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With six-and-half seconds left and down 62-60, Batavia in-bounded the ball on the far end the court. Justin Washington brought the ball past half court to the top of the key, where he was met by two Olean players who blocked his path to the basket. As he was tripped up and started down, he flipped the ball toward sophomore forward Jeff Redband, who was waiting well outside the three-point line. Without hesitation, Redband grabbed the loose ball, and as the last second ticked off the clock, Redband flicked the ball toward the hoop. Swosh. All net.

The final score, Batavia 63 and the state's #1 rank Class B team, Olean, 62.

Batavia will move onto the final four of the state championships in Glens Falls on Saturday.

We'll have more photos and full coverage later tonight, or more likely tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame crushed Sherman 70-32 at Buffalo State in the girls Far West Regional Championship game. Bare Antolos will send some photos to us later.

UPDATE: Here's a video of the final play:

UPDATE:  Here's another video by Josh Stendts.

Reed Batavia Properties, LLC, 39 Washington Ave., Batavia, has been approved for $140,861 in tax incentives for upgrades to its building. Reed purchased the building from Batavia City Schools. The 13,452-square-foot building is the former administration building. Reed will renovate the building for medical/office use. Genesee County is currently designated a Health Professional Shortage Area. The assessed value is $475,000. The property was formerly tax exempted and will become taxable at the current assessed value. Reed will receive a tax abatement PILOT on the increase in assessed value over the current assessed value, which is an anticipated tax savings for Reed of $76,361. Reed will also receive sales tax exemption on construction materials, furniture and fixtures of $52,000 along with a mortgage tax exemption of $12,500. Reed is investing $1.5 million in the project and expected to create six new jobs.

Yancey's Fancy, Inc./D&Y Cheeses, Inc., 857 Main Road, Pembroke, is planning a $10.2 million expansion. GCEDC has approved $980,000 in incentives. The expansion will increase capacity and create new flavors and cheese types. All packaging will be performed at the facility. The company will also build new offices. The current facility is 29,000 square feet. The expansion is 65,000 square feet plus a 25,000-square foot expansion of the second floor. The sales tax exemption is $320,000 with a mortgage tax exemption of $112,500 and PILOT of $547,533. Yancey's Fancy has pledged 50 new jobs within three years.

Darien Lake Theme Park, is investing $5.2 million in new rides and upgrades to the park and accommodations. The company will receive a $328,939 incentive package through GCEDC. The project includes construction of new cabins, a new "launch ride," and a laser light attraction. The upgrades are expected to take three years to complete. GCEDC has approved a sales tax exemption of $181,600 and a PILOT of $147,339. Darien Lake provides more 400 full-time equivalent jobs, including 2,000 seasonal workers. The expansion is expected to create six new jobs and retain 422 FTEs.

Fontrick Door, Inc., 9 Apollo Drive, Batavia, is expanding through acquisition of the building at 1 Treadeasy Ave., Batavia. Frontrick Door is investing $500,000 to purchase the $31,919-square-foot building, where it plans to develop a window manufacturing location in 2014. GCEDC has authorized a mortgage tax exemption of $6,250. 

Bonduelle is planning to make a $3.2 million capital investment in its plants in Oakfield, Bergen and Brockport. This is mainly a retention project to upgrade facilities, according to GCEDC. The majority of the investment will be made at the Oakfield plant, where a lima bean line will be installed. Bonduelle has secured contracts with farmers for 2,500 acres of lima bean production. The upgrades are expected to lead to 12 new seasonal -- five months -- jobs in Oakfield. Bonduelle is receiving a $250,000 grant for the project. Jobs retained: 305.

Le Roy PD investigators think they have figured out who has been stealing high voltage wire -- with the lines still charged -- from industrial plants in the area.

Michael A. Nicometo, 28, of 45 North St., Le Roy, has been charged with burglary in the third degree, a Class D felony, grand larceny in the second degree, a Class C felony, and criminal mischief in the second degree, a Class D felony.

The investigation started June 6 when a perpetrator stole high voltage wiring from a warehouse on Lake Street in the Village.

It was an unusual theft, investigators noted, because the wires were cut from between the transformer and the building while current was still flowing through the lines.

Between October and February, several other larcenies of high voltage lines occurred in the Town of Le Roy, the City of Rochester and another location in the village.

In all cases, the power was still surging through the lines at the time of the thefts.

Working with the Sheriff's Office and Rochester PD, Le Roy investigators developed a profile of the thief, with the belief that the suspect had knowledge of the area, was probably from Le Roy, was probably an electrician by trade and and very familiar with the workings of high voltage electrical installations.

After identifying Nicomento as a suspect, investigators searched Nicomento's property at 45 North St., Le Roy, and reportedly found several items of evidence connecting him to an alleged burglary and larceny in January of more than $50,000 in electrical wiring and components at a warehouse on Lake Street.

Nicomento was arrested on the three felony charges and jailed on $25,000 cash bail.

The investigation is ongoing to determine if further charges will be filed against Nicomento.

The Batavia Ramparts Squirt III hockey this week won the 2012-2013 Western New York amateur hockey league championship.

Photo submitted by Robert Grimm.

More than 200 people were at Genesee Community College this afternoon for the Genesee County Economic Development Center's annual meeting at which CEO Steve Hyde gave his annual report on the progress of the Industrial Development Agency.

Mary Pat Hancock (top photo), chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature, was among the speakers and praised the agency for its contributions to the local economy.

"This agency has initiated, planned and implemented much of the successful economic growth in this county over the last 15 to 20 years," Hancock said. "They put their money where their mouth is, by loaning and backing potential investors who are willing and able to do business in New York and Genesee County, with a little help. Their success has sometimes made them a target, but none can deny their role in making this area flourish during a time of economic stagnation in much of this Upstate area."

Below is a press release from GCEDC about the meeting:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) held its annual meeting at Genesee Community College to unveil the organization’s 2012 annual report to the community. During the meeting, National Grid was honored and recognized for its collaboration in the community as the company received the Economic Development Partner of the Year Award from the GCEDC.

Among the attendees at the annual meeting included U.S. Congressman Chris Collins, New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and Genesee County Legislature Chair Mary Pat Hancock as well as other local government and business officials. 

“We have the most progressive economic development agency in New York State and that is attributable to everyone here today,” said Charlie Cook, GCEDC Chairman. “Through the leadership of the public and private sectors we have built a solid foundation for success now and in the future and in fact, the GCEDC board has already approved five major projects for 2013.”

Among the economic development highlights for the region as outlined in the 2012 annual report include.

• The attraction of 12 new businesses;
• The ground breaking of the Muller Quaker Dairy facility at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, which helped exceed investment goals in 2012 by more than $205 million as well as a multiplier effect of $27 million of income across the region from direct, indirect, and induced wages annually and the creation of approximately 692 jobs across various support sector industries and construction wages of $10 million;
• The closing of 38 projects, with these companies contributing $225 million in capital investment and pledging the creation of more than 400 new jobs;
• Expansions and fulfillment of job creation at Alpina Foods LLC, which also is located in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park;
• Economic growth as a result of projects at O-AT-KA Milk Products, Yancey’s Fancy, Liberty Pumps, Perry Vet, and Darien Lake; and
• The unanimous vote by the Town of Alabama Board to rezone the Western New York Science, Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park (WNY STAMP) site, which allows the GCEDC to proceed with land acquisition.

“It is imperative that we continue to maintain the momentum generated in 2012 for 2013 and as such among our goals this year is to bring the Buffalo East Technology Park to full shovel-ready status, bring $29 million of new capital investment to the County as well as finalize plans to bring a new middle-income housing development to the community,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC.

“Lastly, we will continue our efforts to make STAMP a reality as it has the potential to transform the Western New York and Finger Lakes region into a high-tech nano-manufacturing hub that over the next 20 years could create 30,000 jobs onsite and by supply chain companies,” Hyde concluded.

Rep. Chris Collins met with a group of more than 30 farmers from throughout the NY-27 today at Farm Credit East.

The farmers comprise an advisory panel for Collins, who sits on the House Agriculture Committee.

The group was set up to advise Collins on issues pertinent to the industry, such as immigration, the new five-year Farm Bill, and regulations affecting dairy, vegetable, fruit and grain farmers.

This afternoon, Collins will also attend the Genesee County Economic Development Center's annual meeting at Genesee Community College.

Should there be a moratorium on fracking natural gas wells in NYS?

Democrat & Chronicle: Senate Republican wants no vote on fracking moratorium

Over the next couple of days, we will start sending out membership cards and $323 in gift certificates from 34 local businesses to our first 125 members.

A few days ago Francis Collins (aka Jimi Jamm) and wife Margot Collins came in to pick up their membership cards and gift cards.

Jimi and Margot were excited to get their packages and Jimi said he joined to help support The Batavian.

The Collins' joined as household members, so they both got a membership card.

The Club is all about giving the readers who love the The Batavian a way to support local journalism directly. As a thanks for the support, we send out gift certificates to local businesses, so you're also helping to support the local business community.

The Batavian provides you with free local news, free classifieds and information about the top local businesses in the county. Your membership will help us improve what we do. Please join today.

TO JOIN: Use PayPal buttons below, or to pay by check (annual only) or credit card, click here to download form. Or call (585) 250-4118 to pay by credit card.

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual membership, one payment of $60
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual household membership, one payment of $120
Includes two membership cards, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Four youths are reportedly on the roof of a garage on Montclair Avenue and refusing to come down.

Batavia PD is responding.

UPDATE 5:13 p.m.: A police officer informs dispatch, "All youths returned to their residences. I spoke with their parents."

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee elected Matt Landers as the new Chairman during their meeting on March 5. Matt replaces longtime Chairman Joseph Gerace. The Committee thanked Joe for his many dedicated years of service to City of Batavia Republicans and presented him with a plaque. Matt has been the Treasurer for the City Committee the last seven years, along with serving as the County Republican Committee Treasurer the last six years. In addition, Matt is currently the Treasurer for the Batavia Kiwanis Club. Matt resides in the City with his wife, Melissa, and their two children, Kaitlyn and Benjamin.

Anyone interested in joining the committee can e-mail Matt directly at lmlanders@yahoo.com. The City of Batavia Republican Committee welcomes any new members who would like to get involved in local politics and support the ideals of the Republican Party.

Press release:

Notre Dame High School, Batavia, is proud to announce that Class of 2013 Senior Jeffrey Antolos has committed to attend Canisius College in Buffalo. Jeffrey, the son of Bare and Sheri Antolos, of Warsaw, will be studying Accounting while continuing his running career on Canisius College’s NCAA Division 1 cross-country team.

Jeff’s senior year cross-country accomplishments are indeed noteworthy and eye-opening as he:

• Led Coach Eric Geitner’s Varsity Boys Cross Country team to a 16 -5 overall record and managed to break four course records (Genesee County Park #1, Pembroke Invitational, Dansville Central and Avon Central) in the process.
• Was undefeated in GR-LCAA meets in 2012, as well as finishing 1^st in the Pembroke and East Aurora Invitations and runner-up at McQuaid and West Seneca invitationals.
• Ran a sub 15 minute 3.1-mile race finishing 2nd in the seeded Varsity “A” race at the prestigious McQuaid Jesuit Invitational on September 29, 2012 where he tied for the fastest Section V time at this year’s meet!
• Surpassed ND grad Dan Bobo’s ’01 former ND school record for 3.1 miles by running a 14:55 minute race at the 2012 McQuaid Invitational.
• Became a two-time individual Section V Champion in 2012 while moving up a class from D to C at the Sectional meet at Genesee Community College on November 3, 2012.
• Became a two-time NYSPHSAA Champion in 2012 while moving up a class from D to C in the State meet at Elma Meadows on November 10, 2012 and became only the 5th runner (3rd boy) in Section V history to win two state championships!
• Received the NYSPHSAA Section V Class C Sportsmanship Award for 2012.
• Was named to the Genesee Region Cross Country All Star team for the 3rd consecutive year (2010, 2011, 2012).
• Repeated as a Democrat and Chronicle Fall All Greater Rochester (AGR) selection as a senior (2011, 2012).
• Repeated as a Section V All Star 1st Team selection as a senior. (2011-2012)
• Placed 11th overall in the Nike Cross Northeast Regional qualifying meet in Wappingers Falls on November 24, 2012 – 20 seconds behind the 2nd-place finisher and three places from qualifying for Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Ore.

Jeff is also a member of our Fighting Irish Ice Hockey and Track and Field programs.

Using an unnamed source, the Buffalo News is reporting that a site in Pembroke has been selected for a new veterans cemetery.

The location a 132-acre parcel at Route 77 and Indian Falls Road.

Purchase negotiations are in progress, the story says.

Robert F. Sargent, 50, of 416 East Center St., Medina, is charged with two counts harassment, 2nd. Sargent is accused of sending 67 text messages to one person and 27 text messages to another person over a period of weeks. The messages allegedly served no legitimate purpose and seriously annoyed the recipients. Sargent turned himself in to Batavia PD.

Samuel James Vernaccini, 19, of South Street, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Vernaccini was stopped at 5:32 p.m. Monday on East Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Joseph Corona for an alleged traffic violation.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently joined legislative colleagues and local highway officials to advocate for greater attention to road and bridge repair. Partnering with fellow state representatives as well as mayors, county executives and highway superintendents, Hawley highlighted the need to support the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs), which provides the bulk of state aid to counties and towns for the maintenance and improvement of local roads and bridges.

“The quality of our roads and bridges has a great impact on our safety and our overall quality of life,” Hawley said. “Sound infrastructure helps facilitate the flow of goods and services that boost our economy, while repair and maintenance projects help create local jobs.

"CHIPs funding is a critical component in how the state partners with localities to make our communities great places to live, work and raise a family, and I am proud to stand alongside my colleagues to fight for the crucial projects CHIPs funding supports.”

The governor has included $363.1 million in CHIPs funding in his proposed 2013-14 State Budget, the same level as last year. The legislators and local highway superintendents are calling for a CHIPs funding increase of $100 million, from $363.1 million to $463.1 million.  They note that local roads and bridges account for 82 percent of the roads, 52 percent of the bridges, and 48 percent of the vehicle mileage logged in New York State.

A recent report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, “Cracks in the Foundation,” called 32 percent of New York's local bridges deficient and 40 percent of local roads fair or poor, and getting worse.

Among those joining Hawley and his legislative colleagues at the event were officials from the NYS County Highway Superintendents Association (NYSCHSA), NYS Association of Town Superintendents of Highways (NYSAOTSOH), NYS Association of Counties (NYSAC), New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) and the Association of Towns of the State of New York.

Should the president be able to order the killing of U.S. citizens who are suspected terrorists?

Reason Magazine on the president's "targeted killing" program

Bradley Broadbent poked his finger into the defense desk and told Judge Robert C. Noonan this morning, "I'm never going to be behind this table again, your honor."

Broadbent was sentenced today on his five misdemeanor convictions stemming from his actions July 6 when he was high on a bath salt known as "Amped," that he said he purchased at the former 420 Emporium.

That day, he destroyed a bathroom of an office complex on Liberty Street, climbed on the roof of a house on Hutchins Street, and after leaving the emergency room at UMMC, entered a dwelling on Tracy Avenue.

A jury found him not guilty on all the felony charges he faced, but convicted him of five misdemeanors: two counts of criminal mischief, 4th, two counts of criminal trespass, 2nd, and petit larceny.

Those are charges, he said, he would have entered a guilty plea to if given a chance.

Broadbent said he really wants to get his life straightened out and was hoping for a probationary sentence or weekend incarceration.

"I've been in jail almost my whole life," Broadbent told Noonan. "I know with my record, saying I'm sincerely sorry is hard to take seriously, but I am sorry. This is the last time I'm ever going to be at this table, your honor, regardless of what you sentence me to."

Because of Broadbent's record, District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said, anything less than the maximum sentence available under New York law would be inappropriate.

Broadbent has a history, Friedman said, of violating terms of probation and parole.

Noonan did sentence Broadbent to the maximum for his misdemeanor convictions, which is two consecutive one-year terms in jail. With time served and time for good behavior, Broadbent will be out of jail in seven to eight months.

"You're a poster child for why bath salts had to be banned," Noonan said. "The evidence of your behavior in this trial was nothing short of bizarre, and not only in terms of what you did, but what you were able to do with almost superhuman feats while under the influence of those substances."

But, Noonan said, there's nothing indicating Broadbent could abide by any terms of probation.

"If you turn your life around, nothing would make me happier and the other people in the criminal justice system," Noonan said.

At age 33, Noonan said, it was time for Broadbent to put his childish behavior behind him.

Just before Broadbent was escorted from the courtroom, Noonan added, "I'm going to hold you to your promise that I won't see you back here."

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: Bradley introduced himself to me prior to the hearing. He thanked The Batavian for our fair, accurate and honest coverage of his case. We had a long talk, none of which is really fodder for this story. He did ask me to emphasize that he offers his sincere apology to the community for his behavior, that he realizes with his track record it might be hard for some to believe, but that he really wants to get his life going in the right direction. I believe he's sincere and truly hope he is able to move forward in a positive direction from this day forward.

A Pavilion mother caught twice drinking and driving, including once with her underage children, will be given 11 months to show to the court she can stay out of trouble.

Judge Robert C. Noonan gave Angela A. Kruse, 40, interim supervision until Feb. 6, when she will returned to County Court for sentencing.

Her sentence will be determined by her conduct over the next 11 months.

Kruse was arrested in June in Le Roy for driving while intoxicated with her children in her car, leading to a felony charge under Leandra's Law. She was arrested a second time following an accident in Covington in September. She reportedly had a child with her in the car at that time as well.

Susan Marie Norway, 29, of Cockram Road, Byron, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Norway was allegedly not at home when her children were dropped off after school by a school bus. The children went to a neighbor's house, where they stayed while the neighbor contacted the Sheriff's Office.

Melissa Marie Morton, 27, of West Middlebury Road, Bethany, is charged with petit larceny and criminal contempt. Morton was arrested on warrants from Stafford Town Court for alleged failure to appear on the charges. She was jailed on $200 bail.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently voted against a dangerous, job-killing measure to raise the minimum wage both now and on an automatic escalator in the future. The bill seeks to raise the minimum wage to $9 per hour, the second-highest rate in the nation, and includes annual increases tied to the rate of inflation.

According to the Business Council of New York State, Inc., the measure would increase total payroll costs per-employee by roughly $4,063 annually. Hawley listed a number of glaring problems with the bill, particularly its impact on the local agricultural industry.

“This legislation is a poorly thought out plan that will force businesses to eliminate jobs and pass the increase in the cost of doing business down to the consumer,” Hawley said. “The agricultural industry will be particularly devastated by this measure, which will wreak havoc on our local economy. If we want to help low-income families, we should be investing in the Earned Income Tax Credit rather than passing job-killing laws.

"This is not the way to show the world that New York is open for business. Rather, this is another example of the disconnect between Downstate, where the plan was hatched, and Upstate, where the damage will be the most severe. Now more than ever, we should be looking into my legislation that would let the public decide if New York should be split into two separate states.”

Press release:

Genesee Community College freshman forward Vaughn Boler (Pittsford Mendon High School, Rochester) has been named the NJCAA Division II Region III Player of the Year for the 2012-2013 season.

Boler played in 27 games (26 starts) this year and led the Cougars in scoring, averaging 21.1 points per game. That mark was the second-highest scoring average in Region III and 14th most in the country. He also averaged seven rebounds per game, which was second highest on the team.

On three occasions this season, Boler scored 30 or more points in a game. He scored a career-high 37 points against ASA College on Dec. 9 and recorded 12 or more points in every game.

Boler missed four games during the middle of January due to an injury and the Cougars were 0-4 during that stretch. Genesee finished the regular season with a 15-15 overall record and fell to Mercyhurst North East in the opening round of the Region III playoffs, 97-94.

Boler is the first player at Genesee to receive the award since Leon Nelson, who was named co-Player of the Year in 2010.

Genesee Community College athletics program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of Genesee Community College. Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete. The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork and cooperation.