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GCC's Kristen Schuth named NACDA 2023-24 Athletics Director of the Year

By Press Release

Press Release:

kristenschuth.adoy_.jpg
Photo of Kristen Schuth, courtesy of Genesee Community College.

Genesee Community College is thrilled to announce that Kristen Schuth has been named National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Athletics Director of the Year (ADOY). The award spans seven divisions (NCAA FBS, FCS, Division I-AAA, II, III, NAIA/Other Four-Year Institutions, and Junior College/Community Colleges).

Kristen, who serves as the Administrator in Charge of Student and Enrollment Services and Director of Athletics at GCC, has been recognized for her commitment and positive contributions to student-athletes, GCC, and the surrounding communities. Winners will be recognized in conjunction with the 59th Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday, June 11.

Kristen was appointed as GCC's Director of Athletics in 2013. Under her leadership, the college has achieved incredible success, capturing many regional & conference titles and two national championships. The athletic department has produced numerous All-Americans, Academic All-Americans, and placed in the Daktronics Cup for the first time ever in school history, a testament to Schuth's dedication to both athletics and academics.

Beyond her contributions to GCC, Kristen is involved at the regional and national levels, serving as the NJCAA Region 3 Women's Director, Region 3 Board of Regents Representative, and Board of Regents Secretary. 

She is the NATYCAA secretary and executive committee member, and chairs several NJCAA Division III committees, including the D3 Oversight Committee, putting her at the forefront of decision-making processes that influence the direction of D3 athletics. 

She also played a crucial role in hosting several regional and national championship events at GCC. Schuth is a two-time recipient of the Region 3 Athletic Director of the Year award and was previously named the NACDA Athletics Director of the Year in 2021. 

In 2023, Kristen was the recipient of the prestigious NJCAA George Killian Award of Excellence for her outstanding commitment to voluntarism, service, leadership, and excellence.

"Receiving the NACDA Athletics Director of the Year award is a tremendous honor, not just for me personally, but for the entire Genesee Community College family. This recognition underscores our collective commitment to excellence in both athletics and academics, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success of our student-athletes and our institution. I am truly humbled and excited to continue supporting our athletes as we strive for even greater achievements in the future," said Schuth.

The ADOY Award program is in its 26th year and has recognized a total of 584 deserving athletic directors to date.

All NACDA-member directors of athletics in the United States, Canada, and Mexico who met the criteria were eligible for the award. Among the criteria were service as an AD for a minimum of five academic years; demonstration of commitment to higher education and student-athletes; continuous teamwork, loyalty, and excellence; and the ability to inspire individuals or groups to high levels of accomplishments. Additionally, each AD's institution must have passed a compliance check through its appropriate governing body (i.e., NCAA, NAIA, etc.), in which the institution could not have been on probation or cited for a lack of institutional control during the tenure of the current athletics director.

Nominators were NACDA-member directors of athletics, institutional presidents, and conference commissioners, as well as other respected intercollegiate athletics administrators. Special Divisional Selection Committees composed of current and former directors of athletics, current and former commissioners, and other key athletics administrators voted on nominees for the award. Additional history surrounding the ADOY award, including a list of past winners, can be found here.

For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

National Vietnam War veterans recognition day ceremony March 29 in Le Roy

By Press Release

Press Release:

Botts-Fiorito Post #576, American Legion will observe the National Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day Ceremony on Friday, March 29. The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. at the Post #576 Veteran’s Memorial Park (flagpole), 53 West Main Street, Le Roy.

As part of the ceremony, we will again remember the memory of three area servicemen who gave the ultimate sacrifice:

  • Gary Scott
  • Harry VanAlst
  • George Fry

After a brief program, all are invited to the Post for coffee and refreshments.

About the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day:

  • On March 29, Americans will come together to commemorate the service and sacrifices made by the nearly 3 million service members who served in Vietnam.
  • In 2012, President Barack Obama signed a presidential proclamation, designating March 29 as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day The signing of the proclamation marked the 50th anniversary of the departure of the last American troops from Vietnam - March 29, 1973. 
  • Only U.S. embassy personnel and support staff remained in South Vietnam until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975 More than 58,000 Americans were killed and many thousands more were wounded and injured or determined to be missing.

Law and Order: Batavia woman accused of repeatedly trespassing at Kwik Fill

By Howard B. Owens

Alicia M. Lyons, 44, of Batavia, is charged with four counts of trespass and one count of obstructing governmental administration 2nd.  Between March 11 and March 13, Lyons was arrested four times for allegedly trespassing at Kiwik Fill after being previously banned from the property.  She allegedly fled from police officers when they attempted to take her into custody. She was arraigned and released.

Trevor N. Christman, 33, of Batavia, is charged with exposure of a person. Christman is accused of exposing himself in a public place on March 14. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Martin J. Rodgers, 40, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment 2nd. Rodgers is accused of throwing a mobile phone at a 15-year-old child during a disturbance on Summit Street on March 16. He was arraigned and released.

Janell M. Sauer, 48, was arrested on March 13 on a warrant. Sauer was initially charged on Nov. 10 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd. The warrant was issued after she allegedly failed to appear in court. Sauer was arraigned and released. 

Brian A. Powell, 64, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd. On Feb. 28, patrols responded to Oak Street and West Main Street for a report of a person slumped over the wheel of a car. When officers made contact with the driver, he allegedly drove away, leading police on a short pursuit. The driver stopped the vehicle on Central Avenue but refused to exit the car. The driver was removed from the vehicle by officers and placed under arrest and identified as Powel. He was issued an appearance ticket. 

Keonon S Williams, 46, is charged with petit larceny. Williams is accused of stealing license plates from another person and refusing to return them. He was arraigned and released.

Misty R. Scutt, 34, of Akron, was arrested on March 11 on a warrant. Scutt was initially charged with driving while ability Impaired by drugs on April 26. The warrant was issued after she allegedly failed to participate in a court-ordered program. Scutt was arraigned in City Court and released. 

It's science! Batavia comes out on top at 15th annual Tech Wars

By Steve Ognibene
Skimmer Cars drew a big crowd at the 15th Annual G.L.O.W. Region Tech Wars Competition at Genesee Community College  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Skimmer Cars drew a big crowd at the 15th Annual G.L.O.W. Region Tech Wars Competition at Genesee Community College.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Skimmer cars, robotics, SUMO bots, battle soccer bots, and a dozen other events designed to stretch area school students' STEM skills were among the activities during the 15th annual Tech Wars on Thursday at Genesee Community College.

Local companies sponsored the event, hosted by GCC, including Liberty Pumps, Graham, Barilla, and Amanda, along with GCEDC.

When it was time to score the events, Batavia came out on top at both the high school and middle school levels.

Middle school standings:

  1. Batavia
  2. Dansville
  3. Warsaw

 

High School:

  1. Batavia
  2. Dansville
  3. Geneseo

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Tommy Condidorio from LeRoy and Justin Valyear (Alexander) Robotics  Photo by Steve Ognibene
From left, Genesee Valley BOCES Students Tommy Condidorio from LeRoy and Justin Valyear (Alexander) Robotics  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Wesley Fisher from Batavia Middle school at  Lumber Labyrinth  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Wesley Fisher from Batavia Middle School at  Lumber Labyrinth  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Mystery Challenge drop horizontal airplane,  1st place Myles Wahr, Cooper Konieczny  from Batavia High School  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Mystery Challenge drop horizontal airplane,  1st place Cooper Konieczny and Myles Wahr from Batavia High School  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
BOCES students LeRoy Kylie Paddock and Notre-Dame Matthew Rogers demostrate the ACDC system  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Genesee Valley BOCES students Kylie Paddock of Le Roy and Notre Dame's Matthew Rogers demonstrate the ACDC system  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia High School Matthew Doeringer wins the opening round of the SUMO Bot competition  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia High School Matthew Doeringer wins the opening round of the SUMO Bot competition  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Catapult competition launched to new heights  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Catapult competition launched to new heights  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Battlebot Soccer  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Battlebot Soccer  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Sheriff Sheron thanks community for support during time of loss

By Press Release
sanfratello funeral at gcc
File photo from Saturday's funeral service for Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello in the Call Arena at Genesee County College of Sheriff William Sheron.
Photo by Howard Owens

Statement from Sheriff William Sheron:

On behalf of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, I would like to thank the community, emergency service responders, fellow law enforcement agencies, and state and local government officials for your immense support to the Sanfratello and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office family during our time of loss.  We have received support locally, from across the state, and nationally and your words and gestures are very much appreciated.  Sergeant Sanfratello was a special person to all who knew him, and he will be missed tremendously.

CCE of Genesee County’s board meeting set for Tuesday

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on March 26. The meeting will be held at the association at 420 E. Main St. Batavia and is open to the public.

For more information, please contact Yvonne Peck at ydp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 x123.

Batavia Lions Club speaker Jodi Coburn talks health and wellness

By Press Release

 

Press Release:

jodie-coburn-2.jpg
Submitted photo of 
Jodie Coburn, Functional Medicine Health Coach.

Jo Coburn was the recent speaker at the Batavia Lions Meeting.  The talk was ‘Functional Wellness - Holistic Medicine’, a Natural Health and Wellness Option.  

She noted that Holistic medicine takes a broader approach than traditional medical care by considering the individual as a whole and doesn’t treat, diagnose, or cure, but works on the foundations of a healthy lifestyle and works to restore proper functions in the body. 

Her work focuses on eliminating the need for multiple medications to maintain health.  While traditional medicine focuses on identifying specific symptoms to label conditions and treating them with medication, Holistic medicine uses natural remedies and therapies to support the body’s natural healing ability.

Mrs. Coburn, a Functional Wellness Practitioner, likened her work to helping clients build a home. It is difficult to build a house when you have missing parts.  In her work to build a strong and resilient person, you must have all the necessary nutrients and functioning parts.

It is hard to build a home without nails, or a body without magnesium.  And it is difficult to keep a home functioning without a working sewer system or a body without good elimination. To further the analogy, she considers certain behaviors as the foundation on which good health is built: nutrition, hydration, breathing, digestion, elimination, and so on.

Her clients are concerned about Stress & Mental Health, Hormone Imbalances, Digestive Issues, Fatigue and Energy Levels, Sleep Disturbances, and Chronic Pain; and she works with individuals and families. 

The initial workup begins with standard lab tests you may already have had from your medical provider along with functional testing to determine where the client is deficient in minerals and nutrients, then helps build a healthy lifestyle for the client. 

The goal is a personalized insight into health with practical tools to enhance wellness in a supportive community for maximized benefits.

Further information is available by booking a free consultation at https://jocoburn.com/. The Batavia Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month and everyone is welcome to visit the American Legion, 8960 Alexander Road, Batavia.

'Sad loss for downtown,' The Spa at Artemis apparently closed

By Joanne Beck
The Spa at Artemis
The lights may be on, but nobody's home at The Spa at Artemis in downtown Batavia as the business has apparently closed by all other appearances.
Photo by Howard Owens

After being established as a downtown staple for all things beauty for the last two decades, The Spa At Artemis has apparently closed up shop under its latest company owner Marian Pautler (Keating). 

Rumors began circulating Thursday about the salon’s closure, and The Batavian reached out to find that no one was at the site during operating hours, and the business number’s voicemail box was full. Its social media site only had a “no content” message online.

Paul Marchese, landlord for the business at 206 E. Main St., Batavia, said that “as far we know, it is closed.”

“It’s truly a sad loss for what I would consider a thriving downtown business,” he said. “We were simply the landlord for the space. We tried to work everything out with her. I have not heard anything from the owner — I have texted her several times, and the last time was March 9.”

Keating left, if that's the case, in the middle of her lease, he said. Efforts to reach Keating have been unsuccessful. A phone number listed to Pautler Keating of Caledonia had a full voicemail box and no message could be left for her to request comment.

The good news is that he hopes to have someone new in there operating a similar business by April 1. However, since it will be a new company, that may be bad news for anyone with a gift certificate from Artemis. 

Keating, then under the name Pautler, purchased the spa in June 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic had just begun and many businesses had been forced to close or drastically reduce hours and services. 

A Genesee CARES Recovery grant program helped out with a $65,000 grant in 2022, which she said at the time would enable her to grow the full-service salon.

“I have quite a big vision for what I want this business to turn into, and this is going to help propel us in that direction,” she said to The Batavian in April 2022.

She planned to make a lot of cosmetic updates, replace equipment, and bring on some new staff members, she said.

Eligibility for the grant was the addition of one full-time equivalent job for up to $25,000, two for up to $50,000, and three for up to $75,000.

Golden Easter egg hunt to begin on Friday, big event set for March 30

By Joanne Beck
Matt Landers and bunny
Matt Landers and an early special visitor prepare for the Batavia Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt, which kicks off with the golden eggs, which are to be hidden one at a time between Friday and March 28 before the big event on March 30 in Centennial Park, Batavia. 
Photo by Howard Owens

As all of the young Easter egg hunters prepare for the annual Batavia Kiwanis Easter egg hunt, which begins at 9 a.m. sharp on March 30 at Centennial Park, club member Matt Landers wants to remind participants that there will be one golden egg hidden every day in the park from Friday through March 28 for the finding. 

"The eggs will be hidden even if there is snow on the ground, so hopefully the kiddos put on their snow boots and start searching tomorrow," Landers said Thursday as he prepared to hide the first of seven golden eggs. 

Each child that finds a golden egg may redeem it for a prize of a chocolate bunny from Oliver's Candies during the big event on March 30 at Centennial Park in Batavia.

The Easter egg hunt will feature "thousands of eggs," members say, so come prepared for the hunt and to have some family fun, even if Mother Nature doesn't fully cooperate with the beginning of spring. 

Law and Order: Alexander man accused of child sex abuse

By Howard B. Owens
john volpe
John Volpe

John P. Volpe, 71, of Buffalo Street Road, Alexander, is charged with predatory sexual assault against a child, course of sexual conduct against a child 1st, two counts of criminal sexual act 1st, attempted rape 1st, aggravated sexual abuse 2nd, aggravated sexual abuse 1st, aggravated sexual abuse 3rd, three counts of sexual abuse 1st, rape 3rd, two counts of criminal sexual act 3rd, and two counts of forcible touching. Volpe is accused of engaging in numerous acts of sexual conduct involving a child beginning in 2012 and continuing until 2024 with a known victim. Volpe was arrested on March 7. He was arraigned and ordered held on $20,000 bail. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges are possible, according to the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office was assisted in the investigation by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Police. The FBI also participated in the investigation.

randolph byrd
Randolph Byrd

Randolph R. Byrd, 60, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd, assault 3rd, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, criminal obstruction of breathing, criminal mischief 4th, and resisting arrest. Byrd is accused of illegally entering a residence on East Main Street on March 5 and attacking a victim. He allegedly resisted arrest and damaged an officer's portable radio. He was arraigned and held in the Genesee County Jail.

Anthony Michael Gabri, 28, of Long Wood Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal impersonation of a public servant and front windshield non-transparent. Gabri was stopped at 11:30 a.m. on March 18 on an alleged traffic violation on West Main Road, Le Roy, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan. During the stop, Gabri was allegedly found to be wearing the badge of a village of East Rochester constable and an outer carrier tactical vest typically used to carry body armor while traveling to Batavia to serve paperwork for his privately owned business and not under the direction of village authorities. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Alicia M. Lyons, 44, of Batavia, is charged with trespass.  Lyons is accused of being at Kwik Fill, 99 Jackson St., Batavia, on March 11, after being previously barred from the property. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Trevon L. Armstrong, 38, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on March 11. Armstrong was initially arrested on Nov. 16 on a charge of criminal mischief 4th after allegedly damaging property during an incident on Denio Street. He is accused of failure to appear in court on the charge.  Armstrong was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Ronald W. Lewis, 36, of Ogden, was arrested on March 8 on two warrants issued by City Court. The first warrant stems from an incident on July 7, when Lewis was charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing merchandise from a local business. The second warrant is the result of an incident reported on Sept. 24, when Lewis was charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave United Memorial Medical Center. Lewis was arraigned and released. 

Niranh S. Woods, 29, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on March 8. Woods was initially charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd on Aug. 5. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. Woods was arraigned in City Court and released. 

Robert J. Schultz, 66, of Elba, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Schultz is accused of damaging another person's car on March 8 during a fight on Liberty Street. Schultz was issued an appearance ticket.

Christopher G. Marr, 55, of Batavia, is charged with DWI.  Marr was stopped on March 3 on South Main Street by a Batavia patrol officer. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Shamond R. Adams, 27, of Batavia, is charged with a barking dog violation.  Adams is accused of allowing his dog to bark for an extended period of time on March 9. He was issued an appearance ticket.

John Carl Ireland, 39, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Ireland is accused of damaging the property of another person with a value in excess of $250 during an argument reported at 11:40 a.m. on March 12 at a location on Sumner Road, Darien. Ireland was arraigned and released.

Torres Epifanio Nazario, 47, of Church Street, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and improper turn signal. Nazario was stopped at 9:57 p.m. on March 9 on Route 19 in Bergen by Deputy Zachary Hoy. He was issued tickets and released.

Khadija Aisha Wilson, 27, of Freeman Street, Buffalo, and Shakayla Monique Williams, 29, of Petters Street, Buffalo, are charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Wilson and Williams are accused of shoplifting from Ulta Beauty on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, at 12:39 p.m. on Feb. 27. Deputy Ayrton Blankenship and Sgt. Michael Lute investigated the case. 

Mark W. McWethy, 56, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and failure to keep right. McWethy was allegedly found in possession of cocaine during a traffic stop at 9:47 p.m. on March 18 on Main Street, Batavia. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Dustin James Brown, 22, of Raymond Road, Ontario, Canada, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle, and unregistered motor vehicle. Brown was stopped following traffic complaints at 5:50 p.m. on March 14 on Byron Holley Road, Byron, by Deputy Stephen Smith. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Michael Anthony Sweet, 38, of Raymond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and driving without an inspection certificate. Sweet was stopped at 1:09 a.m. on March 19 on Oak Street by Deputy Jacob Kipler. Sweet was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Vincenne Elizabeth Mendrysa, 68, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and falsely reporting an offense to law enforcement 3rd. Mendrysa was arrested on March 14 after allegedly reporting an incident to law enforcement that did not occur. Mendrysa was allegedly found in violation of an order of protection at the time of her arrest. She was jailed pending arraignment.

Sharon Renee Boyer, 55, of Alexander, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. Boyer was stopped by State Police at 11:28 p.m. on March 15 in the Town of Alexander. She was released to a third party.

North Pointe project to bring 30 single-family homes to Batavia, public hearing in April

By Joanne Beck
northpoint map
Planning document illustration that locates the site of the proposed Northpoint development (the stripped grey area in the middle of the map).

A project to build 30 single-family homes on the north side of Batavia has passed the initial round of evaluation by the city’s Planning and Development Committee and is set for a public hearing next month.

North Pointe Patio Homes, represented by Robert Pidanick, manager of land development for Nussbaumer & Clarke, Inc., and Eric Harrower of Batavia Homes & Development, Inc., is a subdivision plan to divide two parcels into 30 individual building lots with common areas owned and maintained by the homeowners association on North Pointe Drive in the city.

“It’s a marriage of (Marrano Homes) Builders, who will construct the patio homes and Batavia Homes & Development, who will supply the lots and materials,” planning committee Chairman Duane Preston said. “The single-family patio homes will be for sale and not lease and can be customized to the purchaser’s liking. A spec house will be on-site at the North Pointe location.”

The site sits behind John Kennedy Intermediate School and between North Spruce Street and Garden Drive. There are to be 4-inch fiber-reinforced concrete sidewalks with widths of 5 feet, and the subdivision “shall be designed with consideration being given to the preservation of natural features,” the plan states. 

“Precautions shall be taken to protect existing trees and shrubbery during the process of grading the lots and roads. The developer shall not remove any trees over six inches in diameter at breast height from the site without City Planning Board approval,” it states. “In the event any trees over six inches are removed from a site, the developer shall replace each tree at a ratio of two to one. 

“The subdivider shall preserve unique physical features, such as historic landmarks and sites, rock outcroppings, hilltop lookouts, desirable natural contours, stands of trees and similar natural features,” it states.

The plan states that all lots that are disturbed during construction and that are not covered by structures or paving shall have a minimum vegetative ground cover to prevent erosion. There are no trees plotted out between the sidewalk and curb, and one shade tree shall be provided per residential lot. 

Each home is to have an attached garage.

Genesee Lumber has designated a portion of its Ellicott Street store for customization of the patio homes, Preston said. The homeowners association will take care of the subdivision maintenance.

Area variances will be made on an as-needed basis for all lots since the road has curves that may require particular variances depending on the location, he said. 

This week’s meeting included a preliminary review of the plan and drainage, street lighting, sidewalks, tree removal, and landscape plantings. Preston said more in-depth details of the plantings and street light recommendations made by the committee will be returned to the next meeting. 

A public hearing will also take place to allow for comments about the project. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. April 16 in council chambers, second floor, City Hall.   

northpoint map
Planning document image of the parcel developers are proposing for 30 homes.

Genesee County to book Airbnb for future bed tax revenue

By Joanne Beck

After 16 years of operating as a short-term housing option for travelers, Airbnb is voluntarily signing up to be part of the bed tax system in Genesee County, Deputy County Treasurer Kevin Andrews says.

The popular offering to people looking for anything from big city apartments to cottages by the lake is expected to add an estimated $30,000 to the county’s bottom line once the Legislature votes to approve the measure.

andrews-photo-1.png
Kevin Andrews

“Basically, this is a voluntary agreement that Airbnb is looking to enter into with the county where they will collect the bed tax on behalf of anybody who rents through their platform, and then they will remit the bed tax to us directly themselves,” Andrews said at the county’s Ways & Means meeting Wednesday. “Currently, we've been reaching out to any individuals that we can find that have been using them, their platform, and others, and having them register with us directly and pay us directly, but this would just allow Airbnb to do that on their behalf and remit the tax to us on their behalf.”

What does Airbnb stand for?
It means "air bed and breakfast," a term coined when Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky founded it in 2007. According to real estate investing site Mashvisor, the two men were living in a San Francisco apartment when they came up with the idea to rent out a lounge room to designers visiting the city. The guests slept on air beds and were fed breakfast in the morning. And Airbnb was born. 

The founders’ website lists $7 billion in total taxes being collected and remitted globally and that the typical U.S. host earned $14,000 in 2023. 

Why does Airbnb want to cooperate and do this?
“To help make sure that all their customers that are using their platform are meeting the requirements of the bed tax law for Genesee County and other counties so that they're meeting those regulations and requirements,” Andrews said.

When will this take effect? Do you have any idea how many properties this would include?
“Once we have approval from the legislature, we're hoping to have the agreement in place in the next month or so,” he said. “No, I don't unfortunately, Airbnb is reluctant to provide any specific information on their individuals and their platforms. Once we start receiving payments from Airbnb, then we’ll have a clearer picture on that going forward, for sure.”

County Manager Matt Landers said that the Chamber of Commerce provided a figure of about $30,000 annually that staff estimates would be the bed tax to come from Airbnb rentals. 

“So this is significant,” Landers said. “Even though we’re not getting detailed information, it turns out, if there was a spot check, Airbnb can go through the process, they can see, okay, there’s a fee. You can check on it that way.”

Prior to this agreement, it was up to each individual property owner to collect and remit the bed tax. This will now allow Airbnb to assist with the process, Andrews said.

“Property owners are still supposed to register and file a report to us, and we’ll still try to get that information from them,” he said. “And Airbnb has said that they’ll put information on their website about that process so that hopefully that will assist with getting people to register in their office for that.”

Legislators shouldn’t hold their breath for other similar companies to follow suit — such as Vrbo, as Legislator Christian Yunker asked about, Landers said. This type of information isn’t “as readily available” or provided by others as it is with Airbnb, he and Andrews said.

“I think they’re less willing to work with counties on this, but we’ll make an attempt, for sure,” Andrews said.

The Legislature is to vote on a resolution on March 27 to include Airbnb, an internet-based booking platform that processes transactions within the county, which would be liable for the occupancy tax on behalf of facilities within the county that provide lodging on an overnight basis, into the county’s local law, and enter into an agreement with Airbnb to collect and remit the occupancy tax. 

Sheriff's Office investigating apparent homicide, body of missing Niagara County man found in Alabama

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating an apparent homicide. The victim has been identified as Michael G. Poole, age 59, of the Olcott, NY area. The victim waslocated during the afternoon of March 19, 2024 in the Town of Alabama, New York during the investigation into a missing person out of Niagara County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that this appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no threat to the public. Anyone who may have information related to this incident is asked to contact the Genesee County Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000. This investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.

Photos: Snow blowing off the roof of the former Kmart building in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
WEATHER PHOTO kmart
Snow blowing off the roof of the former Kmart building late Wednesday afternoon as seen from the parking lot of Batavia Downs.
Photo by Howard Owens.

A heavy snow squall bulletin has been issued for northeastern Genesee County. The warning is in place until 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Parts of Genesee County could also receive heavy snow with blowing wind Wednesday evening.

There's also snow in the forecast for Friday and Saturday, with a low temperature on Sunday, which is estimated at 14 degrees.

snow blowing off kmart building
Snow blowing off the roof of the former Kmart building late Wednesday afternoon as seen from the parking lot of Batavia Downs.
Photo by Howard Owens.

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