Bryn Wormley scored 14 of her game-high 35 points in the third quarter this afternoon, sparking the Batavia High Lady Devils to a 66-46 win over visiting Greece Olympia in Monroe County League girls basketball.

The victory was Batavia's second straight this week over Olympia -- both by 20-point margins -- but this one played out much differently as the teams were tied 21-21 at the half. In Wednesday's 55-35 win, Batavia led by 17 at intermission.

Wormley was the difference today as she sank five three-point shots, including three in the decisive third period when Batavia outscored Olympia 26-14 to take a 47-35 lead.

The senior guard drained two three-pointers and added three free throws to give Batavia a 30-23 edge midway through the third quarter. Another trey at the two-minute mark made it 43-31 and Batavia pulled away from there to even its record at 3-3. Olympia falls to 1-3.

Wormley dished out six assists and came up with seven steals while senior Tess Barone tallied 11 points. Senior guard Mackenzie Reigle had seven points, seven assists, seven rebounds and seven steals; and Rachel Wright chipped in with five rebounds.

Batavia went to the foul line 29 times, making 19.

For Olympia, 5-foot-10 senior forward Taylor Jung nearly matched Wormley's effort, scoring 32 points -- including five three-pointers. No other Lady Spartans hit double figures.

The Lady Devils host Greece Odyssey at 7:45 p.m. Monday.

The Batavian Sessions with Justin Williams

Kaden Cusmano, Gaige Armbrewster, and Travis Wiedrich led Oakfield-Alabama to a 55-43 victory over Wheatland-Chili at home on Friday night.

They scored 17, 16 and 15 points, respectively.  

In the only other local boys basketball game on Friday, Elba beat Notre Dame 61-50.

In girls basketball, Dansville beat Le Roy 65-34, and Pavilion beat York 54-46.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For varsity game photos, click here. For JV photos, click here.

Photo submitted by Jason Smith.

Officer of the Year Award – Deputy Ryan M. DeLong

Deputy Sheriff Ryan M. DeLong has distinguished himself in the performance of service to the citizens of Genesee County during 2020. Deputy DeLong’s professionalism and dedication are evident every day at work.

He is a five-and-a-half-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office but displays knowledge beyond his years. This is due to his continuous initiative to learn, through both formal departmental training and on his own with outside courses and reading.

Deputy DeLong has consistently been one of the most productive deputies, almost always at the top in arrests and vehicle and traffic stops every year and was recently promoted to Investigator.

He has made numerous arrests, including multiple felonies, by using what he has learned and goes above and beyond.  Deputy DeLong has made several felony drug arrests, including one that a handgun was seized.

Deputy DeLong is also eager to share knowledge and his experiences with other deputies. He is a relied-upon Field Training Officer and one that is looked upon routinely to train recruits. Deputy DeLong is also a Drug Recognition Expert and has been instrumental in arrests and prosecutions of numerous cases.   

Deputy Sheriff Ryan M. DeLong has reflected great credit upon himself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and most deserves to be named Officer of the Year.

Distinguished Service Award – Program Coordinator Catherine T. Uhly

Program Coordinator Catherine T. Uhly has distinguished herself as a member of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for more than 19 years.

Coordinator Uhly began her career at Genesee Justice as a Principal Clerk in 2002 and was appointed Case Manager in 2014, with her final appointment to Program Coordinator in 2016.

During this time, she has been the recipient of two Meritorious Service awards for her professionalism and dedication. Throughout her career, Program Coordinator Uhly has devoted herself to the betterment of the Genesee County criminal justice system and the citizens of Genesee County.

Program Coordinator Catherine T. Uhly reflects great credit upon herself and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office.

Certificates of Appreciation

Criminal Investigation Division

Jail Cook Lynn J. Jakubowski

Jail Nurse Diane S. Cox

Longevity Awards

Confidential Secretary Carolyn A. Della Penna

10 years

Correction Officer Christopher A. Long

10 years

Senior Correction Officer Matthew R. Burgett

15 years

Investigator Chad J. Minuto

15 years

Sergeant Jason E. Saile

15 years

Director of Emergency Communications Steven S. Sharpe

15 years

Principal Financial Clerk Margaret A. Sheelar

20 years

Financial Management Assistant Mary L. Hecht

20 years

Meritorious Awards

Deputy Sheriff Erik B. Andre

1^st

Correction Officer Corey J. Cieszki

1^st

Community Services / Victim Assistant Marcy W. Ewell

1^st

Deputy Sheriff Deborah L. Snyder

2^nd

Sergeant Jason E. Saile

2^nd

Commendations

Correction Officer Dennis J. Bartholomew

1^st

Correction Officer Michael A. Strumpf

1^st

Correction Officer Seth C. Rademacker

1^st

Correction Officer Corey J. Cieszki

1^st

Correction Officer Jenna R. Barber

1^st

Deputy Sheriff Nicholas R. Chamoun

1^st

Deputy Sheriff Jordan M. Alejandro

1^st

Deputy Sheriff Joshua A. Brabon

1^st

Emergency Services Dispatcher Fleur R.C. Remington

1^st

Deputy Sheriff David D. Moore

1^st & 2^nd

Deputy Sheriff Andrew Z. Mullen

2^nd

Deputy Sheriff Kyle D. Krzemien

2^nd

Correction Officer Michael F. Lindsley

2^nd

Investigator Joseph D. Loftus

3^rd

Emergency Services Dispatcher Andrew K. Merkel

3^rd

Correction Officer Daniel J. Renz

3^rd

Deputy Sheriff Howard O. Wilson, V.

4^th

Deputy Sheriff Ryan W. Young

4^th

Sr. Emergency Services Dispatcher John W. Spencer

4^th

Sr. Emergency Services Dispatcher Robert H. Tripp

7^th

Sergeant Andrew B. Hale

7^th

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has cosponsored legislation to require the President to provide a complete account of enacted but unspent COVID-19 funds.

“As Democrats move forward with their unilateral approach to force through a massive $1.9 trillion relief package, I believe it is imperative to know how much funding has already been enacted but remains unspent. That figure could be as high as $1 trillion.

“I agree that more federal assistance is needed to overcome COVID-19, especially for bolstering vaccine distribution, reopening schools, and supporting struggling local governments. However, we need to be targeted and fiscally responsible with our approach to avoid unnecessary spending and costly programs that do not address urgent problems.

“Since such a large amount of funding remains unused, it would be prudent to know what we have or have not spent before enacting additional legislation.

H.Res.127 was introduced by Budget Committee Ranking Member Jason Smith (MO-08) and would require President Biden to provide documents relating to unspent COVID-19 relief funding to Congress within 14 days of its adoption. To date, Congress has enacted over $4 trillion in stimulus funds through several relief packages.

Submitted photos and press release:

Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball (BGFS) is excited to be entering its fifth year of existence and can’t wait to see all of the smiling young ladies out on the softball field this upcoming spring and summer.

While registration is open until March 13^th, teams may fill up before then, so don’t wait until the deadline! Cost is $80.

New this year, BGFS is pleased to announce the addition of a new 8U team for some of our youngest Stingers to be able to take advantage of. Teams are also available for 10U, 12U and 16U divisions.

Registration is all online this year and will be handled through the GLOW Academy Website at www.glowacademyny.com.

Check us out on Facebook @BataviaGFS to see pics of all the excitement from the past four years, or email us with questions at: stingersfp@gmail.com.

Stingers softball is for girls of all skill levels who want to learn and get better at the great game of Fastpitch Softball. Our organization is comprised of parents, coaches and community leaders that want to provide a fun, safe and healthy outlet for young ladies in our area.

We welcome beginners that want to try fastpitch softball, school ball players that want to keep their skills sharp and travel players that just want to get more swings in.

Top photo: 2020 Stingers 10U team.

Below: 2020 Stingers 12U team.

Bottom: 2020 Stingers 16U team.

In 1928 a little boy was born in the family homestead on 6 Chestnut St. in Batavia.

LaVerne C. Cooley Jr. graduated from Batavia High School and furthered his education at Fredonia School of Music. He worked most of his career as an organist for St. Paul Lutheran Church on Washington Avenue for 42 years.

One of his favorite hobbies was his love for small-scale trains.  

These are some of LaVerne's obituary facts. He died Feb. 5 at age 92.

What was not mentioned was the character of this man.

He was his church's musical heart as the children's choir director, senior choir director, and organist. He would always buy the members of his choir gifts for their participation and hosted catered parties. He loved every aspect of music and was quite an accomplished musician.  

The people I interviewed, Lynn Eick, and Ron and Diane Burroughs, described him as the most loving, kind, talented man who was in turn loved and respected by his congregation.

He was giving, too. Over the years, he generously donated to many charities.  

I didn't know LaVerne from St. Paul's; I knew LaVerne as our neighbor. He wasn't just our neighbor on Chestnut Street. He was everyone's neighbor on the Southside of Batavia.

You see, LaVerne had a big heart and took care of the neighborhood -- and he did this every day, weather permitting.

He would always stop at our home, offer some kind words, and wish us a good day. He would share memories of my grandparents when they lived near him. I treasured his words.

The retired organist never retired from keeping the Southside tidy. As years progressed, he might have walked a little slower, but his drive and benevolence kept him going. 

He never liked to wear a belt, and as he got older and thinner, we were always a little worried he might lose his pants, but he hung on to them with one hand and picked up trash with the other.

While patrolling, he had an eagle eye for rubbish, no matter how small -- a cigarette butt, a scrap of paper, a bit of plastic. His keen attention to this humble detail added to our quality of life.

He leaves a legacy as a beloved member of his church and a guardian angel of the streets. He touched so many lives; I am sure there are more memories about this diminutive giant, so please share them to honor his kindness and generosity.

Rest in peace, our friend, LaVerne.

"It is not about how much you do, but how much love you put into what you do that counts." -- Mother Teresa

Photos courtesy of Ron and Diane Burroughs.

A CSX train has reportedly hit a snowmobile on or near Harlow Road in Darien.

The caller, a CSX employee, believes the snowmobile was unoccupied.

Darien fire responding.

UPDATE 8:21 p.m.: There are apparently fresh footprints in the snow showing somebody left the scene. The tracks indicated the snowmobile was westbound.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: The vehicle was last registered in Rochester but the registration is expired and the last attempt at registration was denied. Train staff confirms it was unoccupied and a person was seen on foot.

UPDATE 8:24 p.m.: EMS is canceled.

A detainee who had been to an outside medical facility appears to have been the initial source of a COVID-19 outbreak at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, according to a source familiar with operations of the center. 

So far, 24 inmates have tested positive for COVID but only the initial detainee is symptomatic.  

In the past, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have been cooperative in providing information about COVID outbreaks at its facilities but today, a spokesman declined to comment and referred The Batavian to the agency's website, which contains no other information than current statistics. 

According to a source, the one symptomatic patient is isolated from the rest of the detainee population, and the other 23 are in two pods that do not have direct contact with detainees in other pods. The source said the facility continues to follow strict guidelines on personal protective equipment and regular thorough cleaning with bleach.

In April, near the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the detention facility had more than 50 positive cases -- almost all were asymptomatic -- after detainees were transferred there from other facilities. After that initial outbreak, the facility went months without a positive case reported.

The source said officials suspect this outbreak started with a person who had been to an outside medical facility because there have been no recent arrests nor transfers into the facility.

Press release:

Genesee County received 18 new positive cases of COVID-19.

• The new positive cases reside in the:
  • West Region (Alabama, Darien, Pembroke)
  • Central Region (Alexander, Batavia, Bethany, Elba, Oakfield)
  • East Region (Bergen, Byron, Le Roy, Pavilion, Stafford)
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
  • Eleven of the previous positive individuals has recovered and has been removed from the isolation list.
  • Thirteen of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.
  • Seven of the new positive individuals are inmates at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility.

• Orleans County received seven new positive cases of COVID-19.

  The positive cases reside in the:

  • West Region (Yates, Ridgeway, Shelby)
  • Central Region (Carlton, Gaines, Albion, Barre)
  • East Region (Kendall, Murray, Clarendon)
  • The individuals are in their 0-19s, 20s, 40s and 60s.
  • Four of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list.
  • Two of the current positive individuals are hospitalized.

Tear up the contract with Genesee County and sign a new one with the Genesee Area Family YMCA.

That is what Interim City Manager Rachael Tabelski believes is the best course of action when it comes to providing services to Batavia’s young people, beginning with the start of the 2021-22 fiscal year on April 1.

Tabelski, in memos to City Council, points to significant cost savings by letting YMCA staff run the city youth program and additional savings by ending the intermunicipal agreement with the county that provided an executive director to oversee both county and city youth programs.

Both measures are on the agenda of Monday night’s Conference Meeting at the City Hall Council Board Room. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 o’clock.

Council charged Tabelski, in conjunction with the City Youth Advisory Board, to send out a request for proposal for organizations interested in delivering youth services, specifically at the Liberty Center for Youth on the City Church St. Anthony’s Campus at 114 Liberty St. and during a summer recreation program at city playgrounds.

In a memo dated Feb. 15, she said the city received two proposals and one “no” bid. After scoring the two and interviewing YMCA personnel, the selection committee gave the nod to the YMCA, which received the top score.

The proposed agreement with the YMCA, per the memo, stipulates that the YMCA “will provide (services) equivalent or better than the youth services the city has provided in the past, the term … is for four years and matches the lease terms (with City Church) to use the Liberty Center for Youth, and the agreement can be cancelled with 60 days’ notice by any party.”

Tabelski wrote that the city will save $69,639 in expenses for the first year and approximately $261,461 over the life of the agreement, assuming an annual 2.5-percent increase in cost to the city via wage increases, etc.

A chart showing the cost to the city was included in the memo, and reads as follows:

2020-21

• City provided service, $239,516, Rent, $13,200; Community Garden, $1,000. Total, $253,716.

2021-22

• City provided service, $245,504; Rent, $13,200; Community Garden, $1,000; Total, $259,704.
• YMCA Cost per Agreement, $175,865; Rent, $13,200; Community Garden, $1,000; Total, $190,065; Savings, $69,639.

2022-23

• City provided service, $251,641; Rent, $13,200; Community Garden, $1,000; Total, $265,841.
• YMCA Cost per Agreement, $184,658; Rent, $13,200; Community Garden, $1,000; Total, $198,858; Savings, $66,983.

2023-24

• City provided service, $257,933; Rent, $13,200; Community Garden, $1,000; Total, $272,133.
• YMCA Cost per Agreement, $193,890; Rent, $13,200; Community Garden, $1,000; Total, $208.090; Savings, $64,043.

2024-25

• City provided service, $264,381; Rent, $13,200; Community Garden, $1,000; Total, $278,581.
• YMCA Cost per Agreement, $203,585; Rent, $13,200; Community Garden, $1,000; Total, $217,785; Savings, $60,796.

The total savings from 2021-2025 add up to $261,461.

While the “City provided service” line increases by 2.5 percent each year, the “YMCA Cost per agreement” line increases by 5 percent each year.

When asked why the city would experience a 2.5-percent annual increase in costs and the YMCA contract was going up by 5 percent annually, Tabelski said that is what the YMCA is requesting.

As far as the annual costs for running the two programs, services at the Liberty Center for Youth will cost the city about $35,000 more than what it will pay for summer recreation.

Pact with County No Longer Necessary

Furthermore, Tabelski wrote that the city will save $21,711 over the 2021-22 fiscal year by terminating the agreement with Genesee County – a pact that began in 2011 and enabled one person to direct both the county and city youth programs.

Jocelyn Sikorski resigned as executive director late in 2020, a year that saw the Liberty Center for Youth having to close due to COVID-19 concerns and the city to cut youth program staffing due to budget constraints.

In her memo, Tabelski reported that there would be no need for an agreement with the county if Council approves the YMCA taking over, and that the city manager would oversee the youth services contract.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr., contacted today, said he is pleased to see the cost savings and added that he had confidence in the YMCA, which currently has a shared services agreement with the city at the Liberty Center for Youth.

“As it appears now, it would be very difficult to turn away the large savings for the same service,” he said. “I can’t speak for other Council members, but in my mind, saving a quarter of million dollars over five years and have the Y do it at the same location, is definitely something I have to consider.”

Wayne Daniel Potter, 37, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree assault. At 3:13 p.m. on Feb. 16, members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation into an assault on an inmate that occurred in the Genesee County Jail in the City of Batavia. It is alleged that Potter punched another inmate in the face, causing physical injury, while incarcerated at the jail. Potter was arraigned in city court and is due back there on Feb. 25. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Norman E. Bastedo, 46, of Batavia (no address provided), was arrested at 10:45 p.m. Feb. 18 by Troopers out of NYSP Warsaw Barracks. He is charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI, and moving from lane unsafely. Bastedo was located on East Bethany Road in the Town of Middlebury after he drove off the roadway into a snow embankment. After allegedly failing multiple field sobriety tests, he was arrrested and taken to the Warsaw Barracks for processing. His BAC was allegedly .21 percent. He was issued traffic tickets and is due in Town of Middlebury Court next month.

Justine Danae Wood, 34, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On Feb. 15 at 9:52 p.m. Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to Walmart in Batavia for a larceny complaint. Following an investigation, Wood was arrested. It is alleged that the defendant stole $130.13 worth of merchandise from the store, passing all points of purchase. Wood is due in Town of Batavia Court on April 15. The case was handled by Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Submitted photos and press release:

As part of their Black History Month studies, Byron-Bergen fourth- and fifth-grade students created art projects with, and inspired by, acclaimed Rochester public artist Shawn Dunwoody (on classroom monitor above).

While Dunwoody has visited the school in past years, this year his presentation took place on an online meeting platform to maintain health and safety guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic.

In his presentation to the fourth-grade classes, Dunwoody discussed murals and public art. In his own work, he has used murals to inspire in a variety of community spaces, from donut shops to waterfall viewing platforms.

“The murals I’ve done in communities, I’ve wanted to get people excited about their community,” Dunwoody said. “I want to make people feel good about themselves and the environment they are in.”

Dunwoody then created a collaborative mural design with the students, discussing the artistic process as well as font design and placement. The completed design featured the words “U R Wonderful” in bright colors.

Students then designed their own murals, using Dunwoody’s work as inspiration. Their finished projects included messages of support for environmental and social causes, as well as simple words of kindness such as “You got this,” “Love yourself,” and “You are awesome.”

In a similar presentation to fifth-grade students, Dunwoody discussed his original comic characters, the Legion of Legends, which includes local historical figures Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass and George Eastman. His Legion of characters fight villains like Trinity, a character encompassing racism, miseducation and poverty.

After creating a collaborative character with the fifth-grade classes, students created their own super heroes with special powers to fight for social justice. Among the heroes were those with the powers to fight for freedom and create peace. Their collaborative hero was “Super Miss Stephen” with the power of writing and the ability to make drawings come to life.

Dunwoody’s presentations were part of a Black History Day of Learning organized by fourth-grade teachers Jenna Carney, Colleen Hardenbrook, Alyson Tardy, and fifth-grade teachers Taylor Haupt, Ken Rogoyski, (Super Miss) Kelly Stephen, Diane Taylor, Erin Varley, and Special Education teacher Lisa Haller.

“Shawn uses art to uplift urban communities and discuss social justice,” Tardy said. “I’m extremely excited grateful that he takes the time to share his talents with our students.”

Two members of the Ice Devils, the hockey team that represents Batavia, Le Roy, Alexander, Elba, and Oakfield-Alabama, tested positive for COVID-19, meaning all players and coaches must quarantine at home until Feb. 24.

Three regular-season games have been canceled and won't be rescheduled.

Batavia Athletic Director Michael Bromley said one person tested positive last week and after consulting with the health department and the school's medical director, they would quarantine the team if a second person tested positive. That positive test came in on Tuesday.

This is only the second time a Batavia-affiliated team has been required to quarantine during the regular season. It happened previously with the Alpine Ski team.

Bromley said he can't emphasize enough how important it is for a parent to keep a child home from practice and games if a player is showing any symptoms because it can affect the whole team.

The Ice Devils were 0-4 on the season. The three missed games will be counted as "no contest." There will be five games left in the regular season once the team returns to the ice. Bromley said it will take multiple wins in those final five games for the team to reach the playoffs.

Press release:

Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, is reopening on May 21 based on the coronavirus pandemic guidelines set by the State of New York and its Governor.

The park will unveil extensive safety and security measures including quick and contactless security and temperature checks for guests and team members. Convenient mobile ordering will also be available at many locations. The park is converting to a cash to a card kiosk system, accepting only Mobile and Card Payments to further enhance the safety of guests and team members. 

“We are pleased and energized by the reopening guidelines announced by Governor Cuomo,” said Six Flags Darien Lake President Chris Thorpe. “We have a proven and comprehensive reopening safety plan, and our team is ready to welcome guests back. The safety of our guests and team members remains our number-one priority and the new safety guidelines we have implemented will enhance our safe and fun environment for everyone.”

Virtual Hiring Fairs 

As one of the largest seasonal employers in New York, Six Flags Darien Lake is hiring more than 1,500 team members for the 2021 season. The theme park, water park, and hotel and campground are hiring for all positions, including admissions, culinary services, ride operations, housekeeping, games, lifeguards, park services, security, and retail.

The safety of park guests and employees is always the company’s top priority, and applicants may now apply for jobs in a virtual and contact-free environment. Applications, interviews, and most trainings will all be done virtually; onboarding is contact-free. Interested applicants should apply online at sixflagsjobs.com. 

Health Screenings for Guests and Team Members 

• Contact-less IR thermal imaging will be used to screen temperatures of guests and employees prior to entry; and individuals will be asked if they are healthy and will be required to acknowledge the company’s health policies;
• All guests over the age of two and all team members will be required to wear face masks covering the nose and mouth throughout their visit/work day.
• Any guest without a mask will be able to purchase one at the front gate.

Strictly Enforced Social Distancing 

• Easy to identify distance markers will be added in all park entry, ride, restroom, retail locations, and dining queue lines;
• Dining areas will be adjusted to allow ample space between seated parties;
• Guests will be separated by empty rows and/or seats on all roller coasters, rides, and attractions; 
• Six-foot viewing areas will be marked for guests to observe game play; arcade games will be reconfigured or deactivated to comply with social distancing requirements; 
• Advanced security screenings will enable touchless bag checks;
• Capacity at indoor venues will be reduced to meet social distancing requirements; and 
• Guests viewing outdoor entertainment will be separated by at least six feet.

Extensive Sanitization and Disinfecting Protocols

• Trained and dedicated cleaning teams have been put in place; 
• Increased sanitization and disinfecting of high touch points including all public seating, tabletops, counters, doors, and trash cans will occur frequently; 
• Rides, restraints, and handrails will be cleaned throughout the day; 
• Restroom staff will be stationed to disinfect each stall and sink area on a frequent basis; 
• Multiple hand-washing and alcohol-based hand-sanitizer stations will be located throughout the park; and
• All team member work areas will be regularly sanitized and disinfected. 

Sanitized Food Preparation and Service

• Modified menus and implementation of mobile food ordering will help facilitate touchless transactions;
• Self-service buffets and salad bars will be reconfigured to eliminate guest contact with food;
• Condiments, self-serve cutlery, and napkins will be provided to guests with their meals as required; and
• Beverages will be served by attendants, and guests will receive any drink bottle refills in a paper cup each time they refill. 

Commercial-grade Cleaning Equipment and Supplies

• All employees will be issued Team Member Action Packs which will include: a safety face mask, safety glasses, and disposable gloves; 
• Low pressure backpack sprayers will be utilized for disinfecting large areas;
• Abundant supplies of sanitizers and disinfectants will be available;
• Microfiber cloths will be used to sanitize surfaces; and
• Queue line supplies, fencing, and tents will be in place to promote safe social distancing.

Multilayered Guest and Team Member Communication

• Frontline team members will go through extensive COVID-19 training;
• Safety messaging and reminders on Six Flags’ website, newsletters, in-park announcements, and recorded phone messages will occur frequently;
• Distance markers and physical distance indicators will be in place; and
• Informational safety signage will be posted throughout the park.

Park Reservations System to Manage Attendance

Darien Lake will be operating under state and local guidelines for crowd capacity limits. The park has established attendance caps that will be well below the park’s theoretical capacity to allow for proper social distancing.

All Members, Season Pass holders and all guests with a single-day or group ticket will need to make a reservation at www.sixflags.com/reserve. Guests who need single-day tickets will be able to reserve during the purchase process. The process will take 5-7 minutes, and guests will guests will complete the following steps:

• Enter their online order number, ticket number or Membership/Season Pass number;
• Select the day and the approximate time they want to visit;
• Acknowledge their understanding of the company’s health policy;
• Order prepaid parking if they do not already have a parking pass; and 
• Watch a brief video describing new social distancing and sanitization procedures.

Guests will be contacted electronically (either by email, text or both) the day before their scheduled visit to confirm their intent to visit and their continued healthy status. Guests may cancel their reservation without penalty any time before 8 a.m. (local time) on the day of their scheduled visit. Members and Season Pass Holders will receive booking priority over single-day and group ticket buyers.

Six Flags Darien Lake 2021 Season Passes are now available at the low price of $49.99 each. Gold Plus, Platinum, Diamond, and Diamond Elite Memberships are also available and offer additional benefits. For more information, visit sixflags.com/darienlake.

About Darien Lake

Darien Lake’s wide variety of entertainment and top-notch thrill rides has made it the Thrill Capital of New York since 1964. Located 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, today the park boasts more than 50 rides, including seven world-class roller coasters, dozens of family rides, the region’s largest water park and a 20,000-seat amphitheater operated by Live Nation.

The park welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of accommodations—from a full-service hotel and modern cabins to rental RVs, and RV and tent campsites.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) has reintroduced the No Small Business Aid for China Act (H.R. 1138).

“China’s growing malign activities – including intellectual property theft, corporate espionage, and cyber-warfare – directly threaten Americans and our small businesses," Jacobs said.

"The authoritarian Chinese government asserts its influence over major Chinese businesses and executives with the intent of destroying U.S. competitors. As such, they should not be able to access funds specifically designed to support American small businesses."

Rep. Jacobs originally introduced the No Small Business Aid for China Act during the 116th Congress. The legislation would bar any company that is headquartered in the People’s Republic of China, has more than 25 percent of voting stock controlled by Chinese citizens, or is affiliated with human rights abuses in Xinjiang Province from accessing aid from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“Since taking office, I have advocated for a stronger position to confront China," Jacobs said. "American small business aid should only support American small businesses – that has become even more clear during the COVID-19 pandemic when a third of New York small businesses have closed and more are on the verge of bankruptcy.

“I am committed to supporting our small businesses and ensuring that China cannot take advantage of the American economy at our expense.”

Le Roy sustained another close loss Thursday night, dropping a hoops match to Hornell 57-52.

Cody Lytle scored 17 points and had 12 rebounds. Andrew Loftus, 12 points and 10 rebounds, Mitch Hockey 11 points, and Zach Vanderhoof scored 10 and had six rebounds.

The 1-2 Knights play the next five games on the road.

Also in boys basketball, Pavilion beat Mount Morris 47-38.

Photos and info submitted by Tim McArdle.

Batavia Town Supervisor Greg Post is looking forward to the day when he doesn’t have issue any more “state of emergency” declarations.

In anticipation of the end to what has become a monthly ritual, Post has set up a committee to work on a plan for Town of Batavia operations after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, Post extended the SOE for the town for another month “because of consistency with state and county and national responses to the pandemic.”

He said town officials will be formulating a new process for the utilization of town facilities, including the town hall, highway garage and parks “to address issues related to COVID but will not keep us in a constant state of emergency as we evolve from this both locally and nationally.”

Town Clerk Teressa Morasco, who is leading the committee, said towns and villages across New York are required to have an emergency pandemic plan in place by April 1 – a document outlining protocols and guidelines and the manner in which the municipality expects to conduct day-to-day business.

Joey Neth of the town’s engineering staff and Town Council members Patti Michalak and Sharon White also are on the committee.

Post advised that the town already has implemented numerous measures, such as working remotely and relying heavily on email and the town hall’s drive-through window.

“We’ve established a ‘virtual’ town hall and have been able to save $1 million without reducing efficiency of services,” Post said. “All of our inspections, accounting, plan reviews, assessments, document signing and bill collecting services have continued without interruption.”

The town had planned a $1 million project to design and expand the town hall, but that has been put on the back burner.

“If and when the state of emergency ends, we’re not going back to the way it was,” he said. “We don’t have the staff to check temperatures and we can’t hire more staff. Our plan going forward is to make the operation center more secure and making sure the business of the town gets done as efficiently as possible.”

In other developments, the town board approved the following at its meeting on Wednesday night:

• Resolutions supporting the application of a Community Development Block Grant to replace a 5,300-foot stretch (just over a mile) of water main on Park Road, prior to the Park Road Reconstruction Project scheduled for this summer or fall.

Town Engineer Steve Mountain reported that the town will seek funding from the New York State Office of Community Renewal program to take out the 50-year-old asbestos water main under the roadway that serves Batavia Downs Gaming and other commercial enterprises.

Mountain said the pipe runs along the length of Park Road from Route 63 to the gas station on Park Road, not far from Route 98.

Community Development Block Grants come with requirements that the applying municipality must meet, primarily that 51 percent of the project beneficiaries must qualify as low and/or moderate income. Mountain said a 2018 survey indicates that the town is at 52.95 percent LMI.

A public hearing was held on Wednesday and another one will be scheduled when 75 percent of the work is completed, Mountain said.

Post indicated that the town is hoping to receive the full amount of the water main replacement, estimated to be around $900,000. The board also approved a contract for $5,900 with Municipal Solutions Inc. of Canandaigua and Le Roy to prepare the CDBG application, which is due by March 5.

• A resolution to use a Bond Anticipation Note in an amount not to exceed $460,000 to purchase three high-end maintenance vehicles and apparatus for use by the highway, sewer and water crews.

Post said the BAN will be reviewed – and renewed annually – and he expects the town to realize “substantial saving on the interest rates, which have plummeted, and as a result of our bond ratings that have continue to increase.”

• Establishing a committee to draft guidelines and recommendations pertaining to solar farms, which have been popping up in the town at an increasingly rapid rate in recent months.

Committee members are Council Member Chad Zambito (chair), Dan Lang, Brittany Witkop, Don Partridge, Nancy Brach and Paul McCullough.