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Batavia City Schools Board of Education invests in air purity to combat COVID-19

By Joanne Beck

Without any discussion, Batavia’s Board of Education unanimously approved a slew of consent items Tuesday evening, including spending more than $400,000 to purchase disinfection devices as one way to combat COVID-19.

The bid of $416,250 from Enviro-mist was a recommendation from the city school’s Building and Grounds Committee, Board President

GC Health Department launches 'Healthy Neighborhoods'

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Health Department received $477,000 in funding from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) to implement the Healthy Neighborhoods Program (HNP) for the years 2022 to 2027.

Residents in the Town and City of Batavia are eligible to participate in the program and the

Deadline for comments about proposed remediation plan is Sept. 21

By Joanne Beck
Ex-Eaton remediation site
The targeted site for remediation by ex-Eaton Corporation at 34-40 Clinton St., Batavia, shown in green.
Image submitted.

Public comments about a remediation project on the city’s east side will be taken up to Sept. 21, state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officials say.

The project, first outlined in an April 21, 2023 article on The Batavian, is part of the Clean Water Act for Basket Place LLC, located at 34-40 Clinton St., Batavia. 

Action on the privately owned Basket Place parcel was to begin in May, to address contamination, with a site-specific health and safety plan and a Community Air Monitoring Plan to be implemented during remediation activities. 

Le Roy company's updated technology earns financial nod from National Grid

By Press Release
lapp_image-1.jpg
Submitted photo of Lapp Insulators Maintenance Planner Mike Myers, left, and Facilities Manager Ron Richards, right, show National Grid’s Jay Snyder one of the three new pumps that had been installed to improve safety and reduce energy costs.

Press Release:

Lapp Insulators Co. LLC changed a decades-old process to incorporate new technology and equipment that results in energy savings, lower operating costs, and a safer work environment. The changes also earned the Le Roy-based company $27,000 in energy efficiency incentives from National Grid.

Lapp is a leading

County jail project bids come in under budget; legislators approve all six contractors

By Mike Pettinella

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The project executive for the construction management firm working with Genesee County on its new county jail project this afternoon said everyone should be “very happy” with the bids that were submitted for the six work areas that have been identified.

“Considering the economy and what's happening around the world

Genesee County Jail, take two, is underway: Groundbreaking ceremony set for May 26

By Joanne Beck

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Aside from the brick-and-mortar details of constructing a new, 184-bed Genesee County jail facility, Senior Project Superintendent Randy Babbitt offered a reminder Monday about what’s most important.

“My top priority is safety. Safety, safety, safety is paramount with me. I want everyone returning home the same way they show up

Tech Wars returning to GCC on March 17

By Press Release

Press release:

After a long 2-year pandemic-induced hiatus, the 13th GLOW Region Tech Wars will finally commence! The event will be held Thursday, March 17, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus. The annual Tech Wars brings middle and high school students from all

Making this year 'a remarkable journey' at BHS, new principal says

By Joanne Beck
BHS first day
Batavia High School Principal Jennifer Wesp greets students Wednesday morning for the first day of school.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Jennifer Wesp had about a month to prepare for her first big day in welcoming students onto Batavia High School’s State Street campus Wednesday.

And prepared she was, anxiously waiting to greet them at 7:20 a.m.

“It was so exciting to see the students today. Many teachers and support staff came in early in order to spend some connection time before the first bell,” the newly hired principal said after a full day of meet-and-greets and ensuring all went well on this day of return after summer. “The air was filled with chatter and laughter. I was able to get into many classrooms throughout the day. Teachers had planned many activities that revolved around building community and getting to know each other. Overall, it was an amazing start to the year.”

DEC process for permit application

By Joanne Beck

The Batavian asked Genesee County and City of Batavia officials about the process required for Seneca Power Partners' request to draw 715,600 gallons of water per day from the city/county water system. More specifically, The Batavian wanted to know if there would have to be public hearings about this request

Pembroke Central Schools honored for music program

By Press Release

Press release:

Pembroke Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.  Now in its 23rd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts

Genesee County school districts report concerns, appreciation and hope in COVID era

By Joanne Beck

Being superintendent of Elba Central School during a pandemic the last two years has made Gretchen Rosales mull what her inherent role is, she says. 

What it’s not is to be a doctor, scientist, or another virus expert, though current times have hinted otherwise, she said.

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Elba Central School Superintendent

Governor issues State of Emergency for Genesee and 10 other counties

By Press Release

Press Release

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a State of Emergency was issued Thursday morning for 11 counties as a winter storm is forecast to impact portions of upstate New York with intense lake effect snow through Sunday. The most significant snowfall is expected Thursday and Friday with accumulations of up to four

Fire company instructors complete training

By Press Release

Press release:

The NYS Principles of Instructions course is an introductory course for individuals who will be conducting training at the fire company level.  This 15-hour course was recently offered at the Genesee County Fire Training Center and is designed for fire service training officers and company officers. 

Participants reviewed

Mark Laverne Wetmore

By Ronald Konieczny

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Mark Laverne Wetmore, age 56, of Sharon, PA, formerly of Pike, New York, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022 in Sharon Regional Hospital.

Born July 14, 1965, in Pike, New York, he was the son of the late Eugene and Connie (Grisewood) Wetmore.

Mark graduated from Letchworth High School in 1983 and served his country honorably in the US Army during Desert Storm. He was a construction worker for several different companies through out his career. He was a Volunteer Fire Fighter for many years and in his spare time he enjoyed, fishing, hunting, spending time with his family and his high quality, naps.

Mark is survived by two daughters, Nadine (Danny) Hose and Michelle (Sean) Kelly, two brothers, Lance Wetmore and Brian (Amy) Welsh, six sisters, Theresa Damonti, Gina (Dan) Worden, Becky (Scott) Kelley, Patty Bellucci and Yvonne Walcott, four grandchildren, Malayna, Gavin, Cash and Aubriella, his long time partner, Pam Schaller and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Annette and a brother-in-law Rudy.

An open memorial will take place on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Pike Firehall, starting mid day.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harold W. Stevenson Funeral Home LLC, 264 E. State St., Sharon, PA 16146. On-line condolences may be offered by visiting stevensonfuneralhome.net.

Mitchell Hale inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

By Press Release

Press release:

Mitchell Hale of Oakfield, New York, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Hale was initiated at State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

Hale is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and

Tompkins Insurance designated a 'Best Practices' agency for fourth consecutive year

By Press Release

Press release:

Tompkins Insurance Agencies has once again been designated a “Best Practices” Agency, recognizing it as part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies across the United States. The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) has included the Batavia-based agency in its “Best

Town planners approve additions at O-At-Ka Milk, Gateway GS LL site on Call Parkway

By Mike Pettinella

The Town of Batavia Planning Board on Tuesday night approved site plans for additions at O-At-Ka Milk Products on Ellicott Street Road and to buildings under construction by Gallina Development of Rochester at the Gateway GS LLC site on Call Parkway, north of the Thruway interchange.

Kelly Finch, senior director

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