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Working in law enforcement, the way Sheriff Joseph Graff sees it, is the most rewarding job anybody can have.

He's enjoyed everything he's done since joining the Sheriff's Office in 2005 -- road patrol, criminal investigations, chief of road patrol, chief of investigations, and, since Jan. 1, sheriff.

"All of my positions here have been super rewarding for me," Graff said. "You know, everything that I've done, my road patrol time was exciting, fun, and rewarding. Then all the roles I've had subsequent to that have really followed the same suit. So if you ask me, which one I like the best, I've loved them all. I've loved all my positions here. They've all been great. You know, they all have different facets and different parts that are exciting. And you know, certainly I've enjoyed it all."

The Batavian interviewed Graff on Wednesday to see how he's settling into his new role after five months on the job.

Graff is a congenial and cheerful guy who has always been approachable, even on crime scenes and at serious accident scenes.

"I guess I have always tried to, whether it's people in the community or you guys (reporters), or anyone, give people the same amount of respect that you get from them," 

As a field training officer, Graff said that was the same ethic he tried to pass on to the rookies in his care.

Graff grew up in Stafford in a Catholic household, attending Byron-Bergen Central School for a year before transferring to St. Joe's. He graduated from Notre Dame and then attended St. John Fisher, where he studied finance and economics.

He wasn't sure what he wanted to do, but felt drawn toward law enforcement.  In 1999, he landed a job with Genesee County Probation.

"Patrol jobs were fewer and farther between," Graff said. "Then, you know, at that time in department, life, in society, not a lot of people were retiring. The attrition rate was low. Retirements weren't as frequent as it is now. So I was on the deputy sheriff's list, and when an opening became available, I got hired as a deputy sheriff."

That was in 2005. He worked road patrol until 2015, when he was promoted to chief deputy of road patrol. In 2019, long-time lead criminal investigator Jerome Brewster retired, so Graff returned to investigations as chief deputy of that unit.

When did you first start thinking about becoming a sheriff some day?
"I think it's something that you always think about. You know, when you walk through the door on day one," Graff said.

Do you think all deputies think about becoming sheriff?
"I think they do. I think they should. I think when you do this job, that's something that you kind of always have in your mind, you know, 'Well, yeah, someday I want to be the sheriff.'"

He added, "As I progressed through my career, I had in my mind, always thinking of the end game that, yeah, something I would like to be the sheriff of Genesee County, which, I'm humbled and I'm honored by that."

And, he said, he felt ready for the job when the time came.

"I think having the two roles that I had before this, chief of the road, chief of the Investigation Division, really gave me a front row seat to how the operations work here," Graff said. Then once you get that job, certainly there are other doors. There are those moments of discovery of different things that you have to learn. I'm not naive to the fact that there is still to learn, but, you know, I felt prepared going into it, and certainly having good people around who you know, who have good thoughts and good insights, helps."

Undersheriff Brad Mazur, who also served as undersheriff for Sheriff William Sheron, has been a big help with the transition, Graff said.

"He's been invaluable," Graff said. "All the leaders that we have here at the Sheriff's Office, in the communications division, Animal Control, Genesee Justice, the CAC (Child Advocacy Center), the jail, the road patrol. The Sheriff's Office is more than you know. I'm glad we have established people here who are good leaders that I can trust."

As for goals, the Sheriff's Office, Graff said, has a tradition of community service.

"I want to maintain that, but at the same time, law enforcement has changed even in the course of my career," Graff said. "There's more to do. With the evolution of law enforcement and the changes in law enforcement,  I want to make sure that we're staying in step with that and we're still able to provide the community with the services that we should be providing."

For example, he said, just from the time he started in investigations until now, things are "vastly different."

"The opportunities for investigative leads are much higher, but at the same time, we have different types of crimes that we're looking at, too," Graff said. "I don't want this to all be about investigations, but I'm just thinking that in the future, I want to make sure there are offices prepared to handle anything that comes our way."

One aspect of the job that has changed over the past 20 years is that today, there is a greater emphasis on officer wellness.

"I don't want to just say officer wellness. I want to say, our whole-department wellness," Graff said. "I think historically, law enforcement hasn't had a great track record of recognizing (wellness) and taking care of (wellness). We have become more cognizant of that in recent years. That's something that's on our radar and that we're working to better recognize the tolls that this profession takes. We're trying to be better, recognize that, and assist (officers) along the way."

Outside of public safety, what can law enforcement do to make society better?
"Certainly, public safety is our primary mission. ... We're also in the building community relations business, too. I think a perfect example of that is our SRO (school resource officers) program. They're certainly there for the safety aspect of schools, but they also build those relationships with the students in the schools. Those students relate to the deputy that's in the school as a person, and that certainly helps in that in the direction of public safety, too."

The cost to taxpayers for all the SROs in the county exceeds $1 million. Is it worth it?
"Absolutely. The safety of probably our most vulnerable population, our kids, should be a top priority for everyone. The SROs in the schools certainly provide that safety aspect. But as we were talking about a minute ago, I think the relationships they build in the schools, that they build with the students, probably have unseen benefits. You can't really put a number on it, or put a financial price on, just the benefits of having someone there who they know they can go to, builds a trusting relationship with police, which is obviously super important for a community."

Graff and his wife Erin celebrated their 20th anniversary in January. They have three daughters, Gabrielle, who is now in college, and Gianna and Lila both attend Byron-Bergen.

He credits his mom and dad for his work ethic. 

"I always believed that if you're going to put your name on something, you want it to be right," Graff said.

He's proud to live and work in a community that supports law enforcement, he said. 

"I think we're very fortunate that I live and work in a community where we have the support of our community," Graff said. "It's not like that in other places in the country. I am very grateful that we have the community support that we have here in this county. I think anyone who lives here feels that support. I think it's a great place to live. The weather can be a little shaky now and then, but I love winter. I do love winter. So that doesn't bother me at all."

Any final thoughts?
"I'll tell you, I'm super proud of the Sheriff's Office and who we are and what we do," Graff said. "I still love to come to work every day. I'm excited about opportunities in the future. I want everybody to be as proud of the Sheriff's Office as I am. I guess that's one of my goals."

There may be more market-rate apartments in Batavia’s future if City Council approves an offer to purchase vacant property on Orleans Avenue Extension.

Bruce Curtis of Corfu has offered to buy .45 acres of wooded land in the R2 residential district of the city’s west/southwest side, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said during this week’s conference meeting.

“The resolution before you would allow the city to abandon and discontinue the public use of the paper street and sell 20,750 square feet, point four five acres, to Mr. Curtis, who has offered the city the appraised value of $15,500 for the parcel,” Tabelski said Monday at City Hall.

Curtis owns six parcels, including 120-122 Pearl Street and 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31 Orleans Avenue, all of which abut Orleans Avenue Extension. His intentions are to redevelop the property and build five to seven market-rate single-story duplex residential units, Tabelski said.

This plan falls in line with the city’s Comprehensive Plan that was written in 2017, as it “highlights a mixed use of new housing units as a designated priority for the city.” Curtis also owns units similar to what he intends to create on 32 and 36 River Street, Tabelski said, and they are of “very nice quality.”

The units would be two-bedroom apartments with all of the necessary utilities. Orleans Avenue Extension is now listed as a “paper street,” since it has no utilities connected to it, she said. The parcel was not advertised and no one else approached the city about purchasing it, she said.

The property is “landlocked,” City Attorney George Van Nest said, so it would be difficult for the city or any other developers to make good use of it.

Curtis offered a price that has been deemed a fair market value by a recent appraisal from Bruckner, Tillett, Rossi, Cahill & Associates. All of the appraisal fees and closing costs would be paid by Curtis, Tabelski said in a memo to council.

Another piece of good news is that the property would go onto the tax rolls.

Tabelski recommended that the city “continue to foster housing development,” and authorized council to approve the sale of this property at a future business meeting.

The Batavian was unable to contact Curtis for additional comments.

Press Release:

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the Genesee County Jail’s main phone number, 585-343-0838, will be out of service for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, no incoming calls are able to be received, however, outgoing calls and in-house county extensions will not be affected.

We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

A motorcyclist died at the scene of an accident that was reported at 6:46 p.m. on Monday at Route 19 and the I-490 on-ramp in Le Roy.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Duane L. Girdner, 65, of Rochester, was traveling northbound on Route 19 on a 2005 Vespa Motorcycle when the bike struck the rear passenger side door of a 2015 Chrysler 300, driven by Sara J. Stevens, 25, of Livonia, that was northbound approaching the on-ramp. 

Steven allegedly failed to stop for a stop sign and failed to yield to oncoming traffic, pulling out in front of Girdner's bike.

The collision threw Girdner into the side of the vehicle, causing serious physical injuries. He was pinned under his Vespa until bystanders, Le Roy Fire, and Mercy EMS responded and administered life-saving measures.

Girdner succumbed to his injuries roadside and was pronounced dead by the Coroner's Office at the scene.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and no charges were announced. The Crash Management Team is handling the investigation. Assisting at the scene were the Le Roy Fire Department, Mercy EMS, Le Roy PD, and multiple bystanders.

Bethany Water District 5 residents are encouraged to attend a meeting this week to discuss water hook-ups with water department personnel, Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. says.

"This is not a meeting you want to miss," he says.

Bring any questions or concerns you have at this time.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bethany Community Center, 10510 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

With four festivals under its belt, and a new one added this year, GO ART! needed a designated special events coordinator, Gregory Hallock says, and tacked the extra duties and label onto Social Media Director Courtney Henderson’s title.

Henderson has taken on this year’s Just Kings' Juneteenth Celebration Festival, in collaboration with Just Kings, a grassroots group that has been organizing fundraisers and giveaways in Batavia for the last several years. With a growing event to celebrate Juneteenth, Just Kings organizers wanted to pool resources and also use GO ART!’s nonprofit status for donations and sponsorships, Hallock and Henderson said on Monday.

“It’s growing, and they’re a group of volunteers trying to make that happen,” Hallock, GO ART!’s executive director, said. “They’re growing to secure its continued success and wanted to go with a nonprofit to make sure that happens. We want this to happen, we’re just helping to make that happen, and we will have a booth at Juneteenth as well.”

Working with a 501(c)(3) means that any donations and sponsorships can be declared as tax write-offs, Hallock said, which is helpful to organizations and businesses. 

GO ART! has been a supporter of the Juneteenth celebration for several years, said Greg Munroe, one of the event's organizers.

"After the first or second year, GO ART! reached out and wanted to help us out, and they helped us get a grant, I want to say, like three years ago," Munroe said. "To this point, that grant has basically run out. We're looking for funding help, and we've reached out to GO ART! again. They said they would love to collaborate with us."

Henderson has been particularly helpful with social media and promotion, and helping bring together some funding for the event.

Just Kings is still running the event, he said.

While Juneteenth, the nationally recognized holiday, is on June 19, this event is set for noon to 8 p.m. on June 14, which is a Saturday. (Being Pride month, there will also be a related event going on that day at Jackson Square.)

“We’ll have a sign at each event asking people to support both,” Hallock said. “We’re working on adding a bunch of educational and art components to Juneteenth.”

Last year’s event was busy with vendors and attendees, music and food, and this year should not disappoint, Henderson said. She welcomes applications from nonprofits, businesses, food trucks and booths, and musicians.

“I am in the search right now for a storyteller, an enthusiastic storyteller for kids, who can give educational tales as part of our entertainment/culture portion," she said. "We're also looking into trivia, like toy trivia when it comes to black inventors -- did you know the Super Soaker was invented by a black man? And I know we're looking into getting a double Dutch team, okay, and we're trying to find a step team.

“We are asking for anybody who is a food vendor to have at least one item that culturally represents the black community, and that obviously can vary widely based on what they serve," she said. "But that will also flow with the educational portion. That way, there’s education throughout the entire event."

On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Texas received official emancipation, marking the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is celebrated annually, often with parades, parties and festivals that highlight African American history and culture.

"GO ART! is excited to host just King's Juneteenth Celebration Festival, a day dedicated to honoring freedom, unity, and the rich cultural heritage of Juneteenth," Henderson said.

On the group’s social media site, Just Kings invites folks to “celebrate freedom, culture, and community at this vibrant, family-friendly event in the heart of downtown Batavia! Enjoy live music, African drumming, spoken word, food trucks, Black-owned vendors, art, history, and kids’ activities — all honoring the legacy and significance of Juneteenth.

Munroe said that anyone who would like to donate in support of the event can contact Just Kings directly. If the donor seeks the tax benefit of a charitable donation, donations can be made through GO ART!

“Bring the whole family for a day of joy, learning, and connection,” organizers state. “Let's celebrate Black excellence, community strength, and the power of unity!”

The deadline for vendor and food vendor submissions is May 15. For more information, email festivals@goart.org.

Press Release:

Six Flags Darien Lake, The Coaster Capital of New York, is thrilled to announce its fan-favorite lineup of special events for the 2025 season, beginning with Opening Day on May 16. From Star-Spangled Night to Fright Fest, there is something exciting for everyone to enjoy when they visit this year.

Mind Eraser, the suspended looping coaster will reopen for 2025 with a newly profiled track, a fresh new paint job, and the addition of two new trains which include comfort updates such as wider seats and a new restraint system. The ride is 110 feet long with five inversions including a heart-loop. It is New York’s only suspended looping coaster. The ride closed in 2024 for these improvements and upgrades. The ride will open with the park this season offering guests a whole new smoother and comfortable ride experience.

“This is the most exciting summer to visit Darien Lake ever,” expressed Six Flags Darien Lake President Christopher Thorpe. “Whether you’re visiting for a new ride experience like Mind Eraser, the refreshing water park, a rocking night out at a concert, our laser show, or any one of our incredible signature seasonal events, the fun starts now. Our welcoming team is committed to ensuring our guests have a spectacular visit and create memories that last a lifetime.”

2025 Event Lineup

Opening Day (May 16) - Welcome back to Six Flags Darien Lake! Experience an unforgettable day of thrills, entertainment and more when the park opens for the season.

Hurricane Harbor Opening Weekend (May 17-18) - Jump back into the poolside fun at Hurricane Harbor! Ride the slides, relax in the pool, or stay cool in one of our exclusive cabanas. Bring your bathing suit and take the plunge when Hurricane Harbor opens to the public.

Star-Spangled Night (July 4) - Celebrate the spirit of our nation at Six Flags Darien Lake with a breathtaking patriotic fireworks show. Perfect for all ages!

Live Nation Concert Series (various dates) - Get ready for the ultimate summer experience at Darien Lake Amphitheater! Join us for a thrilling Live Nation concert series featuring top artists like The Lumineers, Dierks Bentley, Kesha, Nelly, and Blink-182 and more. Concert-goers receive admission to Darien Lake, Hurricane Harbor, and more with ticket purchase. Stay where you play with an overnight adventure in our hotel, RVs or cabins, or rough it by camping at one of our campsites. Rock on! Complete listing of concerts here.

Kingdom Bound (July 27-30) - Experience Kingdom bound, a three-day Christian music festival at Darien Lake featuring four stages and 50+ artists. Guests receive admission to Darien Lake and Hurricane Harbor, special experiences, and more. Complete information at https://www.kingdombound.org/.

Oktoberfest (Aug. 30-Sept. 14, Select Days) - Enjoy the mouthwatering tastes of Oktoberfest right here at Six Flags Darien Lake! Indulge and savor the tastes and sounds of Germany, as we offer authentic German food, beverages, music and family-friendly entertainment. Plus, the park’s most popular rides are open, making Oktoberfest a must-do event for the whole family. Prost!

Fright Fest (Sept. 20-Oct. 25, Select Nights) - Get your fright on this fall when Fright Fest returns to Six Flags Darien Lake! The theme park transforms into a scream park filled with Halloween attractions that offer unforgettable thrills and unspeakable horror. Discover your scream with eerie scare zones, thrilling night rides, amazing live shows, and spine-chilling haunted houses.

Kids Boo Fest (Sept. 20-Oct. 25, Select Days) - The spooktacular fun returns this fall at Six Flags Darien Lake with Kids Boo Fest! Filled with Halloween activities, entertainment, trick-or-treat trails and other not-so-scary experiences, Kids Boo Fest is perfect for the little ghouls and ghosts in your family.

On select summer nights, be dazzled by the Laser Light Spectacular show beginning at dusk. Set to exciting music, and enhanced on weekends with fireworks, this laser show is a must-do way to celebrate the end of your day of thrills.

Guests can enjoy unlimited visits to Six Flags Darien Lake and Hurricane Harbor through Labor Day with a Silver Season Pass for only $55 (plus tax) through May 27. For more information on tickets, season passes, events or hours of operation, visit https://www.sixflags.com/darienlake.

The best way to enjoy the park is by booking one of many unique lodging accommodations to extend the fun. Learn more about the best deals at https://www.sixflagsdarienlakelodging.com/.

Six Flags Darien Lake is now a smoke-free environment. For the convenience and comfort of all guests, smoking of any kind, including vapor and e-cigarettes, is not permitted inside the park.

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to welcome Dr. Michael Boston of SUNY Brockport as our next Guest Speaker on Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m. Dr. Boston of SUNY Brockport will be presenting on "Female Conductors of the Underground Railroad in Western and Central New York." Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan on attending.

Every first Wednesday is Night at the Museum at the Holland Land Office Museum. Come to the museum between 5 and 8 p.m. for extended hours on Wednesday, April 7 for those who cannot make it during our regularly scheduled ones! For Night at the Museum, you will get special personal tours from staff and volunteers, and see more behind the scenes! We hope to see you there! Admission is the regular pricing listed on our website!

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next Trivia Night on Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m. Come and test your knowledge our county and study up on the history of Genesee County. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to welcome back the DSP Trio for a concert on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. The local jazz group of Derek Reiss, Skip Taylor and Peter Mark will get your toes a tapping with a great selection of jazz music. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Java with Joe E. Series on Thursday, May 22 at 9 a.m. Richard Beatty will be presenting on "Dr. Seuss Goes to War." In conjunction with the new exhibit at HLOM, Richard Beatty will present a look back at Dr. Seuss's virtually unknown WWII era political cartoons. Author Richard H Minear, now retired Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, discovered that there existed 400 drawings that ultimately became the subject matter for his 1999 book, "Dr. Seuss Goes to War, the World War II Editorial Cartoons of Theodor Seuss Geisel." Come and hear about Seuss's contribution to the war effort years before his name became famous for his wildly popular children's books. Thank you to Tim Horton's of Batavia for sponsoring the refreshments for Java with Joe E. for 2025.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Concert Series on Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m. Bart Dentino will be playing an acoustic selection of music that will include original compositions and songs by such artists as James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, The Beatles, and others. Bart was twice selected Best Performer and Best Vocalist of the Year by Freetime Magazine. It was the first time in the magazine’s history an artist was selected in two individual categories. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

The Holland Land Office Musuem is proud to announce the latest presenter in our Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. Vic Vignola will be presenting on his book "Contrast in Command: The Battle of Fair Oaks, May 31-June 1, 1862." His presentation describes the golden opportunity McClellan presented Confederate leadership at Seven Pines/Fair Oaks on May 31, 1862. A day which developed into one of contrasts regarding leadership and command decisions made by Johnston, Sumner, and others. Award winning author/historian Victor Vignola is a lifelong student of the Civil War. His first book Contrasts in Command: The Battle of Fair Oaks – May 31 – June 1, 1862. He has also authored magazine articles for the American Civil War, and North and South publications. Vic conducts Civil War history programs and conducts tours of various sites. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

NOTE: The Batavian asked a spokesman for the Social Security Administration about the reason for the temporary closure. He said, "The Batavia SSA office underwent renovations to feature additional interviewing booths, which will allow us to provide better service with additional privacy for our visitors.  On Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2, 2025, the office will be temporarily closed to walk-in visitors while we finalize renovations."

Press Release:

The Batavia Social Security office located at 571 East Main Street, Batavia, NY, will be temporarily closed on Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2. The office will reopen to the public on Monday, May 5th, 2025, at 9:00am. Local telephone services at the Batavia Social Security office will remain available at 1-866-931-7103. 

People who need to conduct their Social Security business in person may visit the following Social Security offices:

• 4050 West Ridge Road, 2nd Floor, Rochester, NY
• 200 East Main Street, 2nd Floor, Rochester, NY   

Social Security office hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.   

Social Security’s customers can now make appointments for all types of services instead of waiting in line, resulting in a better overall experience and reductions in wait times. 

Customers can still wait in line if they cannot or do not want to make an appointment.  Staff at local offices are being particularly mindful of vulnerable populations, people with disabilities, and other groups needing specialized or immediate attention when they walk in.  People can schedule an appointment by calling their local office (recommended) or 1-800-772-1213, which also has a call-back feature.  People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

Many Social Security services are conveniently available online at www.ssa.gov.  People may create their my Social Security account, a personalized online service, at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.  If they already receive Social Security benefits, they can start or change direct deposit online, request a replacement SSA-1099, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.  People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits.  The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services. 

Need a Social Security Number card? 
Please note for many situations people only need their number and not the actual card.  If they need a card, they should start the process online. 

People can visit www.ssa.gov/number-card to submit a request for a replacement card, start an application for an updated card, or to request a Social Security number for the first time.  Some people may not need to visit an office and, if they do need to visit an office to complete the application, they will save a lot of time by starting online. 

Want to apply for benefits?  
People can apply online for most benefits.  In many cases, there are no forms to sign.  The agency will review the application and reach out with questions or for more information.  Visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare. 

Need proof of benefits, want to check the status of an application or appeal, or curious what else people can do online?   

Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount or www.ssa.gov/onlineservices today. 

Press Release:

Each year, letter carriers across the country head out on their routes on the second Saturday in May to collect donations of non-perishable food items to benefit local food pantries. Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers' annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has grown into the nation's largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States.

The need is great, but you can help. We invite you to join letter carriers and our partner organizations in the fight to end hunger in our communities by participating in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Simply leave your donation of non-perishable food in a bag near your mailbox on the second Saturday in May, and your letter carrier will do the rest.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is calling out the Majority for its inability to present a finished state budget. The budget, which was due on April 1, is now over three weeks late with no end in sight. Without a finalized proposal, local organizations such as school boards will have to prepare their own budgets without any idea of how much revenue they will be getting from the state.

“The delayed budget is a slap in the face to our local school districts courtesy of Gov. Hochul and the Majority in Albany,” said Hawley. “How can our school boards create their budgets if they don’t even know what funds they will be getting? This isn’t just a mild inconvenience. They are setting our schools up for failure. We need real leadership if we want to provide for our local school districts.”

What was supposed to be a time when the state Legislature was not scheduled to be in session has turned into a colossal waste of taxpayer funds. Currently, Gov. Hochul is costing taxpayers $40,000 per day in per diems and mileage to bring members back to Albany. That’s nearly $300,000 that could have been avoided had the Majority presented a budget on time. 

Hawley has introduced a proposal that would prevent the governor from receiving a paycheck until the budget is passed. Currently, the same standard is applied to the state Legislature, and Hawley believes this should be the case for the governor as well.

“The fact that the governor can continue to hold up budget negotiations and still cash her paychecks is completely ridiculous,” said Hawley. “Working New Yorkers across this state understand that if you don’t do your job, you don't get paid. We cannot continue to waste taxpayer dollars while making zero progress on the budget. There’s no reason why Gov. Hochul should not be held to the same standard as every other elected official in the Capitol.”

Press Release:

The Batavia Concert Band is beginning its 101st season, and is actively recruiting youth musicians to join us for a couple of amazing concerts in beautiful Centennial Park this summer!

Eligible student musicians need to be able to play level 2/3 music.

Session One

Tues. July 8 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Tues. July 15 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Tues. July 22 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Wed. July 23 - 6:30 p.m. Arrival, 7 p.m. Concert in Centennial Park

Session Two

Tues. July 29 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Tues. Aug. 5 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Tues. Aug. 12 - Rehearsal, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. at GCC
Wed. Aug. 13 - 6:30 p.m. Arrival, 7 p.m. Concert in Centennial Park

For more information, please contact Lindsey Almeter at Lalmeter@albionk12.org or 716-949-5376.

The registration link may be found here Cadet Band registration.

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. 

Press Release:

As part of our ongoing effort to ensure public safety and maintain a smooth flow of traffic, the Batavia Police Department would like to remind residents and visitors of the importance of adhering to parking regulations in our city. 

Did you know that improperly parked vehicles can: 

• Block traffic lanes and sidewalks, causing congestion and hazards for pedestrians and motorists alike.
• Obstruct emergency responders, such as fire trucks and ambulances, from reaching their destinations quickly.
• Limit parking availability for businesses, residents, and visitors, negatively impacting local commerce and quality of life. 

To avoid fines and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Batavia, please remember to: 

• Park in designated parking spaces only, and within the marked lines.
• Avoid parking in areas with posted "No Parking" signs or zones.
• Keep a safe distance from fire hydrants, crosswalks, and intersections.
• Be mindful of time restrictions and parking permits in designated areas. 

All parking regulations for the City of Batavia can be found in the Batavia Municipal Code. 

By following these simple guidelines, you can help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in Batavia. 

Remember, parking regulations are in place to protect you, your neighbors, and our community. If you have any questions or concerns about parking regulations in Batavia, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Batavia Police Department. 

Together, let's make our city a better place to live, work, and visit!
 

Press Release:

The New York State Governor’s Youth Council is seeking passionate, dedicated youths ages 13-21 to apply for their 2025-2026 term. Members of the Youth Council meet virtually with their Regional Peers and Regional Representative at least twice a month. Members also participate with Statewide Peers at youth led events. 

2025-26 Topics Include:

• Youth Mental Health
• Social Media Impact on Youth
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
• Youth Voice & Engagement
• Environmental Changes to Our Communities

How to Apply:

Those youth interested in applying will need to complete an online application process. Applications are due Monday, May 19. Visit, https://nysylc.secure-platform.com/a/ to apply now.

If you want to make a lasting impact on issues you see in your community, please apply. You can be the voice and change you want to see. 

For additional information, contact Genesee County Youth Bureau at Genesee.Youthbureau@dfa.state.ny.us or 585-344-3960.

Not even the rain could dampen the spirits of more than 200 participants who took part in the inaugural Pembroke Teachers' Federation (PTF) Heart & Sole 5K on Saturday.

Thanks to their efforts, the PTF raised $2,815 in support of Genesee County Mental Health.

The top three male and female winners (distance of 3.47 miles):

Male Overall:

1st: Jeff Dibble - 22:55 

2nd: Mitchell Humel - 23:40

3rd: Toby Behan - 25:18

Female Overall:

1st: Alyssa Antinore - 26:20

2nd: Brooke Reynolds - 26:47

3rd: Cherie Cousins - 26:59 
 

Photos by Kara Richenberg
 

Shad Nowicki, an Ellicottville resident who has gained a national reputation as a pop artist specializing in vivid portraits of movie characters, appeared at Foxprowl Toys and Collectibles on Ellicott Street, Batavia, on Saturday.

He met with fans and discussed his work for six hours.

Owner Bill Hume said Nowicki "has been commissioned directly by many celebrities to do work for them and is very well-known in the Comic-Con circuit."

John F. Innes III, age 61, of Stafford, who passed away on March 29, was honored today with a truck memorial parade on Saturday from the Genesee County Fairgrounds through Stafford.

More than 50 trucks participated in the parade.

It was organized by Bruce Scofield, owner of Scofield Transfer & Recycling Inc., where Innes worked for nine years.

"He was like family to everyone at Scofield Transfer & Recycling," Scofield said. "He was a great employee. He never called in sick the entire time he worked for me."

Scofield said more than 250 people attended a celebration of life after the parade.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Wholesome nutrition, doing chores as needed, daily exercise and family have been the staples to ensure Celia Puccio’s longevity all these years.

Just how many years? A native of Batavia, she just celebrated her 103rd birthday earlier this week.

Celia grew up on Hutchins Street with her parents, Josephine and Rocco, grandmother, and nine siblings, plus brother Tony’s hunting dogs. They grew a garden and canned vegetables, baked bread, sharing chores either before and/or after school, she said.

“I did whatever had to be done, they were always baking or cooking, and we had to pick up after them,” Celia said at her Oak Street home. “They did the canning process, and you had to clean up all the messes.”

Was it ever tough to get attention or enough to eat in that brood? “Never,” she said. “It was wonderful.”

“My brother said ‘never eat everything on your plate, give some to the dogs,’” she said.

His sisters would clean up after dinner, and Mary didn’t listen to him; she ate everything on her plate, Celia said with a smile. Celia went to Lincoln, then Jackson Elementary School, finally attending the former Batavia Jr-Sr High School on Ross Street. She didn’t graduate, because “I met him,” as a junior, she said, pointing to her framed wedding photo of her and the late Charley Puccio from decades ago.

She dropped out of school a year early and married Charley, and they first moved in with her grandmother in Oakfield before settling into their longtime home on Oak Street. Charlie set up a barbershop with his uncle, beginning at age 12 before meeting the love of his life. He incrementally built onto the original structure as money allowed, to create a larger home, barber shop and garage. Those renovations more than doubled the space, Celia said.

He died in 2002 after the couple was married for nearly 60 years. And the barbershop carries on with daughter Kathy, who stays with mom about three days a week. Just thinking about all of that commotion and dry wall dust made Celia wince a bit.

“I wouldn’t want to go back,” she said. “I was a stay-at-home mom ,and in later years I worked as an assistant cook at the high school. I enjoyed cooking for the family.”

Every Sunday meant the air was filled with simmering homemade tomato sauce — with tomato paste added in — for the weekly spaghetti supper.

Her meals have been nutritious, such as beans and greens of all kinds, with lots of garlic. And she used to take daily walks, meeting four girlfriends at the corner of Oak and Richmond. She also refused a few habits, such as smoking and drinking.

Walking is more difficult now, and Celia likes to watch cooking shows and use a bike pedal machine. She pointed to a picture frame of scrolling family photos.

“They mean more to me than TV,” she said.

Family includes four children, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two twins on the way for a September arrival. That's a new goal to make, her daughter said. 

Visits with family are golden.

“I enjoy it very much,” Celia said, sharing a piece of life advice she’s learned along the way. “Just love one another.”

Press Release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the release of a newly updated Barn Quilt Trail brochure and companion website, enhancing the way locals and visitors can experience one of the largest collections of hand-painted barn quilts in New York State. 

Created by Le Roy Historian Lynne Belluscio and the Le Roy Historical Society, the self-guided driving tour now features nearly 120 barn quilts throughout Le Roy and the surrounding countryside. The updated brochure and interactive website at LeRoyBarnQuilt.org offer full-color photos, quilt stories, and four scenic driving routes that guide travelers through the rural beauty and charm of Genesee County.

“Folks really like the new brochures and are amazed at all the new barn quilts that have gone up recently,” said Belluscio. “Even local people who thought they had seen them all are going back out to find the new ones. They also enjoy using the barcode to learn more about the stories behind each quilt. We hope folks will see the billboard on the Thruway, take Exit 47, and enjoy the rural byways. Now’s a great time to look for them before the leaves come out—and of course, we hope they’ll stop to have something to eat while they’re in town.”

The Barn Quilt Trail began in 2011 as a bicentennial project for the Town of Le Roy and has since grown into a beloved regional attraction. Barn quilts now adorn barns, garages, homes, and other structures, each one a piece of public art that shares a unique story rooted in family heritage, community spirit, and local pride. 

These updated trail materials celebrate that storytelling tradition while making the experience more accessible and engaging for travelers seeking authentic, heritage-rich adventures. Barn quilt trails have become a hallmark of rural tourism, and in Le Roy, they represent a deep connection to agriculture, art, and history.

Printed brochures are available locally at the Genesee County Visitor Center (8276 Park Road, Batavia) and at many Le Roy locations, including:

Crocker’s Ace Hardware, Attic to Basement, Le Roy Post Office, Woodward Library, Le Roy Historical Society, Town and Village Offices, JELL-O Museum, No Finer Diner, Frost Ridge Campground, Timberline Campground, Genesee Country Campground, Tracy B’s Microbrewery, and Pully’s Farm Market.