genesee county

On Tuesday evening at Batavia Downs five students from area schools were each presented with $500 scholarships. The outstanding Italian-American was Elizabeth Riter. 

Leslie Harrower and Teresa Fritts introduced Elizabeth and she spoke of Paolo Busti and his life and legacy.  It was about building a community that had a cultural presence with a social presence. 

"What a community we have right here in Batavia and the Genesee region ... you can become a fabric of a community by giving just a little bit," she said. "I attribute my Italian heritage to the importance of family and tradition." 

Grayson Fix, a Batavia High School senior who is proud to be "one of my only siblings who looks Italian," spoke about his unique Italian experience.

"I remember being a little boy and telling my teachers that my brother and sister were Irish and I was Italian; it made my mama very happy. Traditions are very small but present in my family," he said. "My mama 'grandma' makes the sauce and remedies everything with food. Feeling under the weather I made you goulash, busy sports schedule, there is manicotti in the oven, and accompanied with a huge bowl of meatballs and sausage.  Having an Italian-American upbringing has helped me mold to the person I am today."

One of the things that Kaitlyn Kratz, a Notre Dame High School senior, has appreciated over the years is family, she said. While growing up, she always heard stories of the Peca and DeFazio families.

"It wasn’t until recently that I really understood how much those old stories, traditions and values meant.  I have learned about sacrifices and love.  We show up for each other whether it’s a ride to the airport, a quick phone call or just sharing a meal," she said. "Some of my best memories are with my grandma making meatball cookies, pies and her famous sauce passed down through generation by generation. It’s not just about the food, it’s about the stories behind the recipes."

Being Italian for Adam Root, a Career and technical student at BOCES, means having "a sense of community within my own family," he said. 

"I have seen so much kindness, love and care shown by my family at every occasion. Growing up we attended family reunions at one of my relative’s pizza shops, there are always so many people there all laughing and visiting with each other, people they have might not seen in a while," he said. "I choose culinary in school because I learned that I love food and attended the program in my junior and senior year in high school. "Cooking is something I love a lot and have always seen this with my family growing up."

Rocco Sprague, a Notre Dame High School senior, shared similar feelings about his Italian-American heritage "defining part of my life."

"I learned to work hard, help others and how to celebrate and share the culture of our ancestors by caring on the traditions that was passed down to us," he said. "My grandmother had a St. Joseph table at her house in Le Roy, every March 19^th on the feast of St. Joseph, it was a family neighborhood event.  It was a tradition of the table by my Grandmother Mecidi who started this table with everyone in her community in LeRoy."

BHS senior Matthew Wittmeyer has learned through family that the sauce simmers on the stove and the gossip simmers at the table.  But more than the food and the fun, it’s the everyday skills that pass down through the family that brings everyone together, he said. 

"I picked up a lot of personal values through my Italian family. The traditions, food, culture and size of my family are significant factors of who I have become in my family.  In my family agreement is rare, gossip is practically a love language and volume control doesn’t exist," he said. "They have shown me invaluable morals, some of which has resonated with me.  With an Italian family life is like the wind in a sailboat. When you point in the right direction, they will push you until where you want to go."

Wittmeyer received the founder’s scholarship and Kratz received the Vincent Gautieri Scholarship.  Music entertainment was by Ross Chua, accompanied by Mark Hoerbelt.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Board of Elections announces important dates and details for the upcoming Primary Election on June 24, 2025. New York State has a closed primary system, which means only voters registered in the Republican Party may vote in this primary. 

 

There are four Republican Primary Elections in three jurisdictions:

• Town of Le Roy (Masonic Community Center & Knights of Columbus)
• City of Batavia – ONLY Wards 4 & 5 (ARC Community Center & Ascension Parish)
• Town of Byron (Byron Town Hall)

Polls will be open on Primary Day, June 24, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and all sites are accessible. 

To confirm your polling location, visit: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ or call the Board of Elections at 585-815-7804.

Early Voting Schedule:

Early voting will take place over nine days at the ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Rd. Batavia:

• Saturday, June 14: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Sunday, June 15: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Monday, June 16: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 17: noon - 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 18: noon - 8 p.m.
• Thursday, June 19: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Friday, June 20: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Saturday, June 21: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
• Sunday, June 22: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Absentee Ballot Deadlines:

Voters may request an absentee ballot by contacting the Genesee County Board of Elections or by using the NY State Portal at: https://absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/

Key deadlines include:

• June 14: Last day for the Board of Elections to receive an absentee ballot application
• June 23: Last day to apply in person for an absentee ballot
• June 24: Absentee ballots must be received by the poll site or the Board of Elections by 9 p.m.
• June 24: Last day to postmark an absentee ballot (must be received by July 1)
• July 1: Deadline for military/special federal absentee ballots to be received

Voter Registration Deadlines:

To be eligible to vote in the Primary Election, voter registration applications must be received by June 14.

In-person registration is available at the Genesee County Board of Elections or at any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act.

The Board of Elections office at 15 Main St., Batavia will also be open for registration on Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Please note: any party enrollment changes will not take effect until after the Primary Election.

Address Changes:

All changes of address must be received by June 9.

For questions, registration forms, or absentee applications, contact the Genesee County Board of Elections at 585-815-7804 or visit www.geneseeny.gov/elections.

Press Release:

Genesee County law enforcement agencies will be joining forces with the New York State STOP-DWI Program in a coordinated effort to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and to keep roadways safe throughout the summer.

As part of a statewide initiative, law enforcement officers and STOP-DWI programs across New York will be stepping up their efforts with increased education, public outreach, and enhanced patrols on weekends from June through August 2025. This proactive campaign aims to prevent impaired driving crashes, reduce injuries, and ultimately save lives.

Impaired driving remains a serious threat to the safety of our community. The 100 Days of Summer STOP-DWI campaign will include sobriety checkpoints, increased patrols, and public education efforts designed to deter impaired driving and encourage responsible choices behind the wheel. 

• Designate a sober driver
• Call a taxi, a ride service or a sober friend.
• Wait it out - only time can eliminate alcohol or drugs from your system.
• If someone has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home. 

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Being a responsible driver is simple: if you are drinking, do not drive.

This initiative is part of a year-round effort to promote traffic safety and is funded by the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation through the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

It’s safe to say that Jeff Post is no fan of Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, who represents District 67 in the Upper West Side and part of Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan.

Rosenthal was the primary sponsor, with fellow New York City co-sponsors, for legislation that attempts to regulate the number of cows on a dairy farm. Although still in the early phases of the bill process, this measure -- which would limit the number of cows to 700 on a farm -- has been gaining more widespread attention.

“I think it’s just something being done by an uninformed person trying to glom onto the ‘cows are bad for the environment,' which can be proven to be wrong, obviously,” said Post, who owns Post Dairy Farms with his dad and uncle in Elba. “It’s irrational to think that dairy farmers are going to be capped at any size. It stifles growth and it stifles your ability to bring in the next generation.”

He also said that if local dairy farms had to reduce or cap their size, New York and the region would have to rely on imported milk products to meet the demand. That doesn’t make sense to spend money elsewhere when there are “dairy farms that could supply all the milk here, and are willing to,” he said.

Upstate United issued a statement, explaining that this very bill is an example of why the organization was created in the first place.

“To speak out against poorly crafted policies driven by downstate legislators that impact the viability and success of Upstate families, industries and communities. They don’t have dairy farms in their districts, and legislation like this suggests that either they don't care or are unaware of the industries that support Upstate’s economy,” the organization stated. “More than 95% of New York’s farms are family owned. At a time when New York State is making significant investments in major processors like Fairlife, Chobani and Cayuga Milk Ingredients, it makes absolutely no sense to restrict or limit the number of cows those farms can have when the milk they’re producing is needed for those companies to be successful.”

Another description is that “it’s just stupid,” Post said. And a valid reason for why droves of people are leaving the state each year, he said. “It’s all of that same kind of thinking that affects the whole government of New York,” he said.

One of Rosenthal’s concerns is apparently the environmental repercussions of runoff from manure in the fields, and Jack Klapper, co-owner of Noblehurst Farm, said that’s just a misnomer.

“There's nobody that cares more about this land or these animals that we take care of than farmers themselves, because this is what provides us our livelihood. We are environmental stewards. We try to do the best we can. We want to see this land prosper for the next generation to come, and we take the utmost care and respect for it," Klapper said of the farm situated in Genesee and Livingston counties. 

His family farm, he said, is "doing very cool things" when it comes to the environment.

"On my family's farm, we have a methane digester where we take in the cow's manure, and we also take in food scraps from the area -- food scraps that would otherwise end up in landfills -- and we take that food waste, and we take that cow's manure and we mix it together and put  into our anaerobic digester, and we're able to create electricity off of it, which helps us power the farm, and we could also power between 300 to 500 homes with it, if we wanted to."

When he first heard about the NYC legislators pushing for this bill, he cited former President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s words, “farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.”  

“My mind went there, because it is classic New York City politicians trying to muck up waters in upstate, where they know little to nothing about, obviously. It would have a humongous impact on the New York dairy industry if it were to happen. I do not foresee it gaining a whole lot of traction. I think it's more of a headline reaching thing,” he said. “But if it were to happen, it would have huge consequences on the dairy industry here in New York State, from a growth perspective. 

The industry has invested billions in processing facilities in upstate, he said, including Great Lakes cheese in Franklinville, Fairlife in Webster, and the new Chobani plant that will be located in central eastern New York.

"And I think, at the state level, we should be promoting agriculture. We should be promoting business, not limiting business."

The dairy industry competes globally, he said.

"We're competing with countries like China and European countries, so we have to have access to these global markets and be able to compete on a global scale," he said. "And we're also competing in the States against other states as well. So if this legislation were to pass, New York farmers would be slapped with a huge disadvantage compared to Ohio farmers or Pennsylvania dairy farmers, we would just be at a huge disadvantage compared to our neighboring states and neighboring countries and things like that.”

He spoke as a farmer and as president of the Livingston County Farm Bureau. Klapper is planning a trip to Washington, D.C. this Sunday. While not a federal issue, the bill in question is important enough for him to “get ahold of some representatives to rattle the cage of some upstate reps to really squash this.”

He wanted to clarify that it's not about just defending large farms, as they all have a place.

“It’s not a small farm versus big farm thing; all farms are good. We need all farms,” he said. “The amount of money that these farms pass through these local rural communities is astonishing. Just in pass-through dollars (to local companies) … that's a lot of dollars passed through local hardware stores, lots of jobs created because of these farms in the area. And without these farms, all that business goes away, those jobs go away. So it's very important.”

There are upstate representatives on the dairy farmers' side, including Genesee County representatives Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Senator George Borrello, the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, each of whom has spoken against the preliminary bill, along with others from various parts of the state.

“This outrageous proposal is a slap in the face to every hardworking dairy farmer in New York. It’s yet another example of radical New York City lawmakers trying to control an industry they know nothing about,” Borrello said during a recent press conference. “These farms aren’t factory operations, they’re family businesses built over generations. And instead of helping them grow, Albany is threatening to regulate them out of existence.

“The same extreme ideology that gave us the Farm Labor Act—a law that’s already done lasting damage to agriculture in this state—is now back to finish the job,” he said. “If the goal is to drive dairy production out of New York and into other states, this bill will get it done—at the expense of rural communities, local economies and our state’s food security.”

With a poster theme of “Save our cattle from downstate rattle” affixed to the podium, during this week's press conference, Hawley also discussed how New York has experienced a drastic decline in the number of dairy farms over the last 25 years, dropping from 9,300 to approximately 3,000. 

This decline has accelerated substantially in recent years as the dairy industry has struggled to turn a profit and keep up with operating costs, Hawley said, strongly opposing the proposal that “will only accelerate this trend” and push more dairy farmers out of business.

“While small-scale dairy farms are struggling to make ends meet, members of the Majority who have never stepped foot on a farming operation are trying to regulate them out of business,” Hawley said in a press release. “As a former farmer myself, the assertion that our local farms are destroying our environment is completely ridiculous. Working families across our state rely on our dairy farms for their basic necessities, and this proposal will only bring up costs and reduce availability. We cannot allow this out-of-touch proposal to hurt our rural communities, and I will continue to stand with my colleagues in the state Assembly to ensure this initiative is shut down once and for all.”

Thirty-three members of Notre-Dame High School’s Class of 2025 received their diplomas during a commencement ceremony held Sunday at Resurrection Parish.

Interim Principal Julia Rogers served as Master of Ceremonies and presented special recognition awards to outstanding students. The senior class gift was presented by Chance King and Gabe Mileham.

Anna Panepento was named valedictorian, while Rocco Sprague earned the title of salutatorian.

Tracy Page presented the candidates for graduation, and Lindsay Warner and Julia Rogers conferred diplomas.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau is now accepting applications for Genesee Youth Lead. This eight-month program focuses on developing leadership skills through thoughtful sessions and hands-on experiences. Each session is focused on a specific topic, which varies year to year depending on the interest of the youth.

Topics include:

• Agriculture
• Arts and Culture
• Business
• Community Service
• Emergency Preparedness
• Government
• Health and Human Services
• Job Readiness Training
• Law Enforcement
• Leadership Opportunities
• Team Building
• Tourism

The Youth Lead program begins in October 2025 and ends in May 2026. Sessions are held the second Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at GVEP (BOCES), except for in March. Session dates are October 8, November 12, December 10, January 14, February 11, March 16, April 8, and May 13.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be in grades 9-12 during the 2025-2026 academic school year
• Must attend school in Genesee County
• Must complete an application, provide supplemental letters, and complete an interview with Youth Bureau staff
• Must be able to make up any and all missed schoolwork

Applications are due to the Youth Bureau no later than Wednesday, September 1. Please email completed applications and letters to Genesee.youthbureau@dfa.state.ny.us or mail documents to Genesee County Youth Bureau, 5130 East Main Street Batavia.

Additional information can be found at https://shorturl.at/DLLnA. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or comments.

Genesee County, and more specifically its eligible youth, are expected to receive $140,702 of the $3.8 million designated for the Finger Lakes region out of a total $56.5 million pot being distributed to New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul's office says.

The funding is part of a New York State Summer Youth Employment program announced by Hochul this week as part of the 2026 state budget. This program is to connect thousands of young people from low-income homes to jobs this summer.

The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is distributing the funding to all 57 of the state counties and New York City to implement the seasonal program to introduce at-risk youth to New York’s workforce -- where “they will gain professional training and develop useful skills that will help them improve educational performance and explore possible career paths,” Hochul said.

“Investing in our young people’s future and providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed is a top priority of my administration,” Hochul said in a news release. “The Summer Youth Employment Program helps young New Yorkers across the state find good summer jobs that provide valuable experiences and skills that will help them pursue their educational and career goals and prepare them for success in the workforce as adults.”

The Summer Youth Employment Program is to support businesses and communities across the state in providing summer jobs for youth from low-income families, she said. 

Participants will work in entry-level jobs at places such as parks, summer camps, child care organizations, cultural centers, educational facilities, and community-based organizations, among others.

To be eligible for the program, youth must be between the ages of 14 and 20 and have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty level, which varies by household size. As an example, that would be $53,300 for a family of three.

The FY 2026 state budget included an increase of $1.5 million for the program from last year to address minimum wage increases, and the program served more than 21,000 young people last summer, the release stated.

“The Summer Youth Employment Program provides young people from lower-income households good summer jobs in a range of occupations that provide participants a paycheck and the important opportunity to gain valuable work experience that will support their future success in school and in the job market,” state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. 

State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon added that summer jobs are “a gateway to the world of work for young New Yorkers.”

“The skills and experience they will gain through Summer Youth Employment Program will continue to serve them long into their chosen career fields,” she said. “This initiative is a win-win-win for young New Yorkers in underserved populations, their communities, and the New York State economy.”

Press Release:

Have you changed the batteries in your smoke detectors? Do you know how old your fire extinguisher is? Have you tested your home for radon gas? Does someone in your home have asthma?

The Genesee County Health Department’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program (HNP) may be able to help. This program is for people who live in the City and Town of Batavia. 

HNP has four main goals:

1. Help people with asthma - This program gives tips and supplies to help manage asthma and avoid trips to the hospital. Participants are encouraged to talk with their healthcare provider to create a written plan to follow during an attack. If you qualify, we can give you asthma-safe cleaning products.
2. Prevent lead poisoning in children - We partner with our Lead Poisoning Prevention Program to check your home for lead paint and teach you how to keep your family safe from lead.
3. Make the air in your home cleaner - We provide education on carbon monoxide poisoning, radon gas, smoking cessation, and pest management. Eligible participants may receive a carbon monoxide detector or radon test kit.
4. Prevent fires and accidents at the home - During visits, staff test smoke detectors and encourage participants to practice fire escape routes. Free smoke detectors, small fire extinguishers, and replacement batteries are available to eligible participants.

Staff will be going door to door in the City of Batavia to tell people about this program. If no one is home, we leave a door hanger with contact information. Information on what streets we are visiting each week is posted on the Health Department’s Facebook and Instagram accounts @GOHealthNY.

For more information on the program, call the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 x5555 or visit www.GOHealthNY.org.

Press Release:

Starting May 27, Genesee County Offices will shift their hours from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. As in years past, this change does not affect the total number of hours offices are open to the public. These summer hours will remain in effect through August 29.

Departments with alternate schedules may vary slightly; please refer to department-specific announcements or contact offices directly with any questions.

Nearly 3,000 households in Genesee County receive SNAP benefits on behalf of 4,796 adults and children, for a total mandated expense of $835,256 a year that’s on the table for cuts, Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein says, as part of the promoted “big, beautiful bill” in the House.

For the sake of argument, she rounded that up to an even $1 million and made her point crystal clear.

“That’s what the county would have to pay,” Stein said after an online meeting with New York State executives about potential repercussions from a proposed $15 billion in annual cuts plus mandated costs that would heavily affect state Medicaid, healthcare and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

While some taxpayers may champion cost-cutting measures to reduce government spending, Stein said some of these measures are likely to fall on taxpayers' shoulders.

“We don’t have a choice to say no,” Stein said. “It’s like the two-headed llama of push and pull, and the push is coming from the federal government. We don’t know what the response is going to be from the state government, but it’s important for our budget folks at the county to understand what that budget impact could be and be really factual about it. So that’s a big job for our staff, because what we saw today was the first time we’ve seen numbers about any program.”

Genesee County officials believe their voices are important, she said, by sending messages to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney seeking her support and explaining that “if our levy is $30 million for Genesee County, any impact on that is going to cost our taxpayers,” Stein said.

“It will also impact on our ability to do roads and bridges. It'll impact our ability to invest in our machinery. We just … moved from leasing a piece of equipment to owning a piece of equipment, which was with the wheel loader. But because we didn't have access to resources, we still owned the county nursing home, we were really struggling with our budget, so we're coming out of that. We know that there will be an impact. We just don't know of the total impact of it yet,” she said. “So somewhere there is going to be a compromise down the road. There has to be, because the counties are the backbone of being program providers for both the federal and state governments. I just hope they don't get us to the last inch of the cliff before those two levels of government can hear us.”

What makes you feel that compromise is possible, given that the federal government has not seemed so inclined to bend lately?
“Those are the programs put into place by the state and the federal government, which are put into practice by counties. They need us, and if we cannot sustain ourselves, I don't want to go down that road,” she said. “I’m probably more practical right now than most people. But I'm raising the voice of Genesee County. I am raising the voice of our taxpayers to our congressional representative, which is the thing to do right now, right? And we have a relationship. She's been to our county. She knows who we are. She comes from a rural area. She has that understanding, and she comes from an agriculturally backed family, so she takes that with her.”

Stein is also counting on Sen. Chuck Schumer's support. He has been “an incredible supporter of our STAMP campus and the companies that are investing there.” He and others “know who we are,” which bodes well for this county, she said.

She also wanted to make the point that New York is different from other states when it comes to federal funding.

“So when the federal government makes cuts, it doesn't impact the state, it impacts counties directly,” she said. “I think that folks don't understand that, and that's important to understand.

“So, where other states -- every other state -- is going to feel the impacts of whatever federal cuts happen. They're going to feel it at the state level. We're going to feel it directly at the county level. So, of course, it's going to be different for us in New York,” she said. “Do we know exactly how much it's going to impact us? Today was the first time that I'd actually seen numbers for our county.”

Other financial items being considered in the bill include:

- $1.3 billion increase in uncompensated care costs for hospitals.
- $3 billion in Medicaid costs shifted to NYS every year.
- Over 1 million Medicaid enrollees (15% of the entire program) would lose coverage.
- Work requirements and other changes would increase administrative costs by more than 20%.

The bottom line message via meeting host, Executive Director and general counsel for the state Association of Counties Stephen Acquario was that, without immediate congressional action to prevent these cuts and resulting outcomes, New York and its counties “face an unsustainable $15 billion negative impact that will force choices between raising taxes or eliminating essential services for our most vulnerable residents.”

The report prompted Chautauqua County Executive Paul Wendel Jr. to pitch a scenario of a collision between federal and state entities. He asked if Hochul had information that would indicate any type of compromise.

“This is a dangerous game of chicken,” he said.

Jen Metzger disagreed with compromise as a solution.

“We don’t want our citizens here in New York State losing their health care, and we have to push, push, push at the federal level,” the Ulster County executive said. “Depriving people of healthcare is not the way we want to go.”

There was still no consensus about the bill as of Wednesday night, though some officials said they were getting closer, as House Speaker Mike Johnson and the president worked to secure enough votes for passage, according to a New York Times article. 

Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. 

The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign begins Friday, May 23 and will continue thru Monday, May 26. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel holidays and marks the official start of summer. Law enforcement agencies and local STOP-DWI programs will be collaborating in force across the state in an effort to reduce the number of impaired driving related injuries and deaths.

• Before the first drink - plan a safe ride home.
• One is all it takes. Call a taxi, a ride service or a sober friend.
• If someone has been consuming drugs or alcohol, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a safe ride home.
• When hosting a picnic or a party, whether consuming drugs or alcohol, make sure everyone has a safe ride home.

STOP-DWI efforts across New York State have made great strides in reducing the number of alcohol and drug related fatalities, however everyday lives continue to be impacted by drunk or impaired driving. Make a positive impact - choose to drive sober. 

Stepping briefly into her future role as Public Works commissioner, Laura Wadhams reviewed a laundry list of 18 items with Genesee County legislators in the absence of Tim Hens during Monday’s Public Service meeting. 

Though it won’t be long before Hens hangs up his commissioner’s name tag for good, as he is set to retire May 30. Wadhams steamrolled through the list of county road, airport and bridge projects and related financial requests, including the way in which they’re approaching a replacement for the Colby Road Bridge.

It just might put Genesee County on the map of innovation.

“So our plan for this bridge is actually a new solution for bridges. They call them InQuik bridges. It comes as a … pre-engineered form, stay-in-place form, with all rebar in it. So if we buy this, it's kind of like buying precast. You buy this, you set it, and you fill it with concrete. You can set it with an excavator instead of a crane, so there's a lot of savings in costs and time there,” Wadhams said. “So we're going to try that for this one this year. It comes on a truck and sets it with an excavator. There's a couple of people in the works with these projects statewide, but they've been built quite a bit out in Colorado and other states. They just got approved by New York State in the last year.”

This will be a test case for the county, and if it works out, then other bridges may be pursued with this same system, she said. The county has bridges of mixed materials, such as arch pipes for Rose Road Bridge, and a timber deck at one on Attica Road, she said. Colby Road’s bridge is steel, which doesn’t fare so well in our wintry, icy weather, Wadhams said.

InQuik bridges are touted as “a full solution above the foundation,” with lightweight components, reinforcing steel and formwork lifted into place, spliced together and then cast in place to complete the reinforced concrete structure.

Installation is completed in less than a week after the foundation, and it’s durable for 75+ years, website selling points state.

“This one is locally funded, so I think this one specifically we'll be able to design it this year and bid it in the spring and then construct it next year. Typically, it's a year to 18 months for design,” she said. “Typically, the steel deck ones are in the 60s to 70s era. So the steel decks just don't hold up typically in our climate. I mean, you get salt on tires that track over the top of them, so the girders start deteriorating pretty quickly right at the seam where the concrete stops, and those did. We've got a couple of them that are still left; this Colby Road is one of them.

“It’s actually going to be really interesting. I mean, that system that I was talking about hasn't been used yet in New York State, so whoever the first one is, is going to have a lot of people that are watching that, there's going to be other counties trying to see how this all fits together,” she said. “But there's a couple other counties looking at it for other bridges too. So we might not be the first.

"But they do it across the country, like I said, in Colorado. I've seen it on a bunch of presentations at the conferences that I've gone to, so it seems to work really, really well," she said. "So we're excited about it.”

The total capital project balance is $2,182,455.62 from 1% sales tax funds, and legislators approved her request not to exceed $129,800 for a consultant agreement with Barton and Loguidice in Rochester for the Colby Road Bridge. The request will go to the full Legislature for approval on May 28.

Press Release:

The New York State Thruway Authority announced work has resumed on a $36.8 million pavement improvement project on the New York State Thruway (I-90) in Monroe and Genesee Counties. The project began last summer and includes nearly 54 miles between exit 45 (Rochester - Victor - I-490) and exit 47 (Rochester - Le Roy - I-490 - NY Route 19), eastbound and westbound.

Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq. said, “This project serves as yet another example of how we’re reinvesting toll revenue to modernize our infrastructure across the Thruway system. This stretch of I-90 is vital to local communities, businesses and travelers. This work will enhance the safety and reliability of the roadway for all who use it.”

The project covers approximately 108 lane miles and includes full and partial depth repairs to restore deteriorating portions of the roadway and a new asphalt riding surface. Crews are also resurfacing the interchange ramps at exit 46, all U-turns, the parking area at milepost 353.1 eastbound, and the Ontario and Scottsville Service Areas.

Additional safety improvements include increased vertical clearance to enhance safety and mitigate bridge strikes caused by overheight vehicles, installation of rumble strips, and upgraded drainage. New mile markers are also being installed.

Work will take place primarily overnight to lessen the impact on traffic.

Sealand Contractors Corporation from Rush is the project contractor. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.

Governor Hochul signed legislation establishing the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program to further enhance safety for workers in a work zone. The safety enforcement program began in April 2023 and is in effect in various active construction zones on the Thruway. Work zones with speed camera enforcement will have clear signage leading up to the work zone. Motorists violating the posted speed limit within the work zone will be fined. Violation fines will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner by mail. More information on the program can be found here.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists are encouraged to download the Thruway Authority’s mobile app, which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists with direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go.

Travelers can also visit the Thruway Authority’s interactive Traveler Map, which features live traffic cameras. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest traffic conditions on the Thruway.

Press Release:

Starting May 7, the federal government will enforce the REAL ID Act. On that date, you’ll need a REAL ID, Enhanced Driver License (or permit/non-driver ID) or U.S. Passport to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. The Genesee County DMV wants residents to be fully prepared and avoid last-minute surprises.

To help clarify what’s required—and what isn’t—here are answers to some of the most common questions:

1. Do I need a REAL ID if I already have a passport or an Enhanced Driver's License/Permit/Non-Driver ID?
   1. No. A valid U.S. Passport or Enhanced Driver's License/Permit/Non-Driver ID already meets federal requirements. If you have either, you are already covered and do not need a REAL ID.
2. Is May 7, a deadline to get a REAL ID?
   1. Not quite. May 7 is not a deadline, but the date enforcement begins. From that point forward, standard (non-REAL ID) licenses will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel or entry to certain federal buildings. If you don’t plan to fly or enter federal facilities, you may not need a REAL ID at all.
3. What documents do I need to get a REAL ID or Enhanced ID?
   • You must bring original documentation from each of these categories:
     • Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Status
       • e.g., U.S. Birth Certificate, Valid U.S. Passport, or Permanent Resident Card
     • Proof of Identity
       • e.g., Current NYS issued document or DMV’s 6-point ID system (form ID-44)
     • Proof of Social Security Enrollment
       • e.g., Social Security Card, W-2, 1099, or pay stub (issued within 1 year with full SSN)
     • Two Proofs of NYS Residency
       • e.g., Utility bill, bank statement, mortgage deed, lease, or government-issued documents (must be from different sources and issued within one year)
     • If your legal name has changed (due to marriage, divorce, or other reason), you must bring certified proof of each name change, such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders.
   • Photocopies will not be accepted. Only original or certified documents are valid.
4. Who made this requirement?
   • The REAL ID Act is a federal law enacted by Congress to standardize identification nationwide. The Genesee County DMV is here to help citizens meet the requirement, but did not create the requirement.
5. What can I do to speed up my DMV visit?
   • The Genesee County DMV has been very busy as more residents prepare for the May 7 enforcement. To make the process easier:
     • Double-check your documents in advance
     • Bring original paperwork—no copies
     • Use our checklist to avoid surprises

Download a helpful document from the Genesee County DMV here: https://qrco.de/bfnU6u. 

Press Release:

The Jerome Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Martha M. Spinnegan Memorial Nursing Scholarship. The award is given in memory of the late Martha M. Spinnegan, who was a Foundation Trustee for over 30 years and served as the Foundation’s administrator for 15 years. 

Martha contributed greatly to the quality of life in Genesee County, serving as Director of the Richmond Memorial Library for 34 years. She was active in community organizations such as the Rotary Club of Batavia, Go Art, and the Children’s Home Board.

The nursing scholarship is an annual $1000 grant for four years, for a total of $4000, given to a deserving Senior graduating from a Genesee County School who intends to pursue a career in Nursing.

The Jerome Foundation also sponsors the William F. Brown Jr. Scholarship, which is given to a deserving Senior graduating from a Genesee County School who intends to pursue a career in journalism, communication, public relations or marketing. 

Applications for these scholarships have been sent to area High School Counselors or can be found at thejeromefoundation.org. Applications are due Friday, May 9, and can be mailed to The Jerome Foundation, PO Box 249, Batavia. If further information is needed, contact Chris Fix at thejeromefoundation@gmail.com.

Press Release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Genesee County has established a scholarship opportunity to provide financial support to an individual pursuing their education at an institution of higher learning in the fields that represent the mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension. 

Applicants must be a student in Genesee County and accepted at an accredited college or university and enrolled in or matriculated in an eligible program or major. Eligible programs or majors that fall under: Agriculture, Animal Science, Horticulture, Environmental & Nature, Food & Agribusiness, Food Systems & Technology, Nutrition, and Youth Development. 

Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to one Genesee County HS student and one adult student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Applications must be received by May 2, and the scholarship recipients will be announced at the CCE Genesee’s Board Meeting in May.

For more information, please contact our office at 343-3040 or visit our website at https://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/about-us/2025-cce-genesee-scholarship. 

This year’s annual Genesee County Youth Bureau awards banquet was not shy of people to highlight, celebrate, and recognize for their work and efforts for making a difference in the lives of youth.

Led by Carla Mindler, Erika Geer, Sarah Gregory and Theresa Osborn, Youth Bureau programs include:

• A Youth Court for restorative justice
• Genesee Youth Lead to develop leadership through monthly topic sessions, STOP-DWI awareness, and education about impaired driving
• Safe Harbour, a state program to address the impacts of human trafficking and related exploitation
• Community Outreach efforts, such as youth conferences, family game nights, Halloween kits, summer carnivals, and recognition events.

The annual Youth Recognition Award, given to young people who have demonstrated outstanding or extraordinary contributions to their communities or families, was presented to the following during this week's banquet:

Isabelle Best, Elise Fisher, Greyson Fix, Damian Frazer, Ava Goff, Rachel Hanel, Tatum Higby, Megan Jarkiewicz, Chance King, Clara Langridge, Abbigayle Leone, Leilah Manuel, Stellah Manuel, Colin McConnell, Roselin Sanchez, Reagan Schneider, Brooke Schramm, Elizabeth Starowitz, Michael Summers, Rhys Tanner, Alyssa Turner, Dominic White, and Xavier Williams.

"Highlights of the amazing work these youth do includes exceeding volunteer requirements for school, being leaders in their classrooms, extracurriculars, and athletics, dedicating their time to volunteering at their churches, taking on caregiver roles in their families, and much more," Youth Bureau Coordinator Erika Geer said in a news release. "These youth truly encompass what it means to be a leader, role model, and have a positive impact in their community."

Jennifer Bertrand received the Adult Youth Worker Award for her position as an educator at Le Roy Central School. 

"Jen manages the learning center program, which aims to help struggling learners, including those with behavioral challenges, succeed in high school," Geer said. "Additionally, Jen runs the 'Knights Closet' at the school, which is stocked with clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, and much more for all students to utilize."

Her nominator and co-worker, Jenna Essig, added that “Jen’s impact goes well beyond her formal duties; she consistently surpasses expectations.” 

Patrick Patton was honored as the Youth Volunteer of the Year. This posthumous award was presented to his wife, Beth, who accepted the award on behalf of his "unwavering commitment, dedication and exceptional talents." 

He was nominated by Le Roy Supervisor Jacqueline McLean for his "17 years of set designing, painting, and building for the Le Roy Central School Musical Program." 

"Pat designed his first set in 2007 for 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,' and continued to create beautiful sets until his last show, 'Chicago,' in 2024," Geer said. "Pat’s dedication to designing, constructing, and painting LeRoy’s sets was truly a special part of the program and he has left an incredible legacy as well as 17 years’ worth of art to the community."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press Release:

County, state, and federal officials are working to reduce the effects of severe weather and natural disasters. On March 3, FEMA released a preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for Genesee County for the public to see and comment on.

The new map gives updated information about the community’s flood risk. The map also shows areas where flood insurance coverage may be required. The current maps for Genesee County (paper, not digital) were developed in the 1980s. Some areas of the preliminary FIRM show major flood hazard changes compared to the maps that are in effect now.

FEMA, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Genesee County officials invite residents to learn how they may be affected and what they can do to protect themselves. 

The Flood Risk and Insurance Open House will be held in person on Thursday, May 15, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Genesee County Building #2, 3837 West Main Street Road, Batavia.

The Open House will not have a formal presentation. Residents can join at any time between 3 and 6:30 p.m. They can stay for any length of time. At this event, residents can talk one-on-one with FEMA representatives. They can learn more about their flood risk and potential changes to their flood insurance rates and requirements. 

If you already have flood insurance, please bring a copy of your declaration page. Residents can also see preliminary versions of the FIRM and the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report here. They can use the Old Paper Effective vs. New Digital Preliminary Data Viewer to compare the new preliminary map to the older maps.

The last FIRM for Genesee County was a paper map from the 1980s. The new FIRM will be online, which will make them accessible to more residents. It will also help community members think about how to protect themselves from future flood events. The map and the FIS report are the basis for each community’s floodplain management regulations.

Due to these map changes, some properties in Genesee County may no longer be shown in the high-risk flood zone. This is known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). If a building is outside the SFHA on the new FIRM, flood insurance is not federally required. However, it is still recommended for both homeowners and renters.

Some properties may be shown in an SFHA for the first time. Those owners may need to buy flood insurance. Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the United States. Community members should know their current flood risk. This can help them use the tools and programs available to make their property and community safer.

Would you like to request a reasonable accommodation (sign language, real-time captioning or other)? Please email Michael.Foley3@fema.dhs.gov or FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov. You may also call FEMA’s Civil Rights Resource Line at 833-285-7448.

To learn more or to see the flood maps, visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov. At floodsmart.gov, you can learn about flood insurance. You may also contact a map specialist at the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) at 877-336-2627 or FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov. 

For Open House questions, email our outreach lead, Rachel Wagner, at rachel.wagner@associates.fema.dhs.gov.

Press Release:

The YWCA of Genesee County is proud to announce the 2025 Women of Inspiration Awards Luncheon, set to take place on Saturday, May 3, from 12 - 2:30 p.m. at Terry Hills Banquet Facility in Batavia. This year’s event will honor women in five categories, who have made remarkable contributions to their community in the areas of education, leadership, inspiration, and entrepreneurship. 

The honorees include:

Education: Lucy Sackett

Lucy Sackett’s dedication to the Batavia community spans over 50 years, particularly in physical education and water safety. As a passionate swimming instructor, Lucy taught children essential water safety skills, empowering countless young individuals, especially young women. Despite personal hardship, Lucy has continued her community involvement, now supporting Crossroads House, a local comfort care facility. Her lifelong commitment to education and the empowerment of women makes her a deserving recipient of the Education Award.

Leadership: Karyn Winters

Karyn Winters, Director of the Genesee County Business Education Alliance, has long been recognized for her exceptional leadership and tireless efforts to bridge the gap between education and business. Through initiatives like GLOW with Your Hands and youth camps, Karyn has worked to provide students with valuable workforce skills and opportunities. She is a passionate advocate for women in the workforce and a leader who encourages others to reach their full potential. Karyn’s vision, organizational expertise, and dedication make her an ideal recipient of the Leadership Award.

Inspiration: Mary Kate Hoffman

As the Superintendent of Pavilion Central School District, Mary Kate Hoffman has broken barriers in education and inspired countless young women to pursue their dreams. Kate’s leadership has created opportunities for students, especially young women, to excel in fields typically dominated by men. Through initiatives such as a food processing program, Kate has empowered students with practical skills that contribute to both their personal success and the local economy. Her work in education reflects the YWCA’s commitment to equality, justice, and empowerment for all.

TEAM - Leadership Genesee Book Club

The Leadership Genesee Book Club, formed in 2012, brings together a group of women who are committed to fostering education, leadership, and community service. The ladies in this incredible group include, Stacey Anderson, Samantha Stryker, Sue Blanchard, Michelle Dills, Chris Fix, Diana Fox, Brenda Lee Heinemann, Laurie Mastin, Rebecca McGee, Donna Morrill, Lisa Ormsbee, Betty Powers, Barb Shine and Lynn VanDerBeck. As alumni of Leadership Genesee, these women serve on various local boards and organizations, working collaboratively to make a positive impact in Batavia and beyond. The collective work of this club serves as an inspiration for future generations of women leaders, making them deserving recipients of the TEAM Award.

Entrepreneur: Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche 

Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche is a board-certified pediatrician and founder of Three Little Birds Pediatrics. Her leadership in healthcare and her entrepreneurial spirit have made her a vital force in her community. Her dedication to providing high-quality, culturally sensitive care has helped countless women and children. Additionally, her support of the YWCA has ensured the continuation of vital services for the community, cementing her as a powerful advocate for women and families.

The event will also feature Keynote Speaker Linda Dynel, a survivor whose story of resilience will inspire all in attendance. The luncheon will be emceed by MaryAlice Demler of Channel 2 News, promising an empowering and impactful afternoon.

Tickets are available now, and the 2025 Women of Inspiration Awards Luncheon is sure to be a memorable experience for all attendees, celebrating the strength, leadership, and contributions of these remarkable women.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.ywcagenesee.org or call us at 585-343-5808.

After years of trying to work with and around the city of Batavia’s residency requirements, City Council is considering a change beyond granting waivers as it has done for many past employees.

Assistant City Manager Erik Fix proposed revising the code for most departments during council’s conference meeting Monday evening.

“We formed a small committee of department heads, and we went back and forth many, many times. We spoke to multiple staff people in regards to this, and really, at the end of the day, it comes down to two simple things,” Fix said. “Number one, as the local law reads, the residency requirement requires you to reside in an adjacent town to the county of Genesee. So if your town touches Genesee, you can live there. The proposal changes that we're looking to make it any adjacent county. So there's seven adjacent counties to Genesee County, and it would allow us to recruit out of any of those counties, to bring folks here, hopefully at some point here, and do all that great stuff, but at least help fill out our own police force, DPW and other places.”

The second “change” is not actually a change at all, he said, after a review by the fire department Chief Josh Graham and his captains. They determined that recalling firefighters from outside the county for emergencies and after hours would be “extremely difficult,” so that department’s requirement will remain to be for any town within Genesee County, Fix said.

The positions of city manager and city clerk will continue to require city of Batavia residency, he said. The proposal is to go to the next business meeting for council to set a public hearing before an official vote on the revised code. The public hearing will be at 7 p.m. April 28 at City Hall.

City resident and regular meeting attendee John Roach said a few preemptive words during the public comments portion of Monday’s meeting. He encouraged council members to vote for the change of residency requirement.

“It’s obvious that the city has a problem attracting real, good candidates. They’re out there, but they don’t want to move,” Roach said. “I think the idea of changing it for everybody … it’s a great idea to expand the area. Times have changed.”

Section 22 of the city code for residency requirements would be revised for Local Law Number 3 of the year 2019 to include any “county” adjacent to the city of Batavia for every city department except fire, city manager and city clerk.