Tanyana Williams, 28, of Batavia, was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge in Batavia Town Court on Monday, Dec. 19, after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy in the fifth degree.

Williams was initially charged with: 44 counts of offering a false instrument forfiling; one count of fourth-degree grand larceny; and one count of fifth-degree conspiracy.

An investigation by the Genesee County Department of Social Services revealed Williams conspired with her father, Roy Bell Sr., to defraud the Genesee County Department of Social Services for daycare subsidy payments. The pair falsified daycare time sheets submitted to the Department of Social Services.

The pair subsequently received $1,258.04 in childcare subsidy payments to which they were not entitled.

Williams accepted the plea deal to the reduced charge of fifth-degree conspiracy and was sentenced to one-year conditional discharge, was disqualified from receiving child care subsidy payments for one year, and has made full restitution to the Genesee County Department of Social Services

Roy Bell Sr. also previously pled guilty to the fifth-degree conspiracy charge, and likewise received a one-year conditional discharge.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of welfare fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigation Unit at (585) 344-2580, ext. 6417 or 6416.

A plea deal is apparently in the works for a Rochester man facing drug and weapon charges.

Darius Lamar Jones, 27, who was listed as a resident of Dewey Avenue in Rochester when arrested in October, but was also listed as an Attica resident when arrested in August, was scheduled to appear in County Court yesterday for an evidentiary hearing in anticipation of a trial on his drug charges. But the hearing was waived after a conference in chambers between the attorneys and Judge Charles Zambito.

Jones was indicted in June by a grand jury on a count of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony.  

In December, he was indicted on a count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class C armed violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 2 in the City of Batavia that they possessed a loaded firearm, an Amadeo Rossi .38-caliber revolver.

On the drug charge, under bail reform, he was eligible for release yesterday. On the weapons charge, his bail will stand at $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond; however, if Zambito released the bond posted on the drug charge and placed Jones on release on own recognizance for the drug charge, Jones would not have been eligible for time served on any eventual sentence. In that light, Zambito set bail on the drug charge at $1 so Jones retains credit for time served.

The terms of the possible plea arrangement were not discussed in court yesterday.

Jones will appear again at 1:30 p.m., Jan. 30.

Ambrose E. Robinson Jr., of Corwin Avenue, Rochester, is charged with speeding, driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. Robinson was arrested at 1:40 a.m. on Jan. 7 following a traffic stop on West Main Street in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Brad Lee Ohlson, 42, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with a probation violation. Ohlson was arrested at 5:18  p.m. on Jan. 9 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for allegedly violating probation (unspecified) on Alleghany Road in Pembroke. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court on the city court warrant. He is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Brian N. Miles, 24, of Sixth Street, Rochester, was arrested by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Jan. 7 on a bench warrant (unspecified) out of Batavia City Court. He was turned over to the custody of Batavia Police Department and arraigned in Batavia Town Court. He is due to be back in city court on Jan. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens.

At the height of tensions between Iran and the United States this week, a portion of the speech Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia gave during the Hall of Heroes ceremony at the Pentagon in June went viral on social media.

The quote: "We will not be intimidated. We will not back down. We’ve seen war. We don’t want war, but if you want a war with the United States of America, there is one thing I can promise you, so help me God: someone else will raise your sons and daughters."

Bellavia told WBEN yesterday that he doesn't think people are getting from the speech the message he intended.

"It certainly wasn't intended to be a sabre-rattling to say, 'Let's go throw a country against the wall because we're America,' it was meant to say that veterans are anti-war individuals -- we're professionals, we don't want this," he said. "We don't want to be away from our families, and we certainly don't want to go through the hardship of gunfire and conflict.

"That being said, there is a reason why we chose to do it, and we have to respect our professionalism and lethality," Bellavia continued. "We're just simply not going to live in a world where countries can intimidate or threaten us, and just know when you make that commitment when you sign the dotted line and say, 'I want this fight with the United States,' there needs to be a plan because you're not coming home.

"You're not going to survive it; it's a one-way ticket, and I think the more folks that realize that there is no hope in winning a conventional fight against us, hopefully, that deters more people to try it. By being robust and elite, maybe we can stop future conflicts."

Bellavia was also asked about the possibility of peace in the Middle East -- a war-torn region that always seems to be at odds. Bellavia noted that he's a Bills (fan), which means he inherently possesses a sense of optimism, regardless of how misplaced it may be.

"The people have had enough, and I believe that when you look at the Arab Uprising, you look at the food riots that were occurring in 2005, 2006 and 2007, all across that region, people in the Middle East are tired of insecurity, they're tired of having their governments and their dictators steal from them, and they're tired of losing a generation of young men in bloodshed that they don't understand," he said. "I always think there's hope, and I always think there's an opportunity where our kids and their kids are going to be able to live in peace."

Video: The Hall of Heroes ceremony.

Oakfield-Alabama beat Notre Dame on the Fighting Irish home court on Thursday night 68-56.

For the Hornets, Travis Wiedrich scored 25 points and Joey Burdick scored 18. They each hit three three-pointers.

Gabe Macdonald scored 18 for ND and Cody Henry scored 10.

Photos by Kristen Smith, click here. For JV photos, click here.

Press release:

Everyone knows that a student graduates with more than a degree. They've had experiences, learned lessons and often most importantly made friends and colleagues and connections that could make a difference in their futures and last a lifetime!

In support of those connections, GCC's Alumni Affairs Office is hosting a series of Alumni Mixers that reunite graduates with the connections they made at GCC, and also expand the important network of GCC graduates and colleagues. 

The next event in this series of mixers is happening at Buffalo's exciting new RiverWorks, a great place to come in from the cold and enjoy great company!

The event is FREE (cash bar), but seating is limited -- so WNY alumni are encouraged to register today by contacting the Alumni Affairs Office at alumni@genesee.edu or calling Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6265.

In October 2019, more than 55 GCC alumni, friends and staff enjoyed the first Alumni Mixer at the SUNY Global Center in New York City. They enjoyed amazing food and conversation and heard great success stories from Stevens Cadet '13, Jermaine Cameron '09, Ana Olmeda '14 and Kento Takayama '19 who all got their start at GCC. Highlights from their moving testimonies can be seen on GCC's YouTube channel @sunygcc.

For more information, or to register to attend, email the Alumni Affairs Office at alumni@genesee.edu.

• Friday, Jan. 24, from 6 - 9 p.m. Genesee Community College Alumni Mixer at RiverWorks, 359 Ganson St., Buffalo

Write up and photo submitted by Coach Matt Holman.

SWAIN -- The Batavia Alpine Ski Team competed in a two-run slalom race on Wednesday. This changed from a previously scheduled giant slalom race because conditions were prime for snowmaking on the headwall of Wheels Run due to the high temperatures and rain forecasted for the weekend.

Heavy snow in the early afternoon, wind and cold; ski racing conditions were near perfect at the 5:30 p.m. start. The course wore well, but still testing each athlete's skiing ability and the importance of a freshly tuned pair of skis.

Eighth-grader Lily Wagner successfully passed the advanced placement test early this week and will now participate as a varsity racer for the rest of the season. This gives Batavia a full girls varsity team, which finished in fourth place. 

Senior Aubrey Towner was the team's top individual finisher in sixth place. Junior Lily Whiting was 14th and Lily Wagner was 15th.

Zack Wagner finished in 14th place on the boys' side.

Eighth-grader Ethan Bradley placed 10th, the first modified top-10 finish in his young career. Elijah Abdella (eighth grade) was 20th, and seventh-grader Abby Bestine was 23rd.

A big thank you to the BHS Ski Club and advisor Mr. Metler along with the Ski Team parents and alumni for helping host the race.

The Batavia Ski Team will next race at Swain on Saturday, Jan. 12th.

Photo: First-year Modified Skiers Abby Bestine, Brody Swinehart, and Elijah Abdella after receiving their team jackets.

A comedy show to benefit four local nonprofits will be held at Ascension Parish's Slomba Hall on Friday, Feb. 28. It is located at 17 Sumner St. in Batavia.

Tickets are $50 each. VIP packages also available -- $500 for a table for eight, includes VIP seating, signage and table wine.

Paul Venier and Nick Marra are the featured performers.

Come and enjoy a fun night of laughs, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Food catered by Dibble Party House.

Registration begins at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 o'clock.

Beneficiaries of the event are: Rochester Regional Health; Batavia YMCA; Strong Memorial Spine Center; and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

Make checks payable to:

Spinal Injury Tournament

C/O Ricky Palermo

5159 Sunset Terrace

Batavia NY 14020

Questions? Contact Ricky Palermo at (585) 739-8522 or email him at:   rickypalermo24@gmail.com

About Paul Venier

Venier was born and raised in Long Island and has spent much of his time in New Jersey as he and a few of his friends started a band called STARK NAKED. In the '70s they went on to become number six on the music charts and were the forerunner for groups like Kiss and Alice Cooper. After a fun stint of touring and playing from Florida to Detroit, Canada and everywhere in between, they landed on the New Jersey shore in 1976.

Venier left the band in 1979 and started a solo career as he began a one-man show, he quickly realized that people really enjoyed his music with a very comedic fun combination that led to repeated sellouts and a well-known restaurant in Lafayette, N.J., called Ye Olde School inn. He has opened for and performed with some of the best comedians and musicians in the world, like Phyllis Diller, Don Rickles, Howie Mandell, Cheap Trick, Jethro Tull, Jay Leno, Soupy Sales, Paul Reiser, etc.

He is currently working on acting again and has just released a CD called “BETTER LATE THAN NEVER” with his serious music. You can find his CD on www.comedytornado.com.

About Nick Marra

Nick Marra is from Syracuse and has been entertaining crowds with his down-to-earth company for more than 20 years. Drawing on his experiences from growing up in an Italian Catholic home, to his current family comprised of two sons in their 20s and a daughter (17 years later), audiences easily relate to his quirky observations.

New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has introduced a bill (S.7012) that will designate State Route 77 between Pembroke Town Park and the intersection of Indian Falls Road in the Town of Pembroke, County of Genesee, as the "Specialist Four Clarence 'C. Jay' Hall Memorial Highway.”

“I am pleased to introduce this bill that will honor Specialist Four Clarence ‘C. Jay,’ Hall,” said Senator Ranzenhofer. “Specialist Hall served our country most honorably, giving the ultimate sacrifice. His bravery, dedication, and commitment to our nation is a wonderful example to all.”

Specialist Four Clarence "C. Jay" Hall served as a rifleman in the Army in Binh Duong, Vietnam. He was mortally wounded on Oct. 7, 1969, during an intense attack by enemy forces.

Specialist Hall earned the NYS Conspicuous Service Cross, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Silver Star, which is the nation's third-highest award for valor. 

The Veteran’s Outreach Club and the Government classes of the Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School requested this legislation.

The bill was introduced on Jan. 8th and is in the Senate Committee on Transportation for consideration.

**********************************

Assemblyman Steve Hawley sent the following press release about the proposed legislation:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he has introduced legislation in the State Assembly that designates State Route 77 between Pembroke Town Park and the intersection of Indian Falls Road in the town of Pembroke as the "Specialist Four Clarence 'C. Jay' Hall Memorial Highway."

Specialist Four Clarence ‘C. Jay’ Hall served as a rifleman in the United States Army in Binh Duong, Vietnam. On Oct. 7, 1969, he was on a reconnaissance patrol in an area of known enemy activity. He and his group were suddenly subjected to an intense attack from enemy forces. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Hall exposed himself to hostile fire while his comrades were able to obtain cover.

During this action, he was mortally wounded. Specialist Hall earned the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Silver Star, which is the nation's third highest award for valor.

“I am honored to introduce this legislation posthumously on behalf of one of our state’s most heroic veterans who gave up his life during the Vietnam War in order to save others,” Hawley said. “It is inspiring stories like these that we must cherish and recognize so that they are not forgotten throughout history.

"Clarence Hall is a hero in every sense of the word and I am confident that this bill will pass this year, forever enshrining him in glory as part of State Route 77.”

Hawley is a member of the Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee and himself a veteran, serving in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves.

Once again, this year, the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. Family of Agencies (WNYIL) is gathering nominations of members of the disability community who have made ongoing, significant contributions, such as support, assistance and inspiration to others.

What is different is that the accolade has been renamed the Anthony Serra Independent Citizen Award to honor WNYIL's first executive director, who passed away in September.

The winner, selected from nominations made by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 17 will be feted at the Seventh Annual “Night for Independence" Gala on Saturday May 16, at the Events at the Wurlitzer, 908 Niagara Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda.

Ideally, the nominee should meet the five core values of this award: 

• Exemplifying independence in the community, such as: by beginning a special project; by spearheading an awareness effort; or by gaining the support of decision-makers, for the benefit of others with disabilities or the general community.
• Going above and beyond what would be expected to assist others, by offering personal experience or expertise, organizing individuals around an issue, enlisting partnerships, and/or revealing self-sacrificing work.
• Remaining active in the community over an extended period, even after an initial success with an activity or major project. 
• Rejecting others’ criticism or doubt, that potentially could have deterred the individual from striving to reach and achieve personal goals. 
• Showing the world the value of one person’s actions by encouraging others to have a contributing, encouraging, and positive attitude about making the community a better place for all. 

If you are aware of an individual who has served those with disabilities, and who, you feel, would meet all these criteria, please contact Daniel Colpoys, WNYIL’s chief community engagement officer at (716) 836-0822, ext. 166; or email him with the candidate’s name, a paragraph about his/her qualifications and contact information, as well as YOUR name and contact information, to dcolpoys@wnyil.org.

Thank you for your willingness to help acknowledge deserving members of our community!

The Western New York Independent Living Inc. Family of Agencies offer an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

The Genesee County Legislature held its organizational meeting Wednesday evening and Shelly Stein was sworn in as the new chairwoman.

Christian Yunker was sworn in as the newest member of the legislature.

Top photo: Legislator Andrew Young places the nameplate for Shelly Stein in front of the chair's seat in the Old Courthouse, where the full Legislature meets.

Marianne Clattenburg being sworn in as vice-chair.

Andrew Young taking the oath of office as second vice-chair.

Genesee County Legislature and Staff 2020: Front row, Andrew Young, Shelly Stein, Marianne Clattenburg; Back row, Pam LaGrou, clerk, Matt Landers, assistant county manager, John Hilchey, Christian Yunker, Gordon Dibble, Gregg Torrey, John Deleo, Gary Maha, and Jay Gsell, county manager.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman issued a memo to members of the local legal community today announcing the immediate resignation of First District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini.

The Batavian obtained a copy of the memo this evening. It reads:

First Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini announced today that she has made the difficult decision to resign her position with the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office effective immediately and that she has other opportunities that she would like to pursue. I thank Melissa for her years of service and wish her well in the future.

Reached via text message, Friedman declined further comment.

We've attempted to make contact with Cianfrini and have yet to reach her.

Cianfrini, an Oakfield resident and wife of County Clerk Michael Cianfrini, joined the DA's office in 2009. She was promoted to first district attorney in 2017. With Friedman planning to retire at the end of his current term, she appeared, before today's resignation, to be his likely heir apparent.

Her resignation comes at a time when the DA's office is adjusting to an increased caseload, with additional staff, because of new, more rigorous, discovery rules in New York. The new rules require the office to turn over more evidence to defense attorneys in a more timely manner.

Photo: File photo.

Washington, D.C. – National Association of County Engineers (NACE) President and Genesee County (New York) Highway Superintendent Tim Hens participated in a White House event with President Donald J. Trump this morning as he introduced new permitting reforms involving the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

“We welcome reforms that will allow for local governments to address our nation’s aging infrastructure in a timely manner,” Hens said. “These reforms will aid counties in their ability to utilize federal funds for road and bridge expansion, repair and rehabilitation more efficiently and expeditiously.

"We applaud the President and Administration and look forward to working together to ensure these common-sense reforms provide a regulatory landscape that will improve project delivery times while maintaining the environmental protections important to our communities.”

This morning’s event highlighted permit and federal process areas the Administration seeks to streamline, including transportation infrastructure project parameters, which would require a federally mandated environmental review.

America’s counties own 45 percent of the nation’s road inventory and 38 percent of its bridge inventory, while investing more than $122 billion on infrastructure and maintaining and operating public works.

Hens is a 1993 graduate of the Air Force Academy and has served as Genesee County Highway superintendent since 1998. As superintendent he functions as the county engineer and oversees the operation and maintenance of all county-owned infrastructure and equipment, including roads, bridges, parks, facilities, airport and water system.

About the National Association of County Engineers

Now in its 64th year, the association is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional association representing more than 2,400 county engineers, public works directors, highway commissioners, road managers, and related professionals in the United States and Canada. In the United States, local roads account for about 75 percent of highways and roads, or 2.93 million miles. Counties manage 1.74 million miles of those roads. Counties also own 231,000 bridges and operate one third of the nation’s transit systems and airports.

Photo taken of Tim Hens at a GC Public Service Committee meeting in September 2018.

Roberts Wesleyan Chorale will perform a special live concert in Batavia starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church, located at 300 E. Main St.

The public is welcome to attend this free concert entitled "Lead Kindly Light."

The Rochester-based Chorale will perform beautiful songs featuring diverse styles, cultures, eras and languages.

The following day, on Friday, the Chorale leaves on their Florida Tour.

The Chorale is Roberts Wesleyan College’s premier vocal ensemble, devoted to the study and performance of high-quality choral music. Bonded by a passion for compelling musical performance and a desire for meaningful Christian fellowship, the Chorale is an ensemble of talented singer-artists who combine their gifts to cultivate excellence in choral singing.

Adam Potter, Ph.D., is the conductor.

There is no admission fee. A free will offering will be taken.

Photo of Chorale from Roberts Wesleyan College.

A one-vehicle rollover accident with unknown injuries is reported at 6557 Townline Road in Byron. Byron and South Byron fire departments and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Ivison and Swamp roads.

The #1 ranked Class D team in the state, the Elba Lady Lancers, didn't get to play at home until their eighth game this season, making it a big one against archrival Notre Dame, and they walked off the court with a 56-44 win to remain undefeated.

Taylor Augello scored 14 points for Elba. Maddie Muehlig scored 11. Leah Bezon and Brynn Walczak had 10 each.

For Notre Dame, Amelia McCulley led all scorers with 26 points. Morgan Rhodes scored six. Lindsey Weidman scored seven and had 10 rebounds.

Photo: Ruth Spink, left, director of the Genesee County Office for the Aging for the last five years, with her successor, Diana Fox, of Clarendon. 

Ruth Spink has no earth-shattering reason for deciding to retire now – other than “It is time.”

“It’s time to spend more time with my family. It is time to travel,” said Spink, who has worked at the Genesee County Office for the Aging for 25 years, the last five years as director.

And she is delighted to be turning over the reins to Diana Fox, who has a career in human services.

Fox, who lives in Clarendon with her husband Bill Fox, grew up in Batavia and Byron, a daughter of Larry and Jerianne Barnes. She graduated from Byron-Bergen High School, then obtained an associate degree in education from Genesee Community College. She got her bachelor’s degree in community and human service at Empire State College and a master’s in social work from the University of Buffalo.

She has worked as a counselor with Planned Parenthood for nine years and at the YWCA for five years as a domestic violence coordinator. She left there to complete her master’s of social work. She got her post-graduate degree at Brockport State College and then worked for nine years at Orleans County Mental Health.

She has known Spink since the 1990s, and became more acquainted with her through attending Leadership Genesee in 2002. 

“Every Friday, they send a tidbit to all the alumni,” Fox said. “Ruth had graduated from the program in 2007, and she announced last July she was retiring and they would be looking for her successor. I respect her so much and I was excited about the ability to train with Ruth.”

Fox was hired as deputy director in August and she will step into the director’s position when Spink officially retires Jan. 17.

Fox said she plans “business as usual" when she steps into Spink’s shoes. 

“I just want to maintain the services and expectations people have of the Office for the Aging,” Fox said. “Demographically, our population is aging, and the services we provide are going to be more in demand than ever.”

Fox stressed the Office for the Aging provides all kinds of vital services and information, not only to seniors, but to their families and caregivers.

Fox also shared she has had Type I diabetes since she was a child, and has a service dog by her side constantly. Her mini golden doodle Daisy has warned her several times of an impending diabetic attack. 

Fox said when people see Daisy, they tend to want to pet her or get her attention, and that is the worst thing they can do.

“When Daisy is distracted, she is less apt to be able to do her job and detect if I’m having a spell,” Fox said. 

She said the best thing to do when anyone greets Fox is to just ignore Daisy.

Photos by Virginia Kropf.

Below, Diana Fox sits with her service dog Daisy.

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley on the start of the 2020 Legislative Session:

“I am hopeful that this year represents more of a collaborative effort between parties to address the serious issues facing New York. A looming $6 billion deficit, rising taxes and serious public safety concerns with recent criminal justice changes will be solved through compromise and common-sense reform rather than partisan crusades and political grandstanding against Washington, D.C.

“Last year was a clear indication that New York City politicians will do just about anything to advance their radical agenda no matter the grave consequences for New York’s families and those motivations are not moving our state forward.

“Many of Gov. Cuomo’s State of the State proposals focus on political pomp and circumstance and increased spending rather than serious underlying issues like a $6 billion deficit, oppressive tax burden, embarrassing out migration, dangerous bail reform laws and struggling small businesses. We cannot continue to tax and spend our way to economic vitality.

“Despite these challenges, my focus remains on repealing threatening ‘criminal justice reforms’, cutting taxes, protecting family farms against onerous new labor regulations and preventing the implementation of more pro-illegal and pro-criminal policies as we witnessed last year. As always, I will continue to reach across the aisle and work with members of any party to make real progress toward a brighter and more prosperous New York.”