

Also in girls basketball last night, Alexander lost to East Rochester, 63-34.

Tonight's games in girls basketball:

• Elba hosts Northstar at 6:30 p.m., Class D2.
• Notre Dame hosts Finney at 7 p.m., Class D1.
• Batavia is at Midlakes at 6 p.m., Class B1.

In boys basketball tonight, Oakfield-Alabama plays Harley Allendale Columbia at HAC at 6 p.m., Class C2.

On Friday night, Notre Dame travels to Avoca/Prattsburgh to play for the Class D2 title and on Saturday, Batavia hosts Wayne at 6 p.m. in Class B1 for the championship.

With the first selection in the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program draft, Oxbo International of Byron New York selects Morgan Coniber, a senior welder from Le Roy High School.

Sound like something you’d hear from the commissioner of the National Football League?

Actually, those were the words of Dale Pearce, program director of Curriculum Development and Apprenticeships for the FLYAP, at Wednesday’s “Signing Day” school/business partnership event at the Genesee Valley BOCES Batavia Campus.

Educators, business people and family members gathered together – as organizers spaced the proceedings over a couple hours to comply with COVID19 regulations – to honor 19 GV BOCES students who signed “letters of intent” for job shadowing and/or paid internship opportunities with six local companies.

The businesses participating were: Amada Tool America, Batavia; Turnbull Heating & Air, Batavia; Bonduelle USA Inc., Oakfield, Bergen, Brockport; DP Tool & Machine, Avon; O-At-Ka Milk Products Co-Operative Inc., Batavia, and Oxbo.

While Coniber was designated as the No. 1 pick, the order of selection was determined by a random draw.

“Everyone is a first-round pick; everyone is a first overall pick,” said Rich Turner, director of Workforce Development for the Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association, which coordinates the program with Monroe Community College with sponsorship from RG&E and the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation.

“We’re just doing a random selection just to fit the kids’ schedules and the businesses’ schedules. We just want to make sure that everyone is celebrated equally.”

Julie Donlon, assistant superintendent at Genesee Valley BOCES, said the school started the “Signing Day” several years ago “in an effort to bridge the gap between schools and businesses, and really to promote our business partners and show that we’re making efforts in preparing youth for the future workforce. Since then, it has grown and now we have several business partners.”

Students involved in the program go through an interview process and, after that initial step, are matched to a company based on their vocational program, said Jon Sanfratello, executive principal of the Genesee Valley BOCES Batavia Campus.

“We had more than 30 kids who did that … proceeding to the matching day,” Sanfratello said. “And now, we are at the ‘Signing Day.’”

Sanfratello said the 11^th-graders receive a job shadow at the particular company and the following year they get a paid internship with the company.

“The company really is able to take a look at a student for a couple years and really invest in him or her,” he said.

Twelfth-graders earn a paid co-op with their specific company and have a chance to eventually obtain an apprenticeship and become a full-fledged employee.

“We’re taking kids out of high school and trying to groom them towards what companies in the area need,” Sanfratello explained. “Students get 200 hours and get around $13-14 per hour. Compensation coincides with the FLYAP, which receives grant money and other funding to sustain the program.”

Turner said the FLYAP is designed to build the pipeline with local students entering advanced manufacturing trades.

“So, MCC will help work with the school districts,” he said. “We help with Genesee Valley BOCES, Monroe I, Monroe II, Edison Tech; we’ve also been in Orleans Niagara BOCES, and we’re hoping to go to the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES in the next month or two.”

The program is in its second year and included Genesee Valley BOCES students for the first time, Turner noted.

“We had 32 draft picks in Monroe County last week and tonight we’re going to have 19 draft picks from Genesee Valley BOCES -- a huge accomplishment,” he said. “It’s an NFL Draft-style event. We want to really celebrate the kids and all of their accomplishments as well as the businesses that are giving them the opportunities.”

The list of students in the program, their home districts, Career & Technical Education programs and employer are as follows:

• Morgan Coniber, a senior from Le Roy High School, is enrolled in the Welding Program. She signed with Oxbo for a co-op program as a Welder.
• Nichole Hume from Alexander High School, signed for a CNC Machining co-op with Amada. Nichole is a senior enrolled in the CNC Machining Program.
• Cole Sullivan is a student in the Electromechanical Trades Program. He is a senior from Le Roy High School who signed for an Electromechanical Technician co-op with Oxbo.
• Nathan Stokes, a senior from Batavia High School, is a student in the CNC Machining Program. Nathan is already working in a CNC Machining co-op program with Amada.
• Dan Saeva, a junior from Batavia High School, is enrolled in the Metal Trades Program. He signed for a Welding job shadow program with Oxbo.
• Madison Brandes is a junior who is enrolled in the Metal Trades Program. Her home school is Le Roy High School. She signed for a CNC Machining job shadow with Amada.
• Luke Rindell from Batavia High School is a student in the Electromechanical Trades program. This senior signed with Oxbo for an Electromechanical Technician job shadow program.
• Kaiel Robinson is enrolled in the Electromechanical Trades Program. This senior from Le Roy High School signed for an Electromechanical Technician co-op program with Turnbull.
• Adam Risewick, a junior from Le Roy High School, is a student in the Electromechanical Trades Program. He signed with Oxbo for an Electromechanical Technician job shadow program.
• Jaden Pocock, from Byron Bergen High School, is a student in the Electromechanical Trades Program. This senior signed with Turnbull for an Electromechanical Technician co-op program. 
• Eric Offhaus is a student in the Welding Program. This junior from Pavilion High School signed for a welding job shadow with Oxbo.
• Henry Shafer attends Notre Dame High School in Batavia. Henry is a senior in the Electromechanical Trades Program. He signed for an Electromechanical Technician co-op with Bonduelle.
• Zach Vanderhoof, from Le Roy High School, is enrolled in the Electromechanical Trades Program. This junior signed with O-AT-KA for an Electromechanical Technician job shadow program.
• Zach Friedhaber is enrolled in the Electromechanical Trades Program. This senior from Attica High School signed with Bonduelle for an Electromechanical Technician co-op program.
• Jacob Beale, a junior from Elba High School, is enrolled in the Metal Trades program. Jacob signed for an Electronics Technician job shadow program with O-AT-KA.
• Sara Lis is enrolled in the Metal Trades Program. This senior from Pavilion High School signed for a Pipefitter job shadow program with Bonduelle.
• Lillias Bell is a junior from Caledonia-Mumford High School. She is enrolled in the Metal Trades Program and signed with DP Tool for a CNC Machining job shadow program.
• Alex Lynn is enrolled in the Electromechanical Trades Program. This junior from Caledonia-Mumford High School signed with DP Tool for an Electromechanical Technician job shadow.     
• Anthony Lippert is a junior from Livonia High School who signed with DP Tool from a Machine Builder job shadow.

Photo collages courtesy of Maggie Fitzgibbon, Genesee Valley BOCES.

Press release:

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance today announced that an additional $15 million is available to help eligible New Yorkers facing a home heating emergency.

Households that have already received emergency assistance from the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) this winter can apply for a second round of benefits if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their service disconnected when the statewide moratorium on utility shutoffs expires at the end of March. 

“Even with the spring season nearing, many parts of New York will continue to experience frigid temperatures for weeks to come,” said Mike Hein, commissioner of the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which administers HEAP. "This additional funding will help ensure struggling New Yorkers, including the most vulnerable among us, can continue to heat their homes until the cold weather breaks.”

Additionally, the deadline to apply for both the regular and emergency HEAP benefits was extended until April 30. With the initial round of HEAP benefits, both rounds of emergency assistance, households can receive up to $2,371 in assistance.

Applications for emergency HEAP are accepted at local departments of social services in person or by telephone. A list of offices by county can be found here.

Households are ordinarily only eligible to receive one regular HEAP benefit each winter and then one emergency HEAP benefit in the event of an energy crisis. Now, households that have already received a regular and emergency benefit can apply for additional assistance if they are faced with the possibility of having a utility shut off or running out of heating fuel without the available resources to replenish it.

Statewide demand for HEAP remains high. This winter, more than 1.3 million households secured regular HEAP benefits, with an additional 30,000 households receiving the first emergency benefit to address a home crisis or life-threatening heating emergency. 

The amount a household receives from HEAP depends on their income, household size and how the home is heated. A family of four can have a household income of up to $60,226 per year, or $5,019 per month, and still qualify for help.

New York State Public Service Law provides temporary protections for essential utility and municipal services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through March 31, utility companies and municipalities may not shut off service for nonpayment and must offer a deferred payment agreement to cover any overdue balance.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is reminding constituents that due to a new boating law passed last year, all motorboat operators, regardless of age, must have a boating safety certificate by 2025 in order to operate motorized watercrafts, including personal watercraft such as jet-skis.

Under the new law, all motorboat operators:

• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1993 needed a boating safety certificate beginning in 2020.

• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2022.

• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1983 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2023.

• Born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2024.

• All motorboat operators regardless of age will need a boating safety certificate beginning in 2025.

Information on taking the boating safety course in-person or online can be found here.

“I encourage anyone who has even a mild interest in boating to take the state boating safety course, because it’s never been easier to get your certificate,” Hawley said. “Whether taking the course in-person or online, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon and ensure everyone stays safe in New York waters.”

Press release:

To help keep the community aware of issues of interest to them and particularly to individuals with disabilities, the Western New York Independent Living Inc. (WNYIL) Family of Agencies now offers a new 30-minute public affairs radio program.

“Independent Perspective - In Depth,” utilizing the Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service (NFRRS), will air these shows at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings.  

Weekly guests will include leaders in the community from agencies serving people with disabilities, governmental agencies, as well as elected officials who will speak to issues important to people with disabilities in Western New York.

NFRRS’ programming is available to anyone online via their website, nfradioreading.org, by clicking the “Listen Live!” button, or by using Seros or Zeno apps on portable devices.

After the broadcast, a podcast will be available through the NFRRS website, as well as the WNYIL website and on several platforms including; Amazon Music, Audible, Google Podcasts, iHeart Podcasts, iTunes, Spotify, Sticher and TuneIn Radio.

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Of the 143 national cemeteries in the United States, only three are participating in the Avenue of Flags program, including our own Western New York National Cemetery. Each flag is donated by the family and friends of those entitled to military honors and are flown in tribute to their loved ones and honor of those entering the cemetery.

Our funeral homes would be honored to take care of each donation and bring them to the National Cemetery, where they will stand guard for our nation’s veterans on their last journey. Only interment flags are permitted, no store-bought flags are accepted.

The owner of The Firing Pin indoor shooting range and gun shop in Bergen says he is prepared to help society “return to normalcy” through the development of an outdoor recreational facility that includes a drive-in movie theater on a 22-acre parcel at 3269 Harloff Road in the Town of Batavia.

Brandon Lewis, an East Bethany native and Alexander Central School graduate, provided details this morning of his plan, which is on the agenda of tonight’s Genesee County Planning Board meeting via Zoom videoconferencing.

According to documents submitted to planners, Lewis, who recently moved to Brockport, is requesting a special use permit and review of the site plan to construct and operate the business for firearms training, general recreation, fitness training and a drive-in theater.

The location, in an Agricultural-Residential district, previously was used for snow tubing.

“We’re hoping to have shooting by July and have some fun events – maybe a haunted hayride this fall … just some affordable family entertainment and family fun on top of the shooting range,” he said. “I think we can mesh those two things, and I think it’s good for a return to normalcy. Firearms are a completely normal, healthy American family activity that can mesh with other forms of family entertainment.”

Lewis, owner of The Firing Pin since 2014, said he approached the Batavia Town Planning Board more than a year ago before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, just to introduce planners to his idea. He said the board was enthusiastic in its response.

“I asked if this was feasible or (would it be) an uphill fight the whole way, and they said it sounds great and your property is perfect for it,” recalled Lewis, who purchased the former Polar Wave property a year earlier and “just fell in love with it.”

“The potential that it offers to the people of the region, really, and, talking with my family, we just thought (we could provide) something that hadn’t been done before around here,” he added.

He said the land is naturally suited to be a shooting range, which will be the primary focus.

“It will be more of a gun club, still open to the public, but more of a club-type of atmosphere where we can offer so many different kinds of training that you can’t do at an indoor range,” he said. “Being able to do that and opening it up to law enforcement, that’s going to a huge potential source of customers for us. There’s a lot that we can offer as far as demos, training and things that don’t exist anywhere around here.”

Lewis said numerous police officers from the county and surrounding area use The Firing Pin and he believes they will be attracted to an outdoor range where they can further their training.

“We have great relationships with all the local law enforcement agencies, and I’m sure we’ll see many of those guys out there privately as well. Most of the officers are very dedicated to training even on their personal time,” he said.

As far as the drive-in theater is concerned, Lewis said he will start by putting up a small projector screen to show classic movies and favorites. The hope is to expand and show new releases with room for up to 130 cars – along the lines of the Silver Lake Drive-In in Perry.

Lewis also said the area will be available for music concerts – “somewhere (in size) between Jackson Square in Batavia versus Darien Lake,” he said – and for car shows, craft shows and other events.

“I think there’s a sweet spot in there that we’re missing out on,” he said.

He said immediate plans are to fix the on-site bathrooms and a long-term goal is to build a clubhouse.

Other referrals of note are as follows:

• A site plan review for Mutka 3450 Properties of British Columbia, Canada, to construct a 1,500-square-foot office addition to an existing warehouse facility in a Manufacture-Industrial district at 3450 Railroad Ave. in the Village of Alexander;

• A site plan review for BALD Development LLC of Alden to construct an 11,250-square-foot (225 by 50) pole-barn-type commercial office/storage building in a Commercial district at 234 Genesee St. (Route 33) in the Town of Darien.

• A special use permit for ForeFront Power of San Francisco to place a 45-acre, 5 megawatt ground-mounted solar system in an Agricultural-Residential district at 6982 Norton Road in the Town of Elba. The company is looking to install the solar array with associated electrical equipment, access road, fencing and landscaping on an existing farm field owned by Daniel and Penny Mudrzynski.

• Zoning text amendments related to solar energy submitted by the Darien, Elba and Le Roy town boards.

Rendering at top showing: a 200-yard shooting range at top; trap shooting range (triangle); drive-in theater at left; handgun range between the 200-yard range and theater; RV park next to the drive-in; and training course at right. Courtesy of Genesee County Planning Department.

Batavia City Manager Rachael Tabelski was spot on Monday night when she predicted the “lower figure” would be allocated to the city through the $1.9 trillion federal relief act known as the American Rescue Plan.

Tabelski reported at this week’s City Council meeting that she received estimates “ranging between $1.57 million and $2.5 million, so I’ll go with the lowest figure -- 1.5 to come into the City of Batavia, specifically.”

Tentative dollar amounts released Wednesday by Sen. Charles Schumer’s office and the National Association of Counties indicate that the city will get $1.58 million as a result of the legislation.

Tabelski categorized the funding as a “windfall” in that the money must be used for certain projects such as infrastructure and not to “stabilize our operations.” Municipal leaders are waiting for more details on how the money can be spent.

Genesee County is targeted to receive $11.11 million, in range of what County Manager Matt Landers had forecasted. 

The county’s 14 towns are expected to receive $4.66 million, divvied up as follows:

• Town of Alabama, $190,000;
• Town of Alexander, $270,000;
• Town of Batavia, $750,000;
• Town of Bergen, $320,000;
• Town of Bethany, $190,000;
• Town of Byron, $250,000;
• Town of Darien, $330,000;
• Town of Elba, $250,000;
• Town of Le Roy, $810,000;
• Town of Oakfield, $330,000;
• Town of Pavilion, $260,000;
• Town of Pembroke, $450,000;
• Town of Stafford, $260,000.

Allocations to Orleans and Wyoming counties are expected to be $7.83 million and $7.73 million, respectively.

In other City of Batavia government news:

• Tabelski and City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. said they are waiting to receive some outstanding invoices before determining the total amount that was spent to conduct the nationwide search for a permanent city manager.

Jankowski previously told The Batavian that he figured it would be around $5,000. The city contracted with The Novak Consulting Group of Cincinnati, Ohio, to assist in the search following the departure of Martin Moore last June. (The Batavian has requested an itemized list of all expenses).

Some residents have criticized the city for conducting another search (Novak was involved in the search that resulted in Moore’s hiring in 2018) when it could have hired Tabelski, who had been serving in an interim role for the past eight months.

Council opted to conduct a full search, however, as a stipulation in the contract with Novak indicated it would be provided at no cost, other than travel, advertising and related expenses.

As it turned out, even if the expenses involved to reach a decision to appoint Tabelski as the permanent city manager increase to $6,000, for example, the city will have saved significantly in salary over that time.

If Tabelski was hired in July, her salary would have jumped from (approximately) $7,398 per month to $9,166 per month – a difference of $1,768 per month. Multiply that times eight months and you get $14,144. The city did give Tabelski a stipend of $1,000 per month for the additional duties, so the savings decrease to $6,144.

But what also must be considered is that if Tabelski was hired in July, she would have brought on an assistant manager in short order. Even at a salary of $75,000, for example, that would have cost the city another $45,000 to 50,000 or so in personnel expenses.

Jankowski said initially he was in favor of “speeding up the hiring process” as he supported Tabelski for the job, but he thinks the decision to conduct the search was the right one.

“Looking back on that, I’m glad I acted on the feedback I received and supported moving on with a full and complete search,” he said. “It was fair and thorough. The search committee did a great job and I’m proud to have been a part of the process.”

• Tabelski, responding to an email from The Batavian, confirmed that Ray Tourt had opted not to accept the permanent position of Department of Public Works director.

“After additional consideration, Ray Tourt has decided not to take the permanent/provisional appointment of Director of Public Works,” Tabelski said. “Ray, a 20-plus-year veteran of the city, is committed to the City of Batavia and will remain the interim director while the city conducts a full search, and hiring process for a new director.”

Once a new director is hired, Tourt will go back to his former position of superintendent of the Bureau of Maintenance, and the city’s Human Resources department will begin to advertise for the position of DPW director in the near future, Tabelski added.

Tourt was appointed DPW director in December after Matt Worth’s announcement that he would be retiring.

Senior guard Zach Gilebarto drilled his first 10 shots from the field – including six three-pointers – on his way to 38 points to power the host Batavia Blue Devils to a 70-58 victory over Palmyra-Macedon in a Section V Class B1 boys’ basketball tournament semifinal game that was closer than the final score indicates.

Batavia’s win sets up a matchup of 14-0 teams at 6 p.m. Friday, with the top-seeded Blue Devils hosting second-seeded Wayne for the title. Wayne defeated No. 3 Livonia, 59-50, in the other semifinal contest tonight.

Blue Devils Head Coach Buddy Brasky had high praise for Gilebarto's accomplishment.

"I’ve been varsity coach here for 32 years and that goes up there as one of the best shooting performances that I’ve ever witnessed," he said. "I can think of Jeff Redband when he scored 52 against Irondequoit and Jalen Smith had one of those at Pittsford Mendon where he scored 35. But I haven’t witnessed a shooting performance like that in a long, long time."

Brasky said Gilebarto, who made 14 of his 20 shots in the game, is the team's leader on and off the court.

"He's been our ‘go to’ guy all year. He’s a hard worker -- a gym rat -- and he deserves everything that he gets," he said.

With Gilebarto on target from the outside and senior forward/center Stone Siverling finding success near the basket, Batavia took a 16-11 lead after the first quarter. Gilebarto was 3-for-3 from deep while Siverling hit a pair of buckets inside in the period.

Gilebarto was a one-man show in the second quarter, connecting on three more three-pointers and three other shots for 15 of the Blue Devils’ 17 points. He scored 26 points in the half on 9-for-9 shooting.

Despite Gilebarto’s heroics, the Red Raiders hung in there and trailed by only four at 33-29 at halftime behind junior guard Paul Goodness’ 11 points, including three three-point shots, and sophomore forward Sage Hunter’s 10 points.

The third quarter proved to be an exciting back-and-forth affair with Siverling, Gilebarto and senior guard Faraz Idrees leading the way for Batavia while sophomore guard/forward Ian Goodness kept Pal-Mac in the game with four three-point shots.

Two of those long distance baskets by Goodness offset another three-pointer by Gilebarto to knot the score at 37-37. Siverling then took over, hitting a three-pointer, grabbing an offensive rebound and passing to Alex Hale for a layup, swishing a left-handed hook shot and scoring on a drive to the hoop to put Batavia up 46-40.

Ian Goodness connected again from deep, pulling the Red Raiders within 46-45 with 55 seconds left in the quarter before Idrees drained a corner “3” to make it 49-45. After Paul Goodness scored inside, Gilebarto beat the buzzer with his eighth three-point shot of the game to make it 52-47 entering the final period.

Batavia’s defense was the story in the fourth quarter as it held Pal-Mac to 11 points – only three in the final five minutes.

Another three-pointer from the right corner by Idrees gave the Blue Devils their biggest lead at 55-47, but a couple more three-point shots by Paul Goodness narrowed the gap to 59-55.

From there, Batavia forced a couple turnovers and rebounded three straight missed shots before Gilebarto hit a two-pointer from the side to make it 63-55 with 2:30 to play. Idrees then took a charge on the defensive end – the fourth time he got in position for an offensive foul – before Gilebarto hit a running shot in the lane at the 1:00 mark to secure the victory.

"They did a good job breaking down our defense, getting a lot of ball reversals and handoffs and screens, and then number zero (Ian Goodness) caught fire in the third quarter to keep them in the game," Brasky said.

"We went zone for three to four minutes to try to change it up on them and I thought that stymied them for a little bit. Then we switched back to our man-to-man early in the fourth and our defense really shut them down the rest of the way."

When it was mentioned that Idrees was the "unsung hero," Brasky wholeheartedly agreed.

"For sure, he drew four charges and he hit two big threes in the second half while they were making runs at us. He was the unsung hero of the game – he took four charges and that was a key," he said.

Brasky also credited Siverling for his play when Pal-Mac stepped up its defense on Gilebarto.

"We knew they were going to start to try and take Gilebarto away so we went inside with some of our sets to get Stone going and he produced, for sure," he said.

Siverling finished with 20 points.

For Pal-Mac, 9-5, Paul Goodness tallied 24, Ian Goodness 14 and Hunter 10.

Next up for the Blue Devils are the Wayne Eagles, described by Brasky as a "solid all-around team" that plays the Syracuse 2-3 zone.

"They’ve got length on their back line so it makes it very hard to find openings in their zone; they play it very well," he said. "And they’ve got two dynamic guards who both average 20-plus per game – (junior Mason) Blankenberg, number 25, and (senior Tyler) Reynolds, number 15. They’re just a solid all-around team so it should be a good one."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Photo at top: Zach Gilebarto launches one of his eight successful three-point attempts.

Stone Siverling soars high to grab a rebound as Gilebarto and Pal-Mac's Robert Kinslow battle on the boards.

Alex Hale drives to the hoop.

The winning Blue Devils celebrate, knowing they're one win away from a sectional crown.

Zach Gilebarto's father, Phil, capturing some digital memories of his son's terrific night.

Press release:

• Genesee County received 18 new positive cases of COVID-19.
  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield)
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
    • Seventeen of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.  
    • Four of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
    • Eleven of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center.

​

Orleans County received six new positive cases of COVID-19.

• The positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
• The individuals are in their 0-19s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
• One of the newly positive individuals was under mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
• One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been removed from the isolation list.
• Two of the current positive individuals is hospitalized.

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Beginning March 10th, all New Yorkers 60 years and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Public facing essential workers from governmental and nonprofit organizations will be eligible beginning March 17th. This expansion includes public-facing essential building services workers.

Providers will be able to vaccinate any eligible New Yorkers, with the exception of Pharmacies who will focus on individuals over the age of 60 and teachers, in line with federal policy beginning March 10th. This is all subject to the availability of the vaccine to the providers. This new addition of new eligible residents still far exceeds the supply of vaccine received in our counties. Individuals who are eligible must have an appointment in order to get a vaccine.  

To check for vaccination clinics in Genesee and Orleans Counties please go to: http://bit.ly/GOHealthVaccine  

For more information about the vaccine and access for those who are 60 and older who do NOT have internet access, please contact your respective Office for the Aging (OFA). For Genesee OFA please call (585) 813-2457 for COVID-19 Vaccine assistance between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call.

For Orleans OFA please call (585) 589-3191 between 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and leave a message if you get voicemail and someone will return the call. The OFA offices can only assist with the clinic links as they are available. The system may experience slowdowns and crashes due to high volume. Please be patient and try again later.   

To see who is currently included in the 1A and 1B priority groups to check eligibility, click here.

The local vaccine availability is limited and determined by the state. For more information on when it will be available for the general public keep checking our website or the NYS Department of Health website.

Restaurants: As of March 19th, New York State is increasing restaurant capacity from 50 percent to 75 percent for counties outside of New York City. Further guidance is expected.

Travel Guidance Update: According to the Governor’s announcement today, those who travel domestically will no longer be required to quarantine or test-out within 90 days of full vaccination. International Travelers will continue to follow CDC quarantine guidance. Check for the updated guidance here.

Gathering Size: Beginning March 22 for residential gatherings 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors. For social gatherings up to 100 people indoors, 200 people outdoors.Check for the updated guidance here.

Beginning April 2: Event, Arts, and Entertainment Venues- reopening at 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors, 200 people outdoors. With attendee testing, capacity increases to 150 people indoors, 500 people outdoors. The rapid test is valid for 6 hours; PCR test is valid for 72 hours. Social distancing and face coverings are required by all attendees. Check for the updated guidance here.

Starting March 15, the Governor is allowing weddings at up to 50 percent of the venue capacity or up to 150 people (whichever is smaller) at weddings/catered events. See section D (In-person and Catered Events) of the Interim Guidance for Food Services During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency updated Feb. 24.

There are strict guidelines to be followed and Responsible Parties are to notify the local health department if they plan to host in-person and catered events above the State’s maximum social gathering limit, which is 50 people as of Feb. 24. Those who ignore the guidance can be fined and/or lose their license to operate.

There continues to be a maximum of 10 people indoors and outdoors for residential gatherings.  

Social distancing, wearing cloth masks/face coverings over the mouth and nose, and handwashing, cleaning and disinfection protocol requirements are to be continued to limit the spread of COVID-19.  

Pharmacies participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination CDC: The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination is a collaboration between the federal government, states and territories, and 21 national pharmacy partners and independent pharmacy networks to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination across the United States. To learn more use this following link.  

CV19 CheckUp: Learn about what your risk is to get COVID-19 and how to limit your risk. CV19 CheckUp is free, confidential, and easy to use. It is designed to help you be safer and healthier during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Vaccine Information: To see how the COVID-19 vaccine is administered throughout the state go to the COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker. This now includes the county breakdown.

Percent Positive 7/14 -- day average click here.

To review the raw positive data for each of the counties click this link.

Click here to view the Genesee and Orleans counties' online map of confirmed cases.

The Genesee County Highway Department has created a website to help the public informed during the reconstruction of the South Lyon Street Bridge.

To visit the website, click here. 

This is a $3 million project with 80 percent covered by federal grants.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2022.

Considering the importance of this bridge to the traveling public in our community, a website was created to keep residents and businesses apprised of the project's progress," said Laura Wadhams, assistant county engineer. "Please check the website for updates as the design process continues, and through construction for progress photos."

Notre Dame handily beat Alfred on Tuesday, 52-24, to advance to the semifinals of the Class D1 Section V tournament.

McCulley scored 22 points, hitting two three-point shots, and McGinnis scored 18, hitting a trio of three-pointers. She also had seven rebounds.

The Fighting Irish (10-2) will play C.G. Finney (11-2) at home, 7 p.m., tomorrow.

Tonight's schedule:

Girls: 

• Bolivar at Pavilion, 7 p.m.
• Alexander at East Rochester, 6 p.m.

Boys: 

• Pal-Mac at Batavia, 6 p.m.
• Notre Dame at Belfast, 7 p.m.

A grass fire has reportedly spread to a porch at the back of 30 Vine St., Batavia.

The upstairs apartment may be occupied.

City fire responding.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: A quick response by City fire appears to have gotten the fire knocked down before there was any serious structural damage. All occupants exited the apartments safely and no pets were hurt or lost. The fire is under investigation and more information will be released later.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: City fire is back in service.

Oakfield-Alabama zoomed past Dundee on Tuesday night to win the Section V Class C2 quarterfinal by a score of 72-40.

Travis Wiedrich and Kaden Cusmano each scored 11 points. Ty Mott scored eight.

The Hornets (9-2, #3) will face Harley-Allendale-Columbia (10-1, #2) in a semifinal game at HAC at 6 p.m., Thursday.

Also on Tuesday, Pembroke lost to Avon, 58-53.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

Elba had no trouble with Romulus in the Lady Lancers' first-round Class D2 sectional game at home on Tuesday night, winning 70-15.

Brynn Walczak scored 19 points, hitting two of three three-point attempts. Leah Bezon just missed a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Taylor Augello scored 10 points. She also had seven assists.

The Lancers, at 12-0, face Northern Christian, the #4 seed at 7-2, at 7 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at home.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are out of the Section V Class A Hockey Tournament as a result of a 5-3 defeat Tuesday night against Pittsford at the Batavia Ice Arena, but for Coach Marc Staley, the team’s successful shortened season is just a harbinger of better things to come.

“That was as good as any team we’ve played all season. We battled right to the end, we didn’t quit and I’m proud of them,” said Staley, who is in his 14^th year as the ND hockey coach.

Unlike its previous two games where they trailed 2-0, the Irish – although outshot by a 13-8 margin – led after the first period when freshman Joe DiRisio cashed in the rebound after a shot from the point by his cousin, junior Vin DiRisio, at the 12:43 mark. Sophomore Cooper Hamilton also picked up an assist.

“I thought we played a very solid and smart first period,” Staley said. “We did exactly what we wanted to. We had the line changes that we wanted, we had the matchups that we wanted and had a lot of whistles because we wanted to slow the pace of the game down.”

Notre Dame took a 2-0 lead at 1:34 of the second period as sophomore Ronin Hofmaster poked the puck past senior goaltender Ryan Graney with an assist from senior Alonso Storey and junior Gavin Schrader.

Just when it seemed like the Irish were in control, Pittsford struck back just 18 seconds later when Aiden McGrain redirected a shot by Brandon Penrose past freshman goaltender Frank Falleti Jr. to cut the lead in half.

The goal energized the visiting Panthers, who displayed speed and precision en route to scoring twice more in the period – a wrister by Brian Judge, unassisted, at 6:53 and a goal by eighth-grader Mathew Judge at 11:49, assisted by Colin Norton and Henok Hankinson.

Pittsford outshot the Irish 19-5 in the second period.

Staley said Pittsford capitalized on long stretches without stoppage of play.

“The second period was more wide open, and we had stretches of two and a half, three minutes without a whistle and that hurts us with our depth,” he said.

With Graney coming up big on a couple Notre Dame rushes midway in the third period, Pittsford upped its lead to 4-2 at the 11:21 mark when Brian Judge scooped up an errant pass in the ND zone and flipped it past Falleti on his glove side.

The Irish bounced back, however, pulling within a goal with 1:58 to play when Storey tallied after a couple of nifty passes by Hofmaster and Cooper Hamilton.

Notre Dame, with Falleti on the bench in favor of an extra attacker, had a golden opportunity to knot the score but Graney made a spectacular save on Joe DiRisio’s shot at point-blank range with 25 seconds remaining.

Seconds later, Will Masaschi fired the puck the length of the ice into the empty net to make it 5-3.

“After the goal that made it 4-2, we came right back and scored,” Staley said. “We pulled the goalie and had two really good chances to tie that game. We could still be playing right now; still be in overtime.”

Falleti ended up with 36 saves (the last goal was into an empty net) as Pittsford outshot the home team, 41-23.

Still, Staley said he’s not discouraged but excited about what lies ahead.

“We have a lot to look forward to. We’re returning all 10 of our top scorers and our goalie situation is only going to get better. It’s going to be a fun ride,” he said.

He did bring up whether the Little Irish belong in Class A, competing against much larger schools. The Pittsford squad, for example, is comprised of the best players from Pittsford Mendon and Pittsford Sutherland – schools with combined enrollment of about 2,000 students, Staley said.

“The question can be thrown at this point; did we belong in A? Was this a fair thing to do to our program? I don’t think it was but, again, as a coach I can’t control that. All I can do is prepare my team and get them ready and I think we earned a lot of respect tonight from these teams,” he said.

Staley said the alignment in this unusual season, shortened by COVID-19, was a bit “crazy.”

“I’ve been screaming about this for a long time. We regularly – (changing his thought) -- and we’ve won championships at that level. I think we created a culture (he has coached ND to two sectional titles and three league championships) and that has attracted some kids to Notre Dame. We’ve shown that we’re not afraid to play anybody and we’re going to find a way.”

This season, the team was bolstered by the transfer of a trio of key players from the Batavia City School District to the parochial school.

Staley said that he thinks Pittsford will beat Gates-Chili on Thursday to reach the finals against Victor (his prediction).

He said Pittsford’s 5-7-1 record is deceiving because they compete in the top division of the Class A clubs and have to face strong teams such as Victor, Penfield and Churchville-Chili twice.

Even though Notre Dame was the No. 1 seed, Staley felt his team was the underdog against the more experienced Panthers.

“I’m happy with the progress that we made this year, and the progress with some of the young kids, specifically Frankie in net, Noah Hudson the way he has developed his game on defense, the way that Ronin Hofmaster has continued to develop his game, the way that Cooper Hamilton has improved throughout the season,” Staley said.

“Seeing how freshman like Noah Whitcombe had come in and improved, and Vincent DiRisio (17 goals, 13 assists), very proud of him, yes he’s a fiery kid – his penalties this year were more hockey specific, so he’s growing up. And Gavin Schrader, look how this kid has developed this year. He barely took any penalties and he led the league is scoring (17 goals, 17 assists).

Staley said he believes Notre Dame will be moved back to Class B next season and “I think we will be a really hard team for everyone to handle next year.”

While the Section V Tournament is over, Staley said he is working on lining up a couple more home games – tentatively at 6 p.m. Thursday against McQuaid and 7 p.m. Saturday against Brighton.

Photos by Jim Burns.

The Batavia Lady Blue Devils advanced to the semifinals of the Section V Class B1 girls’ basketball tournament tonight with a 55-36 victory over visiting Greece Olympia.

It was the fourth time the two teams have met this season with Batavia, 9-4, winning the previous three by 20 points each time.

Senior guards Mackenzie Reigle and Bryn Wormley, who both have reached the 1,000-point plateau for their varsity careers, led the way with 26 and 17 points, respectively.

As has been the norm, Reigle filled up the stat sheet with six assists, seven rebounds and 14 steals, while Wormley added seven steals as Batavia pulled away after a bit of a slow start.

Reigle scored 14 of her points in the second quarter, hitting a pair of three-point attempts, as the Lady Devils went on a 15-4 run to take a 31-19 lead at intermission.

In the third quarter, Wormley led the way with 11 points, including two three-pointers as Batavia stretched its lead to 45-28.

Taylor Jung paced Olympia, 3-8, with 18 points.

The third-seeded Lady Devils advance to take on No. 2 Midlakes on Thursday at 7 p.m. at a site to be determined. Midlakes rolled past Wayne, 64-40.

In the other semifinal bracket on Thursday, it will be No. 1 Pal-Mac against No. 5 Livonia.

Pal-Mac crushed Newark, 56-24, while Livonia upset No. 4 Hornell, 60-39.

The championship game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday.  

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Mackenzie Reigle begins a drive to the hoop.

Tess Barone shoots over Greece Olympia's Tenilya Murray.

Haylee Thornley moves past an Olympia defender.

Mack Harmon battles for a loose ball.

Kennedy Kolb makes a move as Olympia's Elaja Miller defends.

The entire Batavia team gathers for the home fans in celebration of Bryn Wormley reaching 1,000 points in its previous game at Greece Odyssey.

A 50- to 60-gallon fuel spill is reported in the northwest corner of the Flying-J parking lot.

Pembroke fire and Indian Falls fire dispatched.

City of Batavia Fast Team and Mercy EMS dispatched.

City Engine 11 responding on a "slow roll" since there's no fire.

UPDATE 9:41 p.m.: Engine 11 back in service.

UPDATE 10:37 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls are back in service.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for their fourth Rockin’ the Downs concert series, which will take place outside on the racetrack, with eight Friday dates, starting in June and running into August.

Kicking off the series on Friday, June 25th is former Journey frontman Steve Augeri. Steve returns after playing one of the most enjoyable concerts from 2019’s series. The lead vocalist for the rock group from 1998-2006, Steve headlined an eight-year tenure that included three albums, and will perform hits such as "Don’t Stop Believin’," "Separate Ways," "Wheel in the Sky," "Faithfully," and "Anyway You Want It."

Next up, on Friday, July 2nd, Batavia Downs welcomes Southern Rock legends Molly Hatchet. Originating in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1978, the band has gone on to release 14 studio albums. They’ll be performing hits such as "Flirtin’ with Disaster," "Dreams I’ll Never See" and "Whiskey Man" among others.

Friday, July 9th will see Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles, perform at the Downs. As a renowned former lead guitarist of The Eagles, one of the most popular and influential rock groups of our time, Don has helped write and perform many iconic classics. His 2008 memoir was a New York Times bestseller. Don will perform solo and Eagles’ hits during his set including " Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)," "Hotel California," "Life in the Fast Lane," "The Long Run" and "Tequila Sunrise."

Performing on Friday, July 16th is Tommy James and the Shondells. Hailing from Niles, Mich., Tommy rose to stardom after his song "Hanky Panky" went to #1 in Pittsburgh. Other hits in his catalog include "I Think We’re Alone Now," "Mony Mony," "Crimson and Clover," "Sweet Cherry Wine" and "Crystal Blue Persuasion."

Rocking the stage on Friday, July 23rd is Heavy Metal Rockers Skid Row. After forming in New Jersey in 1986, the band has performed all over the world with hard guitars and a unique songwriting style. They’ll be performing their hits "In a Darkened Room," "We Are the Damned," "Youth Gone Wild," "18 And Life," and many more.

Legendary Rock Band The Sweet performs on Friday, July 30th. Hailing from London, the band has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide since forming in 1968. Original member Andy Scott handles lead vocals on such hits as "Little Willy," "Ballroom Blitz," "Fox On The Run" and "Love Is Like Oxygen."

America’s top Pink Floyd Show, The Machine hits the stage on Friday, Aug. 6^th. Over 30 years they have extended the legacy of Pink Floyd while creating another legacy all their own. Over the years, The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many with its stellar musicianship, dramatic lighting, and video performances.

Closing out the series on Friday, Aug. 13th is rock band Queensrÿche. With more than 30 million albums sold worldwide, Queensrÿche continues to tour the globe to sold-out audiences. The band has earned multiple Grammy Award nominations and won the MTV “viewer’s choice” award for the #1 chart-topping hit "Silent Lucidity." Even with 11 gold and platinum plaques and several Top 10 hard rock anthems under their belt, Queensrÿche consistently delivers high-octane live shows combining the hungry fire of a new band with the tempered experience of master showmen. 

Tickets for all eight concerts will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning sometime in late March or April. Tickets will also be available for purchase at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby. 

“Preliminarily we’ll be looking to have a “POD” setup, which has been utilized in many other locations. It allows patrons to be with those in their circle and socially distanced from other concertgoers," said Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.

“If restrictions are lifted, then we will adapt as necessary with our concert setup. Tickets will go on sale once we have more guidance from the state about how we can safely conduct these events.”

Debuting this year will be a chair rental option. There will be 500 chairs available for rental for $5 each. All net proceeds for chair rental will benefit Make-A-Wish Western New York. Volunteers from Make-A-Wish will also be distributing foam drink holders in return for a donation.

“We are eager to welcome music lovers back to the facility,” said Ryan Hasenauer, director of Marketing for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We’re looking forward to bringing musical icons back to Batavia Downs for all to enjoy.

"After not having shows last summer, we’re excited to finally launch our partnership with Make-A-Wish Western New York to help raise funds to help them transform lives.”

Other concerts will also be announced outside of the Fridays mentioned above. Ticket prices will vary based on concert and capacity. Each concert ticket is also redeemable once at Player’s Club in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 800+ gaming machines.

Concerts are held rain or shine. Additional information may be found at www.BataviaDownsGaming.com.