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Press release:

Due to the recent expansion of gaming in Western New York and the lack of tax parity amongst gaming entities, WROTB/Batavia Downs Gaming could potentially lose in upwards of 100 jobs in Western New York. WROTB/Batavia Downs Gaming currently employs more than 500 hardworking Western New Yorkers throughout 15 counties and two cities.

A bill that would create ‘tax parity” appears to be logjammed in the budget process. If a concession is not made, there would be devastating effects to the local economy as WROTB has returned more than $226 million to local governments, purchased more than $480 million in local goods and services, and is one of the largest employers in Genesee County.

Having created new state casinos and a hypersensitive business environment without leveling the playing field, potentially means job cuts here and additional loss for horsemen through Central and Western New York.

“We have been working diligently with state officials to create a stable plan for tax parity and are very hopeful this can be accomplished in the state budget,” said Mike Nolan, chief operating officer at Batavia Downs Gaming. “Other facilities have fewer restrictions placed on them. With new gaming competitors entering the market, we are looking to be on a level playing field.

"We want to continue to make facility improvements, satisfy our patrons and continue to provide employment to hundreds of employees that rely on these jobs to provide for their families. We urge our representatives in the Assembly, Senate and in the Governor’s office to give our employees the peace of mind that tax parity will ensure the solvency of our corporation moving forward.”

From Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde:

Over the last two years the Town of Bethany has been trying to fill some vacant seats on the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals by running several ads with no success.

There are two vacant seats on the Zoning Board of Appeals and one vacant Planning Board seat and one vacant planning board secretary/alternate seat.

Vacant board seats count as NO votes.

Any Bethany resident who would like to fill a vacancy may contact the Town Clerk at 585-343-1399.

If these seats are not filled by the June 12^th Town Board meeting, the Town will move forward in adopting a local law changing the number of members on each board to five and five (respectively).

Press release:

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s induction class of the Oakfield-Alabama Alumni Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements. 

If you know a person who meets the following criteria, please consider nominating him/her for this prestigious honor:

1.  Nominees must be graduates of OACS or one of its predecessors, or have been active in school classes and activities during their senior year. (Nominees who left school while in good standing to perform military service are also eligible.  Deceased alumni are not eligible for induction until the fifth anniversary of the year of their death.)
2. Nominees must have graduated prior to 2002.
3. Selection is based on achievement after leaving OACS which includes a worthy record in more than one, and exemplary achievement in at least one of the following:

• Job-related achievements
• Professional honors and awards, professional affiliations, publications
• Civic or community involvement
• Personal achievements/accomplishments
• Positive impact on the communities in the Oakfield-Alabama School District

Anyone may submit a nomination for any person meeting the criteria stated above. Nominations must be made during the nomination period only (March 1 – April 30) by using the Online Nomination Form or the PDF Nomination Form (see links below). Electronically submitted nominations are strongly preferred over mailed-in, hardcopy nominations.

1. Online Nomination Form  http://www.oacsalumni.org/content/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/OnlineForm
2. PDF Nomination Form http://www.oacsalumni.org/content_files/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/form.pdf

An ATV rollover accident is reported in the area of 8963 Woodland Drive, Stafford.

It's believed to be with minor injuries.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

A possible house fire is reported at 569 Scribner Road, Pembroke.

A fire responder reports heavy smoke.

Pembroke fire, Indian Falls fire and City of Batavia Fast Team are dispatched.

City's second platoon requested to the hall.

Mercy EMS dispatched to stand by at scene.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: It was a dryer fire. Fire is out. Ventilating. The structure is described by a source as "a brand-new house."

UPDATE 2:10 p.m.: All units back in service.  

Reader submitted photos.

At the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew in Le Roy, the owners hosted an official launch party for Rogers Beer, a beer created by a Rochester brewer and acquired by the owners of the Eagle.

Al Rogers started Rogers Beer more than 12 years ago and achieved some regional success, including 58 Main in Brockport, the BBQ restaurant there owned by Jon and Marc Marcello.

When Rogers told Marc Marcello he was thinking of getting out of the beer business because of growing family commitments, Marc didn't want see that happen so the Marcello brothers and Smokin' Eagle co-owner Jay Beaumont met with Rogers and soon a deal was in place for them to acquire the beer brand and recipes, and as an added bonus, Al Rogers agrees to stay on as master brewer. 

Rogers Beer is now based in Le Roy, though the beer is currently brewed at a facility in Honeoye Falls. But Jon said the goal is to build up the business enough to open a brewery in Le Roy. (Click here for more of the Rogers Beer story.)

Cedar Street Sales and Rentals in Batavia, owned by Guy Clark, sponsored the launch party and the band Free Beer played for the party.

State lawmakers have been working through the weekend to try and come up with a budget deal and have so far failed to come up with one, according to the latest news reports.

Somebody in Le Roy is unhappy with something about the proposed budget and put up this sign along Route 5.

Lots of activity today at the Falleti Ice Arena for the Genesee County Home Show.

The show continues tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To purchase prints, click here.

Chandler was excited to meet the Easter Bunny at Oliver's Candies this morning and eagerly gave the bunny a hug.

Here are the results of yesterday's vote in the Byron-Bergen Central School District:

• Proposition #1 -- Capital Improvements/Renovations/Repairs and use of Capital Reserve Funds -- YES: 233, NO: 239
• Proposition #2 -- 10-percent Building Aid Incentive from NYSED for Energy Performance Contract -- YES: 271, NO: 194

Music students from Genesee and Wyoming counties will perform today at 2 p.m. at Pavilion High School in the second of two all-county music festival concerts.

The festival is organized by the Genesee-Wyoming Music Educators Association.

Today's show features the high school band, the junior high chorus and the elementary band.

Tickets are $4 each at the door.

These photos are from yesterday's rehearsal.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“It is unconscionable that an agreement, which state leaders have had months to negotiate, must wait until the absolute last minute year after year, leaving the public and legislators in the dark.”

“In keeping all 213 state legislators in Albany this week voting on useless legislation while a deal is struck behind the scenes, state leaders will have potentially cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in per diems because they are too incompetent and beholden to special interests to agree on a deal anytime in the previous several months.”

“At this point, it seems as though the ‘Three Men in a Room’ are hashing out various policy and spending proposals behind closed doors. Unfortunately, this troubling lack of transparency is usual during the final days of budget negotiations, but it is certainly not the appropriate way to do the people’s business.”

“Rumors are circulating surrounding an agreement on Upstate ride-sharing, a major clean water infrastructure investment and raising the age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18, but little legislation has been introduced or printed and we are at the will of the nebulous legislative leaders.”

“I am hopeful that the 2017 Charitable Gaming Act, increased money to repair our roads and bridges and small-business relief are included in the final budget and I will be fighting for our community every step of the way. I will keep you updated and issue reports when more information is known.”

Adam Steadman, with Henry H. Cook, mugs with a, um, mug, that's shaped like a toilet, in the booth for his employer, during set up for the Genesee County Home Show, which opens this evening.

The mug will be used as a candy dispenser at the Henry H. Cook booth.

Dozens of vendors have set up booths at the Falleti Ice Arena in Batavia for the home show.

The show opens this evening at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. Hours for Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Mr. Batavia contest starts at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Batavia High School, but if you don't have tickets, better get their early, because the event is nearly sold out.

Press release:

Families with students attending Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School gathered in the school’s auditorium for College Readiness Night on March 29. The presentation, by College and Career Counselor Robert Kaercher, was an informational overview of the college admissions process.

Topics included SAT and ACT testing, the Common Application Form, recommendation letters, deadlines, scholarships, grants, and financial aid. Although geared toward sophomore and junior students and their families, the presentation was open to all, and several families of eighth-graders took advantage of the evening.

“It’s never too early to begin planning,” Kaercher said.

“Choosing a college can be daunting,” said Principal Patrick McGee. “Researching, narrowing the field, visiting, applying, getting financial aid — there is so much involved at every step.

"That’s why our district is committed to helping students and their families negotiate the process. This is the second year for our dedicated College and Career Counseling Center. This outreach event is another way to increase awareness of the assistance available. Don’t do it alone. We are here to help.”

The Center is a busy place and its resources are growing. In the fall, it hosts a full schedule of visits and special presentations from a wide range of regional and national two- and four-year colleges, trade schools, and military branches. In the spring, the focus is on ensuring all seniors have a plan and have taken the steps needed to be successful after graduation.

Kaercher helps them apply for scholarships and financial aid.

“There are over 50 scholarships available right from our own community,” he said, adding that he can also help job seekers improve their interview skills and write better resumes.

“This is also the time to help juniors get serious,” Kaercher said. “I like to meet with each student to help them find their path. If they plan on college, I can give them personalized lists of college recommendations for them to start researching.

"Spring is a great time to plan college visits. Colleges all have preview days, tours, and open houses.”

The Center is planning a College Fair in May that will bring students together with representatives from a number of regional colleges.

Top photo: Families of college-bound students were welcomed to Byron-Bergen’s College Readiness Night by (l-r) College and Career counselor Robert Kaercher, School counselor Andrea Feeney, and Principal Patrick McGee.

Byron-Bergen HS College and Career counselor Robert Kaercher helped families begin the journey of preparing and applying for college.

Press release:

On March 13, representatives from the Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Girls’ Soccer Team visited the University of Rochester Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute. Seniors Olivia Audsley, Karson Richenberg, and Kelsey Mauer were there to present a check for $3,200 to help combat head and neck cancer.

The team, led by Coach Wayne Hill, has been raising funds to support cancer awareness for many years. This is the third year they have focused on head and neck cancer, in honor of Richenberg’s mother, Toni, who has throat cancer.

This year’s fundraiser, which raised $1,800 more than last year, was held in September. It was supported by many local businesses, including Sloat Tire Shop, Fullerino’s Pizzeria, and NAPA Auto Parts in Bergen. Donated products and services filled gift baskets that were raffled auction-style during halftime at one of the team’s games.

Principal Patrick McGee said, “I am so proud of our girls’ efforts. They have showed over the past few years a true commitment to fighting cancer. I would also like to thank everyone in our community for their extraordinary generosity and for supporting our students and all of their hard work.”

UR Medicine’s Wilmot Cancer Institute is the Finger Lakes region’s leader for cancer care and research. To learn more, visit www.wilmot.urmc.edu.

Photo: Byron-Bergen Girls’ Soccer Team members with Wilmot Cancer Institute staff. (front, l-r) Principal Patrick McGee, Coach Wayne Hill, teammates Olivia Audsley, Karson Richenberg, and Kelsey Mauer, and mother Toni Richenberg.

Press release:

Anita Strollo, the coordinator for Batavia High School’s College and Career Center, is “casting a wide net” to find local businesses that may be interested in being part of the school’s second Hiring Fair on Tuesday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at BHS, 260 State St.

This time frame allows for students that attend Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (formerly BOCES) for skilled trades to meet with potential employers.

“We had nearly 12 businesses last year for our first hiring fair and would be happy with at least that many again this year,” says Strollo. “Over 35 students got hired at that fair and that is a number I could live with again."  

Last year approximately 100 students took advantage of the opportunity to meet with potential employers and organizations. Having all these employers and organizations come to us provides them with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with a large pool of well qualified, potential employees and volunteers under one roof. 

“This year, with all of our students having their own Chromebooks it will be very easy to submit online applications. We will also provide, as we did last year, quiet zones for interviewing. 

“What is still on our wish list is volunteer organizations, job shadowing opportunities and nonprofits for students seeking volunteer opportunities or a chance to test the waters in career exploration. I am optimistic that such organizations will be abundant this year also,” Strollo says.

On a purely selfish note Strollo says “we have extraordinary students at BHS and this is a great way to show them off!"

For more information, contact Anita Strollo at amstrollo@bataviacsd.org, or 343-2480, ext. 2012.

Written by Serena Strollo-Dicenso, BHS '17

Tracy Lynn Miller, 32, of South Lake Road, Pembroke, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Miller was taken into custody on a warrant after being released from the Erie County Holding Center. Miller allegedly failed to appear in County Court after being indicted by a grand jury. The indictment stems from an alleged theft/or use of a stolen credit card. She was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Jeffery Lee Tennity, 52, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Tennity was charged following an investigation into an unspecified complaint at 4 p.m. Thursday on North Byron Road, Elba. The complaint was investigated by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

Kendra Quinette Thomas, 29, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with driving on a suspended registration. She was arrested on a warrant for the charge following a traffic stop by Deputy Cory Mower.

Press release:

On Saturday, April 1, Sister District for Western New York (SDWNY) will bring the national Knock Every Door (KED) campaign to Batavia. According to Tom White, SDWNY captain, “we want to have real conversations, listen to voters and non-voters alike, and learn how people feel about the past and upcoming election."

The Knock Every Door organization believes that both political parties, along with the media, need to hear what voters all across the country are saying about the challenges they face, understand whether policies meant to help people are truly improving their daily lives and what people want from their elected leaders.

The Batavia organizers emphasize that they are not collecting information on any political party’s behalf, and they hope public-spirited Batavians will be willing to have a talk when their doorbell rings next Saturday.

You can learn more on the KED website https//knockeverydoor.org, or the SDWNY event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1776864832641664/

Residents of the Byron-Bergen Central School District are being asked to vote today on a $20 million capital improvement project to help improve safety and energy efficiency as well as promote educational opportunities.  

For more on the project click here.

Graphic from the Byron-Begen district.