The Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is thrilled to announce the opening of three new art exhibitions on Thursday, February 20. The community is warmly invited to join us at the opening reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to experience the diverse artistic expressions of Lorie Longhany and Bryan Wright and an engaging multi-artist show featuring artists of African heritage in honor of Black History Month.
Dive into the creativity of two remarkable local artists: multimedia artist Bryan Wright and painter Lorie Longhany.
Bryan Wright, drawing inspiration from his deep connection with the ocean and waters, presents another coastal-themed exhibition. His works, crafted with skills honed in graphic design and basic metal fabricating, encapsulate the mystery and intrigue of coastal elements found through his explorations.
Lorie Longhany, a self-taught artist with a versatile palette of pen, acrylic, and watercolor, showcases a collection of artworks that resonates with the themes of solitude, contentment, and nostalgia. Lori's pieces range from medium and small paintings to bookmarks, but her very small pieces are affectionately referred to as her "happy paintings."
A Showcase of African Heritage through Arts and Crafts is the third exhibition that adds a vibrant layer to the evening, with a special focus on Jamaican arts and crafts alongside select pieces from Africa. This multi-artist show not only highlights the rich cultural heritage and artistic vibrancy of African and Jamaican artists but also contributes to the celebration of Black History Month at GO ART!
This is an Invitation to Experience Artistic Diversity at GO ART! We are pleased to bring these three distinct exhibitions under one roof, offering the public an opportunity to embark on this unique artistic engagement. From the reflective and personal works of Lorie Longhany and the coastal-themed creations by Bryan Wright to the rich tapestry of African heritage presented in the multi-artist exhibition, there's an abundance of beauty and creativity to consume.
We look forward to welcoming art lovers and the community to the opening reception of these three exhibitions.
Come share an evening of art, inspiration, and cultural exploration with us at GO ART!
This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable! For more information, please contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313.
With every season that doesn't end in a championship, you can look back to missed opportunities and questionable calls. I’m confident that the Buffalo Bills are already looking past that and getting ready for more success.
That’s because in the NFL, now is the time to evaluate what the best team-building investments will be for the future.
Some of our favorite players will be leaving for other teams and new ones will come on board. Coaches and front office professionals are getting promoted, hired away by other teams, or retiring. It’s a relief we have our No. 1 asset in place - MVP Josh Allen.
The same is true in our workforce team-building activities. The future is here. It's time to move forward and find a way to win.
Parents, teachers and leaders have done an outstanding job encouraging our students to explore careers and training programs.
If you are a business, you can do the same – and directly benefit from this momentum! By building your bench, you have the talent to succeed.
In the NFL, dynasties are built after years of player development and success in the draft. The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP) is that opportunity.
In January, FLYAP celebrated 40 first-round draft picks selected by local companies to complete a job shadow or a paid co-op. These students will embark on a professional career entering the ranks as a top prospect, with hands-on experience achieved before graduation!
Our businesses don’t have it as easy as teams in the NFL, where there’s only 31 other teams to compete with. You compete for talent across industries and regions.
File photo of Chris Suozzi.
Participating in youth apprenticeships and the summer pre-apprenticeship programs is a great path to stand out to students with many options available to them.
And those options are growing! Major projects under construction in Genesee County by Edwards Vacuum and Oxbo will soon be adding 350+ new jobs.
Thankfully, we continue to make investments to broaden and improve our talent base.
In partnership with local organizations, the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation is investing in training equipment. Together, we are creating a lasting foundation that strengthens our communities and boosts the economy.
At the high school level, the GGLDC has invested in a brand-new CNC router for the Batavia Technology Department at Batavia High School.
At Genesee Valley BOCES, the GGLDC provided another piece of training equipment that will expand students’ capabilities in refrigeration technologies.
At The BEST Center at Genesee Community College, the GGLDC is supporting the installation of a CNC router for students to explore another pathway into careers.
These programs and investments will accelerate our students' journey to well-paid, rewarding careers. Our local, robust food processing, skilled trades, and manufacturing sectors can easily recruit students who are prepared from day one to diagnose and solve problems.
If you can’t wait for the next draft day to find your workforce talent, I’m here to help.
Contact me at csuozzi@gcedc.com, 585-409-1301, or linkedin.com/in/chrissuozzi.
Chris “Coach SwazZ” Suozzi is the Executive Vice President of Business & Workforce Development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
Despite the frigid temp and ongoing icy snow that blanketed Batavia this weekend, more than a dozen folks wanted to offer a visible signal of their outrage and sadness about the torture and murder of Sam Nordquist, a young man found dead near Canandaigua Thursday.
When the group, from GLOW OUT!, which has a biweekly meeting for older LGBTQ individuals, learned about Nordquist’s death after an apparent lengthy period of torture by five suspects arrested and charged this week, “many were very upset … and wanted to have a vigil immediately,” Executive Director Sara Vacin said.
About 15 people gathered Saturday outside of Batavia’s First Presbyterian Church in memory of this 24-year-old-year old from Minnesota.
“They didn’t mind standing in the snow, they felt like the message and our ability to do something mattered more. As a group and as individuals, we are terrified at the open transphobia we see and experience,” Vacin said. “The thought that this beautiful young man came to New York, following his heart, possibly expecting better protections and resources, and ended up being tortured is unfathomable and disgusting. This shows how truly targeted trans people are today and how people need to stand up to the normalization of hate speech, bullying, and discrimination.”
Motorists driving by beeped in positive response to the gesture, Vacin said, and the group is planning to join upcoming vigils in Rochester and Canandaigua. It doesn’t matter that none of them knew this young man, as “Sam was someone’s child and will be forever missed and remembered by many by the way he left this earth,” she said.
More than 20% of Gen Z are part of the LGBTQ population, and he could be any number of “our children,” she said.
“GLOW OUT! wanted to call attention to the situation and ask — regardless of political beliefs — for allies not to remain silent and complicit but to step up and disrupt hate speech and discrimination,” Vacin said. “So that we can be the safe New York that Sam Nordquist and all of us deserve to live in.”
For more information about GLOW OUT! services provided, visit www.glowout.org.
In a recent update by ABC News, State Police issued a joint statement that -- although this was one of the most horrific crimes ever investigated -- "At this time we have no indication that Sam's murder was a hate crime."
"To help alleviate the understandable concern his murder could be a hate crime, we are disclosing that Sam and his assailants were known to each other, identified as LGBTQ+, and at least one of the defendants lived with Sam in the time period leading up to the instant offense."
The State Police report that a 54-year-old woman from Batavia died in a head-on collision on Route 98 in Alexander on Sunday.
Anya R. Rambuski was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident was reported at about noon on Sunday.
According to troopers, Rambuski lost control of her 2016 Buick Encore, which was traveling northeast, and struck a 2021 Jeep Cherokee that was traveling southwest on Alexander Road.
The driver of the Jeep, whose name was not released, sustained minor injuries.
The NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in this investigation.
After what’s approaching a two-year lag in the Ellicott Station apartment project in downtown Batavia, there is apparently an interested sponsor in the process of working with the state Office of Homes and Community Renewal and Ellicott Station LLC, property owner Sam Savarino says.
Savarino confirmed Friday that the LLC “has been actively working with another entity to sponsor the project.” Two sources who asked not to be identified, including one close to the project, have disclosed that the sponsor is PathStone Development Corporation.
When asked for comment about this apparent development, Batavia Development Corp. Executive Director Tammy Hathaway said “Personally, PathStone has been my first choice from the initial notice that the current owner could no longer continue the project’s development.”
“Knowing the property will continue to be restricted to affordable housing guidelines, PathStone is the operative organization as they come well-equipped with decades of experience in housing development and management,” Hathaway said Saturday.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski could not confirm that PathStone is taking on the Ellicott Street complex left uncompleted in summer 2023, but she said she would “welcome a professional housing organization like PathStone’s to take over the project, finish building and rent to quality tenants,” she said.
“Supposedly it was discussed at a county housing meeting, I was not in attendance, but had some city staff there,” Tabelski said. “I haven’t been contacted by PathStone’s CEO or HCR lately.”
The Batavian also called and emailed PathStone President Jason Sackett for comment, with no reply by publication.
Ellicott Station was on its way to completion with four floors up, tenants selected by lottery, and grant funds, PILOTS, tax credits and exemptions in place by the state, Genesee County Economic Development Center and HCR.
Later in 2023 Savarino Companies closed for business due to a financial battle with the state Dormitory Authority and stopped work at Ellicott Station, and GCEDC performed a clawback of exemptions and tax credits, claiming that the company didn’t abide by its contract obligations.
Genesee Community College's (GCC's) Fashion Business Program is proud to unveil the theme for its highly anticipated 44th Annual Fashion Show: "Masterpiece Unfolding." The show will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 5 p.m. in the Richard C. Call Arena, promising an unforgettable evening where fashion and fine art converge.
Throughout history, art has been a driving force of inspiration, shaping culture, design, and personal expression. "Masterpiece Unfolding" will bring these artistic influences to life on the runway, showcasing designs that pay homage to artistic movements throughout history.
"Fashion, like art, tells a story," said Laura Taylor, Associate Professor of Fashion Business and Merchandising. "This year, our students will translate the essence of legendary artistic styles into wearable masterpieces, celebrating the creative evolution that continues to inspire designers today."
Attendees can expect an immersive experience where fashion becomes a canvas, and each design serves as a tribute to the artists of the past and present. Through fabric, texture, and design, "Masterpiece Unfolding" will transform the runway into a gallery of living art.
Join us on Saturday, May 3 at 5 p.m. at the Richard C. Call Arena for a night where fashion meets fine art in a breathtaking celebration of creativity.
For ticket information and sponsorship opportunities, please email fashionshow@genesee.edu or visit gccfashionshow.com.
For more information, contact Vice President of Development, Admissions and External Affairs, Justin Johnston, at 585-345-6809 or via email at jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
Malachi J Nix, 20, of Tonawanda, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 2nd, grand larceny 3rd, criminal mischief 3rd, and conspiracy 4th. Nix and another person allegedly broke into Barrett's Batavia Marine on May 27 and stole firearms. He was arrested on Jan. 21, arraigned in City Court and was remanded to the Genesee County Jail.
Clint J. Towne, 44, of Phelps Road, Batavia, and Steven M. Morales, 49, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, are charged with four counts each of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, tampering with physical evidence, criminally using drug paraphernalia 2nd, and aggravated unlicensed operation (Morales). Towne and Morales were arrested on Feb. 13. The was the result of an investigation into the location of a wanted suspect. During a traffic stop, Towne and Morales were allegedly found in possession of 50 grams of cocaine, an ounce of fentanyl, alprazolam tables, 46 sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone strips, and mannitol. Towne is suspected of attempting to destroy evidence. Both were held pending arraignment. The investigation was conducted by Sgt. Andrew Hale, deputies Nicholas Chamoun, Alexander Hasdall, Mason Schultz, Jon Dimming, Zachary Hoy, and Nicholas Jennings.
Marc Christopher James Cook, Jr., no age provided, of Lockport Road, Alabama, was arrested on Feb. 6 on eight separate warrants by members of the Batavia Emergency Response Team (consisting of members of the Sheriff's Office and Batavia PD). The warrants were related to charges of criminal possession of a weapon 3rd and 4th, bail jumping 2nd, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th, bail jumping 3rd, criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd, and violation of a family court act. Cook was arraigned and held without bail.
Robert Maynard Smith, 73, of North Street, Blasdell, is charged with menacing 2nd. Smith is accused of wielding a box cutter knife, threatening a worker at Eagle Star Housing, 2620 West Main St., Batavia, at 6:06 p.m. on Feb. 14. Smith was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Nathan Lee Dunn, 20, of Prospect Avenue, Medina, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .108 or greater, aggravated unlicensed opeatertion 1st, unregistered motor vehicle, driving without financial security. At 12:15 a.m. on Feb. 2, Deputy Zachary Hoy responded to the parking lot at Batavia Downs to investigate a motor vehicle accident, as a result, Dunn was taken into custody. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Chad Matthew Winkelman, 32, of Fullington Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, moving from lane unafely, and drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle. Winkelman was arrested by Deputy Jacob Kipler following a report of a motor vehicle accident at 11:42 p.m. on Feb. 2 on Sandpit Road, Alexander. He was processed at the Genesee Jail and released.
Kenneth G. Muckle, 56, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Muckle is accused of stealing merchandise from a store (the Sheriff's Office withheld the name of the store) on Veterans Memorial Drive on Feb. 5. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.
Charles Phillip Stevens, 38, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Stevens was allegedly found in possession of buprenorphine/naloxone and cocaine during a traffic stop on Feb. 10 by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.
Christopher Earl Merrell, 62, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, and moving from lane unsafely. Merrell was arrested by Deputy James Stack following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident reported at 6:37 a.m. on Feb. 15 on Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Lakeisha A Gibson, 38, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Gibson is accused of hitting another person multiple times during a fight on Bank Street on Jan. 21. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Christina M. Corde, 39, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Dordes is accused of shoplifting from Dollar General on Jan. 15. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Jennifer C. Moscicki, 48, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Moscicki is accused of stealing property from another person on Central Avenue in January 2022. She was arraigned in City Court and released.
Julie L. Dutton, 29, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Dutton is accused of using a counterfeit $100 bill to receive change at a local business on Jan. 20. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Donovan I. Reese, 18, of Batavia, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing. Reese is accused of grabbing another person and applying pressure around the person's neck during a fight on Sumner Street on Jan. 16. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Thomas J. Mitchell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Mitchell was allegedly found in possession of cocaine on Nov. 8 while being arrested on an unrelated matter. He was arrested on Jan. 16 on the drug charge and issued an appearance ticket.
Hailee N. Callicutt, 24, of Batavia, was arrested on Jan. 12 on three warrants. Two warrants were related to traffic stops. She was also charged with bail jumping 3rd. She was arraigned and released.
Jacob J. Frayne, 27, of Darien, was arrested on Jan. 17 on a warrant. He allegedly failed to appear on a prior DWI arrest. He was arraigned and released.
Dr. George Robert Vito In a lab coat from the Foot & Leg Center of Georgia. The photo appears on the website for the Foot and Ankles Center of WNY.
Dr. George Robert Vito, of Le Roy, is apparently considering his options after the Genesee County Conservative Party withdrew its endorsement of him for the County Legislature District #5 seat, citing "legal issues."
The Batavian has located multiple court documents in Georgia, New York, and at the federal level that detail a number of "legal issues."
These are issues he reportedly neglected to mention to Conservative Party members before they voted to endorse him.
He was also sued by Jay Otero in Macon, Ga., for a leg-lengthening surgery that left Otero confined to a wheelchair for three years before he was able to walk with crutches, according to a court document.
Vito has also been involved in other lawsuits, as a defendant and plaintiff, in both Georgia and New York.
The Batavian learned Vito shared some details of his history in Georgia during this week’s county GOP committee meeting.
The Batavian attempted to talk with Vito about his professional history on Thursday, but he declined to answer questions until after meeting with Le Roy's Republican leadership.
After learning from Committee Chairman Andrew Lathan later Thursday that they hadn’t talked yet and had no meeting set up, The Batavian tried again. Vito said, “At this point, Andrew Lathan and I are in discussions.”
“We’re not discussing it with anybody how we’re going to handle the situation, so everything is still up in the air,” he said. “That’s just our comment at the present time. You know, what happened the other night was unexpected, and we’re just seeing how we’re going to play the cards. That’s all.”
The Batavian asked if he would respond to what he revealed at the county Republican meeting. “No,” he said.
On Friday morning, The Batavian again contacted Vito and informed him The Batavian had prepared a story about his legal issues. He said he would only respond to our request for comment if we agreed to publish a statement from him in full.
Here is his statement:
Any legal issues I have had are personal in nature and clearly posted on the internet. I have no doubt they will be used on your website to create a salacious article to remove any support I have for the legislative spot. I was upfront and truthful when I spoke to the county Republicans prior to the vote. I openly stated that I had a bankruptcy-related felony charge and that I served my punishment. Even after the committee was informed by me of my past legal issues, (Shelley) Stein could not get the endorsement and was losing votes every time they took a new vote.
I will have a sit-down interview with the Video News Service early next week. Interested voters in Le Roy can look for that story and decide for themselves.
I am moving forward and will not announce any decisions or changes until late March or early April.
Vito is a podiatrist who is originally from Rochester. According to his social media page, he attended Corning Community College, SUNY Cortland, Des Moines University, University of Phoenix, Utica College and Purdue Global Law School.
His medical training includes a degree from the Des Moines University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences and a surgical residency at Emory Northlake Regional Medical Center Residency in Tucker, Ga.
Vito has a long list of professional credentials and accolades, according to his resume. It also indicates some connections to Georgia, though he doesn't list his time in practice in that state.
He has operated practices in Buffalo, Georgia, North Carolina, Hewlett, Amherst, Batavia, and elsewhere, and currently lives and has an office in Le Roy.
Jay Otero filed his action against Vito on July 7, 2004. He alleged negligence, unlawful practice of medicine, fraud and misrepresentation, and professional malpractice.
Otero, according to court documents, underwent cosmetic leg-lengthening surgery in August 2002. Otero signed consent forms and paid Dr. Vito approximately $53,000 to perform the surgery. The procedure was estimated to increase Otero’s height (5ʹ1ʺ) by one to three inches.
Following the surgery by Vito, Otero sought a second opinion from Dr. DrorPaley, who began treating Otero for "bilateral nonunions of the proximal tibiae with severe greater than 45-degree valgus procurvatum deformities of both tibiae," according to court documents.
In simpler terms, this describes a condition where both legs have unhealed breaks near the knees, causing the lower legs to bend outward and forward at a severe angle (more than 45 degrees).
Dr. Paley planned a course of treatment to correct Otero’s deformities.
In November 2006, while under Dr. Paley’s care, Otero suffered an excruciatingly painful stress fracture that resulted in a complete fracture through his right femur.
According to the 2007 court document (Order on Motion for Default Judgement), Otero’s condition "improved somewhat since his August 2002 surgery. He remains under Dr. Paley’s care and supervision."
The default judgment order states, "Dr. Vito’s liability for his negligence and unauthorized practice of medicine has already been established by the Court’s prior rulings, and the Defendants’ Georgia RICO and punitive damages liability was well-pleaded in the Second Amended Complaint, and thereafter established by the entry of default against them.”
The court ordered:
Special damages in the amount of $721,989.24;
Treble actual damages in the amount of $1.5 million ($ 500,000 base award);
Punitive damages in the amount of $150,000; and
Attorneys’ expenses in the amount of $155,000.
As part of the same case, in an Order on Motion for Summary Judgment (Sept. 9, 2009), the court also found that Vito undertook a strategy to create various corporate and business entities, which are listed in the document "as part of an elaborate scheme to evade liabilities to judgment creditors such as the Plaintiff in this case."
The court stated that Vito admitted that "he created and controlled the various entities so that he could protect his assets from collection while maintaining control over and access to those assets."
According to the court, Vito included his brothers, Richard C. Vito and John A. Vito, and his father, George A. Vito, all three also from Rochester, as official owners, shareholders, and officers of all the entities.
Richard Vito and John Vito both testified that they had no knowledge of or involvement in the affairs of these entities but that they agreed to participate as owners or officers of the various entities at the direction of their brother.
The order states:
The court found that Vito's transfers to these various entities was fraudulent, with the intent to hide assets from creditors, including Otero. By weaving a complex web of trusts, corporations, and limited liability companies, by channeling his income through numerous accounts in numerous names, by transferring his property to alter egos, by encumbering his property and income stream with various obligations, and by refusing to cooperate in the discovery of his assets, Dr. Vito fashioned a daunting challenge for his creditors. Overcoming that challenge has required more than two years of arduous, expensive litigation by a very determined Plaintiff, the appointment of a special master and a receiver, the incarceration of Dr. Vito, and considerable time and effort on the part of this Court and its staff. To this day, it cannot be said that the web is completely untangled or that the hurdles have all been removed. Enough is known, however, to warrant summary judgment in the case.
As a result, the court ordered that funds currently held by the receiver in the bankruptcy on behalf of the Vito entities be considered assets of the Vito estate.
Georgia court records also indicate that Vito was sued by Sabih Kalidy, who alleged medical malpractice by Vito when he experienced complications after Vito had performed leg lengthening surgery. The case was apparently settled, but the actual case documents are not online. The Batavian only knows about it because Vito subsequently sued Dror Paley, alleging defamation via an affidavit Paley made in the case. That case was dismissed.
Also stemming from Kalidy's case, Vito sued attorney Mark Inman. Inman then took on another client who underwent the same procedure and began making phone calls to gather more information to support the case. He left phone messages for the person he called and Vito learned of those messages. He sued Inman and Inman's law firm alleging slander, tortious interference with business relations, and misappropriation of trade secrets. An appeals court decided in Inman's favor.
Closer to home, Legacy Medical Consultants, based in Fort Worth, filed a complaint against Vito and Ankle and Foot Centers of Western New York on June 28. The case is still pending, with the most recent action in the case, notice of discovery, on Jan. 31.
Legacy alleges that Vito failed to pay more than $13.5 million for products received by his practice beginning in July 7, 2022.
"Despite the plain language of the Agreement, Dr. Vito has failed to make numerous payments owed to Legacy for Products he received," the complaint alleges.
It alleges Vito has failed to make at least 151 payments.
In the complaint, Legacy describes its business:
Legacy is an integrated marketer of proprietary regenerative biomaterial products processed from human amniotic membrane and other birth tissues. Among other things, Legacy markets amniotic tissue grafts, which are intended to assist in the treatment of external, chronic or non-healing wounds by providing coverage and protection. Legacy markets its products to doctors all over the country.
Legacy alleges Vito entered into an agreement with Legacy in November 2021 to purchase "human cell and tissue products for Dr. Vito to administer to patients as medically necessary” and that he subsequently placed orders with Legacy.
In an answer filed on Aug. 7, 2024, Vito denies all the allegations raised in the suit.
As for Vito’s next political step, “it is up to him,” Le Roy Republican Committee Chairman Andrew Lathan said.
It was too late for Vito to appear before the committee by the time he notified Lathan of his interest, and the endorsement window is now closed, the chairman said.
“He will need to get the required signatures for an upcoming primary. He has made no indication to me of his decision,” Lathan said Thursday evening. “It is important to note that the political process is alive and well for the 5th Legislative District; the door is now open for any Republican in Le Roy to get signatures and get on the ballot.
“I plead home rule to the GCRC, where the voters of Le Roy truly get to pick their representation at the county level, not to get force-fed an incumbent candidate, and my fellow Republicans of the GCRC delivered,” he said. “This is going to be a long process; nothing is going to be settled on social media. Keyboard warriors should stay stretched and well-hydrated. I hope it is an honest and fair process.”
“New York Power Authority's (NYPA's) decision to pause its proposed hydropower rate hike is a win for New Yorkers, businesses, and communities that depend on affordable, clean energy. This near-tripling of rates was unacceptable, and I, along with Assemblyman Andrew Molitor and many of my Republican colleagues, fought hard to stop this devastating increase before it could take effect.
The overwhelming pushback from legislators, businesses, municipal utility providers, and residents made it clear that this proposal was unacceptable. Once Governor Hochul saw the extent of opposition, she put the brakes on it—something she should have done from the start. Keeping energy affordable is essential to retaining jobs, supporting families, and maintaining a competitive economy.
This fight isn’t over. We must remain vigilant to ensure NYPA doesn’t revive this misguided proposal down the road and that New Yorkers continue to have access to reliable, low-cost energy.”
Genesee County’s Conservative Committee pulled its endorsement for Dr. George Vito in his bid for the county Legislature’s District 5 spot, secretary John Roach says.
“The Conservative Party endorsed Vito and then found out he had some legal issues and thought he should have told us ahead of time,” Roach said Thursday. “The fact that he had issues and didn’t tell us … we were disappointed not to know ahead of time.”
Vito is a first-time political candidate and contender for the District 5 seat, giving a potential challenge to incumbent Shelley Stein. Neither candidate has received an endorsement from the county Republican or Conservative committees from official votes, and Stein did not get an endorsement from the Le Roy Republican Committee.
Vito said Thursday that he was meeting with the Le Roy Republican Committee about his impending campaign and future decision to run for the seat. He wanted to have that discussion first before an interview with The Batavian.
Stein said she is “motivated to first understand the reasons behind not receiving the endorsement for re-election this year.” County Republican Committee Chairman Scott German had said he was aware that people in Le Roy were not happy with her performance, and Stein believes it relates to the sales tax cap initiated in 2021.
“That action was taken after several months of conversations and discussions with all municipalities,” she said. “The driver for the sales tax cap was the debt service for the new jail. The role of a legislator is to run the county with the perspective of the district, yet putting the county first.”
As for why her constituents may be disgruntled, she suspects it could stem “from the extra layer of responsibility I have as chairwoman.”
“There is much legislature discussion around issues, and once a decision is made, the chair must support it. These decisions may not be popular with towns and villages,” she said. “I will continue to work hard and advocate for all citizens of Genesee County and faithfully execute the fiduciary duties of the position.”
Candidates will find out from the New York State Board of Elections in a week how many signatures they must obtain to get onto the ballot.
File photo. Carl Hyde discussing water issues in the Town of Bethany. Photo by Howard Owens.
Carl Hyde, the town supervisor for the past 12 years in Bethany, has spent a lot of time pouring over the state budget and he's tired of the wasteful spending.
He thinks he can fix it, and that means he needs to beat Gov. Kathy Hochul in the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
To get there, he needs the support of the state's Republican leadership. On Tuesday, the Genesee County Republic Party Committee gave Hyde their blessing to approach state leadership in Albany about becoming the state party's standard bearer in 2026.
"I want to make New York better for future generations," Hyde told The Batavian on Thursday morning.
Hyde is 62, an honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran who has served the Genesee County veterans community for decades, most recently as head of the WNY National Cemetery Honor Guard. He is married with two children and one grandchild. He attended Pavilion Central School, has been a Little League coach, has worked in construction, and is a member of the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department.
He distributed a flyer on social media to test out his campaign themes and was encouraged by the positive response, he said.
Asked about the prospects of a small-town supervisor running for statewide office, he said his would be a grassroots campaign focused on state spending.
"I've been doing governmental accounting for the last 12 years," Hyde said. "I know how to read a budget. I know I can see the problems in the state's budget because somebody thinks they have a free hand to dole out money whenever they want to."
He gave two primary examples of waste in the state's budget. Since 2019, the Thruway Authority has lost more than $270 million in unpaid fines. The Mass Transit Authority has a $33 billion deficit. He wants to tackle those issues.
On the Thruway issue, he proposes signing reciprocal agreements with other states to collect fines. When people want to renew registrations or drivers licenses, they can't until they pay their tolls and accumulated fines.
He wants to bring back toll booths, which makes it easier to pay tolls because not everybody has an EZPass, even NYS residents.
Traditionally, conservatives object to Thruway tolls as another tax on New Yorkers. Hyde acknowledges the reality of the massive expense involved in maintaining the Thruway.
"Here's the thing with the Thruway, you've got 560 miles of Thruway road, hundreds and hundreds of buildings, and they all need to be maintained. So when Governor Dewey touted that eventually it would be free, it was a lie," Hyde said.
Without tolls, he said, the cost of the Thruway would mean higher taxes for every New Yorker, which wouldn't be fair, he said.
With the MTA, he said he would order a thorough forensic audit to find what causes the MTA to run at a deficit and then work to correct the issues uncovered by the audit, he said.
Among government waste he's spotted is $7 million spent for increased police officers for 30 days. That is wasteful, he said, because it doesn't fix any problem. Hiring more cops, he said, would be a better long-term solution.
He thinks he can make a convincing case to party leaders that a small-town supervisor fixated on the budget is the right approach to challenging the Democratic machine in New York.
"My pitch is going to be, I'm going to take the state's budget with me, and I'm going to throw it on the table and I and talk about some of the issues that are in the budget, with all the new, upcoming programs for the 25-26 budget that shows millions of dollars being spent on a personal agenda and that's being paid for by the taxpayers and they don't even know about," Hyde said. "I mean, unfortunately, in my spare time, I read the state's budget."
Another example, there are 12 programs in the state budget, he said, for getting kids out of the house to go swimming that, he said, "people don't even know about."
For any GOP candidate, Democrats, of course, are going to want to talk about more that financial matters. They will bring up Donald Trump (a 56 percent disapproval rating in New York), and cultural war issues.
Hyde said he's prepared.
First, he said, "I'm not Donald Trump. I have no crazy ideas to go out and do a lot of wild stuff. I just want to fix the budget. I want to fix the taxes in New York State. I want to reduce the deficit."
On the cultural war issues, he takes a live-and-let-live stance. He isn't out to force anybody to believe anything or live according to other people's desires.
"If you're transgender, if you're happy, and you're not harming anybody else, what does it matter?" Hyde said. "I mean, you know, just because somebody's gay doesn't mean somebody's got the right to go out there and take a swing at them. You know, leave them alone. They're Americans, too. They're citizens of the state of New York. Leave them alone. They're working. They're doing what they need to do to survive in 2025, 2026, whatever, it's their business."
He said he doesn't agree with recent campus protests but, again, his stance is to leave people alone.
"If people are Jewish, leave them alone. If you're Palestinian, leave them alone. I don't care," Hyde said. "If you're here as an American to make your life better, don't be causing trouble and, you know, hating people just because they're different than you, because if we all hated everything who is different, there'd be a lot of people who wouldn't be here today."
Those aren't the issues he wants to focus on. He wants to talk money and tell the story of his 12 years as a supervisor in Bethany and what he's learned about sound financial management.
"I'm not independently wealthy, and anybody who knows me knows that, but my background in governmental accounting is as a town supervisor who took a town that was going to run out of money to a town that can get loans at low interest, can pay cash for trucks, dump trucks, plow roads," Hyde said. "I had the experience to fix the state, to turn it around, you know, and to possibly make it into a state where we would finally see a reduction in taxes."
Page one of the flyer Carl Hyde posted on social media to test his campaign themes.
Page two of the flyer Carl Hyde posted on social media.
It seems likely there will be primaries in Genesee County’s future, with no endorsements for two candidates in each of the county Legislature’s District 5 and 9, County Republican Committee Chairman Scott German says.
“There were people that were adamant for Kathy or Bob, but they didn’t get 60% of the vote,” German said Wednesday of City Council members Kathy Briggs and Bob Bialkowski, who are vying for District 9.
Gary Maha has opted not to run for re-election, so there will not be an incumbent in the race for District 9. Briggs and Bialkowski will have to petition for signatures to get onto the ballot.
“I’m sure they will each have people that will help them pass,” German said.
It’s a similar scenario for the two candidates for District 5, although incumbent Rochelle “Shelley” Stein has said she will run for re-election. A longtime member of the legislature for the last 14 years, Stein was not endorsed by the Le Roy Republican, the county Conservative or the county Republican committees.
“I know that people in Le Roy are just not happy,” German said.
The Le Roy Republican Committee has not yet endorsed, and county Conservative Committee has endorsed newcomer Dr. George Vito, a podiatrist from Le Roy for District 5.
After three votes, neither Stein nor Vito “achieved 60%,” German said of the County Republican Committee vote. They will also have to petition for signatures to get onto the ballot. German estimated they would need about 90 names.
The county Republican Committee did endorse this week District Attorney Kevin Finnell, Chad Klotzbach for District 1, Gordon Dibble for District 3, and John Deleo for District 7.
There is also likely to be a primary this June in the town of Byron along with the two districts, German said.
A phone call made to Le Roy Republican Committee Chairman Andrew Lathan early Wednesday evening for comment was not returned.
The following requests were also given unanimous approval during the county Republican meeting, according to a news release:
Maureen Torrey Marshall, a member of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees, requested a recommendation to the Legislature for another term.
Carl Hyde Jr., Supervisor for the Town of Bethany, requested to pursue his interest in being a candidate for New York State governor.
Michael Cianfrini and Barbara Eddy, the present Genesee County representatives as New York State Committee members, were appointed to another term.
The damage was too extensive from an industrial fire at 20 Howard St., Batavia, on Nov. 9 for investigators to determine the cause of the blaze.
The massive fire destroyed a 4,160-square-foot structure, built in 1941, where Baskin Livestock processed dry dog food into feed for hogs.
The fire investigation team of Captain Jamie Call, Captain Michael Morris, and Firefighter Christina Marinaccio determined the fire started in the southwest corner of the structure.
City Fire was dispatched to the call at 7:47 a.m. after dispatchers received reports of a large quantity of black smoke coming from the building.
When Captain Mike Morris opened truck bay doors when he arrived on scene, he confirmed a large fire and requested a second alarm.
Because it was a heavily involved fire already, Morris, the incident commander, determined the priority for firefighters was protecting other buildings nearby.
He requested a third alarm.
A short time later, Chief Josh Graham arrived on scene and assumed command.
Fire crews worked the fire for over 12 hours, with a single crew remaining on scene until 10 p.m.
"Due to the difficulty with access and size of the structure, crews were working on and off for the next four days," Graham said. "This also included the use of an East Pembroke Fire Department utility vehicle, which aided us in getting to hard-to-reach spots."
Graham indicated that investigators put a lot of effort into trying to determine the cause of the fire.
“I applaud the fire investigation team for their tireless work as well as all of the crews that responded to this incident,” Graham said.
Graham reported two minor injuries to city firefighters at the scene. They were evaluated by Mercy EMS medics and continued working the fire after being checked out.
The City of Batavia Fire Department was assisted by the City of Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center, the Town of Batavia Fire Department, the Leroy Fire Department, Stafford Fire Department, East Pembroke Fire Department, Mercy EMS, Genesee County Office of Emergency Management, City of Batavia DPW, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City of Batavia Codes Department, NYS DEC, National Grid, and National Fuel.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) will be hosting his annual Valentines for Veterans Program Friday morning, February 14.
Hawley will collect valentines from students at Jackson Primary School and will deliver them to veteran residents living at The New York State Veterans Home at Batavia. Hawley is proud to be able to put this event on for another year and hopes it will raise awareness of veterans' issues in New York.
“This event is a great opportunity every year to show my appreciation for our veterans and all of the sacrifices they have made to keep us free,” said Hawley. “As a veteran myself, I know the hard work and dedication these brave men and women have given over the years, and I hope events like this can serve as a way to give back.”
There were 2,971 students recognized for academic excellence on the SUNY Cortland Dean's List for the Fall 2024 semester. The Dean's List is the highest ranking for undergraduate students in their respective academic areas of the university. Students must earn a minimum 3.3 grade point average for the semester to make the list.
Each of SUNY Cortland's three schools publishes its own Dean's List. They are the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Professional Studies and the School of Education.
Among those honored are:
Gaige Armbrewster of Batavia - Major: Physical Education K-12
Jocelyn Coburn of Batavia - Major: Musical Theatre BFA
Olivia Halpin of Batavia - Major: Inclusive Education Childhood
Kaylie Kratz of Batavia - Major: Inclusive Early Child Edu(B-2)
Kirstin Mattice of Batavia - Major: Inclusive Early Child Education (B-2)
Nathan Schildwaster of Batavia - Major: History
Allie Schwerthoffer of Batavia - Major: Healthcare Management
Karlee Zinkievich of Pavilion - Major: Physical Education K-12
Pizza boxes blowing against trees and styrofoam in the bushes are unsightly not only because they didn’t make trash pickup, Bruce Scofield says.
Those items that were put in residents’ recycling boxes are not recyclable, and it would be nice if they were better secured so as not to decorate the surrounding neighborhood and hurt the environment, he said.
"I have been in the garbage business for the past 23 years. I’m coming to speak to you tonight as a resident. I will offer my concerns as a resident. I will offer my advice as an owner of a garbage company, but by no means am I looking to steer business my way, other than to give insight into the garbage business,” Scofield said Monday during City Council’s conference meeting at City Hall. “My first concern is recycling in open containers. There is no reason this should be permitted in the city of Batavia; all recyclables should be placed in an enclosed container. Plastic bags are not recyclable, and if a resident puts their recyclables in a plastic bag the whole bag of recyclables gets trashed and not recycled.”
Scofield just opened his Scofield Transfer & Recycling pick-up business about a month and a half ago in the city. When he drives around on garbage pick-up days, “it is a mess,” he said. While people may think they are saving the environment by recycling, the materials that end up littering the streets and neighborhoods “can do more damage” than good, he said.
“When paper or cardboard gets wet, guess what? It’s not recyclable. So, when it rains, that material becomes garbage – not recyclable. When the wind blows like it has in the past month that material now becomes garbage,” he said. “I don’t know how many times, on a windy day, I have had to pick up styrofoam products in my yard. Styrofoam isn’t recyclable. How about trees? I have never seen a tree grow a pizza box but, every garbage day, countless trees around the city have pizza boxes propped up against them. The funny thing is pizza boxes are not even recyclable. The problem with recycling is that people think they are doing the right thing but, in fact, they are not.”
He likens it to someone who eats a double cheeseburger with fries and adds a diet drink to offset the calories for a perceived net gain of zero. Subconsciously it may feel good but doesn’t actually accomplish the goal, he said. Same is true for recycling: it's a feel-good effort, however, recycle the wrong way, and the net gain is “a trashed city of Batavia, and you didn’t save the environment.”
He suggested that council provide stronger regulations for the garbage business, including for there to be only three pick-up days a week — Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday — to alleviate the city from having garbage and recycling along the streets seven days a week; and that all materials be in enclosed containers.
Can and should the city be the one to initiate such a mandate to private business owners? “I’m asking the city to hold residents to be more responsible about the garbage they produce and to hold garbage companies to a city standard,” he said. “Let’s make Batavia clean again. My home, just like most of yours, is an investment. I’m here to protect my investment.”
Will this cost residents more? “You might say it could create economic hardship for residents if they have to buy sealed garbage totes. Require the garbage companies to provide totes to the residents,” he said.
When garbage in bags is placed by the road, it blows into the road, gets hit by cars or plows, or snow piles up on it, he said. In the summer, animals and rodents break open bags.
"Employees from the garbage companies won’t pick up garbage that’s scattered all over. Why should they?" he said. "We live in a beautiful city; why trash it? I ask again, why does it have to be that way?"
City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. said he had not heard about this issue before.
“First I heard of it. It's all news to me, and we've directed the city manager to look into it and provide us with more information. I like to gather as much information as I can before I make decisions. So I can't even comment on it right now because I need way more information than I have,” Jankowski said, adding that he has not heard from residents. “No. And I live in a neighborhood and I have my recycling bin does have a cover on it, so I didn't know that people were still acting without covers. First I heard of it, so we're going to look into it.”
In the meantime, there are three basic rules, according to one recycling site online:
Rule 1: Recycle bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.
Rule 2: Keep food and liquid out of your recycling.
Rule 3: No loose plastic bags and no bagged recyclables allowed.
Also on the “no” list are plastic wrap and film, flexible packaging, cups with wax or plastic coatings, polystyrene foam and plastic, dirty diapers, household items, medical or garage waste, tanglers that can wrap around equipment or endanger workers, such as water hoses.
With assistance from National Grid’s Agribiz Program, Dakota Wilson, left, and Sam Wilson installed new fans at their Ames, N.Y. dairy farm that keep their cows cool during the hottest summer days. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
Whether farmers are looking to upgrade operations or expand their businesses, National Grid can assist with financial incentives and technical support to help Upstate New York farms reduce energy costs, improve health and efficiency, and reduce maintenance. National Grid representatives will be available to share details about its Agribiz Program at the New York Farm Show, scheduled for Feb. 20 to 22 at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.
Dakota and Sam Wilson know firsthand that upgrading equipment to grow their Ames, N.Y.- based dairy farm meant that they needed to make a significant investment. Last year, when the Wilsons installed six high-speed circulating fans, they earned incentives through National Grid’s Agribiz program that offset around 70% of the project costs.
The Wilsons represent one of nearly 150 farm owners across Upstate New York who, since 2020, have earned more than $1.5 million in incentives to increase efficiency, reduce energy and maintenance costs, meet sustainability goals, and improve the health of their farm animals.
In addition to incentives, National Grid also offers economic development funding and financing for farm owners.
“When our vendor was providing us with quotes for the new fans it was mentioned that a National Grid program could help pay for them,” said Dakota Wilson. “A National Grid rep visited us and walked us through their Prescriptive Energy Efficiency Program that covered more than half the project. Before winter set in, we were able to use the new fans, which keep the cows cool and moved the air throughout the barn just as we had hoped.”
“Farming is foundational to New York’s economy. When it comes to their own economics, our state’s farms understand the importance of productivity; and the more a facility produces, the higher the earning potential that facility has,” said National Grid Eastern Regional Director Kim Ireland, who added that a few energy upgrades such as high-efficiency lighting, ventilation fans, and water transfer pumps can improve harvest yields and overall livestock health. “We’re proud to help farmers across all of Upstate New York who are upgrading operations and growing their agri-businesses by lowering their initial investments in equipment and systems. Working together with farmers like the Wilsons, we can significantly reduce operating costs and energy use.”
At Lafayette, N.Y.-based Apple Acres, National Grid’s Agribiz Program provided incentives that covered around one-third of the project costs for the installation of automatic, high-speed refrigerator doors.
“Working with National Grid’s Agribiz team has allowed us to complete projects that we wouldn’t necessarily have tackled without their expertise, encouragement and financial assistance,” said Apple Acres Owner Catie Blackler. “We’ve installed equipment that delivers direct energy savings and have been able to invest in innovation that saves energy through improved production efficiency. National Grid’s Agribiz Program is a valuable partner that ensures our locally grown apples are competitive nationally.”
Farmers who are interested in learning more about National Grid’s AgriBiz program can contact John Snyder at john.snyderjr@nationalgrid.com.
Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, today said it plans to hire 1,500 seasonal associates for the 2025 season ahead of opening day on May 16.
The park will start filling those roles during a week-long hiring blitz to be held February 15-22 as part of a large recruiting campaign by the park’s parent company, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, across all its parks in North America.
To learn more about the event and open positions, please visit the Six Flags Darien Lake job site. These positions include:
Food & Beverage Associates
Ride Operators
Lifeguards
Sales Associates for Merchandise
Park Services Attendants
Hotel and Campground Associates
And more!
Hourly pay starts at $15.50 for those who are 16 years of age or older based on experience, prior service, and position. Darien Lake offers competitive wages and amazing perks for its associates, including discounts on park food and merchandise, reward and recognition programs, exclusive park events for associates, ride nights, a cafeteria with discount meals, and free admission to any Six Flags park.
Candidates may apply online or visit the park’s Employment Office during the following times to learn about the job opportunities and be interviewed same-day:
Tuesday, Feb. 18 (12 to 7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 19 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Thursday, Feb. 20 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 21 (12 to 7 p.m.)
Saturday, Feb. 22 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
“Seasonal associates are the lifeblood of our business and play an instrumental role in consistently delivering amazing experiences to our park guests,” said Christopher Thorpe, park president. “We offer competitive wages and unbeatable perks that include opportunities for leadership development, paid internships, career advancement, and so much more. We look forward to welcoming new associates for what I’m sure will be a FUN and exciting 2025 season!”
The hiring blitz at Six Flag Darien Lake is part of a plan by parent company Six Flags Entertainment to hire more than 50,000 seasonal associates across its network of parks in 2025. The company anticipates filling the majority of those roles during hiring events to be held across all parks in North America from February 15-22.
The American Heart Association and Rochester Regional Health (RRH) to host free Hands-Only CPR demonstration on Wednesday, February 12.
The American Heart Association and Rochester Regional Health are teaming up to create a Nation of Lifesavers. Trainers will teach Hands-Only CPR to local religious leaders, who can then share this life-saving skill with the community.
The event will take place at the Rochester Regional Health Healthy Living Campus, located at 211 East Main Street, Batavia.
The demonstrations for local religious leaders will be held from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by Hands-Only CPR demonstrations open to the public from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The American Heart Association is challenging everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers and commit to learning CPR during American Heart Month in February.
More than 350,0000 people experiencing cardiac arrests outside of a hospital, including 23,000 children. CPR is a critical skill that kids as young as 9 years old can learn.
CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest ictim’s chance of survival – which is key since nearly 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. Nearly 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, so it is likely that the person who needs CPR will be a family member or friend.
Knowing CPR is an essential skill anyone can perform, and it could mean the difference between life and death.
