Ray Felski, left, with Chief Jeff Fluker and former Chief China Marino, was named Firefighter of the Year for the Darien Volunteer Fire Department at the department's annual awards and installation dinner at the fire hall.

Officers installed:

• Fire company line officers: Jeff Luker, chief; David McGreevy, 1st assistant chief; Mark Starczewski, 2nd assistant fire chief; Kenneth Fisher, 3rd assistant fire chief; William Brunea, fire police captain.
• Fire company board of directors: Ronald Meides, president; China Marino, vice president; Michelle Krzanowicz, secretary; Ryamond Felski, treasurer; Dennis Bialkowski, Willaim Brunea, and Paul Redden, directors at large.

China Marino, right, was honored for his dedicated service to the fire company with a custom engraved rifle. Presenting the award is Ron Meides.

The Service Person of the Year award went to Pat Bialkowski.

A fire apparatus company donated a check to the fire company in the name of past chief Dale Breitwieser, who died this past year.

Gary Graber has been a member of the department for 45 years.

Officers sworn in.

The annual memorial this year honored Dale Breitwiser, Barbara Garigen and all who have served throughout the nation and have passed.

Alexander's Dane Heberlein will have a chance to advance toward a third state title after beating Chase Runfola, of Letchworth, 8-6 in the 132-pound division of Class BB of Section V championship wrestling yesterday.

Heberlein was one of a dozen wrestlers from Genesee County to win sectional titles yesterday at the tournament hosted by Byron-Bergen, including four from Byron-Bergen and two others from Alexander.  

Below, after photos of Heberlein's match, Alexander's Nicholas Young defeated Canisteo-Greenwood’s Zach Flaitz, 7-3, and Byron-Bergen’s Chad Toal pinned Le Roy’s Andrew Englerth.

For more results, visit Batavia's Best.

To purchase prints, click here.

Clients of ARC of Genesee-Orleans paid a visit to the Sno-Packers clubhouse today for rides on snowmobiles around the track in the neighboring field. 

It's been a couple of years since there was enough snow for the otherwise-annual ride. Even today, the snow cover was thin and the ground was just frozen enough to handle the weight of the snowmobiles.

Several children enjoyed multiple rides around the track.

A three-car accident with no injuries is reported in the area of 45 Ellicott St., Batavia.

Fluids are leaking.

City fire responding.

Press release:

The students at St. Joseph School look forward to Catholic Schools Week every year. This year the theme is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.

To kick off their fun filled week, Detective Schauf and Officer DeFreeze, from the Batavia Police Department, joined them for a Kindness Challenge. The students were reminded that acts of kindness can be big or small and are something that anyone can do at any time.

Throughout the week the students partake in many different fun activities not only at school but around their community. They visited Batavia Showtime for a movie, went bowling at Mancuso Bowling Center, ice skating at Falleti Ice Rink and visited the YMCA for a variety of fun activities. Their week concluded with a school-wide talent show.

An accident with injuries is reported at Lyman Road and West Bergen Road, Byron. 

Bergen fire and ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 9:01 p.m.: Mercy Flight requested to the scene  

UPDATE Saturday: A vehicle being driven by Vitorrio J. Muoio, 18, of Merrimen Road, Bergen, was westbound on Lyman Road. A vehicle with emergency lights activated, a Ford pickup owned and operated by James McKenzie Jr., of Clinton Street Road, Bergen, was northbound on West Bergen Road. Muoio allegedly failed to yield the right-of-way at the intersection. He was cited for failure to yield right-of-way, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle and seat belt violations. He was injured in the crash and taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital. Also injured and transported by ground ambulance to Strong was Andrew L. Konieczny, 19, who was a passenger. McKenzie, 52, was not injured.

A car has hit a pole on Townline Road near Tripp Road in Byron. 

Injuries are reported. 

Byron, South Byron and Mercy EMS responding. 

UPDATE 8:53 p.m.: Minor injuries. No traffic issues. 

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Thomas A. Carson, 40, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree coercion, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and criminal obstruction of breathing. Carson was arrested on Feb. 2 following a domestic incident at 4:59 a.m. on Wood Street. He was put in jail on $10,000 bail and is due in City Court on Feb. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Morgan L. Cox Sr., 48, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree menacing and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Cox was arrested on Feb. 1 following an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred at 9:20 p.m. on Jan. 30 on Dellinger Avenue. Cox was put in jail in lieu of bail and was due in City Court on Feb. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Nicole Salamone.

Shuvon J. Williams, 41, and Daniel M. Carter (no age provided), both of Hutchins Street, Batavia, are charged with second-degree harassment. They were arrested on Batavia City Court warrants issued on Dec. 30 in regard to an unspecified incident at 4 p.m. on Dec. 2 on Hutchins Street. They were both issued appearance tickets for Feb. 7 in Batavia City Court, then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Melissa M. LeSage, 37, of 31 Gilbert St. in Le Roy, was charged with DWI in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 29, by the Le Roy Police Department. She was stopped at about 11:42 p.m. for allegedly speeding on East Main Street in the village. LeSage was found to be allegedly intoxicated. LeSage was also charged with DWI-BAC .08 percent or more, speed in zone, unlicensed operation, and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. LeSage was issued appearance tickets and is to appear in the Town of Le Roy Court on Feb. 27.

Robin Dart, 44, of Carroll Lane, Commerce, Mich., is charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, and driving without headlights. At 1:27 a.m. on Feb. 2, on Park Road in Batavia, Dart was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop for vehicle and traffic law violation. Dart was issued an appearance ticket for March 6 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Nikayla Cheyenne Jackson, 19, of Slusser Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree. The defendant was arrested for allegedly taking and subsequently using her mother's credit card information to make unauthorized purchases at 9:40 p.m. on Jan. 15 on East Main Street in Batavia. Jackson is due in City Court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Parker, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Brian J. Hawkins, 37, of Pries Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with prohibited sale of alcoholic beverage. Hawkins was arrested for allegedly serving alcohol to a person under 21 at midnight on Jan. 31 on Oak Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for Feb. 7 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Darryle Streeter.

Jaylyn S. Strong, 21, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear after an appearance ticket was issued. Strong turned himself in on an outstanding City Court warrant after initially failing to appear for a scheduled court date. Strong posted bail and was released on an appearance ticket for Jan. 31 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Ian C. Lawlis, 36, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on Feb. 2 on an outstanding Batavia City Court bench warrant. It was for an unspecified incident which occurred at 12:52 p.m. on Sept. 24 on West Main Street, Batavia. He was processed at BPD headquarters and released on an appearance ticket for Feb. 7 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for our first Garden Talk of the year, “A Photo Garden Tour of Hillwood Estates,” from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Get rid of the winter blues with a look at Hillwood’s spectacular gardens which contain a diverse and fascinating array of plants. Nestled in the hills of northwest Washington, D.C., we will explore the beauty and tranquility of the formal gardens that were the vision Marjorie Post.

Bring your lunch to the CCE office (420 E. Main St., Batavia) and join us during the “lunch hour.” This series is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Other topics planned for the year include “Night Blooming Plants” on March 7, “Dahlias 101” on April 4, learn how to make a copper wire hummingbird feeder on May 2 and scouting for pests in the garden on June 6.

Future topics and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/ and also on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

Press release:

Each new year brings with it the opportunity to recognize more outstanding community members for YWCA’s Women of Distinction Awards. Worthy candidates not only exemplify YWCA’s mission and vision but also represent a wide cross section of people working toward the good of others.

These awards are about honoring women while also serving to acknowledge all of those deserving people, organizations and businesses that help to eliminate racism, empower women and/or encourage economic independence, healthy relationships and a community free from violence.

Your nominations are wanted. Nominations are due March 1 and may be emailed to: jwalton@ywcagenesee.org or sent to YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia, NY, 14020. Please include your name and contact information, the award category, name of nominee, some background and reasons for your nomination.

“It’s hard to believe that we are here again seeking nominations for our six awards, but we are confident that this community is ripe with commendable candidates,” Executive Director Jeanne Walton said. “Please take a few moments of your time to think about those people, agencies and companies that cross your path. Have they made a difference? Is the community better for their good deeds? Then let us know!”

Traditionally a weekend event, this year’s Gala has been changed to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15 at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road. The Women of Distinction Committee hopes that a weeknight will better suit people’s busy lives while still serving as a great time to showcase our local talent, dedication and philanthropic efforts, Walton said.

The selection committee is looking for nominations of men, women, companies and organizations that have gone above and beyond in the following categories:

Racial Justice: Supporting diversity through one's initiatives, philosophies and/or programs. This may include service in a leadership role, with commitment to racial justice and a high standard of courage, integrity and commitment to YWCA's mission to empower women and eliminate racism.

Economic Empowerment: Helping women to face the challenge of economic inequality or hardship. This is done with programs or initiatives that create opportunities for women to lift themselves from their current circumstances and gain more options to improve their lives.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Making a continuous effort to recruit, develop and promote a diverse work force and foster an inclusive  environment where women leaders thrive.

Military/Veteran: A veteran or related agency that has worked on behalf of veterans and continues to serve through civic, personal and/or professional improvements.

Advocacy/Civic Engagement: Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. Promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

Peace: Striving to make the world a better place by emphasizing the importance of kindness, compassion and peace.

For more information, go to ywcagenesee.org or call (585) 343-5808.

Pembroke's varsity boys defeated Alexander 54-37.

Photos by Destin Danser. Click here to purchase photos.

Maggie Cecere, who set a school record in her senior year in soccer, made it official yesterday by signing her letter of intent to attend Kutztown University in Pennsylvania.

Kutztown is coming off a season where the soccer team was ranked #4 among Division II schools.

Photo: Zach, Kathy, Maggie and Peter Cecere; back row, Victor VanVliet and Roger Hume.

Press release:

The New York State Senate has passed legislation (S1207) to make the property tax cap permanent. If enacted, this bill would secure $66 billion in taxpayer savings over the next ten years.

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer voted in favor of the legislation.

“The property tax cap has helped to end the days of sky-high annual increases in tax bills, and it has saved taxpayers $15.5 billion over the last five years. Simply put, it is working. That is why it is so important to enact this legislation into law,” said Ranzenhofer.

Between 2001 and 2011, growth in New York’s property taxes increased by 73 percent for school districts and 53 percent for counties.

The property tax cap was first enacted in 2011. The cap limits the annual growth of property taxes levied by local governments and school districts to two percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is less.

The bill has been sent to the State Assembly.

Kyle R. Shea is indicted for the crime of criminal sexual act in the first degree, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that in June or July of 2015, at a residence on South Main Street in the City of Batavia, that Shea engaged in "anal sexual conduct with another person by forcible compulsion."

In count two, Shea is indicted for the crime of criminal sexual act in the third degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that, in the same time frame and place, Shea engaged in anal sexual conduct with another person without the person's consent, where such lack of consent was by reason of some factor other than incapacity to consent.

In count three, the defendant is indicted for the crime of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count three, in the same time frame and place, that Shea subjected another person to sexual contact by forcible compulsion.

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Feb. 3^rd and will end on Feb. 5^th. The Super Bowl is America’s most watched national sporting event and Super Bowl Weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. New York State Police, County Sheriffs and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of alcohol related injuries and deaths.

You can help to make a difference by Having a Plan!  Download our new mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp. Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, designate a responsible driver before the game begins. We want fans to remember that it’s a choice. So root for your favorite team; enjoy your friends and family and remember “DON’T DRIVE, GET A RIDE!

The STOP-DWI Super Bowl Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the STOP-DWI Foundation courtesy of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day Weekend, Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

A weak Canadian dollar kept many tourists from the north out of New York and Genesee County, as a result, saw a decline of 3 percent in bed tax revenue, Tom Turnbull, president of the Chamber of Commerce, told county legislators yesterday.

Turnbull and tourism director Kelly Rapone provided a review of chamber and tourism activity at the Ways and Means Committee meeting.

"People were not traveling as much," Turnbull said. "But talking with our friends in Buffalo-Niagara, we did better than them. They were down 10 percent."

The weak exchange rate for Canadians didn't keep too many golfers away, though, Turnbull said. Because the prices at local golf courses are so competitive, the chamber was still able to sell a number of golf packages.

Turnbull thinks the county's bed tax revenue will return to a level of $420,000 or higher in 2017 in a large part because this will be the first full year of operation for the new hotel at Batavia Downs and this year a new hotel should open on the north side of the Thruway in Batavia, the Fairfield by Marriott.

Group sales have continued to do well, if not better, Turnbull said. Genesee County continues to be a popular location for soccer, lacrosse and baseball tournaments. 

"That brings people into the hotels and they spend money and that’s what we’re looking for," Turnbull said.

Rapone shared copies of the new tourism promotional material the chamber has available. She also debuted the totally redesigned tourism website visitgeneseeny.com. The modernized website will make it easier for tourists to find information about visiting Genesee County, she said, and it will also make it easier on both golfers and staff to handle bookings for golf packages.

During the meeting, Legislator Ray Cianfrini also floated the idea of creating an entertainment tax. He noted that when he's gone to venues in other counties he's noticed the ticket price includes an entertainment tax, so he's been researching it. The tax, if implemented, would likely apply only to venues over a certain size, say with seating of 2,500 or more, and colleges would be exempt.  

The only current venue where such a tax might apply is Darian Lake Performing Arts Center.

"It might be another source of revenue," Cianfrini said.

Mary Case talked about the positive impact the GLOW YMCA has had on her grandson during the kickoff of the 2017 fundraising campaign at Terry Hills last night.

The money raised will go to the Y's scholarship program. Scholarships allow people who need the support of the Y and access to its programs to be able to join at no cost.

The fundraising goal through the four counties is $91,000, but Executive Director Rob Walker (bottom photo) challenged the two dozen volunteers and staff members at last night's kickoff to reach for a goal of $100,000.

Case said her grandson has made lifelong friends through participation at the Y and going to Camp Hough, where he met a counselor from China who taught him a few phrases in Chinese that he still uses to this day.

"He knows that counselor had an impact on him," she said.

Directors from the Orleans County and Wyoming County YMCAs also shared stories about how scholarships are helping members in their community improve their lives through the services offered by the Y.

“The things that we do have an impact on our community and they happen every single day, but we don’t always get to see them or pause and realize that behind that moment there’s a family that’s impacted,” Walker said.

To find out how to make a contribution to the YMCA, visit the GLOW YMCA's website.