Skip to main content

Elba beats Oakfield-Alabama 55-30

By Howard B. Owens

oaelbagirlsfeb1974.jpg

Elba's Lady Lancers continued their GR League dominance Thursday night beating Oakfield-Alabama 55-30.

Brynn Walczak scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Elba. Taylor Augello scored 15. Leah Bezon scored seven. Dakota Brinkman had eight rebounds.

For the Lady Hornets, Makena Redding scored 17 points and Kelsy Schlgenaugh had four points and snagged 10 rebounds.

Also in girls basketball:

  • Attica beat Byron-Bergen 46-34
  • Notre Dame beat Kendall 53-34
Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here. For JV photos, click here.

oaelbagirlsfeb19133.jpg

oaelbagirlsfeb19106.jpg

oaelbagirlsfeb1996.jpg

oaelbagirlsfeb1977.jpg

Genesee County Conservative Party announces endorsements

By Press Release

Press release:

We are proud to endorse, what will be the first woman as Genesee County Court Judge, Melissa Ciafrini. We as a committee feel strongly that she will bring to the bench, much-needed diversity and a fair and equitable process for the Genesee County community. She will be bringing a wealth of knowledge and hard work ethic to her position and will do our county proud.  

Genesee County Legislature 

  • District 3 ( Darien/Pembroke) Gordon Dibble 
  • District 4 (Towns of Batavia/Stafford) Brooks Hawley
  • District 5 (Le Roy) Rochelle Stein 
  • District 7 (City of Batavia Wards 1 & 6) John Deleo 
  • District 9 (City of Batavia Wards 4 & 5) Gary Maha 

City of Batavia, City Council at Large 

  • Eugene Jankowski 
  • Jeremy Karas 

Town of Stafford Highway Department 

  • Steven Boldt 

Town of Bergen, Town Board 

  • Anne Sapienza 

Town of Darien, Town Clerk 

  • Alice Calmes 

Town of Le Roy, Town Board 

  • Bill Fox 
  • Dave Paddock 

We are excited to work with each of these candidates, not only during their campaigns but as they serve our communities. We are committed to working with both democrats, republicans, independents, and libertarians to make our Genesee County, the best county in New York State.

Water line break reported on Bogue Avenue, Batavia

By Press Release

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department is investigating a water break in front of 2-4 Bogue Ave.

Residents on Bogue Avenue should expect the possibility of the water being turned off. We will do our best to keep this to a minimum.

There is a possibility of discolored water; laundry should be avoided if possible.

We thank the residents for their patience and understanding.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Water service has been restored.

Pembroke voters approve Intermediate School bus garage renovations by a wide margin

By Mike Pettinella

Pembroke Central School District residents Thursday overwhelmingly approved a $1.69-million multifaceted capital project for repairs and renovation of the bus garage at the Intermediate School at 58 Alleghany Road (Route 77) in Corfu.

The work is being funded by state aid and $400,000 from the district’s Capital Reserve Fund, and will have no impact on the local property tax rate, according to Superintendent Matthew Calderon.

The vote was 139 in favor and 35 against.

Improvements to the bus garage include replacing: the bus lift; fuel island; interior lighting; windows in the lift bay; offices and drivers’ area; entry doors; and overhead door operators.

Additional work involves adding electrical power on three light poles, repairing building electrical ground, repointing brick, splitting the heat system to provide greater efficiency, and installing screen wall/wind screens and parts storage shelving.

The district's board of education has scheduled another capital project proposition for May to address Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and Building Condition Survey issues, Calderon said, noting that the spring proposal also will not result in an increase to the taxpayer.

LIVE: Jackson Square DRI Public Input Meeting

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
.pane-node-body img {background: none !important; border: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: unset !important; padding-left: 1px !important } broadstreet.zone(69076)

Jackson Square DRI Public Input Meeting

Jacobs says Cuomo must be held accountable

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement after it was reported last night that the FBI and the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney’s Office have opened an investigation into Governor Cuomo and senior members of his COVID-19 Task Force.

“For weeks, I have called for a full federal investigation into Governor Cuomo and his staff for their actions to cover up the disastrous impacts of the Governor’s directive forcing COVID positive patients back into nursing homes.

This investigation is long overdue but necessary to the grieving families who have been cast aside, smeared, and talked down to by this Governor for simply seeking answers surrounding the death of a loved one.

“I will keep working tirelessly until we have these answers. This investigation should leave no stone unturned and thoroughly examine the deliberate and willful action to withhold information from federal prosecutors and the public. The Governor’s actions represent one of the greatest betrayals of public trust during this pandemic. He must be held accountable."

Genesee County reports five COVID-19 cases since yesterday

By Press Release

Press release:

Genesee County received five new positive cases of COVID-19.

  • The new positive cases reside in the:
    • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke)
    • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield)
    • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
  • The individuals are in their 20s, 40s and 50s. 
  • One of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been removed from the isolation list. 
  • Fourteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Oneof the new positive individuals is an inmate at the Buffalo Federal Detention center.
  • Correction: We retracted one positive resident of the Le Roy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility that was determined to be a duplicate.

Orleans County received five 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 20s, 30s, 40s and 60s.
  • Two of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Orleans is unable to report the number of those who have recovered or the number of active positive cases. This data will be included in tomorrow’s update.

COVID-19 2nd Dose Vaccine Clinic from 9 to 1:45 tomorrow at GCC to be rescheduled

By Press Release

Health Alert

The COVID-19 2nd Dose Vaccine Clinic scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19, at Genesee Community College in Batavia -- for appointments between 9 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. -- will be rescheduled due to the weather-related delay of vaccine delivery. 

Anyone with an appointment during this time slot will be contacted directly by provided email or phone number to reschedule your appointment next week.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

The Genesee County Health Department

Six Flags Darien Lake gears up for season in light of state's directive that parks can open in April

By Mike Pettinella

Six Flags Darien Lake will be kicking off its season after April 9th, but Wednesday’s announcement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo that outdoor amusement parks can reopen on that date is welcome news for the popular entertainment destination that has been shut down for quite some time.

“We’re really excited about what that can mean for us opening in the spring, and we’re excited to welcome the community back to the park when the right time comes for us,” Dan Stokes, marketing and public relations manager, said today via telephone.

“Probably not as early as April 9th … We will be announcing fairly shortly those dates as we try to figure out exactly what are plans are.”

Cuomo’s directive stipulates that outdoor amusement parks will be able to entertain guests on that date, but only at 33 percent of maximum capacity.

Stokes said the park will be utilizing an online reservation system this spring, similar to one that is in place for the laser shows that currently are scheduled for the next three weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7 and 8:30 p.m.).

“That way, we can cap attendance … at the 33 percent of our capacity,” he said. “I believe we are still working on exactly what our capacity (will be) and how many we can allow in the park.”

The theme park was unable to open in 2020, but the campground was open for a few weeks last summer.

Stokes said the process of hiring seasonal employees is underway. Six Flags Darien Lake employs more than 1,000 part-time workers during its peak season, filling jobs in areas such as performance, games, retail, food service, rides, park services, promotion and clerical.

“It’s going to be a virtual process, so people can apply online and (for interviews) we can follow social distancing guidelines. Those dates will be coming out fairly soon,” he advised.

Season passes are available now for $49.99 – “that’s the lowest they have been in a very long time,” Stokes said – and can be purchased via the park’s website at www.sixflags.com/darienlake.

Tickets for the laser shows are $14.99 per person, with season pass holders admitted at no charge. Again, reservations must be made through the park’s website.

Stokes said he had no information about Live Nation’s plans for summer concerts at the park’s amphitheater.

Cuomo also announced that indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement will be permitted to reopen starting March 26 at 25 percent capacity, and day and overnight summer camps should be able to reopen in June.

Reopening of all of these venues will be subject to the ongoing COVID-19 protocols – including face coverings and social distancing for customers and staff – along with health screenings and temperature checks for patrons prior to entering.

LIVE: Dan Ireland, President of United Memorial Medical Center

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
.pane-node-body img {background: none !important; border: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: unset !important; padding-left: 1px !important }broadstreet.zone(69076)

Dan Ireland, President of United Memorial Medical Center

American Warrior Festival launches national virtual event series, partners with The Firing Pin in Bergen

By Press Release

Press release:

American Warrior Festival, in partnership with parent company Strength In Numbers Entertainment, is proud to announce the launch of their national virtual event series -- with roots in Genesee County -- in their ongoing efforts to support our country’s veterans and those currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The entertainment organization is making its return after the unprecedented circumstances of last year, which caused the team to pause on some of their most anticipated live events.

American Warrior Festival’s spring virtual events are currently open for registration and end on March 25th with more events to follow. All are welcome to register to attend virtually and can participate at their own pace.

“Obviously, we were forced to hit the pause button just like everyone else when the pandemic hit; however, we found that the hiatus allowed us to rebuild and refocus on our mission, and we created an even better experience for our veterans and their families," says Dan Clor, American Warrior Festival founder and owner, Marine Corps veteran, and host of The American Warrior Festival Podcast. With this new virtual platform, we are now able to reach more veterans, and further spread our message."

Clor is partnering with The Firing Pin, an indoor shooting range in Bergen, for the virtual events in Genesee County.

Virtual Event Series Details

2021 AWF Medal of Honor Marksmanship Competition 

You can register and enter your score anytime between now and March 25th.

What You Will Do

To begin the drill, draw at the sound of the shot timer/verbal command/other signal and engage the target 10 times within the 10-second time standard. The objective is to score as many points as possible within the allotted time. Any ties resulting from points in a competition setting are broken by referring to the individual time; the next tiebreaker goes to the fastest engagement of the target.

Once you complete the drill:

1. Post your video in the “Discussion” area of the Facebook event page.

2. Enter your score into the leaderboard.

3. All participants who have completed the drill and entered their time into the system will be entered into a prize drawing to be held on Medal of Honor Day, March 25th, 2021. You will also receive a 2021 American Warrior Festival Medal of Honor T-shirt for completing the event.

For full details and to sign up for the event, click here.

2021 AWF Medal of Honor Virtual Run

National Medal of Honor Day is observed every year on March 25th and is dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients.

“Each branch of the U.S. military awards the Medal of Honor to those who have distinguished themselves ‘conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity’ above and beyond the call of duty,” according to the Department of Veterans Affairs official website.

In this time of social distancing, get in shape, connect with your friends and family through weekly trainings and compete for the best final times! Share your photos on social media to enter our weekly raffle for prizes.

Details:

1. Signup for the Virtual 5K, 10-miler, Fun Run/Walk or join a team.

2. All times are tracked through the leaderboard to add to the competitive fun.

3. Registration includes a T-Shirt, Medal, 10-percent off gifts and apparel in our merchant store, and partially as a donation to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Organization.

4. Includes a six-week virtual training course led by an experienced trainer and veteran.

To purchase tickets for the Ruck Run, click here.

“Our sponsors and team make this all possible. The tremendous support from local and national organizations, private businesses, individuals, ticket sales, concessions, and merchandise all go to help our veterans,” adds Clor. “This is just the beginning; get ready for more great news to come!”

A VA study on mental health concluded that, on average, 20 Veterans commit suicide a day and that the suicide rate is highest among veterans between 18 to 29. The American Warrior Festival and Strength In Numbers Entertainment mission is to help support organizations working toward veteran suicide prevention.

Help us defeat these horrific statistics through donations, participation, and sharing with others. It’s important to get our message out there, especially during these difficult times.

Partial proceeds from registration for each event go to veteran organizations such as The War Fighter Community FoundationMission 22, and Broken Warriors Angels.

For more information on how you can help support our veterans, please email Dan Clor at:  DanClor@strengthinnumbersent.com.

About American Warrior Festival

American Warrior Festival provides entertainment for the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces and gives them access to veteran support resources through our nonprofit partners. For more information visit: https://americanwarriorfestival.com/.

About Strength In Numbers Entertainment

Strength In Numbers Entertainment is a concert and event company that creates and promotes events, tours featuring heavy, edgier bands and artists spanning across multiple genres. For more information visit: https://strengthinnumbersent.com/.

C02 detection with ill effects reported at residence in Byron

By Billie Owens

The presence of carbon dioxide with ill effects is reported in Byron at a ranch-style residence at the corner of Hassenthaler and Swamp roads. Byron Fire Department is on scene. The occupants have been evacuation and Mercy medics are responding in nonemergency mode.

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: A faulty CO2 alarm was replaced. The assignment is back in service.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region welcomes new Outreach Specialist

By Press Release

Submitted photo and press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) welcomes Kara Beth Baker to assist people with disabilities in the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming county (GOW) region as a New York Connects Independent Living Outreach Specialist.  

Baker brings 22 years of experience in counseling and accessibility, including: Counselor/Case Manager with the Salvation Army Men’s Rehabilitation Center in Buffalo; Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Program Assistant at Attica Correctional Facility; Residential Habilitation Trainer at Heritage Centers in Alden; Crisis Counselor at Genesee Valley BOCES in Batavia; and a 504 Assistant (dealing with Federal disability access) and Board Member at Bethel Elementary School in Bethel, Vermont.

Baker completed a Master Life Coach Certification Program with the Transformation Academy; holds a Certification in Peer Recovery and Ethics from Recovery University of the Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services; plus completed additional coursework and trainings at Liberty University, Cazenovia College, the University of Vermont, and Life Space Crisis Intervention Inc.

In her new role, Baker will connect people with disabilities and their families to needed home and community-based supports and services, as well as facilitate access to public benefits," says Baker. “I intend to use my skills and abilities to offer helpful solutions, and to help consumers help themselves. I intend to focus on the individuals’ specific needs in order to help them best navigate their journey."

ILGR is delighted that Kara Beth Baker is bringing her vast experience to serve the GOW region in her new capacity.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

LIVE: Interview with Charitie Bruning, YMCA Child Care Director

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
.pane-node-body img {background: none !important; border: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: unset !important; padding-left: 1px !important } broadstreet.zone(69076)

Interview with Charitie Bruning, YMCA Child Care Director. We'll talk about services being offered by the YMCA to families during the coronavirus pandemic.

Production at Texas refineries disrupted by weather, driving gas prices higher

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Statement from AAA’s national office regarding Gulf Coast refineries and gas prices:

Since Monday, the national gas price average has increased seven cents to $2.575 ($2.58). This quick four-day jump is a direct result of all major Gulf Coast refineries being impacted by the recent storm, which has caused gas supplies to tighten and pump prices to increase.

The situation is very similar to a Gulf Coast hurricane’s impact. Refineries come offline, and until damage (if any) is assessed and operations are back up and running, supply is tight, especially with road conditions and power outages (mostly in Texas) reducing fuel deliveries – if stations even have power to accept them.

Until things thaw out and Gulf Coast refineries are running again (likely early next week), we do expect more expensive pump prices across the country, varying another 5-15 cents.

We urge motorists in the impacted areas to stay off the road and not rush to get gas. Gasoline will flow into stations as power is restored and roads are cleared. We are seeing temporary outages, not a shortage. On Monday the Colonial Pipeline reported no impact from the storm, which will aid in refueling quickly once roads can be traveled.

As in any national or local state of emergency, AAA expects gas prices to be held in check -- up and down the gasoline supply chain -- including prices set by refiners, distributors and dealers. If motorists are concerned about price gouging, they should contact their state’s Attorney General office.

Today’s (2/18/21) local gas price update:

The New York State average is $2.65 – up 5 cents since Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.61.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia -- $2.54 (up 2 cents since Monday)
  • Buffalo -- $2.56 (up 4 cents since Monday)
  • Ithaca -- $2.58 (up 2 cents since Monday)
  • Rochester -- $2.59 (up 4 cents since Monday)
  • Rome -- $2.67 (up 4 cents since Monday)
  • Syracuse -- $2.57 (up 3 cents since Monday)
  • Watertown -- $2.67 (up 4 cents since Monday)

Batavia Tops Market celebrates 'fresh' new look with grand opening

By Mike Pettinella

tops_1_ribbon.jpg

Tops Market President John Persons said he and his team logged hundreds of miles in their quest to come up with just the right look for their latest round of store remodeling.

“I think this remodel has turned out the best,” said Persons, speaking during grand opening festivities at the Batavia Tops on West Main Street this morning. “The executive team along with some of our construction department toured the whole East Coast and looked at other stores, other ideas, and we came up with this prototype with a new comfortable feeling, and a new color décor and palette.

“Of course, we wanted to enhance the departments … making sure we had the right physical pieces, the right cases that are easy for customers to use, the right capacity for all our shelves and fresh products.”

Tops invested about $4 million to modernize the Batavia store, Persons said, and is committed to remodeling six or seven stores a year. The Le Roy Tops was remodeled last year.

“This is the third full remodel that we have done at this location,” he said. “The original location was across the street. Then we moved here and remodeled in the early 1990s, in the mid-2000s, and now this one.”

Store Manager Kris Ponzi, in her 31st year with the company, said new features include a daily fresh-cut fruit station, daily freshly prepared sushi made by an outsourced chef, new cheese shop with local and imported cheeses, expanded olive bar, wider selection of grab-and-go meals, brew market featuring local beers, and new refrigeration throughout the store.

“Everything in the store is brand new, from the flooring to the fixtures to the ceiling to the LED lighting and décor. Our shoppers will find a wide variety of items that they didn’t find before, and we’re really excited,” she added.

When asked about the recent merger with Price Chopper, she said today was all about the grand opening and that “nothing is changing in the way we operate right now.”

tops_2_a.jpg

Photo at top: Tops Market President John Persons, Batavia Store Manager Kris Ponzi and Chief Executive Officer Frank Curci cut the ribbon this morning at the Batavia store's grand opening.

Photo at bottom: Produce Associate Tammy Bickle, Executive Jack Barrett, Assistant Manager Mike Dowd, Grocery Manager Rob Aube, District Manager Mark Dudziak, Customer Service Manager Melissa Reigle, President John Persons, Store Manager Kris Ponzi, CEO Frank Curci, Operations Manager James Stokes, Night Manager Angela Taylor and Meat Manager Tim Johnson.

Photos by Mike Pettinella.

LIVE: Genesee County COVID-19 Briefing Feb. 18, 2021

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
.pane-node-body img {background: none !important; border: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: unset !important; padding-left: 1px !important } broadstreet.zone(69076)

Genesee County COVID-19 Briefing Feb. 18, 2021

Batavia girls roll past Greece Olympia behind Reigle's 22 points, 12 steals

By Mike Pettinella

Batavia High School made it two straight wins over Greece school district teams this week, defeating host Greece Olympia, 55-35, tonight in Monroe County League girls' basketball.

Senior guards Mackenzie Reigle and Bryn Wormley scored 22 and 15 points, respectively, for the Lady Devils, who on Monday topped Greece Odyssey by a 69-34 score.

Reigle registered a triple-double (points, rebounds and assists) in Monday's game and made her presence felt in all areas again tonight by dishing out six assists, grabbing seven rebounds and recording 12 steals.

Wormley scored eight points in the first quarter as Batavia, 2-3, raced out to a 15-4 lead, and Reigle tallied eight in the second quarter to help the Lady Devils take a 31-14 advantage into the locker room.

The lead ballooned to 45-20 after three periods before Olympia outscored the visitors, 15-10, in the final quarter. Taylor Jung led Olympia, 1-2, with 18 points.

Kennedy Kolb chipped in with six points and Tess Barone had four for Batavia, which is scheduled to host Olympia at 3:15 p.m. this Saturday.

Car fire reported at residence on West Main Street, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A fully involved car fire is reported near a structure at 73 W. Main St., Le Roy.

Le Roy fire is on scene.

Fire police are closing Route 5 between Royal Drive and Gilbert Street.

UPDATE 6:31 p.m.: Fire is knocked down.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
Tags: Jobs offered
Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
Tags: Jobs offered

Authentically Local