While league bowling in the Genesee Region last week produced its normal amount of 700 series from the adult ranks, a youth bowler from Warsaw deserves a bit of "press" as well.

Carter Armijo, a 9-year-old right-hander from Warsaw, rolled his first United States Bowling Congress-certified 200 game on Feb. 13 in the T.F. Brown's Adult-Child League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

Carter, bowling with his father, Chris, registered a 201 game in the doubles league and (see the photo above where he gets a lift from his dad up to the scoring monitor) outdid his dad in that game.

"He's been bowling for four years now and really loves it," said Chris, noting that Carter has not one, but three custom-drilled bowlling balls. "We're pretty committed to it."

Carter also bowls in the Turnbull Heating Junior League on Saturday mornings and has a very respectable 129 average in both leagues.

In adult league action, high scores for the week were as follows:

• Wayne Brett of Albion with games of 269, 258 and 242 for a 769 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

• Don Johnson of Scottsville with a high game of 289 in a 755 series in the Thursday Owls League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

• Jason Quilliam of Batavia with a 279 game and 717 series in the Mancuso Real Estate League at Mancuso Bowling Center. Quilliam made a run at a third 300 game in consecutive weeks in the league but was stopped by a 10-pin in the seventh frame of the first game (279).

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Brynn Walczak notched another double-double and Leah Bezon scored her 1,000th career point Saturday afternoon as the Lady Lancers beat archrival Notre Dame 52-38.

Walczak scored 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Bezon's 1,000th point came on a free throw in the third quarter. She scored nine points.

Taylor Augello scored 12 points. Maddie Muehlig scored five and grabbed eight rebounds.

For the Lady Irish, Emma Sisson, Maylee Green, and Amelia McCulley each scored eight points and Lindsey Weidman scored seven. McCulley had 14 rebounds.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Donna Riexinger shared this photo of cardinals at her feeders yesterday morning.

The Elba Lancer community celebrated their hometown senior Leah Bezon hitting the 1,000 point mark yesterday at Elba High School with a win over visiting Notre Dame 52-38. 

All three other Genesee regional girls games had victories yesterday.

Batavia beat Olympia 66-46. Byron-Bergen beat Lyndonville 49-42. Pembroke over Attica 48-38.

The Batavia boys’ Blue Devils squad dominated all four quarters with a win over Greece Olympia in Rochester yesterday afternoon. Batavia jumped out to a 10-point lead in the first quarter, led by Zach Gilebarto and Stone Silverling.

Olympia chipped away at Batavia’s lead, but Blue Devils were up by nine at the half, 33-24. Batavia shined in the third quarter controlling and scoring 13 points midway to a 46-31 lead, ending the quarter with a 51-40 score.

Foul trouble for Olympia in the fourth quarter and a tight defense rallied Batavia to their fifth straight win to remain undefeated with a score 69-56.

Batavia’s top point scorers -- Zach Gilebarto 22, Stone Silverling 18, Luke Rogers 15, and Alex Hale with nine.

Batavia plays at home today versus local rival Notre Dame, tip off at 3:15 p.m.

To view or purchase photos click here.

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.”