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Press Release:

The City of Batavia is launching a Hometown Heroes Banner Program as a living tribute for our community to honor past and present members of the Armed Forces and their family members.

The banners will be placed on Redfield Parkway and Richmond Ave. from Memorial Day until Labor Day starting in 2025 and continuing annually. These banners are available for purchase to anyone wishing to honor a loved one and have a life span of approximately 3 years.

If you would like to participate, have someone that you would like to honor, or would like to sponsor a veteran/family, please contact the program administrator at jbest@batavianewyork.com or 585-345-6375. All orders are due by February 1, 2025.

Press Release:

On Saturday, September 21 the 2nd Annual Ricky Palermo Foundation Comedy Night will be held inside the Park Place room featuring comedy from Nick Marra, Dan Viola, and Tim Meier. 

Attendees will receive a buffet dinner, free drink, and $25 in Free Play. Sponsorship packages are also available, including signage, VIP seating, vocal recognition, and additional drink tickets.

“We had so much fun last year we decided to do it again,” said Ricky Palermo, President and CEO of the Ricky Palermo Foundation. “Through this great event we were able to raise awareness and much needed funds to help our community and continue to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. We look forward to seeing people back again this year at Batavia Downs.”

 Tickets are $60 and can be purchased by going to rickypalermofoundation.org/store-1. 

Press Release:

The Batavia Cemetery Association is excited to announce that the annual Halloween Candlelight Ghostwalk will be held on Saturday, October 19!

Join us for some spooky fun on a ghost walk through the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue to meet the famous and infamous movers and shakers who not only shaped and influenced the City of Batavia, but the United States and the world.

The guided tour on candlelit paths will bring guests to hear men and women, who, for various reasons, held great power and exerted great influence in their day, were victims of tragic events, or both.

Confederate Major Philemon Tracy, one of the few Confederate officers buried in the north; surveyor and land developer of western New York Joseph Ellicott, a man of great power and great flaws; and William Morgan, who disappeared and was allegedly murdered before he could reveal the secrets of the Masons, will tell their stories.

Listen to Utopian socialist Albert Brisbane; Mary Elizabeth Wood, the first librarian at the Richmond Memorial Library and founder of the first library school in China; and Dr. Martha Morgan, compassionate doctor who spent most of her professional life working at the State Lunatic Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  

Meet Civil War General John H. Martindale, and maltster and brewer Eli Fish. Shipping and railroad magnate Dean Richmond and his wife Mary will greet guests in their beautiful mausoleum on the last stop of the tour.

Tours begin at 7 p.m. and run every fifteen minutes until 8:45 p.m. Admission is $15. Reservations are required. Proceeds benefit the upkeep and restoration of the cemetery. For more information or reservations, go to Events at bataviacemetery.org

Press Release:

The Batavia High School Class of 1984 is thrilled to announce their 40th reunion celebration! Mark your calendars for an evening filled with memories, laughter, and fun on Saturday, August 24, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Mingle and Reconnect with Old Friends 

Alumni and guests are invited to gather for an informal get-together at the Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility 5122 Clinton Street in Batavia. This relaxed atmosphere is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with classmates, reminisce about old times, and create new memories.

Delicious Food and Drinks

Throughout the evening, enjoy a generous spread of hearty hors d'oeuvres complemented by a cash bar. Your ticket price of $30 includes food and one drink (house draft beer, house wine, or house liquor).

RSVP and Stay Connected

We encourage everyone from the Class of 1984 to attend this special event! To RSVP go to BHS Class of ’84 Reunion on Facebook where you can venmo your payment, to BHS Class of 84 Batavia NY. If you do not have a Venmo account, checks will be accepted payable to “BHS Class of 84 Batavia NY”. Please mail to: Kelly J. Bermingham, 8276 Park Road, Batavia. The deadline for registration is August 16!

To update your contact information, or ask any questions, please reach out to: 

Kelly J. Bermingham: 585-356-4722 or kbermingham@geneseeny.com

Jane Roach Johnson: 585-739-0378 or peerless@rochester.rr.com

Don't miss this chance to celebrate four decades of friendship and shared experiences with your Batavia High School classmates! 

Press Release:

Holland Land Office Museum announces that it is one of 71 institutions in the United States selected to participate in the Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program.

CAP helps museums improve the care of their collections by providing support for a general conservation assessment of the museum’s collections and buildings. The museum will work with a team of preservation professionals to identify preventive conservation priorities. The final assessment report will help the museum prioritize its collections care efforts in the coming years.

The CAP program will allow the museum to care and preserve the collections it holds in a greater condition than ever before! We are so excited to dive into this program and get to work at preserving and storing history more than ever before – Tyler Angora, Curator at the Holland Land Office Museum.

The CAP program is administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Press Release:

Senator George Borrello has introduced new legislation designed to enhance safety in highway construction and maintenance zones.

The first bill would mandate the installation of at least two photo speed violation monitoring systems in work areas on state highways and the New York State Thruway, expanding and strengthening the five-year Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program, overseen by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Thruway Authority. Under this program, motorists caught by work zone monitoring cameras of driving at least 10 miles per hour over the posted limit in a work zone area are fined through a ticket they receive in the mail. The program identified over 130,000 speeding violations in work zones statewide last year.

“In 2023, there were 130,000 speeding violations in monitored work zone areas on state highways. That is a staggering number,” said Senator Borrello. “Even worse, many weren’t just speeding violations, there were 144 injuries and three fatalities due to motorists ignoring the law and driving into prohibited work zones. Those are preventable tragedies, which is why I am introducing legislation that would strengthen speed violation monitoring systems in work zones by requiring monitoring at every highway and thruway worksite.”

Under the bill, S9884, a demonstration program would mandate the installation of at least two photo speed monitoring systems at each work site on controlled-access highways and the thruway. Under current law, speed monitoring is limited to 30 sites at any one time – 10 on the thruway and 20 on NYSDOT roads. This restriction leaves many work sites unmonitored, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries for both drivers and construction workers.

“By equipping work zones with two photo speed monitoring systems, we can better detect and ultimately deter speeding, thus reducing accidents and protecting both workers and motorists,” said Senator Borrello. 

The other measure would increase the penalties for failing to move over or slow down when approaching authorized emergency vehicles, as required by New York’s “Move Over” law.

In 2010, the law was enacted to reduce collisions with emergency vehicles stopped on the roadway. The law was later expanded to also include hazard vehicles, highway worker vehicles, and tow trucks. Most recently, the law was further expanded to cover all vehicles stopped on the side of the road. Drivers are now required to exercise due care to avoid any stopped vehicles by either changing lanes or slowing down.

Senator Borrello noted that when drivers ignore the law, the results can be tragic. 

On May 9, Vincent J. Giammarva, 62, from Le Roy, Genesee County, a constituent of the 57th Senate District, lost his life, while his coworker, Mark Vara, 58, from Scottsville, suffered serious injuries. Both men were struck by an eastbound tractor-trailer while working in a designated work zone between exits 47 and 46 on the Thruway. 

The tractor-trailer driver failed to slow down and move over as required when approaching the work zone. Despite the fatality and serious injuries caused in this case, the current law dictates that this driver will receive a fine of only $150 unless additional charges are brought.

In addition to the $150 fine for a first offense, current law provides for a $300 fine for a second offense within 18 months, and $450 for a third offense within 18 months.

“The tragic loss of Mr. Giammarva and the serious injuries sustained by Mark Vara underscore the urgent need for reform. Current penalties are too weak to be a deterrent. Lives are at stake when motorists ignore the law and we need penalties that reflect that,” said Senator Borrello.

Senate Bill S9883 would increase penalties for failure to move over or slow down when there is a stopped vehicle
on the roadway. Under this amendment, a first conviction would result in a fine of $450. A second conviction within 18 months would increase the fine to $600 and add 6 points to the driver’s license, making the driver liable for a Driver Responsibility Assessment in addition to the $600 fine. A third conviction within 18 months can lead to a fine of $750, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, depending on the severity of the infraction.

“While nothing can undo the Giammarva family’s loss of a beloved husband and father, these measures are aimed at strengthening our worker safety laws, thereby raising the public’s awareness of the gravity of this problem. We saw the effect that stronger drunk driving laws and penalties had in combatting impaired driving. In 1980 there were around 28,000 drunk driving deaths in the U.S. while in 2020, there were 11,654. While that is still too many, the decrease resulting from stronger laws was undeniable. Reckless motorists in worker safety zones are just as much a threat to life and safety, which is why I have introduced these laws,” concluded Senator Borrello.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced the Federal Electric Vehicle Mandate Prohibition Act to prohibit federal, state, and local governments from enacting mandates on electric vehicles (EVs).

In March, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a new emissions rule for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles, requiring up to two-thirds of new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. to be EVs within eight years.

“Under the Biden administration’s harmful anti-American energy policies, prices have skyrocketed, and American energy production has stalled, threatening our national security and economic competitiveness,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Yet instead of working to lower energy prices, the Biden administration and Democrat-run states across the country are threatening to ban the affordable gas-powered vehicles we rely on, forcing expensive EV mandates down our throats. I introduced the Federal Electric Vehicle Mandate Prohibition Act to prohibit these foolish EV mandates.”

Press Release from the office of David Wagenhauser:

Week One: You will be represented. Unlike other Congress members, I will not spend my day making calls to raise money for the next election. I will spend my time working to improve your life.

Monday: You will be heard. While DC politicians don’t listen to each other, perhaps it’s time they started listening to their constituents. In week one, we will host our first “NY-24 Conversations.” I will dedicate 2 hours per week to take questions, comments, and suggestions from the residents of NY24 - live, via scheduled videoconferencing (zoom). You will be heard. Not by staff. Not by a recording. Not by a form letter. Not via a photo-op. But by me, your Congressional representative, doing my job.

Unlike our current Representative, who inundates you with tv ads and emails detailing what she’s got to say - or incite you to be as angry as she is – I want to hear from you.

Tuesday: Reaching out. The finger-pointing and blame game needs to end and getting things done needs to take a front seat. In week one, I will reach out to Democrats and especially Republicans to actually do something about systemic problems such as the Border Crisis. You can complain, or you can do something. I choose getting things done. I will also reach out to start the process of getting the money and influence peddlers out of our governing process. Stock trading, corporate PACs and Congress-to-lobbyist track - out, term limits and public service - in.

Wednesday: Improving lives by making Upstate and WNY more affordable - groceries, gas, healthcare and housing.  Reaching out again to Congress members such as Senator Casey (PA) to fight Big Corporate greed and working to hold Big Oil and other big Corps responsible for price fixing, price gouging and addressing other causes of inflation.

Thursday: Protect, improve, and enhance Social Security and Medicare, not cut them. There is a plan by a group of more than 170 GOP Representatives to cut the benefits we are paid. I will fight them. We have worked our entire lives paying into a system and we should have no worries that it will serve us well in our retirement years.

Friday: Air and water.  NY-24 is one of the leaders in cancer clusters in NY. Our toxic waste and superfund sites - and currently operating and closed landfills - threaten our water, our air, our families’ health, and our agricultural and tourism economies. Every day we take in tons of garbage from NYC and the Northeast and are left with toxic “forever chemicals” that threaten our water supply. Building garbage mountains in Upstate and WNY is not a long-term answer. . In Week one, I will hire and dedicate staff whose sole responsibility will be to address these issues..

Saturday: Protecting women’s healthcare choices is a priority, as is improving access to affordable healthcare, especially mental health care in our rural areas. While nearly half of all Americans will suffer through a mental health issue, there is a scarcity of mental health professionals in rural areas. Waiting for three months to see a psychiatrist to get needed therapy and medication, let alone one who accepts your insurance, can have real and tragic results.. In week one, I will begin writing legislation that addresses the scarcity of mental health care in rural areas, including insurance parity, incentives and making training and education more accessible.

Sunday: Rest, mass, recharge with family and friends, watch the Bills and prepare for the challenges of the weeks ahead.

The challenges facing our nation will not be solved in a week. But the ultra-partisan standoff needs to end and we need to start listening to - and working for - the American people. I will be responsive from day one to the needs of my Upstate and WNY neighbors. I will listen to what matters to YOU in our weekly conversations and get the ball rolling by bringing a common-sense, positive attitude, and willingness to work across the aisle to get things done to make your life a little better. One week at a time. 

Press Release:

United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes will once again present Summer Serenade, featuring the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.  

The Serenade will take place on Saturday, September 7, at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility, beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature hearty hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a concert by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra. A cash bar will be available.   

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Genesee Symphony Orchestra and the United Way Backpack Program in Genesee County. 

The United Way Backpack Program provides easy-to-make meals for school-aged children in need throughout Genesee County. Currently, the program is supplying over 1,300 monthly meals to children throughout four school districts.

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra is a dynamic, regional orchestra that presents an ambitious portfolio of concerts for the enrichment of our community through high-quality performance, educational opportunities, guest artists, and partnerships.   

Tickets for the Serenade are $50 and can be purchased through any Genesee Symphony Orchestra Board Member, Lawley Insurance in Batavia, or online at unitedwayrocflx.org/summerserenade.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Spartans’ season came to a disappointing end on Saturday night with a 28-3 loss to the undefeated Lockport Wildcats in the Northeastern Football Alliance Western Conference semifinals at Lockport’s Outwater Memorial Park.

Genesee County’s offense was unable to put anything together against the Wildcats, who take a 10-0 overall record into the semipro league’s championship match next weekend against the Southern Tier Stallions.

Southern Tier, now 9-1 overall, blanked Ithaca, 38-0, in the Eastern Conference semifinal.

The title match is set for 7 p.m. next Saturday in Lockport.

The Spartans’ only score came in the second quarter on a 27-yard field goal by Batavia High graduate Julia Petry.

Petry’s kick cut Lockport’s lead to 6-3 at the time but the Wildcats went on to score two more touchdowns before intermission – one on a 70-yard pass from league MVP Willie Fair III to Sean Marshall and the other on a 25-yard pass from Fair to Jordan Evert. 

Lockport converted both two-point conversions to take a 22-3 lead at halftime.

The only scoring in the second half came on the game’s final play on Fair’s third TD pass.

The Spartans finish the season with a 6-3 league record (7-3 overall), with all three losses coming at the hands of the Wildcats.

“It was difficult for us to get untracked against Lockport. You have to give them credit; they have a solid team,” Rascoe said. “Our defense, on the other hand, played very well except for a couple of breakdowns.”

Spartans’ QB Corey Turpin, under pressure all game, completed just six of 23 passes for 81 yards. He was intercepted twice, fumbled twice and was sacked twice. Halfback Jed Reese carried the ball 10 times for 42 yards.

Genesee County’s top receivers, Deyonci Farley, Rayshawn Huitt and Tai Reffell-Pugh, were limited due to injuries suffered during the contest.

Defensively, the Spartans put up a fight but were victimized by a couple big plays. Defensive back Jzon Henderson came up with two interceptions – one in the end zone to thwart a Lockport drive in the fourth quarter -- and Dontre Woods also picked off a pass.

Despite the loss, Rascoe said he was pleased with the way the team and the organization came together this season, and he’s looking forward to offseason workouts starting in November.

“We have really turned things around in terms of good sportsmanship and recruiting good players, on and off the field,” he said. “We look to be even better next year when we add more local talent.”

Rascoe credited the team’s board of directors for its hard work and support -- Tammy Hathaway, Lauren Donovan, Victor Thomas, Otis Thomas and Jermaine Henderson – and thanked the businesses and individuals who sponsored the team this season.

 

Press Release:

To all traffic utilizing the following roadways:

• Brown Road – Wilkinson Road to Pembroke Townline
• Downey Road – Galloway Road to Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road
• Wortendyke Road – Route 33/Pearl Street Road to Alexander Townline

On August 14 from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., resurfacing operations will occur on the listed roads.

Traffic should expect delays and short-term closures during these operations. All through traffic should seek alternative routes.

Residents on the listed roads will be permitted access to their properties but may experience delays.

If you have any questions concerning this work, please contact the Town of Batavia Highway Department at (585) 343-1729, Extension 218.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs had an amazing season on the field, finishing first place overall in the West Division, and another amazing year off the field.

The Muckdogs kicked off the season walking in the annual Batavia Memorial Day Parade during training camp. Players & coaches visited local schools as well. 

Then the day before the season started the Muckdogs hosted a special meet & greet at Eli Fish Brewing, where season ticket holders met the Muckdogs.

As the season kicked off the Muckdogs hosted over 500 youth baseball & softball buddies during the year playing catch pre-game before games at Dwyer Stadium.

The Muckdogs hosted the Challenger Division Baseball for an incredible day as player & coach buddies, assisting players with physical and intellectual challenges throughout the day. Dwyer Stadium along with Muckdogs staff and players hosted baseball training camps as well, throughout the season. 

The Batavia Muckdogs teamed up with over 21 non-profits or charity organizations helping spread awareness and raise funds for their causes. On Friday, July 21, the Muckdogs hosted Strike-Out Cancer Night in partnership with Wilmot Cancer Institute. 

On July 6 the Muckdogs hosted Military Appreciation Night with all veterans receiving free entry. 

Thursday, July 18 the Muckdogs and Stop DWI teamed up to educate over 500 youth fans on driver safety. 

Then the Muckdogs closed out the regular season on July 28 collecting donations for the Genesee County Animal Shelter. 

Throughout the year the Muckdogs shared some great community programs with their Katie’s Star Memorial Fund Night (assisting in organ donor recovery), Live Like Levi (St. Joseph’s Schools), and First Responder Recognition (Honoring Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello).

Dwyer Stadium had some amazing visitors this season as well too. Buffalo Bills current rookie Guard Keaton Bills threw out a first pitch. Savannah Banana’s dancing first baseman Maceo Harris entertained fans at a game in June. In honor of the 2024 Olympics Jana Kolukanova 2x Olympian in swimming (sprint freestyle) representing Estonia came for a special appearance & first pitch as well. The Muckdogs also honored their baseball past hosting Batavia Clippers night with original 1939 Batavia Clipper Samuel “Sam” Dretto son throwing out the first pitch.

Dwyer Stadium will host several events before closing for the summer. Saturday August 10 Casella will have a company picnic & kickball game. Sunday August 25 the annual Battle of the Badges – Charity Softball Game (City of Batavia Police vs City of Batavia Fire). Then on Saturday October 19 Muckdogs Trick or Treat makes it’s return for the 4th straight year, a free event for the children of our community. 

The Batavia Muckdogs would like to thank their great community for all the support and are honored to keep the Batavia Muckdogs strong in our community. 2025 season tickets are on sale now starting as low as $99. If you are looking for tickets or to sponsor one of the upcoming events email General Manager (Marc Witt) mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.

Press Release:

In the second quarter of 2024, ESL awarded 150 grants for a total of $7.4 million to local organizations that provide critical services and programs to individuals and families.

“The crucial work of our community partners is producing positive and measurable results that are having a direct impact on individuals and families throughout our community,” said Maureen Wolfe, executive vice president /director, human resource and community impact, ESL Federal Credit Union. “ESL is motivated and inspired to collaborate with our partners in order to help support the growth and prosperity of the Greater Rochester region.”

ESL and its Community Impact team partners with and reinvests in the community through philanthropic grants aligned with expanding individual opportunity through quality education and employment, building strong neighborhoods that are affordable and connected, and strengthening organizations. The team also works to share stories that highlight the positive, measurable outcomes of this important, benevolent work in the community.

“Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity’s 2024 Critical Home Repair Program built a mobility ramp for one of our clients who is preparing to age in place and has just secured his first electric scooter to make getting around easier.,” said Julie Allen, marketing and communications manager, Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity. “His daughter says ‘he refuses to accept help unless he really needs it, so he rides his scooter on the sidewalk down to the market. It gives him some independence that he’s not ready to give up. It’s a sight to see, but at least we know he’s got support. This ramp will make that independence more attainable, longer’.”

A sample of the organizations that received grant commitments from ESL include:

Organization: Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity

• Project Title: 2024 Critical Home Repair Program
• Grant Awarded: $458,800.00
• Description: Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity provides programs and services to support affordable, quality housing and critical repairs needed to ensure the longevity of those homes for hundreds of families in the region. In collaboration with community partners, these programs help build homes, strengthen communities, and foster hope.

Organization: Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board Inc.

• Project Title: Finger Lakes Regional Career Connections Coordinator
• Grant Awarded: $200,000.00
• Description: Funding for this year two-year regional coordinator position will help build and maintain training for employment programs among high school students preparing to enter work-based education and training programs. These programs are designed to lead directly to employment with partnering employers.

Organization: GLOW YMCA (Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Wyoming counties)

• Project Title: Summer Funding for Youth Development    
• Grant Awarded: $136,000.00
• Description: Serving four counties, GLOW YMCA provides summer programming to approximately 1,500 youth in the four-county region to support the continuing development and education of youth. 

Press release:

“Together we can” is the theme for this year’s International Overdose Awareness Day campaign – the annual observance that includes a local event from 3 - 7 p.m. August 28 at Austin Park in Batavia.

The world’s largest annual movement to end overdose, IOAD is dedicated to remembering without stigma those who have died and acknowledging the grief of family and friends left behind.

More than 200 community events have been scheduled across the United States and around the world during the month of August to raise awareness of one of society’s worst public health crises.

Initiated in 2001 by Sally J. Finn at The Salvation Army in St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, IOAD spreads the message about the tragedy of drug overdose death and that drug overdose is preventable.

Goals of the campaign include:

Providing an opportunity for people to publicly mourn loved ones in a safe environment, some for the first time without feeling guilt or shame.

Including the greatest number of people in IOAD events and encourage non-denominational involvement.

Providing information about the issue of fatal and non-fatal overdose.

Sending a strong message to current and former people who use drugs that they are valued.

The GOW Opioid Task Force ceremony will feature several guest speakers, including Rob Kent, president of Kent Strategic Advisors, LLC, and former general counsel for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

Other speakers scheduled include Lynda Battaglia, director of Genesee County Mental Health & Community Services; Paul Pettit, public health director for Genesee & Orleans Health Departments; and Chris Budzinack, Supportive Living counselor at UConnectCare.

The event will feature live music, a petting zoo, ice cream truck, bounce house and free pizza and refreshments. Representatives of nonprofit agencies have been invited to set up booths at the park.

For more information about the Austin Park observance, contact Jay Baran at jbaran@uconnectcare.org.

Press Release:

Genesee County Spartans Head Coach Harry Rascoe is looking at two “keys” to knocking off the undefeated Lockport Wildcats this weekend and advancing to the championship game of the Northeastern Football Alliance semipro league.

“Not turning over the ball and pressuring their quarterback,” Rascoe replied when asked what the Spartans need to do to defeat the Wildcats in the Western Conference semifinal scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Lockport’s Outwater Memorial Park, 125 Outwater Drive.

The Spartans take a 6-2 record into the game, with both losses coming at the hands of Lockport, 8-0 in league play.

Genesee County lost to the Wildcats, 16-6, in their opening game (although the score was 8-6 with less than two minutes to play), and then fell, 36-14, to Lockport on July 13 in a game marred by six Spartans’ turnovers.

Rascoe, speaking during a practice session on Wednesday at Farrall Park in Batavia, said it’s imperative that the offense hold onto the ball.

“We’re going to have to sustain drives on offense – the defense can’t be on the field the whole time -- and we’ve got to contain (Lockport quarterback) Willie (Fair III).”

Fair, while completing less than half of his pass attempts, has thrown for about 850 yards and 11 touchdowns this season – with several of those TDs coming on long passes after broken plays.

“He’s got a great arm,” Rascoe said. “He can throw pretty much the length of the field so it’s hard to cover receivers on those broken plays. That’s why we have to win the battle in the trenches and get to him.”

Rascoe said he expects defensive back Jzhon Henderson to play on both sides of the ball – splitting the ball carrying duties with standout halfback Jed Reese (363 yards rushing in five games as three of the Spartans’ victories were by forfeit).

“This is the playoffs; there’s no more offense and defense. We’re going to put our best 11 guys on the field to compete with them. We know they (the Wildcats) are already overlooking us, so we’ll play the underdog.”

Quarterback Corey Turpin, who has thrown for 680 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions, said he has to be efficient for the Spartans to win.

“We can’t give them extra opportunities,” he said. “It’s up to me to not turn the ball over, to execute and go in there with confidence. I feel that this is the game where we put everything together.”

Defensive Coordinator Craig Tiberio said the Spartans match up well against Lockport in terms of talent, so it will come down to discipline.

“More than anything, it’s the attention to detail and everyone doing their job,” Tiberio said. “If we can clean up the missed tackles and the few potential interceptions that we dropped, we’ll be right there.”

Tiberio said the Spartans’ front four of Gunner Rapone, who has 6 ½ sacks thus far; Jalen White, Ryley Elliott and Steve Kowalczyk “is the best in the league.” He also praised linebacker Kaden Marucci, who leads the league in tackles and has two interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

“Marucci has had a super year and has been nominated for Defensive Player of the Year,” he said, noting that Rapone earned that honor in 2023.

Linebacker Marley English leads the team with three interceptions.

Genesee County Spartans' projected starting lineup for this Saturday’s game:

Offense

Quarterback: Corey Turpin; Running backs: Jed Reese, Jzon Henderson; Tight end: Rob Thurston Jr.; Wide receivers: Deyonci Farley, Rayshawn Huitt; Center: Tim King; Guards: Austyn Fernandez, Anthony Natrigo; Tackles, Baylee Vercruysse, Jordan Chambers. Kicker: Julia Petry.

Defense

Front four: Gunner Rapone, Jalen White, Ryley Elliott, Steve Kowalczyk; Linebackers: Nick Santos, Kaden Marucci, Marley English; Secondary: Max Rapone, Dontre Woods, Jzon Henderson, Cody Wenner or Amir Cleveland. Punter: Deyonci Farley.

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) sent a letter to Federal Election Commission Chairman Sean Cooksey and Vice Chair Ellen Weintraub demanding an investigation into the abnormal transaction activity related to donations to ActBlue, a fundraising platform used to support left-leaning and Democratic nonprofits and politicians.

This letter addresses reports of unusual transactions involving large sums of money through ActBlue. According to FEC data, many individuals have allegedly made numerous donations through the platform each year, often without realizing their names and addresses were being used for these donations.

"As the co-chair of the House Election Integrity Caucus, I am deeply concerned about reports of fraudulent donations through ActBlue undermining the integrity of our elections," said Congresswoman Tenney. "ActBlue's decision not to require CVV numbers for donations raises serious concerns about the potential of fraudulent activity and foreign interference in our electoral system. This is on top of the extremely troubling reports of unauthorized use of individuals' names and addresses to create fraudulent accounts and make substantial donations without their knowledge. It is imperative that the FEC thoroughly investigates these claims and reviews ActBlue's security measures to ensure compliance with the law."

In the letter, Congresswoman Tenney demanded answers to the following questions:

1. Has the FEC already examined anomalous transaction activity or ActBlue's lax verification processes? If so, please provide a detailed summary of the results of that investigation.
2. If not, will the FEC commit to investigating potential fraudulent donations to ActBlue, as well as the organization's lack of verification guardrails?
3. Is ActBlue in compliance with federal rules as it relates to accepting online donations? 
4. Will the FEC consider the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on House Administration's August 5 request for emergency rulemaking to require political campaigns to verify the CVV of donors who contribute online?

Read the full text of the letter here.

Press Release:

Depending on the weather, aerial and hand distribution of oral rabies vaccine baits will take place in Western New York from August 12- August 17. Areas of New York State are once again taking part in a nationally coordinated effort to halt the spread of raccoon rabies in 16 states.  

Ongoing field evaluation of oral rabies vaccine (ORV) called ONRAB will occur in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and
Wyoming counties. 

These sites were selected in part because of ongoing collaborations with Quebec and Ontario, Canada in the fight against rabies to protect human and animal health and reduce significant cost associated with living with rabies across broad geographic areas.

“Rabies is a serious public health concern because if left untreated it is generally fatal. Costs associated with detection, prevention and control of rabies conservatively exceed 500 million annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, greater than 90 percent of reported rabies cases in the United States are in wildlife,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).  

The efforts are focused on controlling raccoon rabies, which ontinues to account for most of the reported wildlife rabies cases in the United States. 

Raccoon rabies occurs in all states east of the established ORV zone that extends from Maine to northeastern Ohio to central Alabama.  Continued access to oral vaccine and bait options that are effective in all target wildlife species remains critical to long-term success.

The ONRAB bait consists of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blister pack, containing the vaccine.

• To make the baits attractive, the blister packs are coated with a sweet attractant that includes vegetable-based fats, wax, icing sugar, vegetable oil, artificial marshmallow flavor, and dark-green food-grade dye.  
• While humans and pets cannot contract rabies from the bait, those who come across the bait directly should leave it undisturbed. Most bait packets are consumed within four days, and nearly all of the bait will be gone within a week.
• Please do not attempt to remove a bait from your dog’s mouth. The bait will not harm the dog and could lead to vaccine exposure.
• Should contact with baits occur, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap and contact your local health department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County or 585-589-3278 for Orleans County.  

If you have additional questions related to the field evaluation in New York, please contact the Wildlife Services office in Rensselaer, NY at (518) 477- 4837.

Press Release:

Genesee County Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr. announces the graduation of Correction Officers Kelsey Kasmarek, Trent Ryan, and Tyler Brown from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy’s 28th Basic Course for Correction Officers.

These Correction Officers recently graduated in a class of 10. At the top of the class was C.O. Kasmarek who received the Academic Excellence Award and C.O. Ryan received the Defensive Tactics Award.

The 247-hour course included training in effective communications, essential services, use of force, NYS Penal Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Inmate Transportation, Firearms, Pepper Spray, Taser and Defensive Tactics, and other topics pertaining to corrections.

“Congratulations to all three of these Correction Officers. We look forward to their future in Corrections at the Genesee County Jail,” stated Sheriff William A. Sheron, Jr.

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce its latest exhibit, “Don Carmichael: Ink in History.” The exhibit will open on Tuesday, August 13 and will be on display through December. “Don Carmichael: Inked in History” features over 50 pieces of artwork from Don Carmichael in various mediums from throughout his life. The works come from the museum’s collections alongside others loaned from Carmichael’s friends and family. 

The exhibit can be seen during the museum’s normal operating hours of Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Don Carmichael (1926-2005) was one of the most iconic artists from Genesee County in the 20th century and continues to grace the walls of homes and businesses across the County. Locally known for his famous pen-and-ink sketches, called “Memories of Historic Batavia.” 

Don Carmichael captured the historic essence Batavia and Genesee County offered, and many have loved them ever since and have proudly displayed them in their homes and offices. Luckily, Carmichael sketched dozens of the landmark structures before Urban Renewal tore them down in the 1970s, or he captured the structures through old photographs. Carmichael stated, “I’m fond of Batavia and Batavia history, it’s rapidly disappearing, so I decided to record it for posterity.” Before his iconic pen-and-ink drawings, Carmichael played a major role in the community by being the Director of advertising at The Daily News, Where he worked for over 30 years.