Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is pleased to announce the 14th Annual Arts Awareness Month this month in both Genesee and Orleans counties -- a celebration of arts and culture in this region.

Throughout March, local cultural organizations, artists, schools and businesses are presenting more than 50 programs and exhibits. GO ART! is highlighting these events in celebration of Arts Awareness Month with calendars that are available in local libraries, at GO ART!, and in galleries in both counties and online at www.artsawarenessmonth.com.

In addition, GO ART! is hosting: its annual Decentralization Regrant Awards Ceremony on March 9th; the kick-off for its 2012 Salon Series on March 31st; the first annual GO ART! Members Exhibition; first annual Digital Art Show; and numerous special exhibits by local artists in area libraries.

Contact GO ART! at 343-9313, email info@goart.org or visit www.artsawarenessmonth.com.

Arts Awareness Month was started in 1999 by GO ART! in an effort to raise community awareness of the scope and diversity of arts and cultural programs taking place in our communities.

The original concept was to highlight the various events and exhibits already being held – such as school concerts, exhibits and plays, and now the annual culmination of “A Tale for Three Counties” – during a time period that is traditionally not perceived as having many cultural happenings.

The effort has evolved over the years in response to changing community cultural needs and offerings, and has developed into an anticipated annual project that continues to assist in promoting the diverse talent and programs available in our own backyard.

Arts Awareness Month is supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts and the Genesee and Orleans county legislatures.

Genesee County’s annual “State of the County” address is planned for 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 14 in the chambers of the Old Court House in the City of Batavia.

Chair of the County Legislature Mary Pat Hancock will deliver the brief address to be followed by refreshments prior to the regularly scheduled legislature meeting. The speech will include key accomplishments of individual departments during 2011, as submitted by those departments.

It will also point out some of the unique challenges that face the county this year, along with strategies to maximize the impact of a proactive, positive county response.

The public is cordially invited to attend.

Eric Charles Zglinicki, 49, of Alleghany Road, Darien Center, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Zglinicki was allegedly found in possession of three shotguns following an investigation and search of his residence by the Genesee County Probation Department and the Sheriff's Office. Zglinicki has a prior felony conviction.

Samantha Mary Williams, 31, of Warsaw Road, Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant out of the Hamburg Town Court to appear on charges of resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration. Williams was turned over to the Hamburg Police Department.

Allen Skye Dockstader, 29, of Council House Road, Alabama, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Genesee County Court on a charge of violating probation following an investigation into a criminal mischief complaint.

Cody L. Osborn, 24, of 3265 State St., Caledonia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, inadequate head lights, aggravated unlicensed operation, 1st, possession of an open container of alcohol in a vehicle and unlawful possession of marijuana. Osborn was stopped in the early hours Saturday by Le Roy Police. He was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Shawn Richard McGiveron, 23, East Main Street, Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. McGiveron is accused of violating an order of protection by calling and sending text messages to a protected person.

More than 650 spring bouquets were sold in Genesee and Wyoming counties during the pre-sale period for 18th annual event, which benefits the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation, according to Linda Cummings, development director (top photo).

Volunteers from Notre Dame and Pembroke high schools and Batavia Kiwanis were at the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia today to help get the arrangements in buckets and boxes and properly marked for deliver on Monday.

If you didn't get your order in on time, there's still plenty of opportunity to make a purchase.

On-site sales will take place:

• Noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Batavia Downs
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, UMMC
• Noon to 3 p.m., Wednesday, and noon to 5 p.m., Thursday, at the Bank of Castile
• Noon to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday at First Niagara Bank.

Traditional bouquets are $8 and the Bouquet of Hope is $16.

Once upon a time in a small town and in a small school in Le Roy, a beautiful girl and a stately prince find true love...

The timeless story of love and romance and the triumph of a girl least likely to win the heart of a prince, comes to the stage at Le Roy Junior Senior High School.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" story will touch the hearts of young and old in this enchanting production reminding today's audience that dreams still come true.

The Le Roy musical will present the classic fairytale in a fresh and exciting way. This isn't just another Cinderella story, but a family friendly event that has surprises around every corner.

Shows are at 7 p.m., March 15, 16 and 17.

The magic wand will be waved and the audience will be dazzled by special effects, a transformation scene, fog and special lighting, and professional costumes rented or borrowed from various theaters.

In addition, the show will trickle into the audience from the stage to create an interactive element as actors and audience blend.

There will be a special gift at the door for all children, birth to third grade, who come to the musical dressed in costumes consistent with the theme of the play.

Almost 100 students make up the cast, crew and pit orchestra being directed by Jacqueline McLean. Stuart McLean is the show's vocal director. Bradley Meholick is the pit orchestra director, and Jessa Dechant is in charge of publicity and public relations.

"Even though this is a small community and small school, the talent is extremely great," McLean said. "These students have put in a lot of hard work and time and they have a fire in their bellies to present."

Senior Grace Kovach plays Cinderella. Grace's younger sister, Margaret Kovach, is the Fairy Godmother and Jayce Seely plays the Prince. Other lead roles, the King and Queen, are played by Tyler Murtha and Miranda Graham.

Sisters Grace and Margaret are excited about their experience acting together on stage.

"Grace and I are sisters, so we can take it the extra step," Margaret said. "This has made us 10 times more close than we already are."

"This is one of the greatest memories I will have of high school," said Grace, who will be graduating this year.

Jayce agrees.

"This production will be memorable because of time spent with new and old friends and the experiences we have had that don't happen everday," Jayce said.

As in any romance story, true love must be sealed with a kiss.

"My mom teases me a bit, but it's fine," Jayce said.

"After all it is just a show," Grace said.

Tickets can be purchased now and you are strongly encourage to buy them ahead of time.

• On the school's website at www.leroycsd.org
• By calling the main office at 768-8131
• At the door while available

Le Roy Junior Senior High School is at 9300 South St. Road.

Press release:

MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES! This year, the Batavia Business Improvement District is excited to begin the planning for the Batavia Downtown Public Market that runs from June 21 to Sept 27. We are looking for farms, wineries, artists and craftsmen to participate.

Conveniently located in the downtown, visit our market before you do your regular shopping to be sure your food is the freshest and that your dollars remain local. Now entering its seventh year, the public market has grown and changed to become a staple of the downtown.

Although public markets have now become quite the trend, the goal is the same. People want the tradition of heading to the market to buy fresh, quality foods and wine and unique crafts from local farms and craftspersons. There is a desire to feel connected to their community.

Batavia has a unique geographic advantage because it bridges two major sales markets, Rochester and Buffalo. It also has four major routes that converge within the city – Routes 5, 33, 63 and 98.

Unlike some public markets which are tucked in a small lot or out of public view, the Batavia Downtown Public Market is located at the corner of Ellicott Street (Route 63) and Center Street, right in the center of the downtown. According to the Department of Transportation, over 15,000 cars drive past the market daily. Public parking is plentiful and easy to find.

The Business Improvement District, otherwise known as the BID, is a nonprofit organization made up of downtown property owners and tenants dedicated to economic and cultural revitalization that is above and beyond what the municipality can do.

A public market that is in the center of town creates a sense of place and belonging. Going back to our roots, farmer’s markets are one of the oldest forms of direct marketing for small farms, wineries and other businesses.

Farms, large or small, wineries, or artists/craftsmen that would like to sell their homemade crafts are welcome to participate.

If you would like to know more about the BID in general or how to participate in the Downtown Public Market or the autumn Wine Walk, please contact Laurie Oltramari at the BID at 585-344-0900 or email LOltramari@downtownbataviany.com.

Visit your downtown FARMACY for local food, fun and familiar faces!

Press release:

For the eighth consecutive year Site Selection Magazine has recognized Batavia/Genesee County as one of the top micropolitans in the United States, including the number-one ranking in the Northeast. The criteria for receiving the recognition includes capital investment and job creation. Through the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), approximately $51.3 million in new capital investments were made in the county creating approximately 172 new jobs in 2011.

“Through the collaboration of the Genesee County Legislature, the City and Town of Batavia, and many others in our community, we had another successful year in our economic development efforts,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. "With the recent announcement of Premiere Credit and Java Equipment projects, 2012 is off to a tremendous start.”

In 2011 the GCEDC was able to participate in 30 project “wins," including four major projects that have significant employment impacts for the region. Alpina Foods, one of the most recognized dairy companies in the world, and a leading dairy producing company in Colombia and South America, will open its first specialty yogurt manufacturing plant in the United States and will be the first occupant of the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. Alpina will create 50 jobs and invest more than $15 million in the construction and occupation of its new manufacturing plant.

The expansion at Graham Corporation will create 26 new jobs while a green technology firm, Vegetal I.D., which creates green roofs, will be adding 20 jobs over the next three years. In the Gateway I park, a new Holiday Inn Express is under construction that will create 19 jobs. The new hotel will be attached to an existing banquet hall.

“Congratulations are in order and Genesee County should be very proud of the achievements of our GCEDC,” said Mary Pat Hancock, chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature. “The recent groundbreaking by Alpina in our newly opened agricultural park, and the recent activity at the park promises a substantial investment in the economic health of our area.

"There were additional achievements, new cooperative workforce-training programs, businesses expanding, jobs retained; do not think that all this would have happened without the inspired and dedicated work of the GCEDC and their team. Their success is our success."

The City of Batavia, in partnership with Mancuso Business Development Group, was able to complete the Masse Gateway Redevelopment Project which included the demolition of 40,000 square feet of vacant industrial space in the Batavia Industrial Center, and the renovation of approximately 120,000 square feet for commercial, residential and light industrial use. In December 2011, the first new business in the Masse Gateway Redevelopment project was secured and in January 2012 the second business was secured. Both expect to be open by Spring/Summer 2012.

“We appreciate the recognition and will continue to build upon our rich entrepreneurial history and facilitate collaborative partnerships that support and enhance opportunities for all community residents,” said Batavia City Manager Jason Molino.

Upstate New York’s City of Batavia, the hub of the Batavia Micropolitan region, continues to reinvent itself in the wake of the national Site Selection recognition. An empowered Batavia Development Corporation -- the city’s strategic alliance and economic development agency -- invested in personnel, small business development and infrastructure initiatives to support the continued growth and success of the area in 2011.

“New staff was hired, more small business loans were distributed and a newly defined action plan for adaptive re-use was adopted,” said Ray Chaya, president of the Batavia Development Corporation (BDC). “The BDC has seen confidence return to the community."

The city's Business Improvement District completed six façade improvement projects totaling more than $17,000 in reinvestment in downtown properties, with another six projects that are expected to be completed by the end of this month. The BID is also pleased to announce that it paid off early the $250,000 bond for the Ellicott Street streetscape project, which was done in conjunction with the City of Batavia.

“The Batavia Business Improvement District is extremely proud of having four new downtown businesses, which includes a Save-A-Lot Food Store. This means approximately another 35 individuals being employed within the district,” said Don Burkle, executive director of the BID.

“I can only express my deepest appreciation for the all of the partners, municipalities, and employees who continue to collaborate and are dedicated to the strategic vision of growth for our community,” said Greg Post, supervisor of the Town of Batavia. “This success is because of the partnerships that have been fostered over the last 10 years and the willingness of everyone to work together as a team to achieve a common goal for economic success."

“The chamber congratulates all of the economic development partners in Genesee County on receiving this award. It is always gratifying to be recognized for a job well done — particularly when the hard work is often done ‘behind the scenes’,” said Lynn Freeman, director of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

“The investment being made in our community, as a result of our economic development groups and the chamber, is bringing more and better paying jobs to Genesee County that will in turn improve the quality of life for all of us."

Press release:

Following the announcement that Holy Family School in Le Roy had exceeded the first of three benchmarks required to keep the school open, Dr. Rosemary Henry, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Buffalo, issued this statement:

“I wish to congratulate the entire Holy Family School community for responding to last November’s call to action. By meeting their first goal, they have shown a commitment to sustaining and growing Catholic education in Genesee County.

“But much work remains to be done in order for Holy Family School to remain open beyond June. In the coming weeks, we need to see greater engagement on the part of supporters of Catholic education to ensure each individual benchmark is met,” Dr. Henry said.

As of March 2, the school had registered 70 students for the 2012-13 school year and raised $47,000, surpassing the March 1 benchmark of 40 paid registrants and $40,000 raised.

After a series of meetings last year, it appeared that Holy Family School would merge with St. Joseph School in Batavia, but upon hearing from members of the Holy Family community and local leadership, Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, bishop of Buffalo, agreed to give the community time to rally around the school in an effort to keep it open.

Two additional benchmarks must now be met:

April 15, 2012: a total of 80 paid registrants with nonrefundable deposits and an additional $40,000 on deposit. June 1, 2012:  a total of 120 paid registrants with nonrefundable deposits and an additional $45,000 on deposit.

According to a plan agreed upon and presented to the Holy Family School leadership and the local community, as well as a letter sent by Father Michael Rock, OdeM, canonical administrator of the school, to the Holy Family community on Dec. 2, 2011, meeting the benchmarks will allow Holy Family School to remain open.

“Parishioners, school supporters and alumni are encouraged to continue this impressive momentum to ensure Catholic elementary education is maintained in Le Roy,” Dr. Henry said.

A driver says she served to avoid a deer leading to an accident that sent herself and two passengers to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Shaunta M. Jackson, 23, of Batavia, was driving north on Slusser Road in Pembroke at 4:54 p.m., Saturday, when she lost control of her car.

After swerving to avoid the deer, she said her 2000 Ford SUV left the east shoulder of the road. She over-corrected, the vehicle went off the west shoulder and she turned the wheel to avoid hitting a tree, at which point the vehicle overturned.

Also injured were Nikayla C. Jackson, 19, and Kyle J. Jackson, 18. 

All three people were transported by Mercy EMS to an area hospital.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff.

(Initial report)

A person reportedly kicked his way into the Discovery Chapel, 315 W. Main St., Batavia, overnight and left barefooted sometime later.

The break-in was reported at 8:15 a.m.

A door to a storage shed was forced open as well as a door into the church itself.

Found in the seating area of the church was a jacket, shoes and socks.  Investigators believe these items were left by the perpetrator.

Police found the impressions of bare feet in the snow outside the church. The footprints indicate the person walked east on the south side of Main Street, and in the area of Main and Court, the person turned toward the roadway and may have gotten into a car.

The suspect appears to have suffered a cut on his right foot.

So far, no items are reported missing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350 or by calling the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

For the third time in three meetings in 2012, Notre Dame beat Elba in boys basketball, but this time the game determined the Class D1 Section V champion.

It's the first sectional win for Notre Dame since 2001.

"They all laugh at me because I always say, 'you gotta dance with the girl you brought,' " said Coach Mike Rapone. "That's an old-timers saying, but we're not going to change anything. We're going to do what got us here."

After two previous meetings, both teams had to make adjustments, Rapone said.

"I give Elba a lot of credit," Rapone said. "They knew what we wanted to do and took a lot away from us."

Notre Dame (20-1) took a lead early, and though Elba (18-3) was often nipping at their lead, it wasn't until 3:42 left in the game that the Lancers held a 40-39 lead.

But after Doane McCulley hit a lay up and Zach Hotze sunk a three-pointer, Notre Dame didn't look back, holding on for a 50-45 point victory.

Zach Hotze and Tim McCulley had 16 points each for the Fighting Irish. Jared Thornton added 12 points.

"We're fortunate we hit our big shots when we had to," Rapone said.

One of the goals of the Irish, Rapone said, was to take the three-point play away from Dan Ramsey, whom Rapone said is one of the most consistent three-point shooters in the section.

Dan Ramsey was held to eight points for the game.

For the Lancers, Matt Ramsey had 14 points, Mike Ramsey nine. Mike Ramsey added nine rebounds.

The historic back-to-back championship match-ups between Elba and Notre Dame, with the Elba girls defeating the Notre Dame girls Friday night, was big for both schools.

"I don’t think it gets any better in small-school basketball than Notre Dame and Elba," Rapone said.

It's been a fun season at Notre Dame, according to Rapone, between the two basketball teams and the hockey team winning its Section V championship last week (the Irish skaters lost a regional playoff game Saturday night).

"We have a lot of school spirit and it’s been the most amazing winter ever," Rapone said. "I mean, the girls play for a championship, the boys make that miraculous run in hockey, everybody’s on cloud nine."

The Irish will face DeSales in a regional playoff game on Tuesday night.

If you have trouble viewing the slide show, click here.

To purchase prints of the photos, click here.

A rollover accident with injuries is reported at Route 63 and Boyd Road, Pavilion.

Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 7:22 a.m.: Minor injuries, if any.

UPDATE 7:42 a.m.: Pavilion back in service.

As we reported last night, Elba girls beat Notre Dame on Friday night, 44-33, to take the Section V title.

Photos in this post submitted by Bare Antolos.

Tonight, Notre Dame beat Elba for the boys Section V title. We'll have pictures and a story in the morning.

In hockey, Notre Dame lost their regional game tonight.

A chimney fire was reported about 15 minutes ago at 812 Genesee St., Corfu.

Corfu Fire Department with mutual aid from East Pembroke, Darien and Akron along with City of Batavia Fast Team dispatched.

The Fast Team along with Arkon have returned to station.

A fire was found, contained to the chimney. Corfu remains on scene.

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A utility pole is reportedly on fire with wires arcing behind the Chapin Manufacturing building on Ellicott Street.

City Fire Department responding.

UPDATE  8:08 p.m.: City fire on scene. Confirms burning and arcing. National Grid notified.

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: National Grid supervisor on location.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at 7996 Slusser Road, between Beckwith and Galloway roads. It's believed to be a car-into-pole incident, and possibly a rollover. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding. Mercy Flight is not available due to the weather.

UPDATE 5:05 p.m.: Two additional ambulances are called to the scene.

UPDATE 5:12 p.m.: There are three patients, all with head injuries: a 14-year-old female, a 23-year-old female, and a 19-year-old male.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Two patients are being taken in a single Mercy rig to Erie County Medical Center.

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation and Athletics Department is seeking nominations for its third class of inductions into the Cougar Athletic Hall of Fame.

Inclusion in the Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor that the college bestows on its alumni and supporters by recognizing outstanding athletic achievements of individuals and teams of every era who have fostered athletic achievement and sportsmanship at the college.

The criteria for nominations to the Athletics Hall of Fame are based on an individual's noteworthy contribution to the growth, development and success of Genesee athletics, or a distinguished team that received recognition at the school, regional or national level.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from GCC's alumni website and emailed, or sent to the college's Alumni Office.(www.genesee.edu/alumni/HallofFame/)

Nominations may be submitted by the nominee or by friends, family, work associates or other colleagues who are familiar with the nominee. All nominations received by Sunday, April 1 will be considered by the selection committee. New inductees will be honored during the 2012 GCC Homecoming weekend in September.

The 2012 Cougar Athletic Hall of Fame class will succeed the 2011 inductees including: former men's basketball coach William "Bill" Van Gundy; women's basketball standout Petra (Pankova) Knoche; men's basketball standout and former women's basketball and softball assistant coach Lloyd Huling; volleyball and women's basketball standout Cyndy (Merlau) Hynes; and the 2002-2003 Men's Basketball Team that became the first Division II team ever to go undefeated in Region III with a record of 32-0.

For more information on the previous induction class into the Athletics Hall of Fame please visit http://www.genesee.edu/depts/alumni/halloffame/athletichof.cfm.

Nominations for Oakfield-Alabama Central School 2012 Alumni Hall of Fame are now being sought and will be accepted through April 30th.

Nominees must have graduated from OACS at least 15 years ago (class of 1997 or earlier). The committee seeks to honor alumni who have had significant success in their chosen field or who have contributed greatly to the Oakfield-Alabama community or both.

Anyone may nominate an individual by completing an official nomination form.

The online form may be found at:

http://oacsalumni.org/content/HallOfFame/NominationProcess/ (click on either the "online Nomination form" link or the Hornet logo).

We encourage you to use the electronic form; however, paper forms are available in the OACS middle/high office, which is located at 7001 Lewiston Road in Oakfield.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at 3725 Drake St. Road in Oakfield (Route 262). The location is in between Pekin and Fisher roads. Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding. Law enforcement is on scene. A power pole is sheared off at the bottom but is not in the roadway. The driver appears to be uninjured.

UPDATE 1:20 p.m.: Traffic will be shut down on Drake Street Road at Pekin and also at Fisher. The pole is leaning and could take down some wires, so it is hazardous.

UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: Oakfield is back in service. The roadway is reopened. National Grid has been notified.