Interview with Steve Hyde, CEO of GCEDC. We'll talk about the state of economic development in Genesee County, touching on the ag park, Downtown Batavia, and STAMP. We're scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
Chief Shawn Heubusch has issued Batavia PD's first annual report in a number of years -- hard to say how many -- and it includes statistics on crime in Batavia and a vision for the future.
"(An annual report has) been on my agenda since 2013," Heubusch said. "I haven’t had the time or staff to do it." ("Still don’t have the time or staff, but I did it anyway!")
The department responded to 20,662 calls for service in 2020. Officers processed 423 criminal arrests. They also conducted 2,772 traffic stops and issued 1,190 citations. There were 417 traffic accidents reported, including 64 personal injury accidents and one fatality.
Among the calls for service were 480 domestic complaints. There were 248 victims in Batavia of domestic violence, up from 237 in 2019 and 209 in 2018.
Officers also responded to 277 alarm calls and 343 9-1-1 hang-up calls.
The highest number of criminal complaints were for simple assault at 291. There were 287 larceny complaints. There were 139 complaints for criminal mischief (property damage).
A total of 32 drivers were stopped for operating under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.
In violent crime, 39 aggravated assaults were reported, 13 rapes, and 12 robberies.
There were no murders in Batavia in 2020.
There were 45 burglaries and 14 vehicle thefts reported.
Twenty-seven people were arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
A highlight of the year was initiating the return of a K-9 patrol to the city with Officer Steve Quider beginning handler duties.
The department also participated in a police reform and reinvention program mandated by an executive order that led to seven meetings with community members for a review of police produces and community relations.
Strategic priorities for the department include a new police facility, the department becoming a NY State accredited agency, implementing the city's deer management plan, and reviewing the comprehensive emergency management plan in conjunction with City Fire.
Goals for the year include updating field training, initiating a new traffic safety program with an emphasis on pedestrian and bike safety, and enhancing community engagement.
To read the full report, click here (pdf).
Sparked by 33 points from Mark Sanders, Notre Dame opened a COVID-shortened basketball season against Oakfield-Alabama with a 65-62 win at home.
For the Fighting Irish, Jordan Welker was the only other player to hit double digits, scoring 10 points. Ryan Fitzpatrick had six and Jimmy Fanara had six.
Travis Wiedrich led the Hornets with 31 points. Gaige Armbrewster scored 18 and Kaden Cusmano scored 14.
Also on opening night for boys basketball:
In girls basketball, Elba beat Albion 63-22.
Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.
With little fanfare, the Batavia City School District staff has taken on a strategy to help families in need as part of an overall effort to care for the whole child and to become a greater asset to the community.
A former kindergarten room at Robert Morris School has been converted into a community center where children and parents can get assistance not just with school work but with many life needs -- from doing the laundry to ensuring everybody has appropriate clothing.
Julie Wasilewski, a district social worker, and Julia Rogers, Batavia High School assistant principal, have spearheaded the effort. They presented the community center idea to the Board of Education during Monday's meeting as part of a presentation of the new Batavia Community Schools Initiative.
The initiative is described as a reform strategy "to promote child well-being, student success, and educational equality."
(NOTE: The school board meeting was held via Zoom and Wasilewski and Rogers were on a shared device and it was impossible to see who was talking when and so quotes are generically attributed to "she said.")
"Community schools are for student education and development," she said. "They are a place where we fundamentally pay special attention to and ensure students' physical, medical, safety, their social-emotional needs are met. When we meet these needs, families can then fully engage in the opportunities afforded by public school education."
A great school is one that cares for the whole town, they said. It involves working with residents throughout the community to support learning. It includes not just educating children but educating parents.
"We're powered by strong relationships with agencies, businesses, health care providers, clubs and organizations," she said. "Every family and community member can be leveraged as an asset to children's lives. So far, we have 82 of these arrangements with community leaders who are willing to extend the power of their organizations."
The new engagement center is one part of the plan, but so far it's the most concrete effort to serve the community.
"When a family enters the family community engagement center, they are treated with the utmost respect and compassion, regardless of whether they are making optimal life decisions or maintaining a sober lifestyle," she said. "Four hundred and 16 donations have been made to children ... clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, toys, books, housewares, bedding, and food. The closet contains appropriate clothing so an individual can be successful and feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, both in school and in the community."
"There is no Batavia community member who has to skip an interview or a day of work because they don't have appropriate clothing," she said.
Shoes are available to children so they always have something appropriate to wear on the playground or walking outside.
A recent example of how the engagement center assisted community members outside of a school environment was when Tammy Hathaway from United Way contacted the center looking for 30 winter coats. The coats were donated to GCASA because people who are waiting for their methadone treatment are required, because of COVID-19, to wait outside.
The initiative comes at a time when schools are already required to adjust to meet student needs.
"Amid the hardships of COVID-19, community schools have readily adapted to changing conditions and needs, devising innovative mechanisms to deliver food, technology, health care, and other essential services to support student learning and well-being," she said.
Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr. called it a "win-win" for the community.
"Batavia is one of those communities where you grow up here, you live here, everyone knows everyone, and everyone wants to support everyone, but we don't always have the conduit to do it," Soler said. "So the hope is the school becomes the hub for the conduit. The school becomes the hub for the community."
A car has reportedly hit a tree in the area of 6209 Knowlsville Road, Alabama.
Injuries are reported.
Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: There is one occupant, with an arm injury.
UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: Oakfield fire also responding.
UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: Traffic is not blocked. The patient also has complaints of pain in his neck and back.
The doors at John Kennedy School are getting extra checks on a daily basis to ensure they're closing completely after a door that was left ajar was used by an unauthorized individual to gain entry and pull a fire alarm.
The man's name has not yet been released by Batavia PD. He is apparently undergoing treatment and will be charged once he has been released from care.
Det. Eric Hill confirmed the incident took place and that charges are pending.
The incident on Jan. 28 was discussed by the Batavia City School District Board of Education during its meeting Monday night, following a school review presentation by Principal Brian Sutton.
"The first door he pulled on, it was open," Sutton said. "He entered the building. He was in the building for about less than a minute, 55, 56 seconds. He stopped, looked at a bulletin board, and on his way, walking out of the loading docks, he pulled the fire alarm. We then had a fire drill where we accounted for all the students, all the individuals.
"Mr. Smith, our head custodian, and I went and checked out the alarm and could see it had been pulled. As soon as it was deemed safe, we had a headcount on everyone, we re-entered the building. Mr. Dehm, our security aide, pulled the camera up and we got an image of the individual and contacted our SRO Officer Davis, and they then apprehended the man down the street quite a bit, a few moments later."
Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr. told the board a man matching the description of the subject at John Kennedy had been seen earlier around Batavia Middle School and police were already in the area looking for him when the call came in from JK.
"He happened to pull on a door that happened to work for him," Soler said. "It was definitely an unfortunate situation. No one was obviously impacted. And we did communicate immediately with families that day of the event."
Sutton said as a result of the incident, the school's custodian is now checking on the doors more frequently each day to ensure the doors are closing after people pass through them.
'It's one of those things where it's a good reminder to make sure we check in multiple times," Soler said. "Now we have an alarm set on them. If they don't close all the way, they'll hear an alarm go off in the main office."
A two-car accident is reported in the area of 606 Broadway Road, Darien. The location is west of Harlow Road, near the county line road.
A first responder reports a vehicle is off the roadway in a ditch. A person is trapped, extrication required, possible serious injury.
Darien fire and Corfu fire dispatched.
The westbound lane of Route 20 is blocked.
UPDATE 11:45 a.m.: A second ambulance is requested to the scene for a driver requesting transport.
UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 11:51 a.m.: The entrapped driver has a minor child who was not in the vehicle, but will need to be transported. There is also a male who ran from the scene and ran into a house. Law enforcement is attempting to gain entry to the house.
UPDATE 12:02 p.m.: Medics have made contact with the entrapped patient and are extricating the person.
UPDATE 12:04 p.m.: Mercy medics are transporting a patient to ECMC.
UPDATE 12:08 p.m.: A total of four ambulances were called to the scene. First responders are still trying to contact the fourth patient, the man who ran into a house.
UPDATE 12:18 p.m.: Two patients were transported to hospitals -- the entrapped driver to ECMC and a child to Children's Hospital in Buffalo. A third patient was a sign-off. Law enforcement was unable to make contact with the fourth patient -- a male who ran from the scene into a house. The Darien assignment is back in service.
Photos courtesy Erie County Blotter.
Press release:
Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball (BGFS) is overwhelmed with gratitude from the community stepping up with very generous donations to allow for the installation of a brand-new electronic scoreboard at Lions Park, the home of the Batavia Stingers.
In particular, BGFS wants to give a special thank you to the two lead sponsors of the sign, Batavia’s Original Pizzeria and Batavia Restaurant Supply Inc. These two local businesses understand the importance of youth sports for our community and backed up this belief with critical financial support that made this scoreboard a reality.
When speaking with Batavia’s Original owner, Kathy Ferrara, and Batavia Restaurant Supply owners, Stacey Schrader and Nate Charvella, they were all moved by the disparities in girls and boys sports, and we're excited to help provide the girls with the first electronic scoreboard in Batavia for girl’s softball.
We hope people pay attention to these businesses that give back to our community, as they deserve our support the most!
In addition to the very generous lead sponsorships by Batavia’s Original and Batavia Restaurant Supply, BGFS would also like to give a special thanks to the almost two dozen sponsors that are permanently listed on the banner below the sign at Lions Park.
Three of these sponsors listed as Primary sponsors for their generous donations are the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, Lawley Insurance, and the Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation. These are more examples of organizations and businesses that value the importance of youth sports.
Lastly, but certainly not least, BGFS would like to give a big THANK YOU to the project coordinator, and guy that pulled it all together, JC Kabel. He spent countless hours fundraising and leading the project design and installation.
The BGFS Board is forever grateful for helping us have our ladies look up at that beautiful scoreboard and think it is normal for girls to have the same opportunities as the boys.
Bill Campbell is the vice president for business development for Chapin International. Chapin is a privately owned, multi-location manufacturing company that started in Oakfield more than 100 years ago and remains based in Batavia.
Campbell's job gives him not only good insights into his own industry, but the economy in general. We'll talk with him about his company, the economy, the pandemic, what business can expect from the Biden Administration, at trade issues. The livestream is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
Batavia residents Mike Pullinzi and Mark Schmidt will have to figure out how to share a brand new 2021 Corvette after winning this year's Batavia Rotary Club raffle, or perhaps they will split the $40,000 cash prize.
Pullinzi and Schmidt's winning ticket was picked randomly Saturday evening at Roman's by the Rotary Club members.
All proceeds support Rotary’s charitable causes, which this year included $20,000 in direct COVID-19 relief, in addition to the support of a dozen or more community nonprofits who take care of so many needs right here in Genesee County.
In addition to the Corvette, the following people won $500 cash: Paul George, Howard Kerr, Meghan D'urso, Nathan VanDeeBeck, Gail Kee, Jane Ziad, Deanna Mastin, Lori Lohan, Donna Salmon and Ken Hay.
Photo: Submitted photo. Tom Turnbull, president of Batavia Rotary, at the start of the drawing.
Press release from AAA:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.47, up 5 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.44. The New York State average is $2.51 – up 5 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.64.
AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia -- $2.44 (up 5 cents since last week)
- Buffalo -- $2.47 (up 4 cents since last week)
- Ithaca -- $2.50 (up 3 cents since last week)
- Rochester -- $2.50 (up 3 cents since last week)
- Rome -- $2.58 (up 5 cents since last week)
- Syracuse -- $2.48 (up 5 cents since last week)
- Watertown -- $2.59 (up 5 cents since last week)
Pump prices continue to increase while the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that gas demand decreased slightly.
This morning, WTI crude increased is priced by more than $57, which is the highest settlement price of the year. Crude prices rose last week after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its production reduction agreement partners met to review compliance with their agreement to collectively reduce their crude production by 7.2 million barrels per day. The group decided to hold the cuts steady and expects output to remain low this year, since demand is forecasted to be lower than expected throughout 2021 due to ongoing crude demand concerns as the pandemic continues to keep travel restrictions in place. An increase in crude utilization and increasing crude prices will continue to contribute to higher pump prices for drivers throughout the month.
From GasBuddy:
"Many factors continue to push oil prices higher, but at the foundation of the rise is the fact that the coronavirus situation continues to improve, pushing global oil demand higher as production continues to lag, pushing U.S. gas prices higher," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
"Until OPEC intercedes and raises oil production in the months ahead, motorists should continue to expect rising gas prices, which for the first time some time stand at their highest in over a year, adding misery to the dire economic situation as millions remain jobless.
"The news won't likely improve in the months ahead, with continued increases in gas prices as OPEC maintains a tight balance between reduced demand and supply, keeping prices on the higher side."
Area residents woke up to a blanket of fluffy snow this morning with snowfall expected to continue into the early afternoon.
We plan to speak with Rachael Tabelski, Batavia's interim city manager at 2:30 p.m.
The livestream will appear right here on The Batavian's home page. Or you can view it on YouTube at this link, where you can ask questions in the live chat and we will try to get them answered for you. Or you can go to The Batavian's page on Facebook and watch the interview there and ask questions through that chat.
We're planning on talking with Matt Landers, county manager, at 1 p.m. We'll talk about the status of county government, tax revenue, COVID-19 response, and other topics.
At 2:30 p.m., we're scheduled to talk with Rachael Tabelski, interim city manager.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is putting out the following statement regarding the vote today on the budget resolution to begin the budget reconciliation process.
"Two weeks ago, President Biden preached unity, cooperation and bipartisanship. However, his actions have failed to match his promises. In addition to the more than 40 executive orders and actions he has signed, Democrats in the House and Senate are now working with his blessing to advance a massive, partisan COVID-19 package.
"We passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package one month ago. While I agree there are still important issues to address, such as funding for local governments and boosting vaccine distribution, this unilateral approach to relief legislation is damaging and unproductive.
"I was encouraged the President met with Republican senators this week about a deal. While I oppose using the reconciliation process for COVID relief, I am ready to address these challenges and will work with the administration and congressional Democrats if they meet us at the negotiating table."
NOTE: Republicans in Congress have opposed providing assistance to local governments who have lost revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic. Ten GOP senators met with President Biden to discuss a compromise relief bill, one that wouldn't include relief to local governments, but after the meeting, Biden rejected the GOP offer. Three days ago, we contacted a representative of Jacobs and asked for the congressman to clarify his position on aid to local governments and to explain the policy reason, not the political reason, Republicans oppose aid to local governments. This was the only response we've received, which doesn't really answer either question.
UPDATE: A member of the congressman's staff said he is working on an answer to my questions. This was not meant to be that answer.
We're scheduled to start at noon. We will be talking with Superintendent Anibal Soler about how things are going in Batavia city schools, get a COVID-19 update, talk about "high-risk" sports starting up, reopening Robert Morris, his experience on the Batavia PD stakeholders' group, and the district's new equity policy.
NOTE: The post has been updated with an edited version of the video that cuts out the technical problems at the start of the interview.
Press release:
The membership of SCOPE, Genesee County Chapter, has had the opportunity to interview both candidates running for Genesee County Court Judge, to replace retiring Honorable Charles Zambito -- Melissa Cianfrini and William Zickl.
Both individuals have impressive educational credentials and work records. Cianfrini has an extensive history mostly in civil litigation with some experience at the Genesee County’s District Attorney’s Office. Zickl's major area of expertise has been in criminal law working with the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office for several years and recently moving to the County Court as Judge Zambitos’ assistant.
Being an independent organization, SCOPE reviews qualifications and work history only. Bearing this in mind, and after a thorough review of both individuals' history, we have made the following determination.
As a result of his work experience, and knowledge of criminal law, along with his longstanding service to the community, we would rate Zickl with an A+. Cianfrini's lack of work experience in this field would be rated at a C level.
We wish both candidates good luck in their future endeavors.
A winter storm watch has been issued for Western New York starting Friday, with Genesee County included in the area that could see as much as nine inches of lake effect snow.
The watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night, with the heaviest lake effect snow expected Friday night into Saturday.
Wind gusts could reach 45 mph, which could mean considerable blowing and driving snow making travel difficult.
Visibility could also be reduced.
Pandemic protocols at schools have been devastating on students, a pediatrician told reporters during a Zoom videoconference call on Tuesday.
Dr. Lalit Jain, chief of pediatrics at United Memorial Medical Center, said some students are falling behind and that the resumption of winter sports considered "high-risk" for the spread of COVID-19, such as basketball, will be of significant benefit to participants.
"(Taking students out of sports) affects them because you are getting social isolation, and like I mentioned, it affects them academically," Jain said. "Just by going out, they will be seeing friends in a safe environment. I think just participating and more activity is going to be very beneficial for the mental health ... of our students."
Local school superintendents seem to agree that the increase in available athletics for students will benefit the children.
"The return of sports safely is a tremendous help for our student-athletes' psyche and those benefits will translate into other areas of their school and community experience," said Anibal Soler Jr., Batavia City School District superintendent.
"I wholeheartedly agree that participation in sports and extracurricular activities helps students in every way," said Matthew Calderon, superintendent of Pembroke Central schools.
Jain expressed concern about the decrease in physical activity, the lack of social contact, and the general academic performance of students participating in distance learning.
Superintendents we spoke with shared mixed views on the impact of distance learning on students.
Jain said, "What we see is that kids are having problems with the online platform, a lot of them, because the kids who were before doing fantastic, who were A students, are now having difficulty sustaining attention from home and almost have seen some become school failures, or like grades going from the 90s to almost the 60s.
"And these are the kids without academic difficulties. So we are not even talking about the kids who are challenged, who need special help, and they are even more affected."
Le Roy Central School Superintendent Merritt Holly characterized Jain's quote as "loaded."
"I think some students have adapted well to the challenges of online learning," Holley said.
He said there are "some who struggle somewhat (would rather be in the classroom), and others who this system does not fit their learning style (struggle big-time). Really a student-by-student situation."
During the school board meeting Monday, while discussing reconfiguring the use of space in schools, Soler suggested distance learning might remain an option for some students after the pandemic subsides. In response to Jain's comment, he said some students do well while others struggle.
"The pandemic has impacted all of our students and our staff and we continue to try to find ways to support everyone either academically or socially," Soler said. "Social-emotional learning is one of our district goals and we knew that the lack of socialization would ultimately have an impact on our kids and staff.
"The numerous COVID rules that we have to implement have changed much of the experience for both our students and staff, but we continue to do as much as we can safely to bring a sense of normalcy."
In Pembroke, Calderon said, where most students participate in classrooms five days a week, the students who do participate in distance learning seem to struggle the most.
"By no means is online learning or the hybrid model anywhere close to providing students the sound basic education that the New York State Constitution entitles them to receive," Calderon said. "While teachers and support staff throughout our region are doing an amazing job within those parameters, and many students are holding their own, there is no substitute for organic in-person learning."
Calderon said about 20 percent of the district's students are participating in online learning and he's thankful the option exists for those who need it but the situation isn't ideal.
"Our in-person learners love being in school, and many of them shed tears when they're told they need to go online for 10-14 days due to mandatory quarantines," Calderon said. "In regard to those who chose the 100-percent online option, a very small percentage are actually flourishing as they could be, and too many choose not to log on consistently despite all efforts to engage them. This may prove to be most problematic for some seniors who will not graduate as a result."
Calderon didn't mince words sharing his opinion about online learning.
"There is no way anyone will ever convince me that online learning is good for kids. and it certainly isn't sustainable," he said.
At the same time, he said, the district obviously takes seriously the need to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the district does all it can to keep the community safe.
"However," he said, "CDC hospitalization data seems to suggest that school-aged students are least at risk to be hospitalized, and therefore, I'm not sure why schools have some of the greatest restrictions in place.
"I'm obviously not a medical professional or in charge of public health, and in my role as a state-funded public school leader, I make sure our school district adheres to all the rules. At the same time, when I look at the data with my own eyes, I certainly scratch my head and wonder."
Citing similar data, Jain said he anticipates the return of "high-risk" sports to be safe for participants.
"Just following the guidelines by physicians and the authorities, I think of that will be really important," Jain said. "I don't think we're going to see that much increase in the (positivity) rate. The schools have been very safe so I think we'll do fine."
Michael S. Tomaszewski, the funeral home director accused of stealing money from customers, is apparently set to accept a plea offer from the District Attorney's Office but COVID-related delays in town courts are holding up the process.
Tomaszewski made a virtual appearance in Genesee County Court yesterday.
He faces one SCI (Superior Court Information, like an indictment but without a grand jury hearing, which Tomaszewski waived) with more than 200 criminal counts and there is another SCI coming but he has not been arraigned on those counts because courts in the towns of Batavia and Oakfield have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Judge Charles Zambito indicated that he could possibly arraign Tomaszewski on those counts under specific circumstances, but said he would need to check with the court supervisor to ensure those circumstances are met in this case. Zambito said these are uncharted waters and the rules are changing a lot.
Tomaszewski is accused of taking money people used to prepay for funerals and, instead of depositing the money in appropriate accounts, he allegedly used the money for other purposes.
The SCI indicates the majority of customers lost from more than $2,000 up to $15,500 each.
The charges include 67 counts of third-degree grand larceny, 28 counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, four counts of falsifying business records, 93 counts of failure to deposit, seven counts of petit larceny, and counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, and scheme to defraud.
Attorney Thomas Burns, representing Tomaszewski, said his client intends to accept the plea offer. Tomaszewski would admit to a Class D felony, a Class E felony, and a misdemeanor public health law offense. There is no cap on Tomaszewski's possible sentence but his time would run concurrently on all three counts.
The case is adjourned until 1:30 p.m., March 8, and will resume virtually.
Alecia Kaus/Video News Service contributed to this story.
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