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Le Roy High School musical performer named 'Fan Favorite' during Stars of Tomorrow competition

By Joanne Beck
Aubrey Puccio
File Photo of Aubrey Puccio of Stafford
Photo by Howard Owens

Le Roy High School senior Aubrey Puccio demonstrated fan appeal during preliminary rounds of competition for  Stars of Tomorrow NYC Bound, a Rochester Broadway Theatre League press release states.

The 18-year-old performer was voted a Fan Favorite in event sponsor WROC News 8’s poll conducted in conjunction with the local competition, the release stated.

Puccio was one of 40 finalists chosen out of nearly 300 students to compete for the Rochester area this week, taking the stage at West Herr Auditorium Theatre Thursday as part of the National High School Musical Theater Awards local competition.

Tessa Meyers and Ian Royse, both from Greece Arcadia, were chosen to go on and compete among more than 100 other student performers from across the country. Perhaps better known as the Jimmy Awards, the national high school musical awards are to be presented June 23 at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of trying to take officer's gun during arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Daniel R. Yates, 55, of Batavia, is charged with attempted robbery, 3rd degree, and attempted criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd degree. Yates allegedly attempted to take a Batavia police officer’s gun out of the holster while police were attempting to take him into custody on May 2. He was arraigned in City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Roman B. Warchol, 45, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Jennifer R. Warchol, 43, of Elm Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree; operating a motor vehicle without insurance; operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration; and operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. Roman and Jennifer Warchol were arrested May 21 following a traffic stop, during which both were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. They were processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets.

Supreme N. Ervin, 26, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with public lewdness. Ervin was arrested May 20 after allegedly exposing private parts of his body while in a store on Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

Daquan J. Butler, 29, of Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn, is charged with possession of contraband. Butler is accused of possessing contraband inside the Genesee County Jail on May 16. He was issued an appearance ticket and will appear in Batavia Town Court on May 27.

Bernard L. Parnell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd degree. Parnell allegedly stole merchandise from Speedway and resisted police when they attempted to detain him. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. Earlier the same day, Parnell was arrested on Otis Street after he allegedly refused to leave a residence and allegedly punched another person. He was charged with criminal trespass, 2nd degree, and harassment, 2nd degree.

Anthony A. Bomasuto, 31, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd degree, and aggravated family offense. Bomasuto is accused of being involved in an altercation with a person who has an order of protection against him on April 10. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Kara B. Baker, 52, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Baker is accused of stealing merchandise from Aldi on April 15. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Jerome W. Amesbury, 59, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Amesbury was arrested on April 10 following a traffic stop on Jan. 10, when he was allegedly found in possession of narcotics. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Anthony G. Cicoria, 56, of Caledonia, is charged with DWI. Cicoria was arrested on April 10 following a traffic stop on West Main Street. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Michael A. Fanizza, 31, of Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd degree, and criminal contempt, 2nd degree. Fanizza allegedly entered a residence illegally in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Donyel E. Walker, 26, of Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd degree, criminal contempt, 1st degree, and harassment, 2nd degree. Walker was arrested April 17 after allegedly violating an order of protection inside a residence on Hutchins Street. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Thomas J. Preedom, 36, of Batavia, is charged with failure to register as a sex offender. Preedom is accused of failing to register his address as a level 2 sex offender. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail without bail.

Jacob W. Patterson, 29, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Patterson was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during an incident on State Street on April 15, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Christopher E. Tanner, 52, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd degree. Tanner allegedly struck another person during an altercation on State Street. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Kelly R. Seeler, 52, of Albion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Seeler was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on Pearl Street on Jan. 17. She was arraigned and released.

Benjamin M. Klotzbach, 34, of Batavia, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd degree, and harassment, 2nd degree. Klotzbach allegedly headbutted another person and prevented them from leaving a residence during an altercation on Elmwood Avenue. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Johnny D. Vidal, 40, of Batavia, is charged with filing a false written statement. Vidal is accused of signing a written statement alleging that another person threatened him with a firearm. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Nathiel D. Wilson III, 19, of Batavia, and Ashton T. McWethy-Thornley, 18, of Batavia, are charged with criminal mischief, 3rd degree, and conspiracy, 5th degree. Wilson and McWethy-Thornley are accused of damaging a window on a house and a vehicle on State Street. Wilson was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. McWethy-Thornley was arraigned and released.

Karen B. Armstrong, 48, of Batavia, and Ashlee S. Thomas, 28, of Batavia, are charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Armstrong and Thomas were charged following an altercation on Denio Street, where Armstrong allegedly kicked a 13-year-old girl and Thomas allegedly slapped another person who was holding a young child. Thomas was additionally charged with harassment, 2nd degree. Both were issued appearance tickets and released.

Andrew R. Del Gandio, 31, of Rochester, is charged with DWI. Del Gandio was arrested April 27 following a traffic stop on East Main Street. He was issued several traffic tickets and released.

James R. Briggs, 49, of Corning, was arrested April 30 on four warrants, including two bench warrants and two arrest warrants. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Nankumar McLaulin, 32, of Hicksville, was arrested April 24 on a warrant. McLaulin allegedly failed to appear in court after being issued a misdemeanor traffic ticket in December 2023. He turned himself in, was arraigned in City Court, and released.

John W. Biaselli, 56, of Batavia, was arrested April 24 on a warrant. Biaselli was initially charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing merchandise from Dollar General on Feb. 28. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Shelby L. Fryer, 29, of Batavia, was arrested April 24 on a bench warrant. Fryer was initially charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree, following a traffic stop on Dec. 17, 2024. Fryer was arraigned in City Court and released.

Nicole Granger, 34, of Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing, grand larceny, 3rd degree, and three counts of forgery, 1st degree. Granger is accused of failing to report that the biological father of her child was residing in the home and earning wages, and of forging three documents related to her rental payments. As a result, she allegedly received $6,426 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Granger was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Nicole Sprung, 39, of Le Roy, is charged with forgery, 1st degree, welfare fraud, 4th degree, and grand larceny, 4th degree. Sprung is accused of failing to report that the biological father of her child was living in the home and earning wages, and of forging a neighbor’s signature attesting that he was not in the home. She allegedly received $2,641 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. Sprung was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Cheryl Ditzel, 61, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud, 4th degree. Ditzel is accused of failing to report monies being deposited into a bank account she had access to, resulting in her allegedly receiving $2,435 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Jacqueline Sogunro-Pitan, 44, of Batavia, is charged with welfare fraud, 4th degree. She is accused of failing to report wages she was earning at Walmart and, as a result, receiving $2,304 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on her own recognizance.

Erica E. Cullen, 34, of Bank Street Road, Elba, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing, 1st degree; welfare fraud, 3rd degree; and grand larceny, 3rd degree. Cullen is accused of receiving $3,138 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to. She was arrested following an investigation by the Department of Social Services and arraigned in Batavia Town Court on May 22, where she was released on her own recognizance.

Brandon Gerald Starkweather, 33, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st degree. Starkweather is accused of striking another person who had an active stay-away order of protection against him. He was held for arraignment following his arrest on May 22.

Davon H. Patton, 39, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 4th degree. Patton was allegedly found operating a stolen vehicle on Oak Street on May 7. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Brian M. Raphael, 37, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd degree. Raphael was allegedly found in possession of a bludgeon, specifically a club with barbed wire wrapped around it, on May 7. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Joseph M. Tornabene, 33, of Buffalo, is charged with aggravated family offense and criminal contempt, 2nd degree. Tornabene allegedly violated an order of protection by being at the residence of a protected party on April 30. He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.

Marissa A. McGill, 39, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and circumventing an interlock device. McGill allegedly had a child blow into her vehicle’s interlock device and left her children unattended for an extended period of time on May 9. She was issued appearance tickets and released.

Michael J. Cutitta, 40, of Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd degree. Cutitta allegedly threatened to kill another person on May 10. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

Colleen M. Hutchinson, 50, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd degree. Hutchinson was allegedly found in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop on Ellicott Avenue on Feb. 19. She was issued appearance tickets and released.

Justin T. Gladney, 36, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Gladney was allegedly found in possession of narcotics on West Main Street on Aug. 1, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket at the Genesee County Jail, where he is currently incarcerated on a separate matter.

Kaila I. Tidd, 40, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. Tidd allegedly allowed a sex offender to be at her residence around her children, in violation of an order of protection, on May 1. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Edward J. Ludwig, 62, of Alden, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Ludwig was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on Jan. 17. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.

Ricky A. Marsceill, 60, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree. Marsceill was allegedly found in possession of narcotics during a traffic stop on May 20, 2024. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Bill A. Thomas, 65, of Batavia, was arrested on three bench warrants, all stemming from previous trespass charges where he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in CAP Court.

Michelle L. May, 50, of Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd degree. May allegedly had physical contact with another person during an altercation on East Main Street on May 3. She was arraigned in CAP Court.

Batavia Police to honor fallen heroes at annual Flag Commemoration Ceremony on May 28

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Batavia Police Department is proud to announce its annual Flag Commemoration Ceremony, honoring the memory of those who have served our community and have passed away. This solemn event is a tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of our fallen heroes who have served our department and the community with distinction. 

The ceremony will take place on May 28 at 1 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery. The event will feature a brief ceremony, a moment of silence, and a reading of the names of those being honored. 

The Batavia Police Department invites the public to join us in paying respects to these brave individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

We hope you can join us for this meaningful ceremony as we come together to pay tribute to those who have given so much.  Let us take a moment to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who have served our community and have passed on. Their legacy lives on in our hearts and in the work we do every day to keep our community safe.

Lucine Kauffman honored with 2025 Outreach Award for expanding library access

By Press Release
20250521_194559.jpg
Lucine Kauffman, the Library Visits Program Coordinator at Richmond Memorial Library, receives the 2025 Outreach Award from Nioga Trustee Kristie Miller, with Nioga Board President Charles Begley looking on.
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

Lucine Kauffman, program coordinator for the Library Visits Program at the Richmond Memorial Library, was honored with the 2025 Outreach Award at the Nioga Library System's annual meeting on Wednesday evening at the White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The award honors an individual in the library or community who has shown a commitment in providing/promoting library services to special populations such as the elderly, geographically isolated, or those who have a physical disability.

"Lucine has consistently gone above and beyond to serve marginalized and isolated groups in our community," shares RML Interim Director Samantha Stryker, who nominated Kauffman. “She recognizes the need to address the epidemic of loneliness we often see in our elderly population. The Library Visits program utilizes a small staff and a network of volunteers to deliver tremendous amounts of resources to those who need them most.”

Nioga Trustee and Genesee County representative Kristie Miller presented Kauffman with the award, sharing that she works diligently to provide as many services as possible to Library Visits patrons, whether it is library materials, help with technology, or a social connection with their dedicated volunteer. Through her initiative, the program is now able to serve caregivers in addition to those who are homebound or unable to visit the library.

Since 1997, The Library Visits Program has been serving residents of Genesee County through the Muriel H. Marshall Fund. In addition to serving 70-80 patrons directly, the program delivers group loans and resources to more than 15 residential and program facilities in Genesee County, serving over 1200 Genesee County residents. Thanks to recent funding, caregivers are also eligible to receive services through Library Visits.  

If you or a loved one are interested in the services provided by Library Visits, visit batavialibrary.org or call 585-343-9550 x6.

Essential sewer and water infrastructure repairs underway on Dellinger Avenue through Friday

By Press Release

Press Release:

The City Department of Public Works TEAM will be continuing with essential and time-sensitive repairs to the sewer infrastructure along Dellinger Avenue, continuing on Thursday, May 22, with work anticipated to extend through Friday, May 23, at a minimum. Additional Water service restoration work will begin on Tuesday, May 27, with hopeful completion on that day as well, with the water line work.

The construction activities are scheduled to take place throughout the day on Thursday and are expected to continue into Friday until all identified and necessary repair tasks have been successfully completed. This work is to ensure the long-term reliability and functionality of the local sewer system. 

Please be advised that Dellinger Avenue will remain closed to all non-essential through traffic during this period. This closure is in place due to the ongoing nature of the work, which includes overnight pump operations and early morning activity that are required to maintain progress and ensure the project’s timely and safe completion. 

At this time, access is strictly limited to local traffic only, including residents, buses and service vehicles which may be required to enter from one end of the road or the other. 

We respectfully request that all residents and members of the public avoid traveling through the construction area on Dellinger Avenue while construction is actively underway. This will help prevent unnecessary congestion, reduce potential delays, and, most importantly, support the safety of both the construction crews and the public.

We greatly value and appreciate your continued patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work to complete these important infrastructure upgrades. Your support is instrumental in helping us deliver long-term improvements that benefit the entire community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Elizabeth Riter to receive Outstanding Italian-American Award from Paolo Busti Foundation

By Press Release

Press Release:

liz-photo-edit-2.PNG
Elizabeth Riter
Submitted photo.

Paolo Busti Foundation names Elizabeth Riter as Outstanding Italian-American. Elizabeth Riter is being honored as an Outstanding Italian-American by the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation of Genesee County for her countless hours of community service. 

Liz will receive her award at the Foundation Scholarship Dinner planned for 6:30 p.m. June 10 at Batavia Downs. Tickets may be purchased at Ben’s Appliances, 634 East Main St, or from any board member.

Liz relocated to Batavia in 1988 after completing her Master’s degree at Alfred University. A born leader, Liz became involved in the Batavia Area Jaycees, soon becoming Individual Development Vice President and Community Services Vice President. Community Involvement led to Liz’s commitment to make Batavia and Genesee County a better place. 

Liz began her career at GCASA, The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, now UConnectCare. Her role as Prevention/Student Assistance Counselor at Notre Dame High School in Batavia led to her role as the Chief Compliance and Quality Assurance Director. 

Assuming roles of Secretary, Vice President and President of the Board of Directors of the Genesee County Mental Health Association were inevitable. Leading with her strength and her kindness, Liz volunteered for the Parent Teacher Organization at Robert Morris Elementary School, serving as Vice President and later President. 

Liz has continued to give and give, volunteering for Genesee Cancer Assistance and the Batavia Rotary Club. Liz and her husband John have chaired the YMCA Invest in Youth/Strong Communities campaign together several times and Liz has served on the United Memorial Medical Center Quality Committee Board for the last 3 years.

Liz attributes much of her Italian heritage to the importance of family and tradition. The values of respect, kindness, helping others, loyalty to family and friends, honesty and hard work shaped Liz’s future and were instilled in her children. Elizabeth Riter is the perfect person to be receiving the “Outstanding Italian-American of Genesee County” Award. Her Italian background and strong Italian values learned, which have influenced Liz’s commitment to serve, while fulfilling the demands of career, wife and mother, are to be admired and recognized. 

Liz’s maternal great-grandparents, Maria (Tomasso) and Joseph Basile, came from Campobasso, Italy. Liz’s grandmother Rita was the youngest of their six children. Liz’s maternal great-grandparents were Michael, who was originally from Modugno, Italy and Teresa Razzante. Her grandfather Eugene was the eldest of their nine children.

Looming federal cuts, if approved, might mean more taxpayer expense

By Joanne Beck
shelley stein
File Photo of Shelley Stein by Howard Owens

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. 

Protect your family, free radon test kits available for Genesee County residents

By Press Release

Press Release:

As part of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department’s (GO Health) ongoing effort to promote healthier homes and raise awareness about hidden household dangers, they are encouraging all families to take action against radon. Radon is an invisible radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that enters your home through cracks in the foundation, walls and around pipes. You may also find it in well water and dirt floors. Any home can have radon whether it is new or old, has a basement, or sits on a concrete slab and the only way to know it is there, is to test your home. 

How to Protect Your Family.

Testing your home with a short-term radon test kit is a quick and easy way to determine if there are high levels of radon in your home.

  • Genesee County residents can receive a short-term test kit free of charge from the Genesee County Health Department.
  • Residents of other counties can purchase a test kit from their local hardware store.

“Every home should be tested for radon, regardless of age, location, or foundation type,” stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “The health risks are too significant to ignore.” 

What to do if Radon Levels are High.

If test results show radon levels at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action level, families should install a radon mitigation system. These systems can greatly reduce radon levels in your home and
protect your family’s health. 

If you live in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, or Wyoming Counties (GLOW region) and qualify, funding may be available through a local grant program. Contact the Genesee County Health Department for more information.

Simple Steps to Stay Safe:

  • Test your home for radon every 2 years or after major renovations.
  • Seal foundation cracks and improve basement ventilation.
  • Do not allow smoking indoors. Radon exposure combined with smoking greatly increases cancer risks.
  • Ask for radon test results when buying a home.

Radon Awareness Saves Lives

A simple test and a few preventive steps can help you keep your home safe and your family healthy.

For more information on radon or to find a certified radon professional in your area, visit The New York State Department of Health at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/radon/mitigators.htm.

For more information on other GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.

Genesee County teams up with statewide STOP-DWI campaign to promote safe driving Memorial Day weekend

By Press Release

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. 

Friday concert with Bart Dentino at Holland Land Office Museum postponed

By Press Release

Press Release:

The concert by Bart Dentino at the Holland Land Office Museum, scheduled for Friday, May 23 at 7 p.m., has been postponed.

The concert will be rescheduled for a later date.

When a new date is confirmed, the information will be released. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 for more information. We apologize for any inconvience.

Byron-Bergen fills the Buzzin' Bistro with music, art and food

By Camryn Brookhart
Photo by Camryn Brookhart
Photo by Camryn Brookhart

Byron-Bergen Jr/Sr High School hosted a busy night of events on Tuesday, with its annual Buzzin’ Bistro student concert, plus the annual budget vote, a district-wide art show and a chicken barbecue fundraiser hosted by the school’s wrestling team.

The art show displayed work from students at all levels of education, covering the walls in one hallway with bursts of color and creativity. Families viewed their children’s artwork and then watched them perform in the bistro.

Meanwhile, in the high school gymnasium, parents and community members participated in the annual budget vote, which was approved.

The smell of tangy barbecued chicken drew others to the cafeteria, where the Byron-Bergen wrestling team held a fundraiser using chicken from Chiavetta’s Barbecue to raise money for the team in the upcoming years.

The evening entertainment began with a performance from the fifth and sixth grade band, followed by the fifth and sixth grade choir. The Singing Silhouettes, Byron-Bergen’s more competitive high school choir, then joined the younger group onstage for a combined piece before
continuing to sing several songs on their own. A solo performance from senior Roman Smith -- a familiar face from many school musical productions over the years -- then dazzled the room. 

Performances this year, especially those of the Silhouettes, carried special meaning due to a sudden staffing change. Jr/Sr High School choir teacher Joseph Paris left the district earlier this spring, leaving the school’s vocal groups without a teacher just weeks before their performances. 

In response, elementary school band teacher Robert Lancia and Jr/Sr High School Vice Principal Katie Gratton, who previously taught music, stepped in to help them. Despite the challenges that they faced, the Silhouettes were able to deliver a full performance. 

The high school band closed the evening, rounding out a night of decision-making, art, music, and fundraising with a familiar favorite, "Mr. Brightside."

Photos by Camryn Brookhart

Photo by Camryn Brookhart
art show
art show

Local Italian-American students to be honored at Paolo Busti scholarship awards dinner

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation’s 41st Scholarship Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Batavia Downs. The Foundation is proud to celebrate its rich Italian heritage and invites the community to share in an evening filled with friendship, pride, and, of course, delicious Italian cuisine.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased from Board members or at Ben’s Appliances on East Main Street Road in Batavia. New members are always welcome to join the Foundation and be part of preserving and promoting our shared cultural legacy.

As part of this special evening, the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation is proud to recognize the following outstanding achievements of this year’s scholarship candidates.

adam-charles-root.jpg
Adam Charles Root

Adam Charles Root, son of Joel and Roxanne Root of Hilton, and grandson of Diane Beradini Martino and Jerry Martino, will graduate in 2025 from Hilton High School and WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center at BOCES.

After graduation, Adam plans to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, where he will study Culinary Science with a focus in Culinary Arts.

Throughout high school, Adam has been actively involved in Model UN, Student Council, the Announcement Club, Track and Field, and the School Band, where he plays the trombone. He is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, has been recognized as Student of the Month, and has received Academic Merit certificates.

Adam has also volunteered during Make a Difference Day and has cooked and served meals at St. Peter’s in Rochester.

His passion for the culinary arts has led him to create a variety of specialty dishes, particularly focused on unique sauces. Adam enjoys experimenting with homemade pizza dough, often using unexpected and creative toppings. His imagination and culinary talent are sure to pave the way for his future success.

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Greyson Irving Fix

Greyson Irving Fix, a graduating 2025 Batavia High School Senior, will also be graduating from Genesee Valley BOCES for Automotive Technology, where he earned his car lift certification. His parents are Aaron and Kristen Fix, maternal Italian Grandmother AnnaMarie Crescuola Wood. 

Greyson will be attending Alfred State College, pursuing the Building Trades program and playing football. Greyson participated in Varsity Football, Indoor Track and Field, Varsity Baseball, and Outdoor Track and Field for Batavia High School. He is the 2025 Recipient of the Danny Lullo Scholarship.

Volunteering is a part of who Greyson is.  He volunteered at the Ricky Palermo Golf Tournament, working the chicken barbecue and the closest to the pin challenge.  He is involved with Ascension Parish, volunteering for the Soup Suppers, Habitat for Humanity, where he measured and cut drywall, as well as Make a Difference Day, cleaning up the Cemetery, raking leaves, and picking up trash and sticks. 

Greyson stated that having an Italian-American upbringing has helped mold the person he is today, along with the hard work and commitment to himself and his family. He believes this is going to continue to ensure him a successful life, with his relationship to God, helping others, and being an honest and kind person.

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Kaitlyn Kratz

Kaitlyn Kratz is a graduating senior at Notre Dame High School and the daughter of John and Jill Kratz. Her grandparents are Jean Peca and John Peca.

She has been a member of the National Honor Society from her sophomore year through to graduation. Kaitlyn plans to attend Genesee Community College, where she will major in Nursing.

Kaitlyn has participated in volleyball and tennis as her extracurricular activities. She has also volunteered at the Notre Dame Youth Volleyball Camp, All Babies Cherished Fundraising Events, St. Joseph’s Regional School Halloween Parties, the ND Meat Raffle and Golf Tournament, and the Live Like Levi Pantry. In addition, she has helped prepare meals for the Free Little Pantry.

Kaitlyn expressed great appreciation for her Italian heritage, shown through the customs, lessons, and love passed down by the DeFazio and Peca families. She believes the way she was brought up was not just a coincidence; her Italian heritage and family traditions played an important role in shaping who she is today.

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Matthew Wittmeyer

Matthew Wittmeyer is a member of the Class of 2025 at Batavia Senior High School. He is the son of Jerry and Lisa Wittmeyer, and the grandson of Rocco and Debbie Pellegrino.

Matthew plans to attend the University of Indiana, where he will major in Economics and minor in Sales. Since his sophomore year, he has challenged himself academically through dual enrollment college courses.

He currently serves as Senior Class President and Co-Mayor of Student Government, while also leading the Varsity Soccer Team as captain, having played for four years. His involvement extends to the Key Club, Travel Club, and My Brother’s Keeper, where he has demonstrated strong commitment and leadership.

Matthew volunteers at Ascension Parish, reflecting his dedication to community service.

His many honors include being named Junior Year Homecoming Prince, a Batavia Daily News GLOW Region Teen of the Week, and a Finalist for GLOW Region Teen of the Year. He is also a 2025 Mr. Batavian contestant and a Genesee Youth Lead graduate.

Reflecting on his Italian heritage, Matt shared, “They have shown me invaluable morals, some of which have truly resonated with me. I’ve found clarity in the values they lived by: fierce loyalty to those we love, a scrappy sense of resourcefulness, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to keep going. Life can be wilder than a thunderstorm, but that’s exactly when you learn to dance in the rain.”

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Rocco Sprague

Rocco Sprague is a proud member of the 2025 graduating class of Notre Dame High School. He is the son of Lisa Sprague of Le Roy, the maternal grandson of Corrine Rapone Sprague, and the paternal grandson of Duane Pangrazio Sprague.

Rocco is a member of the National Honor Society, an active participant in the Scholastic Bowl Team, and a contributor to the Yearbook Club. He plans to attend SUNY Oneonta, where he will major in Communication Studies with a minor in History or Political Science.

Among his many academic and extracurricular achievements, Rocco has received the George Eastman Youth Leadership Award, and was recognized as a Scholar-Athlete on the baseball team for having the highest GPA. As a member of the Genesee Scholastic Bowl Team, he helped lead the team to a 3rd place finish. He also earned 2nd place with the Genesee Park Environment Team, and was honored with the Notre Dame Department Awards in both Math and Spanish, the Faculty and Staff Award, the Student of the Month honor, and consistently achieved placement on the High Honor Roll.

Rocco was selected by the Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332 to represent Batavia at New York Boys State, where he served on the Yearbook Team and was appointed Relations Officer for the city.

His extracurricular involvement includes JV Baseball, Varsity Tennis, playing trumpet in the ND band, and taking guitar lessons.

Rocco also demonstrates a strong commitment to his faith and community. He serves as an altar server at Our Lady of Mercy, has taught Summer Bible School, volunteered at Lenten Fish Dinners, and assisted at St. Joseph Regional School’s Halloween and Christmas Parties, the Baptist Church Christmas Dinner, the ND and St. Joe’s Meat Raffle, and at the Batavia Italian Festival, working at the Youth Game Station.

Rocco values his Italian heritage deeply, sharing that it is important to him to maintain the traditions of his ancestors, who brought with them a rich and vibrant language, history, and culture that has been lovingly passed down and proudly celebrated by his family.

Submitted photos.

Masse responds to critics of economic development: 'These projects are real. They’re here'

By Howard B. Owens
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GCEDC-provided photo of Apple Tree Acres when the industrial park's first tenant, Liberty Pumps, was under construction.

Misconceptions about economic development incentives persist in Genesee County, suggests Mark Masse, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, but the results at Apple Tree Acres in Bergen show a different reality: more jobs, higher payroll, and a growing tax base.

Masse met with The Batavian on Tuesday to discuss a recent case study that the agency presented at its annual meeting two weeks ago.

“We wanted to take a look at this as a case study to dispel a lot of the myths that we hear constantly about IDAs and incentives—that after 10 years and the pilot expires, companies are going to leave, that they never meet their job creation goals, all of those types of things,” Masse said. 

The companies currently in Apple Tree Acres, collectively, initially pledged to create 119 jobs. The companies have created at least 419 jobs (companies no longer under a PILOT agreement do not report employment numbers annually, so the agency is including their numbers from the most recent annual report filed).

Combined, the companies maintain a payroll of at least $30 million. 

The PILOT payment (payments in lieu of taxes) and property taxes being paid to local taxing jurisdictions is $343,000 annually.

“That is 28 times what that would have been had it remained ag land and under an ag exemption," Masse said. "By the time all the PILOTs roll off, it’ll be a million dollars in property taxes.”

Apple Tree Acres, which began development around 1999, is now fully sold out following the decision by Oxbo International Corporation to move from Byron to a new plant at Apple Tree. Construction began in September and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. 

The park has attracted a mix of new and expanding local businesses. Liberty Pumps, the first tenant, has grown from 10 employees to more than 300. Masse noted that Oxbo, which considered building in Wisconsin, ultimately chose Bergen because the site fit their needs better.

Oxbo will open with 140 employees and expects to create 60 new jobs once fully operational.

Masse addressed the common misperception that incentives are simply cash handouts. 

“People think we’re handing out bags of cash to companies and we are not,” he said. “If they didn’t build, then there are no incentives.”

He also explained that corporate businesses draw significantly less in municipal services than residential properties, which means the taxes and PILOTs the companies pay help subsidize services for residents. 

“Any corporation with the taxes they’re paying is helping to subsidize the cost of municipal services for the residents,” Masse said. “So having businesses like this, even under PILOTs, helps to defer a lot of those municipal service costs that residents are paying for.”

Multiple companies at Apple Tree Acres have completed their PILOT agreements and remain in operation, exceeding their initial job projections. They didn't move away, as critics often suggest such companies do once the tax incentives expire.

“Ad Tech and Leonard Bus have been off of their PILOTs for about six years now, and they’re still going strong with no issues,” Masse said. “Most of the others are still kind of in the middle of their PILOT schedules.”

The park currently hosts eight businesses, including a store for the ubiquitous retail giant Dollar General, a recent addition, which Masse said chose the site for its location, the number of employees and businesses at the park, and the daily traffic from the park and nearby I-490.

The impact of Apple Tree Acres extends beyond direct employment and tax revenue. Masse pointed out that companies in the park hire local contractors, vendors, and service providers, creating additional economic benefits that are not captured in the employment numbers. 

“If they sub out, if they hire a local mowing company to mow, landscaping company, window cleaners, their suppliers that are paying their truck drivers to bring in product and take product out—those companies aren’t paying those salaries (in the calculation of annual salaries mentioned above), but those people do have jobs and are being paid because of this particular development,” Masse said.

The Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia offers another example of the long-term impact of economic development projects. 

Masse noted that H.P. Hood, which took over a facility originally built by Pepsi Mueller, has invested heavily in the site and now exceeds the original job creation projections. 

“Hood just recently won a national award for that facility as well. On the national food manufacturing scale, the Hood facility is known as one of the best in the country, if not the world,” Masse said. “Hood thinks so highly of Batavia, and we’re so glad they’re here that they bought some of the additional acreage there to plan for future expansions, because a lot of their other places are landlocked. So if they’re going to expand again, it’s going to be in Batavia.”

Upstate Niagara, which bought the former Alpina yogurt plant, has also exceeded job projections and uses local milk, supporting area farmers. 

The Ag Park still has 20 acres available, with CH4 Biogas holding a right of first refusal for a biodigester facility and J&L Ice planning a new facility.

Buffalo East in Pembroke has overcome significant site challenges, including extensive wetlands, to attract new investment. 

Yancey’s Fancy built a 112,000-square-foot facility in late 2015. The facility occupies 12 acres and represents a capital investment of $20.6 million. J&R Fancher Property Holdings completed a mixed-use development in 2022 and is currently working on approvals for two 10-unit townhouse complexes.

“That’s going to end up being a very beautiful park when it’s completed,” Masse said.

Gateway I, developed in the mid-1990s, and Gateway II, developed in the early 2000s, have both generated substantial economic activity. 

Infrastructure investments for the Gateway II have attracted companies like Milton CAT, LandPro, New York Bus Sales, and SCP Pools along East and West Saile drives. 

“You’ve seen a lot of other companies gobble up that acreage because of the available infrastructure that was funded to put in the park,” Masse said. “We’re going to take a look and see, from a case study perspective, what the park generates, and then what the spin-off outside of the park generates as well for an overall economic impact.”

Masse emphasized that the results at these business parks are not theoretical. 

“These projects are real. They’re here. You can go drive out and look at them, and as I said, you can see the cars in the parking lot of the people who are working there,” Masse said. “We have to be competitive on these incentives, on these abatements, because if we aren’t, these companies will build, but they won’t build here, and then we will lose not only the workforce and the people we have, you’ll lose the community efforts that a lot of these companies do.”

He explained that the benefits of these projects extend into the fabric of the community. 

“All of these employees have kids in the school system. They have kids in Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. They’re always selling things. They’re fundraising for different causes. All of these things are happening inside of these facilities in our communities to benefit our communities," he said. "And if these companies weren’t here, I don’t know where that would come from, and that is a piece of economic impact that is never measured, that nobody ever wants to talk about, but it is vital to the survival of your kids’ T-ball team, your kids’ soccer team.”

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GCEDC-submitted photo of Apple Tree Acres in 2014
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GCEDC-submitted photo of Apple Tree Acres in April 2025.

City of Batavia and Batavia Downs team up with families to honor 52 'Hometown Heroes'

By Howard B. Owens
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Remembered in the hearts of those who knew them -- or know them, for those still living -- Batavia’s Hometown Heroes, the men and women who served in the U.S. military, are the subject of a new tribute.

Rows of nearly life-size banners now line Park Road and Redfield Parkway, each one honoring a service member. The banners went up ahead of Memorial Day, marking the launch of the City of Batavia’s Hometown Heroes Banner Program.

“Obviously, this is a great idea that the city of Batavia and the Batavia Fire Department had to honor Hometown Heroes,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, during an unveiling of the banners with the family members of the veterans whose faces grace the banners. “We’re thankful to all of the families for allowing the city of Batavia to honor your family member. I know that we’re honoring service members who have protected our nation in the past and in the present. And it’s always great to honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.”

Jessica Best, secretary for the City of Batavia Fire Department, shared her gratitude for the community’s response. 

“I want to thank everybody. It’s been wonderful. Thank you. It’s been wonderful to get to meet so many fantastic families, and I feel like I know some of you personally now, and I really appreciate that everybody’s been wonderful,” Best said. “And I think we had a really good turnout for our first year, and very good feedback. And so I want to thank the families. I appreciate everybody, and I appreciate all the help we’ve gotten from the city and from the Downs. Like I said, I’ve met so many wonderful people, and I think this is a great opportunity for the city to show their support for our veterans, and I look forward to future years.”

The program began with encouragement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley and City Manager Rachael Tabelski and was coordinated by Best. In its first year, 52 banners are displayed—28 along Park Road and the rest on Redfield Parkway. Each banner measures 30 by 60 inches and is expected to last at least three years. The banners will remain up through Labor Day.

City and Batavia Downs crews assisted each other in attaching the banners to light poles. 

Best said, “For our first year, this year, we have 52 banners. So we, like he said, we have some here on Park Road, and the rest are over on Redfield Parkway, and they’re going to be up. We wanted them up by Memorial Day, and they’ll be up through Labor Day. And the goal is that each banner will last at least three years, and then every year, we’re just going to keep continuing to hang them until the integrity is no longer good, and at which time, then we can either purchase new ones, or if the family wants to discontinue it, then they can, but they’re going to be up every year, and then we’ll just continue to add on every year for the program, and hopefully we’ll have all of the city covered.”

As the program grows, Best said, the city will need to evaluate which city poles can support the larger, heavier banners. 

“Because of the size of the banners, they’re larger and heavier than we anticipated. So, not all of the city poles, even though everybody’s like, 'Oh, we have lots of city poles,' but not all the city poles will hold them," she said. "Obviously, given what they are, we want them to have integrity and to be able to hold the banners. So that’s something we’re going to have to look into before next year to see where exactly they can go.”

Best encouraged anyone interested in purchasing a banner for next year to contact the fire department to be added to a mailing list. 

“Anybody who wants to move forward and purchase for next year can call the fire department and talk to me, and I’ll just put them on a mailing list," she said. "That way, not only will it be advertised in September, but then I can send out mailings as well.”

Looking ahead, Best said, “I think this is a great opportunity for the city to show their support for our veterans, and I look forward to future years.”

Photos by Howard Owens

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Genesee County honors fallen officers during National Police Week

By Press Release
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CO-Week Proclamation Presentation (from left to right): Legislator John Deleo, Jail Superintendent Diana M. Prinzi, Deputy Jail Superintendent Jason R. Queal, Correction Officers Mariah A. Blachowiz and Michael C. Kennedy

Press Release:

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week. National Police Week honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and recognizes the service and sacrifice of all law enforcement professionals.

The Genesee County Legislature issued a proclamation to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at last night’s meeting recognizing May 11–17, as National Police Week. The lights on the Old County Courthouse cupola have been changed to blue to acknowledge this week.

Law enforcement officers are always prepared to respond and aid our residents, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This week honors all those in the law enforcement profession for the countless hours each officer dedicates to the community in which they serve. 

This year, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and other members of the Office traveled to Washington, DC, to participate in National Police Week events which include the 37 th Annual Candlelight Vigil and to Stand Watch for the Fallen at the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial. This year, Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello was approved to be engraved on the memorial wall and join fallen Deputy Frank G. Bordonaro and Constable William H. Johnson. 

Thank you to the Batavia Police Department Officers who made the trip in support of Sergeant Sanfratello and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. The National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

“As Sheriff, I am honored every day to serve alongside the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. During National Police Week, we take time to remember and pay tribute to the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their courage, commitment, and service will never be forgotten,” stated Sheriff Joseph Graff. “I am incredibly proud of the deputies in our Office and all law enforcement officers across the country. Their professionalism, integrity, and selfless dedication are the foundation of public safety.”

Submitted photos.

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National Police Week Proclamation Presentation (from left to right): Deputy Alexander R. Hadsall, Legislator/Former Sheriff Gary T. Maha, Undersheriff Bradley D. Mazur, Deputy Nicholas R. Chamoun
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Byron-Bergen science Olympiads earn medals at regionals

By Press Release
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Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Regional Competition.
Photo by Terry Vick.

Press Release:

On May 9, the Byron-Bergen Science Olympiad team ended the competition season by visiting local manufacturer and team corporate sponsor, Liberty Pumps. This end-of-season tradition began when the team was founded three years ago. They have improved each year since 2022, finishing the 2025 season with eight medals at the March 8 Regional Competition in Pittsford. Despite representing the smallest public school in the region, the Dynamic Planet team earned a first-place finish, the first in the team’s history.

“It has been amazing to watch this team develop over the past three years,” said Byron-Bergen Science Teacher and Science Olympiad Advisor Terry Vick. “We all started at square one and now our students are surpassing team goals and competing head-to-head with larger districts with more experience. I’m extremely proud.”

The Byron-Bergen team earned medals in Dynamic Planet (Earth Science - glacier formation and movement), Tower Construction (design and build the lightest and tallest tower that will support a load of 15 kg), Mission Possible (construct a Rube Goldberg type energy transfer device), and Road Scholar (ability to interpret and analyze various types of maps).

Additionally, the Tower Construction team received a round of applause when their tower was able to support a maximum load of 15 kg. 

The team was greeted by Liberty Pumps CFO, Dennis Burke, who took them on a tour of Liberty Pumps Offices and Production Floor. He congratulated these future engineers on their hard work and dedication.

Thirteen Olympiads competed for Byron-Bergen this season, but the team is open to any students in sixth through eighth grades who are interested in challenging themselves by competing in different STEM activities.

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Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Liberty Pumps.
Photo by Terry Vick.
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Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Regional Competition.
Photo by Terry Vick.
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Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Regional Competition.
Photo by Terry Vick.
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Byron-Bergen Science Olympiads at Liberty Pumps.
Photo by Terry Vick.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Board to meet May 27

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on May 27. The meeting will be held at the Association at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia and is open to the public.

For more information, please contact Yvonne Peck at ydp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 x123.

Water and sewer work to continue Wednesday on Dellinger in Batavia

By Press Release

Press Release:

Please be advised that our team will continue conducting critical repairs to the sewer infrastructure on Dellinger Avenue on Wednesday, May 21st, and will also begin work on repairing a service line in the area.

Work is scheduled to begin at approximately 7 AM and will continue throughout the day until all necessary repairs are completed.

At this time, Dellinger Avenue remains closed to all through traffic due to ongoing overnight work and early morning activity required to ensure the project progresses safely and efficiently. 

Access is limited to local traffic only, and we kindly request that residents and the public avoid traveling down the street during active construction hours for safety and to avoid delays.

In addition, please be aware that properties within the immediate work zone may experience temporary disruptions to water service while repairs are underway. 

We encourage affected residents and property owners to plan accordingly and prepare for the possibility of reduced or no water availability during the day.

We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we complete these important infrastructure improvements.

Tom Phelps, Director of Public Works, City of Batavia 

One of eight Genesee County school districts fails budget vote Tuesday

By Joanne Beck

Most of the school budgets in Genesee County passed during Tuesday’s vote, with Oakfield-Alabama district residents saying no to a proposed $25,555,345 budget 198 to 171. 

Here are the results as reported by each district:

Alexander Central School’s Proposition 1, the budget, passed by 75 yes to 24 no.

Proposition 2, equipment capital reserve fund, authorizing the board  to “expend $122,000 from the existing 2022 Equipment Capital Reserve Fund for the acquisition of Computer Hardware with an estimated cost of $7,000, Chromebooks with an estimated cost of $64,000, (1) enclosed trailer with an estimated cost of $11,000, and (1) bus snow remover with an estimated cost of $40,000 as permitted by law,” received 89 yes votes versus 19 no.

The election of Board of Education members gave 69 votes to Christopher Mullen for the on open seat, with two write-in votes.

Batavia City School District passed.

Byron-Bergen Central School Superintendent Patrick McGee said he was “proud to say our school budget and propositions passed this evening.”

The district’s budget passed 266 yes to 90 no, and Proposition 2 for a bus purchase also passed by 264 yes to 89 no.

“Thanks to all who came out to vote,” McGee said.

Board of Education seats went to Kim Carlson with 305 votes, Rich Pringle with 296 and Heidi Ball, 291. (Plus there were nine write-ins.)

Elba Central School’s budget passed by 94 yes to 17 no, and the district’s Capital Outlay Reserve Fund vote was approved with 90 yes and 21 no votes.

Proposition 3 to “expend from the Capital Bus and Vehicle Replacement Fund to purchase 1 (one) 28-passenger school bus,” also passed by 98 yes to 13 no.

One Board of Education seat went to Michael Riner for a five-year term. There were no voting tallies available for him.

Le Roy Central School District residents gave approval by three times or more with a yes vote of 275 to 92 no for the general budget, and 314 yes and 54 no for the library budget.

Two Board of Education candidates, Peter W. Loftus and Rachael Greene, were each voted in for three-year terms by 319 and 311, respectively. Woodward Memorial Library Trustee candidate Michael Iten was given 326 votes for one open seat.

Oakfield-Alabama Central School's budget failed with 198 voters no and 171 voting yes. Board of Education members Kevin Beuler and incumbent Justin Staebell each received 319 votes for two open seats. 

The Batavian reached out to Superintendent John Fisgus for comment Tuesday evening and he asked for emailed questions. We had not heard back by the time of publication, and will follow up with his comments.

Pavilion Central School’s budget was approved by residents with 113 yes and 24 no votes, and the library tax levy vote also passed by 99 yes to 37 no.

Board of Education members Callin Ayers-Tillotson received 110 votes and Margaret Gaston 113, each for five-year terms, while library trustee votes came in at 122 for Stephen Gould and 114 for Timothy Wasiewicz, each for three years.

Pembroke Central School’s budget was given 250 yes to 71 no votes, and the request to purchase school buses was also approved by 250 yes to 69 no.

One school board seat for a five-year term went to Jessica Edwards with 290 votes.

Proposition 3 (Corfu Public Library) was approved by 243 yes to 76 No, and the library’s board election for two three-year seats went to Michael Doktor, with 276 votes, and Michael Hobbs, 277.

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