Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.51, up 4 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.44. The New York State average is $2.60 – up 4 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.62.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.52 (up 8 cents since last week, 7 cents less than last year)
• Buffalo -- $2.52 (up 5 cents since last week, 4 cents less than last year)
• Ithaca -- $2.56 (up 6 cents since last week, 7 cents less than last year)
• Rochester -- $2.55 (up 5 cents since last week, 2 cents less than last year)
• Rome -- $2.63 (up 5 cents since last week, 1 penny more than last year)
• Syracuse -- $2.54 (up 6 cents since last week, 5 cents more than last year)
• Watertown -- $2.63 (up 4 cents since last week, same price as last year)

Pump prices continue to increase again this week. In many areas across the country, gas prices have surpassed last year’s level. In Central New York, Watertown is on par with last year while Syracuse and Rome prices are slightly higher than one year ago. Other areas have not reached last year’s level as noted in the above list.

Increasing pump prices have been supported by higher crude oil prices and gas demand, which grew slightly last week though it remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, according to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Based on current trends, drivers will likely see pump prices continue to increase ahead of spring.

Last week, on Wednesday, crude prices reached the highest daily settlement price since January 2020. Crude and pump prices are likely to continue to move higher as crude inventories continue to drop and refinery utilization increases.

From GasBuddy:

"It's not surprising that gasoline prices continue to follow oil prices higher, as the national average now stands at its highest level since January 2020 as Pay with GasBuddy data shows U.S. gasoline demand rose over 2 percent last week," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"The rise in gas prices continues to be driven by improving demand in the United States, and has nothing to do with who sits in the White House, but rather how many motorists are filing their tanks on a daily basis, and from that data, it's no guess, but prices will continue to trend higher.

"This situation will last as long as OPEC continues to restrain their oil production, creating the situation we're in where demand is recovering faster than demand. The situation won't get better, just wait until spring, it's likely the national average will rise another 10 to as much as 50 cents per gallon if oil production doesn't respond to the continued recovery in demand."

A snowmobile accident is reported 50 feet off the railroad tracks in the area of Ellinwood, near Genesee Street, in Corfu.

Corfu fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 5:36 p.m.: Mercy Flight is being placed on standby.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: A male patient, conscious and alert. CSX has been notified of the incident.

UPDATE 5:47 p.m.: Mercy Flight #7 dispatched. The landing zone is on Ellinwood. Fifteen-minute ETA.

UPDATE 6:26 p.m.: Corfu assignment back in service.

UPDATE 6:40 p.m.: Patient being transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC.

A pursuit of a vehicle by law enforcement is underway on westbound Route 33. Didn't hear where it began. They are putting spikes in the roadway and have asked city police to stand by at the city line in case the vehicle is not stopped.

UPDATE 3:52 p.m.: Two Sheriff's patrol cars have a black vehicle stopped on westbound Clinton Street Road, but it does not appear spikes were deployed. They are speaking with the male driver.

UPDATE 4:02 p.m.: This was an elderly couple who simply did not see a patrol car behind them attempting to stop their vehicle. They were not speeding; spikes were not deployed.

While Rich Wagner's mind-boggling 899 series dominated the bowling scene last week -- and will be talked about for years to come, a few other other Genesee Region USBC league bowlers rolled noteworthy games and series.

Wagner, a 38-year-old left-hander from Batavia, recorded 300-300-299--899 on Thursday night in the Toyota of Batavia 5-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center, posting 35 consecutive strikes before leaving a 6-pin on the final ball.

Meanwhile, Batavia right-hander Jason Quilliam posted his second 300 game in as many weeks, finding perfection once again in the middle game of a 676 series in the Mancuso Real Estate Doubles League at Mancuso Bowling Center on Monday night.

The previous week, he ended with 300 for a 781 series.

At Perry Bowling Center, Tim Grasby started with a spare before stringing 11 consecutive strikes for a 290 game in the Thursday Night League.

"I made a small adjustment after the first game, which was only 171, and from that point on, I couldn't miss," Quilliam said. "I got a break on the 11th ball, tripping a 9-pin."

At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Robbie Hanks fired a 797 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League, missing an 800 series when he left a 10-pin in the final frame. Later in the week, he continued his fine bowling with a 778 series in the Thursday Men's Triples League at Oak Orchard Bowl.

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Wagner was looking to become the 37th kegler to post a United States Bowling Congress-certified 900 series, but his 899 is the highest three-game set in the nation this season (which runs from Aug. 1 through July 31).

Reflecting upon the achievement, Wagner, who has 43 perfect games, called it "an incredible experience."

"I made great shots and held my composure throughout and I will forever remember that moment. I don't think any other thing I do in bowling will compare to how awesome a moment that was, and I doubt I'll ever be as nervous bowling again as I was right there. So all things considered, I gave it one heck of a run."

Previously: Batavian Wagner rolls 300-300-299--899 at Mancuso Bowling Center

Yesterday at Pinnacle Athletic Complex in Victor the Batavia Blue Devils indoor track squad set the bar higher with new personal records in multiple events.

Since announcing the start of the season in January the double-digit Section V squad for both boys and girls have had challenges to overcome.

Head indoor track Coach Nicholas Burk said “Our athletes have now been practicing for five weeks and we're just starting to see the results of consistent training. It takes time to see results from our workouts, but we're reaching that point of our season where our athletes times and performances are going to start improving.”

In a phone interview after the meet, Burk spoke about new rules with COVID-19 for student athletes, training and the outlook this season.

"We've been very fortunate for the opportunity to practice and honestly besides keeping small separate groups in practice, we've been able to have pretty consistent and productive training," the coach said. "We've been utilizing the weight room, Van Detta, the high school gyms, and running outside for practice.

"With approximately 80 athletes involved, we've had to use multiple locations to keep our groups small. We have two remaining league meets but are looking for some event specific meets to go to as well. Some of our pole vaulters went to a pole vault meet at Gates, and we're hosting a high jump/shot put meet this week.

"Sectionals is on March 7th and our girls’ team will be competing for their 17th Sectional Championship and our boys are looking for their 10th. We don't have all of the information for Sectionals yet, but we expect it will be a very tough meet with great competition. We'll keep working towards our goals try to be ready to compete March 7^th.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Team Highlights

Boys

Jacob Long / 44' 2" Shot -- (First Place)

Austyn Fernandez / 41' 8.5" Shot – (PR) (Second Place)

Dan Seava / 40' 10.75" Shot – (PR) (Third Place)

Fabian Vazquez / 55 Hurdles -- 8.63 (First Place)

Jesse Reinhardt / High Jump -- 5'10" (Second Place)

Jamarion RIchardson / 55m -- 7.01 (Third Place)

Jamarion Richardson / 300m -- 40.80 

Jonah Epps, Cody Harloff, Nate Canale, Dom Grillo / 4x8 team -- 9.33.30 (First place)

Girls

Rebekah Daniszewski / 37' 10.75" Shot -- (First Place)

Emma Radka / 28' 9.75" Shot – (PR)

Elizabeth Kingston / 25' 10" Shot – (PR)

Samantha Davis / 19' 10.25" Shot – (PR)

Campbell Riley / 1,000m -- 3:35.82 (Third Place)

Melanie Quinones / 3,000m -- 13:25.92 (First Place)

Melanie Quinones / High Jump -- 4' 6" (Second Place)

Team information provided from coaches Buckenmeyer, Boyce and Geiger.

For all results click here.

A two-car motor vehicle accident is reported at East Main and Lawrence Avenue, Corfu.

One person reportedly has a head injury.

Corfu fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Results of the early stages of Genesee 2050 survey indicates that a majority of Genesee County residents purchase local farm products, are satisfied with many aspects of public parks, and have not experienced serious health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

County Planning Director Felipe Oltramari forwarded preliminary findings of the survey -- which can be found at www.genesee2050.com – to The Batavian earlier this week, emphasizing, however, that his department continues to seek the input of citizens to help determine the best course of action going forward.

The survey, thus far, showed that 134 people responded – about half from the City and Town of Batavia, 13 from the Town of Pembroke and the rest from the county’s other towns and villages, except the Village of Alexander. Five respondents said they do not live in Genesee County.

“This exercise has really just started,” Oltramari said. “We are hoping for a significant number of responses and, as such, will be making this available for some time.”

The survey touches upon a number of topics, including respondents’ views on public safety, housing, schools, transportation and government; parks, trails and recreation areas; the pandemic’s effects on their well-being; renewable energy; and agriculture and food production.

On the latter, 85 percent of those who responded signaled that they purchase local farm products at a farmers market, while 71 percent said they buy local farm products at stores and shops other than the supermarket, and 51 percent said they buy local farm products in the supermarket.

All told, the survey indicates that local farm food production is extremely important.

Concerning the pandemic, a “mini-survey” revealed so far that 57 percent reported that their families have not experienced negative health or health care impacts due to COVID-19, while between 15 and 20 percent stated that surgery or treatment was postponed because of the pandemic.

Furthermore, of the 18 respondents who had to close a family business or a business they own, four are open again, six have not or will not reopen, and eight are still unsure. Of the 56 who answered the question about seeking assistance from the county, 48 did not seek assistance, four were able and four were unable to access assistance.

County planners are very interested in public opinion regarding recreation, especially parks and trails now that Ellicott Trail is complete.

To the question, How often have you or members of your household visited any park or trail in Genesee County in the past year?, 42 percent indicated less than once a month but at least a couple times a year; 29 percent said less than once a week but a couple times a month, and 21 percent stated at least once a week.

More than 90 percent of respondents regard the following characteristics as very/somewhat important -- support facilities such as washrooms, drinking fountains; trails and greenway connectivity, and year-round use.

Other aspects deemed very/somewhat important were landscaping and appearance, park and playground safety, and water accessibility.

On a question concerning level of satisfaction with recreation facilities, the top very satisfied/satisfied amenities were natural areas; nature interpretive areas, and nature trails, snowmobiling trails and walking/hiking trails. A higher level of dissatisfaction was revealed for swimming pools, beaches and off-leash areas.

Other survey questions and responses are as follows:

• Why do you choose to live in your Genesee County community?

The top answers here were to be close to family/friends, nearly 60 percent; always lived here, 43 percent; close to school/work, 42 percent, and feel safe, quality of life, rural character, all at over 30 percent. Interestingly, only 20 percent checked “quality of schools.”

• Please indicate how important each of the following is to you.

Four categories drew 90 percent of the respondents -- taxes, government efficiency, public safety and fire protection, and availability of jobs. On the other end, only 45 percent indicated that transportation choices were very/somewhat important.

• Please indicate your level of satisfaction with each of the following.

Public safety and fire protection led the way at 77 percent who are very/somewhat satisfied, following by parks and trails, 60 percent. Taxes was the number one choice for somewhat/very dissatisfied at 45 percent.

• Who should be responsible for issuing guidelines or standards in siting these projects and/or mitigating their impacts?

Forty-two percent indicated that local municipalities should be responsible, and only 9 percent felt that New York State should have oversight, interesting in light of the fact that more and more large-scale solar projects are being pushed by the state.

Sophomore guard Amelia McCulley scored eight straight points in a three-minute stretch late in the fourth quarter this afternoon to lead Notre Dame to a 34-24 nonleague girls’ basketball victory over host Batavia High.

With the score tied at 24 with about 4 ½ minutes remaining, McCulley drove to the hoop for two points, and followed that with a running shot in the lane, another strong drive for two more points and a pair of free throws to put the Lady Irish in front, 32-24.

Two free throws by Emma Sisson closed out the scoring in a contest marked by numerous turnovers and poor shooting from both sides.

McCulley tallied 18 points while Sisson chipped in with nine. Lindsey Weidman added four and Maylee Green sank a three-point shot – the only three-pointer of the game – for ND.

Batavia’s top scorers of Mackenzie Reigle and Bryn Wormley were held to 10 and five points, respectively, while Haylee Thornley had three points and Tianna Rhim, Tess Barone and Rachel Wright scored two points apiece.

The Lady Devils controlled the pace of the game for the first 12 minutes, forging a 12-7 lead, before Notre Dame closed out the second quarter on a 10-1 run. McCulley scored eight in the period.

The teams combined for only 11 points in the third quarter, which ended with the Lady Irish on top, 22-19.

A basket by Sisson made it 24-19 before two free throws by Reigle, Wright’s basket and a free throw by Thornley pulled Batavia into the 24-24 tie.

Notre Dame improves to 2-1 while Batavia is 0-3.

Photo: The 12th-graders on the Batavia High varsity girls' basketball team were honored by their families and coaches on "Senior Day" prior to their game against visiting Notre Dame.

From left are: Tess Barone, Haylee Thornley, Bryn Wormley, Mackenzie Reigle, Kennedy Kolb, Bella Houseknecht and Rachel Wright.

Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Press release:

GO ART!  -- Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council -- will reopen applications for Decentralization Arts Grants for the 2021 cycle.

Artists in Genesee and Orleans counties, as well as sponsoring 501c3 organizations may apply in three categories:

1. Reach Community Arts grants (501C3 organizations up to $5000)
2. Spark Arts in Education (partnering with local schools up to $5000)
3. and Ripple Individual Artist grants ($2500.)

Visit our website www.goart.org for links to the online applications.

Email tkehl@goart.org for information and assistance or call (585) 322-2420.

Applications will remain open through March 15 at 11:59 p.m. Apply today!

The Lady Hornets beat Kendall on Friday 37-22.

For Oakfield-Alabama, Caitlin Ryan scored 14 points.

In other girls basketball:

• Alexander beat Pembroke 43-30
• Elba beat Wheatland 68-28

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos from the game, click here.

Le Roy won its season opening-boys basketball game Friday night at home beating Haverling 53-51.

Andrew Loftus scored 19 points and had 13 rebounds. Cody Lytle scored 16 points and Mitchel Hockey scored 12 points.

Also in boys basketball on Friday, Batavia beat Honeoye Falls 62-57.

Photos and game information for Le Roy submitted by Tim McArdle.

Oakfield-Alabama senior Ryan Schildwaster won two Class D sectional titles in swimming yesterday. He took first place in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:10.44. He also won the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 57 seconds. 

In addition to the titles, the coaches selected Schildwaster as Swimmer of the Meet.

"This is a well-deserved honor for a very dedicated young man and an exceptionally talented athlete," said Coach Patricia Buczek. "Congratulations Ryan on a swim well done."

Photo and information submitted by Patricia Buczek.

The annual Polar Plunge at Lake Ontario was canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but staff at Batavia Middle School didn't want to see Special Olympics lose out on such a vital part of their annual fundraising campaign.

So they came together today, at the prompting of Eric and Krista Knapp, who organized everything, for their own polar plunge with the help of City fire and Batavia PD.

Press release:

Genesee County will be replacing the Darien Alexander Townline Road Bridge over Tannery Brook just south of Attica Road in the towns of Darien and Alexander.

Construction is expected in Spring 2022, with an anticipated construction duration of four to six months. The bridge will be replaced with new prestressed box beams with cast-in-place abutments.

All work is to be completed within the existing highway boundary. The bridge is funded with 80-percent federal aid and a 20-percent local match.

For details of the project, click here (pdf).

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) joined Reps. Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), Andrew Garbarino (R, NY-2), Nicole Malliotakis (R, NY-11), Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21), Claudia Tenney (R, NY-22), Tom Reed (R, NY-23), John Katko (R, NY-24) in calling on Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson to open a Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and his administration following bombshell reports that a top aide to Governor Cuomo just admitted that their office, in an effort to block a DOJ investigation, hid from federal authorities information on nursing home deaths caused by the Governor’s nursing home mandate.

“The Governor and his staff made a calculated and potentially criminal decision to withhold information of his reckless order forcing COVID-positive patients back into nursing homes, "Congressman Jacobs said. "Grieving New York families and elected officials have tried for months to get answers, only to be brushed aside by the Governor while he shamelessly accepted book deals and awards for his handling of the pandemic.

"This is now not only an investigation into the true toll of his disastrous directive but a criminal investigation into obstruction of justice. This new reporting details willful corruption of the highest degree and represents one of the greatest betrayals of public trust we have seen during this pandemic – the Department of Justice must launch a federal investigation immediately, and Governor Cuomo and his staff must face justice.” 

“The Department of Justice needs to immediately open an Obstruction of Justice investigation into Governor Cuomo and his administration. It's now being reported there has been a direct admission of their nursing home cover-up with the intent of blocking a DOJ investigation.

Congressman Zeldin said: "The families of thousands of dead New York seniors deserve accountability and justice for the true consequences of Governor Cuomo’s fatally flawed nursing home policy and the continued attempts to cover it up. It’s clear what's happening here is criminal.” 

Congressman Garbarino said: “It is clearer now more than ever that the Department of Justice needs to conduct a full investigation into the Cuomo Administration’s handling of nursing homes and COVID-19. Gov. Cuomo not only recklessly put New York seniors in harms’ way, he and his Administration admittedly hid the facts from the Department of Justice.

"This, along with the refusal to respect the several Freedom of Information Law requests, turned a misjudgment in policy into what very well may be one of the largest criminal cover-ups in New York’s history. On behalf of every New Yorker who lost a family member or loved one in one of these nursing home facilities, I am demanding answers and justice.” 

Congresswoman Malliotakis said: "This admission of a coverup proves what we’ve known all along; Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) made a calculated political decision to avoid answering questions and being the subject of legal investigations. The Governor should immediately resign, and the Department of Justice should hold Governor Cuomo and his administration accountable so justice can be served for the thousands of families who lost loved ones.” 

Congresswoman Stefanik said: "After yesterday’s bombshell report, there is absolutely no question that an immediate independent investigation from the U.S. Department of Justice is warranted. If there is no Department of Justice investigation into the Secretary to Governor Cuomo's public admission of federal crimes, a stain will remain on the entirety of the Biden Administration. I also call for a full transcript to be released of President Biden's meeting with Governor Cuomo at the White House, so the American people can be assured that President Biden is not complicit in this apparent criminal cover-up and admitted obstruction of justice.” 

Congresswoman Tenney said: "The latest revelation that Governor Cuomo’s administration deliberately concealed data related to nursing home deaths is unconscionable. I have been raising the alarm around this issue for more than a year and am proud to now stand with my New York colleagues in Congress to call for an immediate federal investigation into this matter. New York families need the truth and they deserve justice.”

Congressman Reed said: “The mountain of evidence, lies, and criminal conduct cannot be ignored any longer. The Biden Department of Justice must conduct an independent and thorough investigation into Governor Cuomo, Secretary DeRosa, and New York State. Regardless of our party affiliation, we should all be able to agree such an investigation is an essential step if we are going to achieve justice for the thousands of grieving New York families.”

Congressman Katko said. “The revelations being reported regarding New York State’s handling of nursing home deaths represent a massive breach in public trust. Hundreds of families across New York State lost loved ones as a direct result of the State’s disastrous nursing home policy. Reporting now shows the Cuomo Administration deliberately withheld this critical information from federal authorities. The individuals responsible for perpetuating this cover-up must be held accountable.” 

This report came after it was revealed more than 9,000 coronavirus patients were sent into New York nursing homes. In addition, New York Attorney General James released a report two weeks (ago) revealing the state had underreported nursing home deaths.

Press release:

Senator Rath has called for a full, independent investigation into the Cuomo Administration, the Department of Health, and any other government official complicit with covering up information.

“What we are seeing regarding the reporting of deaths in nursing homes is extremely disturbing," Rath said. "Questions surrounding the number of deaths in nursing homes have swirled since March and for almost a year, the Governor and the DOH have ignored the cries for clarity.

"We need all the facts and that is why an investigation is critical. We need to know who knew what and when, and if the information was kept from the Department of Justice.

“In an ironic shift, Senate Majority members are now calling for the Governor’s executive powers to be revoked. After months of my colleagues and I (calling) for the repeal of the powers and being accused, by the Majority, of playing games and being political, now they see the true effects of centralized control.

“Furthermore, after members of the majority dismissed our conference’s calls for transparency as political, it now appears we were correct and that there was a coordinated effort to cover up facts for political gain.

“It is extremely troubling to me if the public cannot trust our top elected officials during a public health crisis."

Nicholas B. Turnquist is indicted for the crime of third-degree rape, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 23, 2014, that Turnquist, being 21 year old or more at that time, engaged in sexual intercourse with another person less that 17 years old in the Town of Darien. In count two, he is accused of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count two that on that day he subjected a person to sexual contact by forcible compulsion.

Dean M. Nohle is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 13 in the City of Batavia that Nohle knowingly possessed stolen property with a value exceeding $100 -- a 2014 Chevrolet. In count two, Nohle is accused of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a Class D felony. It is alleged in count two that he knowingly possessed stolen property with a value exceeding $3,000 -- the Chevrolet. In count three, he is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, as a misdemeanor, for operating the Chevrolet on Clinton Street while his license to do so was suspended by the NY Commissioner of the DMV.

Andrew L. Kosiorek is indicted for the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on June 22, 2019, in the Town of Le Roy, Kosiorek stole property valued at more than $100 -- a 2018 Nissan Rogue. In count two, he is accused for criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that the defendant knowingly possessed stolen property -- a Rigid 5-gallon ash vacuum.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 8250 Park Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Traffic is blocked.