A fully involved car fire is reported near a structure at 73 W. Main St., Le Roy.
Le Roy fire is on scene.
Fire police are closing Route 5 between Royal Drive and Gilbert Street.
UPDATE 6:31 p.m.: Fire is knocked down.
It looks as though the Genesee County Legislature has found a qualified person to fill the vacant position of county coroner.
Minutes ago, the governing body’s Ways & Means Committee voted in favor of a resolution appointing longtime paramedic Wade Schwab as coroner, effective Feb. 24 through Dec. 31.
The measure will be put on the agenda of next Wednesday’s full legislature meeting at the Old County Courthouse.
One of the four county coroner jobs became open earlier this year upon the resignation of Jeffery McIntire, who moved to Florida.
The resolution follows Section 400 (7) of County Law that stipulates that an appointee shall hold office until Dec. 31 following the first annual election, at which the vacancy can be filled by election. The position will be on the ballot in November for the unexpired term, which carries through Dec. 31, 2023.
Schwab introduced himself to the committee, noting that he has lived in Genesee County for many years and has been a paramedic for about 30 years.
Just recently, he accepted a full-time paid paramedic staff position with Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance in Albion. Before that, he was employed for nearly 20 years with Mercy EMS, climbing to the rank of crew chief of special operations. He also is part of the City of Batavia’s Emergency Response Team.
He told the committee that he has become more interested in the coroner position over the years.
“Back when I was employed by Genesee Memorial Hospital as a medic, we used to have a full-service morgue on premises and did autopsies,” he said. “I’ve got a fairly well-rounded background as far as being able to handle the position as I move into the next chapter of my life, and I greatly appreciate the appointment.”
Schwab joins the county team that also includes Karen Lang, Adam Palumbo and Tom Douglas.
He and his wife, Laurie, live in Alexander with their two German shepherds.
Data Update –
Orleans County received three new positive cases of COVID-19.
Press release:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the recent winter storms that USDA has programs that provide assistance.
USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to residents, agricultural producers and impacted communities.
"USDA is committed to getting help to producers and rural Americans impacted by the severe weather in many parts of the country," said Kevin Shea, acting Secretary of Agriculture.
"As severe weather and natural disasters continue to threaten the livelihoods of thousands of our farming families, we want you and your communities to know that USDA stands with you."
Visit farmers.gov or your local USDA Service Center to inquire about assistance.
Risk Management and Disaster Assistance for Agricultural Operations
USDA offers several risk management and disaster assistance options to help producers recover after they are impacted by severe weather, including those impacted by winter storms and extreme cold.
Even before disasters strike, USDA provides tools for producers to manage their risk through the Federal Crop Insurance Program, a public-private partnership between USDA’s Risk Management Agency and private companies and agents.
For crops that do not have crop insurance available, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) is available through the local Farm Service Agency. This risk protection includes crop production loss and tree loss for certain crop insurance products. It is recommended that producers reach out to their crop insurance agent or local FSA office for more information.
Producers that signed up for Federal Crop Insurance or NAP who suffer losses are asked to report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or local FSA office, respectively, within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days.
Livestock and perennial crop producers often have more limited risk management options available, so there are several disaster programs for them. Key programs include:
USDA reminds producers that it’s critical to keep accurate records to document the losses and illnesses following this devastating cold weather event. Livestock producers are advised to document beginning livestock numbers by taking photos or videos of any losses.
Other common documentation options include:
Additionally, USDA can provide financial resources through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help with immediate needs and long-term support to help recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources. Assistance may also be available for emergency animal mortality disposal from natural disasters and other causes.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) also has a variety of loans available including emergency loans that are triggered by disaster declarations and operating loans that can assist producers with credit needs.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul delivers regional State of the State message, hosted by Genesee County Economic Development Center.
The Batavia City Planning & Development Committee on Tuesday night approved a site plan for a radiology/intensive care unit addition at United Memorial Medical Center at 127 North St.
The hospital’s request for an area variance -- in light of the front yard setback along Summit Street Extension being about 15 feet less than the minimum requirement of 25 feet -- is scheduled to be considered by the City Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 25.
Doug Randall, city code enforcement officer, said that he expects the variance to be approved as well since the two-story, 5,113-square-foot addition will be in line with the previous cancer treatment center addition.
According to information provided to Randall, the project will feature a new building entrance off of Summit Street Extension, three new parking spaces and landscaping along the entire frontage of the addition. About 75 percent of the proposed addition perimeter will abut the existing hospital structure.
Additionally, plans call for an extension of the 90-degree parking area in front of the cancer center, but do not include any new hospital beds.
UMMC President Daniel Ireland and Facilities Management Director Dave Hetrick attended the PDC meeting along with Joe Hanss, architect with Clark Patterson Lee of Rochester.
Ireland, responding to an email for comment today, said the $8 million investment will result in improvements to the facility infrastructure, such as heating and cooling, and direct patient care related items, and will include a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging unit, Computerized Tomography scanner, and improved flow and access to the main campus and the Radiology Department.
“The intensive care unit portion of this project will set the stage for a future renovation that will bring state-of-the-art ICU rooms to the facility,” he added.
He said he expects crews to break ground by the end of March, with all radiology additions and renovations as well as the shell of the future ICU to be completed in early 2022.
Final timelines are dependent on the continued approvals of local governing bodies and will be set once all local approvals are obtained, Ireland noted.
In other action, the PDC approved a site plan submitted by Jack Waggoner, owner of 39-43 Jackson St. -- a structure designated for renovation with the support of $100,000 in Building Improvement Fund money in connection with the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
Previously, the site plan was recommended for approval by the Genesee County Planning Board.
The application includes numerous improvements such as building out the storefront entrances, replacing windows, and installing new lighting, retractable fabric awnings and doors.
Three businesses are on the lower floor and five office units are on the top floor.
Waggoner said he is in the process of contracting with an architectural firm and hopes to begin renovations in May.
Previously: County planners to consider site plan for renovations at 39-43 Jackson St.
A big rig just rear-ended another big rig at Jackson and Ellicott streets in the city and law enforcement is responding. One person is complaining of chest pain. Batavia fire Ladder #15 is on scene. Mercy medics are also responding.
UPDATE 2:16 p.m.: Fluids are leaking and Speedy Dry is called for; Engine #11 is en route with it.
UPDATE 2:46 p.m.: The city assignment is back in service.
Photo: Trucker Anthony Haught, from Texas, talks with someone from his company after being involved in the accident.
Press release:
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, in collaboration with Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, will be offering a CDL (Commercial Driver License) Training Program for Genesee County agriculture producers and their employees for Class A and Class B licenses.
This training program is designed for producers and farm employees that have some experience with commercial truck operation.
An informational meeting will be held on March 11 at 7 p.m. at the Genesee Valley BOCES Batavia Campus, 8250 State Street Road, Batavia.
This meeting will explain how the program works and answer any questions you may have. The required training materials and medical forms will also be passed out at this time.
Classroom instruction dates (for those who need to get a permit) are March 17 and March 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Genesee Valley BOCES Batavia Campus. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will be limiting the permit classroom instruction to 20 people.
Drive time will be scheduled with the instructor at a later date. Class A gets eight hours of drive time (four sessions, two hours each). Class B gets four and a half hours of drive time (three sessions, one and a half hours each).
All COVID-19 protocols, including wearing a mask, will need to be followed in the classroom and while driving.
Registration is required and will be accepted until noon of March 11 or until the class is full. All participants are expected to attend the informational meeting on March 11.
Full payment (check or cash) is due at the class on March 17.
The cost for Class A is $775 and the cost for Class B is $600. DMV fees are not included in the cost of the class.
Make checks payable to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County. If paying in cash, please bring the EXACT amount.
For more information or to register, contact Jan Beglinger at (585) 343-3040, ext. 132.
Press release:
Alexander High School students are encouraged to apply by March 2 for a scholarship from Alexander Dollars for Scholars, an affiliate of the national organization, Scholarship America.
This organization was formerly known as Alexander Community Organization for Renewable and New Scholarships (A.C.O.R.N.S.), which was formed in January 1996 by a group of volunteers in order to invest in the futures of ACS graduates. In 2007 the name was changed to Alexander Dollars for Scholars.
Over the past 25 years, 602 applicants from Alexander Central School District have received a total of $295,360 in scholarships for college or post high school training programs. These scholarships have recognized excellence in academics, athletics, community service, extracurricular activities, music, positive character traits, technical capabilities and overcoming obstacles.
In June 2020 at the virtual Senior Awards Ceremony, 29 applicants were awarded 38 different scholarships totaling $23,550. These recipients turn in a printout of their fall grades and a spring schedule to the Counseling Center at ACS in order to have their scholarship funds mailed to their school.
Current seniors may go to the Students/Parents tab on this website to fill out their profile/application by March 2.
All of the Alexander Dollars for Scholars scholarships are funded by donations from the community, graduating classes, alumni from as early as the Class of 1954, staff, retired staff, memorials and tributes.
A list of current scholarships may be found under the News and Events tab on the above website where there is a Donate Now button.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations are tax deductible in keeping with IRS parameters.
For information about organizing a new scholarship, contact may be made via email at: dollarsforscholars@alexandercsd.org or by mail: Alexander Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 296, Alexander, NY 14005.
Submitted photos and press release:
Byron-Bergen High School seniors Bianca Brumsted (top photo, second from left) and Eden Goff (bottom photo, second from left) are taking their commitment to soccer to the next level by signing letters of intent to play the collegiate game.
Brumsted will attend Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pa., where she plans to study Criminology and Forensic Psychology. Goff will attend Monroe Community College in Rochester, where she plans to study Criminal Justice.
“On the field, Bianca is known for her high soccer IQ and her fantastic skill level," said Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan. "However, what stands out the most to me is her ability to lead her teammates.
"As for Eden, if there is one word to describe her on the field, it's tenacious. She can always be counted on to perform at her best and she brings out the best in her teammates as well. I wish them both the very best.”
Brumsted has played premier soccer in Rochester for Empire United for six years. She also played two years of Junior Varsity and two years of Varsity soccer at Byron-Bergen. While playing for Byron-Bergen, she was captain her senior year, was a two-time Genesee League All-Star, and was named to the GLOW Super-12 first team.
Brumsted chose Chatham University because it is a small university in a large city with a degree path in Criminology and Psychology. She also formed a positive connection with their Women’s Soccer Coach Betsy Warren, whom Brumsted sees as a positive role model.
“My favorite memory is making it to the Section V finals this past season,” Brumsted said. “As a team, we were young and inexperienced but we went all the way to the finals. As a captain I did my best to help be a leader, coach on the field, and be a positive role model for the younger players on our roster. I'm soproud of our team.”
Goff played four years of Varsity Soccer with Byron-Bergen, where she is a scholar-athlete and was named a Genesee League All-Star her senior year. Goff chose Monroe Community College because of the good Criminal Justice program and out of her desire to remain closer to home. She is also excited to benefit from joining a great soccer team.
“I would like to thank Coach Hill for coaching me the last four years and for helping me improve as a player,” Goff said. “I would also like to thank my team for making my senior season one I will never forget.”
Top photo: Bianca Brumstead (front left center) with her family as she signs a letter of intent; Coach Wayne Hill stands in back.
Bottom photo: Eden Goff (front left center) with her family as she signs a letter of intent. In back are Coach Wayne Hill, left, and Coach Chris Chilano.
Photo credits: Susan Kuszlyk
Interview with Batavia Muckdogs Manager Joey Martinez.
UPDATE: This interview went very well. Joey Martinez is clearly excited about the upcoming season and he revealed the three local players who will be part of the 2021 Batavia Muckdogs.
The Knights dropped to 1-1 on the season losing at home Tuesday night to Livonia 58-48.
Mitch Hockey scored 10 points for Le Roy. Cody Lytle scored nine and had seven rebounds. Merritt Holly scored eight points.
In other boys basketball:
In girls basketball:
Photos and info of Le Roy game submitted by Tim McArdle.
Even with four grapplers winning their matches, Le Roy's wrestling team couldn't hold on for a win in its first meet of the season on Tueday night at Cal-Mum, losing 36-16.
Winners for Le Roy:
Photos and information submitted by Tim McArdle.
Press release:
Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) is releasing the following statement after Governor Cuomo’s press conference yesterday and New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt’s calls for NY Attorney General James to expand the scope of her investigation into Governor Cuomo’s nursing home death cover-up.
“I commend Senate Minority Leader Ortt and the entire minority conference for their tireless pursuit of the truth and their repeated calls for a full investigation. Attorney General James showed courage by releasing the report that has finally gotten grieving New York families closer to closure, but her work is not done yet.
"With the admission from the Governor’s top aide that the administration purposefully withheld information about nursing home deaths from federal officials, Attorney General James should continue her efforts and expand the scope of her investigation.
“The Governor once again tried to shift blame and avoid responsibility in his press conference yesterday, only to be met with a loud and public rebuke from members of his own party. He has proven he is not able to tell the truth or govern responsibly – as such, I am also reaffirming my calls for the Department of Justice to conduct a full criminal investigation into obstruction of justice. The Governor and his staff must be held accountable.
Jacobs has sent two letters, with the entire New York Republican congressional delegation, to the Department of Justice asking for a full and independent federal investigation into Governor Cuomo, (Health) Commissioner (Howard) Zucker, and administration staff.
Considerable grant funding has enabled the Genesee County Public Defender’s Office to handle its caseload, provide technology for its attorneys and keep the line of communication with its clients open, Public Defender Jerry Ader said Tuesday.
In his 2021 report to the Genesee County Legislature’s Public Service Committee, Ader said he was “pleased” about the grant funding, noting that the department’s staff -- which includes six full-time and one part-time assistant public defenders -- is “adapting and being flexible as we deal with the (COVID-19) pandemic.”
“All in all, we’re doing pretty well, all things considered,” he said.
His report indicated that his office is “directly related to the protocols and procedures in effect by the courts and, to a lesser degree, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.”
Ader said grant money has enabled the purchase of laptops for each of the lawyers, vital to efficiency as much work is being done remotely, and more and more appearances are “virtual.”
The office received a grant to devise a better video conference setup between attorney and client, one that features a plexiglass shield for the conference table, wall-mounted television, and premium air purifier.
Additionally, the office continues to receive grant funding from the New York Indigent Legal Services Office and “notwithstanding the financial constraints New York faces … we continue to receive full reimbursement for our claims on this funding,” Ader said.
He said the second year budget of a five-year contract with ILS was approved and will provide more than $650,000 to the department. Focus on the third-year budget will be on renovating part of the former Engine House restaurant to make it Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant for access to the second floor and to build office space.
Financial incentives from ILS are allowing staff members to appear at all off-hours arraignments, no matter what time of day, Ader said. He said his office is working with local judges to appear regularly for arraignments on appearance tickets during regular business hours.
Ader said there is talk about continuing virtual arraignments after the pandemic subsides, but thinks “it will meet a lot of resistance post-pandemic.”
On the subject of staffing, he said he hopes to fill the vacant paralegal position once vaccines for the pandemic are more widely available and being taken by the general public.
“We have 2021 grant funding to increase our staff by one senior assistant public defender and one social worker, but hiring will depend on the availability of space and approval by the Genesee County Legislature,” he said.
The Genesee County Legislature’s Public Service Committee on Tuesday voted in favor of appropriating more than $11,000 in citizen donations to the ongoing renovation project at the Genesee County Animal Shelter at 3841 W. Main Street Road.
The approved resolution calls for using $11,437 in donations in order for contractors to epoxy coat additional flooring and provide fenced-in tops to the moveable kennels that are proposed for the “stray side” of the shelter.
Highway Superintendent Tim Hens, in reporting to the committee, said these items were not included in the original plan.
Afterward, he went into more detail about the project, which has a price tag of more than $220,000.
“The floors are being resealed and re-epoxied, primarily for bacteria control and cleaning,” he said. “The what we call ‘stray side’ of the kennel – the naughty side of the kennel, per se – is basically being redone. We’re putting automatic flush drains in the floor drain so that cleaning and sanitation can happen easier and quicker.”
Other improvements, mostly to facilitate the housing of dogs, include weatherization, regrouting and the introduction of mobile kennels, he said.
“There’s the weatherization of the enclosure around the kennels so that the external portions of the kennels are heated and conditioned as well as the inside. We are doing substantial regrouting and repointing of all the block and tile work in between the actual kennels themselves,” he said.
Hens said the pole barn-type building “looks nice on the outside” but is 20 years old, resulting in the rotting out of materials and ground that are constantly exposed to urine, feces and water.
“That is being replaced, and we’re swapping out for mobile kennels, primarily so the volunteers and the staff can move kennels around,” he added. “We’re trying to create a quarantine space for contaminated animals and things like that.”
The number of animals at the shelter, which is under the supervision of the Sheriff’s Office, varies from week to week, he said, noting that recently there were 57 dogs and cats at the facility.
Construction is underway, he said, but has been delayed a bit due to COVID-19-related supply-chain issues. He said he hopes to have the work finished by April.
In other action, the committee approved the following resolutions, which will be forwarded to the Ways & Means Committee and/or the entire legislature for final voting:
GLOW Solid Waste Coordinator Peggy Grayson said the county has contracted with GLOW Counties and Environmental Enterprises for 17 years and has received exceptional service. She said collection of household goods is scheduled for Sept. 18 at the Wyoming County Highway Department in Rock Glen and collection of electronics will take place on Sept. 25.
The grants include two DHSES grants ($47,661), a NYS GTSC Police Traffic Services Grant ($27,000) and the Village of Bergen agreement ($5,260).
Sheriff William Sheron said the DHSES money will be used to place laptop computers, radios and other communications equipment in patrol cars, while the Police Traffic Services Grant funds will be used to pay overtime necessary to support the program’s requirements.
Available funds from the Village of Bergen contract will be used as warranted to provide additional patrols in the village during the spring and summer months, he said.
The committee also accepted a $2,000 grant for the Sheriff’s Office to participate in the statewide Child Passenger Safety Program between Oct. 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021.
Sheron said deputies would be available to show people how to properly install child safety car seats and to provide seats, if necessary.
The ACORNS group will be using the park for a music event on Aug. 7 and a 5K/10K trail run and walk fundraiser on Oct. 3. Proceeds are used to assist the county with future programming, donations and other support.
The memorandum of understanding solidifies ACORNS’ standing with the county, according to Highway Superintendent Hens, who reported the organization has grown from 16 to 50 members who help the county promote the park.
ACORNS has donated $5,700 to the county to fund a 16-week, full-time SCA intern, whose responsibilities will include overseeing volunteers and assisting with environmental education.
Legislator Christian Yunker praised ACORNS, stating that the group “does tremendous things to support the county park.”
Photo: Zack Gilebarto and Stone Silverling combined for 41 points on Tuesday night to lead host Batavia to a 62-51 win over Greece Olympia to raise its record to 4-0.
An emotional Senior Night at Batavia High School started off for Head Coach Buddy Brasky introducing his senior players by player appreciating them for the hard work and dedication.
This despite a season that was going to be empty -- with no stats, records and history for the basketball squad in the nearly 40 years of his coaching career due to the coronavirus pandemic. These boys were excited to play when they found out that the season was a go.
The Devils opened up with a six-point early lead in the first quarter. The Greece Olympia High School Spartans came within two, 11-9 after one quarter.
A seesaw second quarter exchanged buckets by both teams to a 17-17 tie with two minutes left in the half. A big three-point bucket by senior Zack Gilebarto ignited the Devils to a 10-point run to make it 27-17 with 20 seconds left. At the half, Batavia led by seven, 29-22.
In the third quarter, Batavia expanded its lead to 41-25. GO was held to only 6 points in the quarter.
Midway through the fourth GO showed some signs of life with 10 points by Nate Miller and eight points by Darrell Williams, but Batavia held on to win. Gilebarto scored 22 and Stone Siverling 19, while Alex Hale tallied 12 points for Batavia.
Batavia will play Greece Olympia on the road this Saturday at 2:15 p.m.
To view and or purchase prints, click here.
Photos by Steve Ognibene.
Acknowledging that there are obstacles to overcome before a shared jail with Orleans County is a reality, Genesee County Manager Matt Landers today said the firm hired to design a proposed 184-bed facility is being called upon to update its study.
“Even though the study we had done that was the basis for the design work on the jail is only about three-, three-and-a-half years old, a lot has happened in those three-, three-and-a-half years,” Landers said during the Genesee County Legislature’s Public Service Committee meeting at the Old County Courthouse. “So, we are having SMRT (the architectural firm) update the study.”
Not much has been said about the jail in recent months as the county – as well as the entire nation – has been dealing with COVID-19 and budgetary concerns stemming from the pandemic.
In June, Landers reported that the county closed on the land acquisition – a parcel just east of County Building 2 on West Main Street Road – and the schematic designs of the jail were complete.
The county has contracted with SMRT and Pike Company Inc., the construction manager, for about $2.3 million and $1 million, respectively.
Landers said discussions with Orleans County officials have resumed, and they are encouraged by wording in the New York State budget “that seems to make it easier for counties to share a jail.”
“NYSAC (New York State Association of Counties) has indicated that when they advocated for this budget, they were actually looking at us, specifically, as a possibility (for a shared jail),” he said. “We’re hoping that the governor’s office will be able to assist us with additional funding.”
Originally, the plan was to build the jail in the fall of 2019 – 184 beds with a maximum population of 144. Landers said he’s not so sure that 184 is the right number now.
“Because of the bail reform, and the reformed bail reform, and current environment, we want to have an updated number,” he said. “When people were asking me, ‘Matt, why are we looking at a jail at 184 beds?’ I want to say that we had a study done by people who do this for a living.”
He said an update of the study will “kill two birds with one stone” as it will determine the jail bed needs for both Genesee and Orleans counties, and he doesn’t anticipate a lot of extra work to update the report.
“It’s something that we really should do anyway for our own bed needs. We, at the same time, are monitoring the state budget … and working with Orleans County and looking at the vast number of hurdles that are still out there,” he said.
Landers said if all goes well, a groundbreaking could come in the spring of 2022, but “it will take further discussion with the legislature, building consensus on the size and scope (of the project).”
This evening's sunset from Kelsey Road, Batavia.
Photo by Cory Coles.
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