“Last year, New Yorkers faced a rising cost of living and record-high crime and inflation brought about by a Majority that cares more about appeasing downstate special interests than helping upstate communities. During this year’s session, I will continue to work to bring down costs, clean up our streets, and bring common sense back to Albany.”
Arc GLOW has recently opened its doors to the community by offering event space at the Community Center in Batavia.
For anyone looking to plan a large event, the Community Center holds up to 300 people and has a retractable room divider, allowing for a variety of different types of community events. Anyone interested in booking the Community Center forum should visit ArcGLOW.org/Community-Center-Forum-Rentals to learn more about the space, fees, and rental terms or to book an event.
The Arc GLOW Community Center is located at 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia. For any questions, contact Samantha Redden, business services manager, at (585) 343-1123 ext. 1816 or SRedden@ArcGLOW.org or Bill Sofia, director of business services, at (585) 658-3311 ext. 2262 or WSofia@ArcGLOW.org.
Arc GLOW is a nonprofit agency servicing about 2,000 individuals throughout the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. For more information about Arc GLOW, visit ArcGLOW.org.
The City of Batavia Republican Committee is seeking Republican candidates for three Council-At-Large positions for the November 4, 2025 Election.
You may send your letters of intent to, The City Of Batavia Republican Committee P.O Box 260, Batavia, NY, 14020. You can also email batavia.city.republican.party@gmail.com.
Please include your full name, legal mailing address, phone number, and email. The deadline for postmarked letters or email acceptance dates is January 23.
The Genesee Chorale is excited to kick off our new Spring season this Monday, January 13, at 7 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church (405 E Main St, Batavia). Rehearsals will take place every Monday at 7 p.m. throughout the season.
This spring, we’re bringing you two exciting concert series:
March Concert: A Throwback to the 1960s
We’ll be revisiting the iconic sounds of the '60s with hits like Blackbird and The Sound of Silence.
May Concert: Chorale Favorites
A celebration of our members' most beloved pieces from the past two decades.
We’re thrilled to share this season of music with you!
Whether you’re a new or returning member, you can register online at Genesee Chorale Registration. We can't wait to see you there!
A new hangar looking to the west at Le Roy Airport. Photo from Le Roy Airport website.
Ray Detor doesn’t yet know the full scope and price of a future project at his Le Roy Airport, but he does know he would like to be considered for a grant that’s been offered for public and private airports throughout New York State.
The engineer studies are in progress for work that includes making the airport more energy efficient, updated with renovations to restrooms and office space and shored up with new doors on a Quonset hut, Detor said.
“Gov. Hochul was offering airports the ability to apply for a grant, and we are in the process of applying for one. The cost is undetermined at this point, but it's to further to continue and maintain the airport in the state-of-the-art fashion that it already is, with upgrades along the way that we have needed in a long time,” he said Wednesday to The Batavian. “Our applications basically don't go in until the 22nd of January, so everything is still being put together and determined to be what is the best approach for a number of different options."
Earlier Wednesday, his project was briefly presented to the Genesee County Ways & Means Committee for legislators to endorse the Le Roy Aviation Services, Inc. grant application.
Detor's not certain about how many applicants he will be competing against, and being a private airport doesn’t provide any discrepancy in the required paperwork, guidelines and regulations that he must abide by than others such as John F. Kennedy International Airport, he said.
Le Roy Airport is privately owned but is available for public use, so “you have to sign grant assurances and do the same thing that JFK does, that Syracuse does, that Buffalo does, all the airports have to sign the same kind of paperwork,” he said.
"As for the award, we may not know for a year. It just depends on how quickly everything works," he said. "As long as we’re coming in with something appropriate for an airport, everything is considered and judged on various merits.”
The grant is being offered through the state Department of Transportation. Eligible project activities include safety projects, preservation projects, new construction, sustainability and other projects that enhance business development and economic competitiveness, according to the state's website.
Projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria. These include economic benefits for surrounding communities and businesses, adherence to regional economic development plans, safety improvements, improved operational efficiency, and energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
More specifically, the Le Roy work includes LED lighting, solar panels — either on top of a building with a sunny southern exposure or in a field removed from the runway —and adding one or more electric car charging stations, depending on the budget.
“If we can supplement any of our energy costs that make the airport more efficient, that’s a win for everybody,” Detor said. “An existing hangar with office space and restroom facilitieswill be updated and made ADA compliant.”’
That work will be in approximately 1,000 of the building’s 8,000 square feet, he said. The Quonset, a 1960s half moon-shaped structure, is still “in really good shape,” though the doors could use a refresh, and will be replaced with a weather-resistant aluminum or other strong material, he said. These buildings are often spotted on farms and were used post-World War II to keep troops safe, allowing rain and snow to just slide right off the arching roof. They are amazing structures, he said.
Needless to say, that Quonset isn’t going anywhere for some time to come.
Actually, the airport receives plenty of attention on a regular basis, Detor said, with an upgrade two years ago with a new $700,000 hangar, asphalt crack fill and sealing, and fuel pump upgrades planned for 2025.
Le Roy Airport has been around since 1945, he estimated, and as owner for 30 years who began to fly at age 14, he hasn’t just invested financially but emotionally as well. Why?
“It’s freedom. When you get up in the sky, you’re dealing with the third dimension. See on the ground, we can go left, right, straight. But when you jump up in the air, for example, just to jump as a person jumping up, you're now defying gravity," he said. "And when you fly, well, you're taking that third dimension all the way. You're going away, to where you're going up to, whether it's 2,000 or 5,000 or 8,000 feet, and you're going to the destination no different, really, than you would if you were in a car or a boat. You just happen to be in a plane, and a plane going through the air.
“It's nothing more than going through water because that's what, basically, what the air is. It's nothing more than water. But what it is about the sky is it’s just beautiful," he said. "Looking down at the ground, seeing the snow-covered fields this time of year, or the farmers out doing the planting at different times and harvesting, you get flying all over, it looks like somebody made quilts all over the place, different colors.”
This project may align with the World Aerobatic Competition coming to Batavia in 2026, and that’s a nice coincidence, not planned, he said. Event competitors will be using Le Roy Airport as one of four practice sites before the 10-day event in late August.
Part of a practice site will mean setting up an air box, which involves the Federal Aviation Administration and will be regulated boundaries set up with measured zones that each competitor plane must stay within during his or her routines, and other air traffic will be alerted that it exists once set up.
“So the notices are published out there. And once they’re published, then they have to be adhered to. And if somebody does not adhere to it, well, of course, they can get in trouble,” he said.
He looks forward to the airport upgrades and upcoming event at his busy facility. Visitors fly in from anywhere such as Maine to California, he said.
Legislators in the committee agreed to endorse the application. A resolution will go on to the county Legislature for a final vote to endorse the grant application for state funds under the NYS Aviation Capital Grant program for an Airport Energy Efficiency Improvement Project.
Under State Transportation Law, the state Department of Transportation requires that privately owned airports submit an endorsing resolution from the governing body of the county where the airport is located. There is no budget impact for Genesee County.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced the Red Light Act to withhold federal transportation funding from states that enact laws to provide driver's licenses or identification cards to illegal immigrants in the United States.
This bill directs the Department of Transportation to withhold a state's entire share of specific federal highway funds—namely, those allocated for the National Highway Performance Program, the Highway Safety Improvement Program, and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program—if the state enacts legislation allowing the issuance of driver's licenses or other identification cards to individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States.
In 2019, New York's Green Light Law took effect, allowing anyone over the age of 16, including illegal immigrants, to obtain a New York State driver's license. The license also serves as a legal form of photo identification. In just the first month after New York's Green Light law took effect, more than 50,000 illegal immigrants received a New York State driver's license.
"Our nation is grappling with an unprecedented migrant crisis, yet some states, like New York, are incentivizing and rewarding criminals with driver's licenses and identification cards. In New York, the Green Light Law has given licenses to illegal immigrants, allowing these dangerous individuals to roam freely in our country, brutally attacking, raping, and murdering members of our community. In addition, this law also restricts law enforcement from accessing DMV records, preventing the enforcement of our nation's immigration laws. This legislation ensures states that refuse to comply with our nation's immigration policies are not rewarded with federal funding," said Congresswoman Tenney.
A 39-year-old Lockport man confirmed in County Court on Tuesday that he wants to be tried on a murder charge rather than take a plea offer.
Edward Dunn initially turned down a plea offer in December. It would have capped his prison term to 15 years to life. His appearance on Tuesday before Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini was his last chance to accept the plea offer. If convicted of murder at trial, he faces a potential term of 25 years to life on that count alone. With additional charges under New York law, he could be potentially sentenced to 50 years to life.
Dunn is accused of killing Michael Poole, of Olcott, and then hiding his body in the trunk of a car that was abandoned in the town of Alabama in March.
Also charged in the murder is Kathryn A. Henry, 33, from Lockport, who was arrested on April 19 and charged with murder in the second degree. She was accused at the time of conspiring with Dunn to kill Poole and hide his body.Correction: Henry entered guilty pleas on Aug. 22 to charges of hindering prosecution, a Class D felony, and concealment of a human corpse, a Class E felony. She is no longer facing a murder charge as previously reported.
Norman S. DuBois, 45, of Lockport, is charged with hindering prosecution in the first degree, tampering with physical evidence, concealment of a human corpse and conspiracy.
Dunn's trial is scheduled to start with jury selection on March 2.
Besides the Class A-1 felony of murder, he is also charged with assault in the second degree, a Class B felony; concealment of a human corpse, a Class E felony; and tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony.
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced its event lineup for the first 3 months of 2025.
ABBAMANIA returns to Batavia Downs on Friday, February 7. Doors are at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. ABBAMANIA will take you back in time to when ABBA was on stage, live in concert. ABBAMANIA performs 22 songs of ABBA in their two-set show with costume changes, choreography, comedy, and a great concert sound. Tickets start at $15, and guests get $10 back in Free Play. Tickets are available now on BataviaConcerts.com.
The first ever Batavia Downs Meat Raffle to benefit Roswell Park will take place at Batavia Downs on Saturday, February 8. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first spin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and attendees receive complimentary draft beer, soda and water along with $15 in Free Play. Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center will receive 100% of the proceeds from the tickets and raffles. Penny auctions for baskets and merchandise will also take place.
The 6th Annual Batavia Brew Fest, presented by Genesee Brewery and Rohrbach Brewing Company is back on Saturday, February 15 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. For $30, attendees receive 2 and half hours of beer sampling from many WNY breweries. Early bird tickets available until January 29 for just $25. Light snacks will be served and attendees will receive a commemorative plastic sampling mug along with $15 in Free Play. Hotel packages that include tickets are available as well.
Returning again after several years of sold out shows is Music of the Stars on Saturday, March 22. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. The high-energy seven-piece band pays tribute to internationally famous artists, including Tom Jones, The Bee Gees, Neil Diamond, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Gary Puckett, Elvis, The Beatles and many more. Tickets start at $15 and guests get $10 back in Free Play. Tickets are available now on BataviaConcerts.com. Hotel packages that include tickets are available as well.
On Sunday, March 23, the Record Riots Vendor Show, a vinyl record and music memorabilia event will run inside of the Park Place Events Center 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With 40 dealer tables and more than 10,000 LPs in the room, attendees will be sure to have a great time browsing a wide variety of music while connecting with fellow music lovers. Details can be found online at: https://www.recordriots.com/. $15 Early Admission Tickets or regular $5 admission tickets can be purchased at the door. Each ticket comes with $5 in Free Play for the gaming floor.
“We are looking forward to supporting Roswell Park for this Meat Raffle fundraiser, “said Byron Brown, President & CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “It’s something we’ve never done before, but we’re now looking to expand our offerings and try new things to go along with our guest’s favorite existing events.”
Tickets are available now on BataviaConcerts.com and the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby of the main entrance of Batavia Downs. Hotel Specials for select events are available on the Hotel Deals tab on BataviaDownsGaming.com.
Other events scheduled for the 1st Quarter of 2025 at Batavia Downs include the return of live racing Mondays and Thursdays through February, The Experience Psychic Fair January 17 through 19 and the Legends & Stars Sports Expo on the February 22 and 23. Batavia’s Thursday Concert Series tickets are already on sale. Information on all events can be found in the coming weeks on the Batavia Downs Facebook page.
The Town of Alexander Republican Committee is seeking Republican candidates for the following positions that will be placed on the ballot for the November 4th, 2025 General Election.
Town Council (2) four-year term
Town Clerk - four-year term
Republican Committee member, District #1 (west of Route 98)
If interested, please send a letter of intent by January 26 to Chairwoman Barbara Eddy, 11054 Alexander Rd., Attica OR contact by phone at 585-507-9930.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the winners of the People’s Choice and Director’s Choice awards for the 24th Annual Wonderland of Trees decorated trees.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award is the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden, and the winner of the Staff Choice Award is the City of Batavia.
We would like to congratulate our winners and thank everyone who participated this year. This year’s Wonderland of Trees was one of the most successful in its history.
We had more trees this year than in recent years and they were all so beautifully done that the choices were very difficult. Also, thank you to everyone who donated towards the event, and all who came to see the wonderfully decorated trees.
Genesee County will have spent upwards of a million dollars on competency-related services for questionable individuals sent to court, Mental Health Services Director Lynda Battaglia says.
Battaglia requested $166,000 during Monday’s Human Services meeting for an additional 730 competency invoices, explaining to county legislators that “I will be coming back to ask for additional funding, but this is what we’re going to pay so far.”
“We’re waiting for some invoices to come in from (the Office of Mental Health) and (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities). When those invoices come in, we will have spent about $775,000 in 2024 on these services,” she said as some legislators seemed sticker-shocked. “So this is 100% county cost. The individual is not competent to stand trial. Therefore, they’re designated to a psychiatric facility in order for competency to be restored because that’s their due process, right?”
A person who is charged with anything from petit larceny up to more serious felony crimes such as assault and who may be incompetent and therefore unable to stand trial is afforded due process, she explained. Defendants have a right to understand the charges being brought against them and to be able to aid in their own defense for the legal process to proceed.
“So if our psychologists deem them incompetent, then they’re designated to a bed, and they have to get restored to competency, depending on the length of that time and the changes, they will come back once they’re restored and go have their trial and their hearing,” she said.
Legislator John Deleo asked if all of these people were from Genesee County or from other counties, and others asked how many actually go through this process. Each county is going through a similar situation and expense, Battaglia said, and these people belong to Genesee.
“For 2024, we probably have had about eight to 10 individuals. Sometimes we run the risk that it’s the same individual a couple of times throughout the year,” Battaglia said. “Those are individuals who pay their time, go back out into the community, get rearrested, and don’t link with services. So it’s not a huge number of individuals; it’s the cost that is the significant number. It’s about $1,300 or $1,400 per day per person. The average length of stay in a (mental restoration) facility is about 90 days. But this is on NYSAC’s (the NYS Association of Counties) radar, and this is on the conference’s radar, and they’re always trying to push legislation to make changes.”
Legislative Chair Shelley Stein asked her to explain the full process of how someone enters the system and is not only diverted for a mental health evaluation once but that it can be a repetitive cycle.
For example, a person is arrested, goes before a judge, and is released on his own recognizance but has to return. If the attorney or anybody determines that the person is experiencing symptoms of mental illness and doesn’t understand the process, the judge can be asked to order a 730 competency evaluation.
“It’s the judge's decision. The judges will usually order that evaluation, and the judge is ordering me to find two psychologists to evaluate an individual. So through the clinic, we schedule this individual, let's say, for two competency evaluations by two different psychologists, and then they will make the determination as to whether or not they're competent to stand trial or not,” Battaglia said.
A report is returned to the judge when a defendant is found incompetent. The judge decides whether he or she agrees with the evaluation. Therefore, it is not a decision of the Mental Health Department; it is a criminal justice system decision, she said.
If the judge agrees with the report that the person is not competent, then he will be designated to a facility for restoration services and may go back to the jail and wait for a bed to be designated, she said. When a bed is designated, her office is notified, and the jail transports the person. During that time in the facility, a treatment team does “whatever they need to do in order to try to restore competency.”
“Oftentimes, that might be medication over objection, that might be going through some mock trials to see if they understand the charges. Once restoration is restored, they go back,” she said. “Sometimes their charges may be dropped if they're lower misdemeanor charges because of the lot of time that they've spent in the jail and facility, they might just say, Okay, your time's kind of been served. If they're felony charges, they're going to come back to the jail and stand trial."
Others could be ordered to serve a few months in jail, and once released, they're back in the community and may commit another crime. That could mean another 730 proceeding is ordered.
"When you think about an individual who has developmental disabilities, if somebody has a cognitive developmental disability, the restoration for that is, I hate to say it, but it's nothing," she said. "We can't restore that cognitive functioning. So they come back in the community, try to wrap services around them, work with service providers. But ultimately, that person has autonomy, and they can decide whether or not they want those services. They might not want them, and therefore the cycle continues.”
Those who are restored go on to face a trial, and some may end up going to state prison, returning to the community, and/or obtaining additional legal services. It’s “very, very individualized,” she said, depending on the crime.
The Human Services Committee agreed to pass along the resolution for approval to transfer an amount of $166,000 to cover the expense of competency restorations for individuals found unable to assist in their defense at a court hearing in the year 2024.
Andrea Kuehn and her painting "Stop and Smell the Flowers," the People's Choice winner. Photo by Howard Owens.
A winter chill on Tuesday didn't stop the Batavia Society of Artists in its third attempt to hold the opening reception for its annual winter show at Richmond Memorial Library.
Snow storms forced the society to cancel its previously scheduled reception, the first one scheduled a month ago.
Andrea Kuehn, who entered three paintings, won the People's Choice Award, the only award handed out at this show, for her painting, "Stop and Smell the Flowers."
Two workers for Casella Waste Systems, Inc. were struck by a vehicle Tuesday morning on Ellicott Avenue in the city of Batavia and taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries, Batavia Police said in a press release.
At approximately 7:16 a.m., the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a call for a report of a car vs. pedestrian accident in the area of 40 Ellicott Ave. Patrols arrived within minutes to find a passenger vehicle had struck a garbage truck and two workers that were outside of the truck at the time.
The individuals that were struck are identified as Scott Shea, 33, and Michael Cowham, 39, both employees of Casella. Officers, an off-duty City of Batavia fireman and bystanders provided aid to the injured until Mercy EMS and City of Batavia Fire Department arrived, the release stated.
Mercy EMS transported both Casella employees to the Rochester hospital, and the driver of the passenger vehicle, identified as Kimberly Przybysz, 38, of Batavia, was taken to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia as a precautionary measure.
Initial investigation shows that the Casella employees were stationary outside of the garbage truck, which was parked alongside the westside of Ellicott Avenue, for a normal pick-up. The operator of the passenger vehicle was northbound on Ellicott Avenue, crossed the street and drove into the side of the garbage truck, striking the truck and both employees.
Initial investigation reveals the driver of the passenger vehicle may have suffered a medical event, and therefore momentarily lost control of the vehicle. The operator of the passenger vehicle was issued a traffic ticket for failure to keep right, the release stated.
Anyone with information regarding the accident is asked to contact Officer Wesley Rissinger at 585-345-6350.
The Genesee County Democratic Committee (GCDC) actively seeks individuals who want to serve their community. We invite those interested in running for office, becoming an election inspector, joining the Democratic Committee, or simply learning more about the Democratic Party in Genesee County to connect with us. We are here to provide support and guidance.
Anyone can run for office — and we are committed to showing you how. All it takes is a dedication to service and a willingness to work hard. Whether your passion lies in lowering taxes, protecting the environment, or shaping the future, we want to hear from you.
The GCDC is currently seeking candidates for the following positions: - Genesee County District Attorney - Genesee County Legislature Districts: - District 1: Alabama and Oakfield - District 3: Pembroke and Darien - District 5: LeRoy - District 7: City of Batavia Wards 1 & 6 - District 9: City of Batavia Wards 4 & 5 - City of Batavia – 3 At-Large council seats - Town of Alabama – 2 Council seats - Town of Alexander – 2 Council Seats, Town Clerk - Town of Batavia – Supervisor, Clerk, 1 Justice, 2 Council seats, Highway Superintendent - Town of Bergen – Supervisor, 2 Council seats - Town of Bethany – 2 Justices, 2 Council seats - Town of Byron – Supervisor, Clerk, 2 Council seats, Highway Superintendent - Town of Darien – Clerk, 2 Council seats - Town of Elba – Supervisor, 2 Council seats - Town of Le Roy – 1 Justice, 2 Council seats - Town of Pavilion – 2 Council seats - Town of Pembroke – 1 Town Justice, 2 Council seats - Town of Stafford – Clerk, 2 Council seats, Highway Superintendent
Make a Difference in Your Community.
For more information, please visit our website at geneseenydemocrats.org or contact us via email at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com.
Eleanor Davis, a native of Long Island who has lived in Batavia the last five years, celebrates her 106th birthday Monday at Premier Genesee. Photo by Joanne Beck
Considering that Eleanor Davis was celebrating her 38,690th day of life on Monday, she was taking it rather casually.
When asked how it felt to turn 106, she dryly responded, "The same as 105, just a different day,” during her birthday party at Premier Genesee in Batavia. “I had nothing to do with it.”
Actually, according to a family member and therapist, that may not be quite true. The Long Island native who grew up and lived in the same house for 75 years, eventually moving to Manor House in Batavia when she was 100, had a daily regimen that seemed to work for her.
“A couple of cocktails, dry martinis,” daughter Patricia Davis of Albion said. “Her sister is 15 years younger and is in worse shape than she’s in.”
Teressa Monroe, who has asked Eleanor her secret for longevity while working with her as speech therapist, said there has been a definite answer.
“Chocolate, vodka, and thinking young,” Monroe said, giving the sweet stuff its due. “My grandma ate a pound a week, so I buy into the chocolate.”
Fellow Premier residents gathered together for a round of “Happy Birthday” and a piece of cake to help Eleanor celebrate her big day. There are “quite a few in the upper 90s,” and staff just threw a party for another resident who turned 104 a couple of weeks ago, Hawley said.
As for her steadfastness, Eleanor has not subscribed to the traditional physical recommendations of regular walking, her daughter said, and she does miss the salt water of her homeland so she wasn’t as much a landlubber.
Eleanor does have hearing and vision issues, but, as Activity Director Julie Hawley put it, “she’s still full of it.” Eleanor was honored as Resident of the Month at Premier when she was all of 105, which meant being recognized in the monthly newsletter.
She provided tidbits of information, including her favorite foods of tiramisu and chocolate ice cream; her favorite animal of a cat; the best day of her life was getting married; giving advice to the next generation to “go with the flow;” and three words to describe her: easygoing, smart and compassionate.
When asked at the party about her secret for long life, she spiced up her usual answer.
“A Bloody Mary every night,” she said.
Eleanor enjoys some cake as Speech Therapist Teressa Monroe helps out. Photo by Joanne Beck
Birthday girl Eleanor Davis gives a smile to Activity Director Julie Hawley as she snaps a quick photo during the 106th birthday party. Photo by Joanne Beck
Eleanor Davis and her speech therapist, Teressa Monroe, blow out the candles. Photo by Joanne Beck
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be elected to serve the constituents of the newly formed New York District 24. I will continue to be a transparent and aggressive advocate on behalf of all of my constituents. Our team is deeply committed to delivering outstanding results for NY-24, by implementing innovative and common-sense solutions to the issues facing our communities. Our team will continue to provide top-tier constituent services. House Republicans are eager to begin implementing President Trump’s agenda by making America secure and prosperous again. We are eager to hear from you and ensure that your views are represented in Washington. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I am committed to upholding our Constitutional principles and delivering meaningful results for our nation and especially New York," said Congresswoman Tenney.
Redistricting in 2024 has eliminated parts of Cayuga and Ontario Counties and added parts of Steuben and Schuyler Counties to NY-24. As a result, Rep. Tenney’s district office in Victor is no longer within NY-24. To better serve the Finger Lakes Region, Rep. Tenney is opening a new district office in Ontario County. For more information about who will represent you in Congress starting January 3, visit www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.
Rep Tenney’s Office Locations for the 119th Congress:
Washington, DC Office
2230 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC 20515
President Sean McPhee earns the Firefighter of the year award
On Saturday, members of the Alexander Volunteer Fire Department honored its own and installed its 2024 officers at the department's annual dinner, held this year at Attica's 10th Hole.
Photos by Philip Casper.
Regan McPhee, who attended 150 calls in 2024, earns the EMS Provider Award
Deputy Chief Nate Fix earns the Top Responder Award for responding to 168 calls.
Safety Officer Bernie Fix earned the President's Award.
Installation of Officers for 2025
Parade Captain John Meier presented with an award for dedicating 40 years of service.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley, center, and Legislator Gregg Torrey, right, present Bernie Fix with a citation in honor of his 50 years of service with the Fire Department.
Bernie Fix's previous fire departments, Milgrove and Corfu, present him with achievement awards for his dedicated service.
Donna Rhodes thanks all of those who assisted the ladies auxiliary.
Memorial for Alexander Fire Department members who passed away in 2024.
With holiday activities now completed and the new year officially rung in, Batavia Downs is ready for the return of live harness racing on Monday (Jan. 6) when the 2025 winter season kicks off the 85th year of the historic Genesee County oval. The eight-week, 15-day run will be held on a Monday-Thursday rotation with post time for all race days set for 3:00 p.m. The meet will run through Monday (Feb. 24).
Don Hoover, who is the Director of Live Racing at The Downs, is looking forward to the opening as the track is coming off another banner year.
“I’m very excited about the upcoming meet in view of the record numbers the track posted in 2024. After showing a 10.5% increase in our overall handle and realizing three one-day record handles in excess of $500,000 during our winter meet last year, I can only be optimistic about our product and ability to better those milestones this year. I can’t wait to welcome back our loyal customers,” said Hoover.
All the top local horsemen and women will be on hand once again, including last year’s leading driver, Drew Monti, who posted a total of 136 wins that earned his connections $949,765 in purses, and trainer Sam Smith, whose horses won a total of 90 races and bankrolled $658,622 as a result of those efforts.
The local driver colony will have a new regular set of hands to contend with this year when Brett Beckwith makes Batavia his home twice a week for the next two months.
Beckwith raced sporadically at the Batavia winter meet last year and finished a close third for dash wins. This year as a regular, he will definitely be vying for the top spot on the leader board.
Beckwith is coming off a career year in 2024 that saw him take driving titles at both Saratoga Raceway and Plainridge Park. His combined 608 wins last year placed him third among all drivers in North America behind only Aaron Merriman and Jason Bartlett, and those wins helped his horses earn $6,271,414 in purses, while Beckwith himself earned a personal best UDR of .334. In December, Beckwith was named the United States Harness Writers Association's Dan Patch Rising Star for 2024, an award he will receive in Orlando in February.
“I like to keep busy and I get a lot of work at Batavia. The track itself is great since they redid it and they keep it in great shape. The driving colony there is very competitive and will keep you on your toes. But I get a lot of live drives from the trainers who use me and that makes for some exciting racing. I’m looking forward to getting back to western New York,” said Beckwith.
Beckwith looks to get off to a fast start and has 10 rides on the 15 race card Monday to help facilitate that.
The betting menu for each 15-race card features six Doubles, 15 Exactas, 15 Trifectas, 14 Superfectas, two Pick-3's, three Pick-4's, one Pick-5 and one Jackpot Super High Five in the final race each day.
There are two promotions available for the track’s in-house customers on all live race days that add value to their wagers by providing free play on the gaming floor. The Early Bird Daily Double gives $10 back in free play when a minimum $10 is bet on the early daily double between 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. and the Match Play Free Play Frenzy returns $25 in free play to anyone betting $25 at the same time on the same live Batavia Downs race. You must be a Player’s Club member to take part in both promotions and full rules are available at the track.
Fans on hand will also have food and drink options available to them each race day at the Homestretch Grill and the Clubhouse Rail Bar.
Free full past performance programs for all live racing days at Batavia Downs can be downloaded from the Batavia Downs website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the Live Racing tab and you can watch all the live racing action as it happened for free on the Batavia Downs YouTube page (youtube.com/user/BataviaDownsGaming).
