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A new fire engine — at a total cost of about $700,000 — is on the horizon for the city of Batavia after City Council approved a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development funding offer Monday.

Council approved Rural Development’s proposed funding of a $630,000 loan at 2.5 percent interest for 20 years; an estimated grant of $50,000; and the city’s own contribution of $20,000 to come from fire department reserves, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said.

“We need to replace engine 12. This is in the capital plan for vehicle replacement. It is a 20-year-old fire apparatus pumper. The estimated costs a month or two ago was $700,000, and whether that holds true today, we'll see,” Tabelski said during a special business meeting at City Hall. “I recommend that we accept this funding offer from USDA Rural Development. If we do so by the end of June, it's basically an informal letter from myself to them to move forward in the process. We'll be able to lock in the interest rate at 2.5. Interest rates are supposed to go up again at the end of June.”

The current engine 12 has been showing “extreme corrosion,” she said in a memo to council members. Excessive road salting during winter months has caused corrosion and decay on the engine body, chassis and wiring, and the fire engine has had many repairs in the last few years — repairs that are becoming more costly, she said.

The new engine will be a 2023 National Fire Protection Association compliant rescue-style fire engine with a custom cab, seating for six fire personnel, 1,500 gallons per minute fire pump with foam capability, a 750-gallon water tank, the latest safety features, full LED emergency and scene lights and aluminum or stainless steel construction for longevity.

City Council unanimously approved the resolution to accept Rural Development’s funding offer and to transfer $20,000 out of fire reserves to be used for the deal.

Even fun has to be questioned sometimes.

That’s how City Councilman Bob Bialkowski felt during council’s conference meeting Monday. The group was reviewing several event applications, and a couple of them — GLOW Corporate Cup and Venue Entertainment — stopped the flow of approvals.

Were they going to sell or provide alcohol at these events? Would participants be allowed to walk around outside with alcohol? Bialkowski, who is a councilman-at-large, just wanted to confirm the details, he said.

“I just want to make sure we're following the law and will not have any confusion, because, you know it can happen. In a way the law is threatening ‘you need an exemption,’ so it's not allowed on any municipal property period,” he said to The Batavian after the meeting at City Hall. “And the other one at South Swan, I just had some concerns because of what’s served at the event. And it's kind of ambiguous. A lot of times if you communicate things ahead of time and you have it all laid out, it's crystal clear, there's no problems.”

GLOW Corporate Cup is a yearly 5K event with several organizations that bring their own tents, food and beverages for an “afterglow” party once the race is over. It has been set for August 4 this year at Centennial Park in Batavia. Bialkowski said that he hasn’t heard anything negative about the event, especially in relation to drinking alcohol, but he wanted to know the parameters.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski emphasized that the event sponsor does not provide any alcohol (or other beverages or food), and that it’s up to each organization to bring, use and monitor what’s being supplied for its group participants.

Venue Entertainment requested to have a community block party on August 6 on South Swan Street in Batavia. The party is to run from 2 to 10 p.m. with a DJ, bands, face-painting, basket raffles, a bounce house, tents, a T-shirt sale and food vendors. An asterisk on the application indicates that alcohol will be available for purchase through Polish Falcons, which prompted Bialkowski to question the use and sale of alcohol during the event. He asked where alcohol would be consumed and whether it was likely that attendees may be walking around the neighborhood with alcoholic beverages in hand.

Can the city control the use of alcohol during an event, Bialkowski said.

“I don't think we can. We can't prevent someone from gathering in a public place and having a picnic. We're just trying to assist so that there is no confusion or maybe double booking or something like that," Council President Eugene Jankowski said. “I know they’re closing the street off. I was wondering how they were going to pull this thing off. We want to know so we don’t have a lot of chaos … “We want to make sure they have a safe, fun time. We want it to be successful.”

Council members discussed the event itself, with four barricades in the neighborhood parkway near Polish Falcons on Swan Street. Councilman John Canale noted that the application asks questions pertaining to serving, providing and/or selling alcohol at the event. There is also a clause asking for the name of who will apply to the State Liquor Authority for a permit to sell alcohol.

That’s not applicable in this instance, Canale said.

“That falls under the Polish Falcons license to sell,” he said. “If Polish Falcons are selling it, they will be selling it out of the bar downstairs.

While discussing the GLOW 5K event, Jankowski referred the matter to City Attorney George Van Nest. Jankowski was  “under the impression that if someone wanted to have a picnic, they could drink any beverages they want,” he said.

“I think you’re generally right, Council President. I would defer to the chief for any violations that may come up during the park usage. But generally speaking, as it relates to event applications, if there's a specific event in a downtown space, there might be a request for Dram Shop insurance as well,” Van Nest said. “But I would defer to the clerk as well, this event has happened in the past and there hasn’t been an issue with it. And it seems to be on par with other events that happened throughout the community.”

Dram shop insurance — dubbed after the age-old phrase used for bars and restaurants that serve alcohol — is a liability insurance plan designed to protect alcohol-serving businesses from the risks associated with their industry, according to insurance canopy.com.

City Council agreed to move along the requests, accompanied by requests for the annual Kiwanis 5K, fireworks at two Muckdogs’ games on June 4 and 18, Jackson Square concerts on Thursday and Friday evenings throughout the summer, Blue Pearl Yoga in the Park, HCR Home Care's ribbon-cutting on June 8, an official naming ceremony for the David McCarthy Ice Arena for June 3, a homeowner’s workshop for July 23 in the City Centre concourse and a chicken barbecue for June 4.

Top photo: City Councilman Bob Bialkowski questions the use of alcohol during council's review of event applications Monday at City Hall. Photo by Joanne Beck.

Press release

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C, I-Batavia) is announcing that he will be making COVID-19 home test kits available through his office for free to any local organizations that could assist in distributing them to people who need them. Any groups interested in obtaining test kits are encouraged to reach out to the Assemblyman’s office at 585-589-5780 to learn more details and schedule a pickup.

“When it comes to COVID-19, we never truly know what lies ahead, and as the Boy Scouts say, it’s wise to ‘be prepared,’” said Hawley. “I encourage any and all local organizations that could put these tests to use to reach out and take advantage of this opportunity.”

Press release:

The Bethany FD sold hotdogs Friday and Saturday as a fundraiser. We want to thank Tractor Supply, everyone who supported us by buying hotdogs, and those who donated money as well.

Supporting your local Fire Department is a way to provide essential local services. And the most important way you can help is to volunteer your time. Your local Fire Department will be more than happy to let you know how you can help.

Photos by Glenn Adams

Press release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) / Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Oakfield Alabama Little League with a check for $2,000.  The funds will help maintain the baseball fields and will help keep registration fees low for families.

The Shopping for Mom Craft and Gift Showcase, held at Batavia Downs on May 1^st, was organized by Ted Hanes and Mary Bucceri, Group Sales Manager at Batavia Downs.  100% of collected vendor fees and accepted donations by attendees totaled $2,000. 

“In these tough economic times, we are blessed with the ability to raise awareness and funds through our events,” said Wojtaszek. “Organizations like the Oakfield Alabama Little League support children being active and growing their social skills as they interact with each other.  We are pleased to help alleviate the financial burden on parents by partnering with this worthy organization.”

“The funds will be used to maintain the grounds and help OALL keep registration fees low, “ said Normand Fluet, Oakfield Alabama Little League Supporter.  “As the cost of things like uniforms, equipment for the kids, dirt, clay and paint (to name a few) continue to increase, contributions like this allow us to limit how much more we have to ask parents for to continue the program!”

Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

“After reviewing the revised maps, which were released in the dead of night, I am announcing my candidacy for New York’s 24th Congressional District. As drawn, the 24th District includes areas I currently represent in Congress such as Oswego County,” said Congresswoman Tenney. 

Tenney continued “I am honored to have received the support of President Trump, Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, and multiple county Republican and Conservative chairs. In the coming weeks and months, I will work to continue earning the support of those in New York’s redrawn 24th District, which spans portions of Central New York, the Finger Lakes Region, and Western New York. It is a beautiful area of New York that I have lived in, represented, and know well. Now that this partisan redistricting process is over, I am honored by the opportunity to represent the 24th District in Congress.”

Tenney has deep roots in New York’s 24th Congressional District. She has represented portions of NY-24 starting in 2011 and previously lived in Ontario County. Under the new redistricting maps, 30% of NY-24 falls within the Syracuse Media Market, where Tenney has extraordinarily high name ID among voters. Tenney kicks off the campaign as the clear front runner with over 1.4 Million Dollars in her war chest.

In Response to President Trump’s Endorsement, Congresswoman Tenney Released the Following Statement:

“Thank you Mr. President! I had the honor to serve alongside President Trump in Congress and the privilege to call him a dear friend. Together, we cut taxes, secured the border and fought back against the Communist Chinese. With President Trump’s support, we can win this seat and continue fighting for his America First Agenda in Congress. NY-24 is Trump Country!” said Tenney.

President Trump has been a steadfast supporter of Claudia Tenney. Last June, he held a fundraiser at his Bedminster Golf Club in support of Tenney’s campaign and filmed an endorsement video. In April 2021, President Trump hosted Tenney at his Mar-a-Lago Club for a meeting. During her 2020 campaign, President Trump held a tele-town hall in support of Tenney and in 2018, the President visited Upstate NY to host a fundraiser for Tenney that raised over $650,000 for her campaign. Trump is also an honorary member of the House Election Integrity Caucus, which Tenney founded in the aftermath of the 2020 election.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney was honored to receive the following endorsements over the weekend:

“Wyoming County was proud to unanimously endorse Claudia Tenney’s campaign just a few months back and we are honored to announce our official endorsement of Congresswoman Tenney in the newly drawn 24th district. Western New Yorkers are ready to send a strong conservative fighter to Washington this November. As the strongest Republican county in New York State, we are excited to have the most Conservative Member of Congress from New York as our next Congresswoman!” said Wyoming Republican Committee Chairwoman Ellen Grant.
 
“It is an honor to once again endorse Congresswoman Claudia Tenney for re-election in Oswego County and NY-24. Claudia has served the people of Oswego County with dedication, honor and integrity since her time as our Assemblywoman. In both Albany and Washington, Claudia has always stood out as a champion for our conservative values. We are thrilled Claudia will continue to fight for us in Congress and look forward to making sure she wins big this November,” said Oswego Republican Committee Chairman Fred Beardsley.
 
“Incumbent Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has a proven track record advocating for Upstate New Yorkers in Washington. Now that the Congressional District lines are finalized, Orleans County is excited to give Congresswoman Tenney a warm Western New York welcome. I am confident Claudia will be an excellent representative for Orleans County in Congress,” said Orleans County Republican Chairman Skip Draper.
 
“It was an honor to get introduced to Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and discuss her campaign for NY 24, that includes Wayne County.  She is passionate, experienced and a rock solid Republican.  Several of the Town Chairs that I have spoken to are behind Claudia all the way.  I am joining them and giving Claudia Tenney my endorsement for Congress,” said Wayne County Republican Committee Chairman MaryAnne Nicosia-McCarthy.
 
“This morning the court-appointed Special Master set district lines for US Congress and the New York State Senate. The Maps drawn by the State Legislature divided Livingston County into two districts 23 and 24. Chris Jacobs and Claudia Tenney received party endorsements, Today Claudia Tenney stands alone as our candidate for the 24th Congressional District. Livingston County is no longer divided into two districts. Claudia, a sitting Congress Member has a track record of strength and honesty in representing her electorate. Therefore she continues to have our support,” said Livingston County Republican Committee Chairman John Pauer.
 
“Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has always been the embodiment of what it means to be a Conservative. As the Wayne County Conservative Party Chairman, I am thrilled to support Claudia’s re-election campaign. Congresswoman Tenney has always had the support of the Conservative Party and she will again here in NY-24.” said Wayne County Conservative Party Chairman Mike Garlock.
 
“Claudia has been involved in Oswego County politics for almost 20 years and has represented us starting in 2011. We here in Oswego County are excited to share Congresswoman Tenney and her conservative advocacy with the rest of the new NY-24. I am honored to endorse her campaign on behalf of the Oswego County Conservative Party,” said Oswego County Conservative Party Chairman Ronald Greenleaf.

Press release the Automobile Association of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.60, up 12 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $3.04. The New York State average is $4.93, up 17 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.07. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.82 (up 17 cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $4.82 (up 19 cents from last week)
• Elmira - $4.85 (up 17 cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $4.86 (up 19 cents from last week)
• Rochester - $4.88 (up 18 cents from last week)
• Rome - $4.87 (up 15 cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $4.86 (up 20 cents from last week)
• Watertown - $4.89 (up 18 cents from last week)

Pump prices are inching closer to $5 per gallon across New York as the Memorial Day holiday approaches. AAA research finds that three-quarters (75%) of US adults say they would change their driving habits or lifestyle if the cost of gasoline rises to $5.00 per gallon. Younger and older adults respond to gas price increases the same way.   

According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased while gasoline demand increased. Tighter supply and increased demand have pushed pump prices higher.  This supply/demand dynamic, combined with volatile crude prices, will likely continue to keep upward pressure on pump prices.

This morning, oil prices remain over $110 per barrel. Last week, crude prices dropped temporarily over market concerns about the likelihood of a recession. If a recession occurs, crude demand would likely decrease amid slower economic activity. Crude prices then recovered and increased over geopolitical concerns involving Russia and Ukraine.

From Gas Buddy:

“Gasoline prices surged over the last week to new record highs, but have finally started to slow their rise with diesel also finally cooling off," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "With more Americans planning to hit the road for Memorial Day this year compared to last, prices will be over $1.50 per gallon higher than last year. Though, prices are appearing to slow down, for now. While the coast isn't clear yet, and prices will be at their highest Memorial Day level ever, I'm hopeful that we could avoid a dreaded national average of $5 per gallon this year. Whether or not we're able to depends on Americans cutting demand in the face of sky-high prices."

As he waxed a bit of nostalgia while standing before Genesee Community College’s Class of 2022 Saturday, Daniel Ireland recalled a moment when he walked the very same steps to accept his diploma.

“Thirty years ago I stood where you were, crossing the stage here at GCC with what seemed like a lifetime ahead of me,” said Ireland, president of Rochester Regional Health and keynote speaker. “I was a young nurse, and I had just completed a challenging journey through the rigorous program. I was not an A+ student, but I was dedicated, and through perseverance I proudly graduated.”

Ireland delivered the commencement speech for GCC’s 54th graduation ceremony at the Batavia campus. His challenging journey may have been filled with obstacles, he said, but he worked to overcome them. Ireland not only went on to become a nurse, but head of the Rochester-based healthcare company and in his third decade at United Memorial Medical Center. In 2010 he was promoted to vice president of operations and chief operating officer, in which roles he modernized UMMC’s facilities and oversaw various revitalization projects, including the surgical, front entry and maternity unit areas.

His promotion to president followed in 2013. Ireland was instrumental in leading UMMC through the merger with Rochester Regional Health three years later, and two years ago he rose to the task of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

During those two years, GCC postponed the annual commencement and celebrated an in-person event this year. Classes of 2020 and 2021 joined fellow graduates of this year to take that walk of honor across the stage.

Ireland talked about the choices he made along his career path — from earning a bachelor’s in nursing at Brockport State College after GCC to working as an emergency room floor nurse and being promoted to a leadership position.

It was unforeseen tragedy that shaped his moral code and tested his ability to respond in the face of emergencies, he said.

“One of the first things I learned is that unexpected things happen, and you need to roll with it,” he said. “One early August morning, at about 4 a.m., I received a phone call that no emergency room nurse manager wants to receive. A train had derailed here in Batavia. More than 100 passengers were involved. In healthcare, you plan for these things, but you never fully expect them.”

Some 120 accident victims were transported to the hospital, which had a capacity for about 25 people.  Ireland recalled the fear amongst his staff after the train accident. Due to the perseverance of Ireland and his team, there were no fatalities that day.

“I started out as an orderly, who wanted to get through their Associate’s program and practice nursing,” Ireland said. “I became a leader, with a Master’s Degree, running an emergency room, and leading people through disasters.”

Ireland left the audience with a few key takeaways from his educational and career experiences. He spoke about how fatherhood furthered his mental wellbeing, and how, in that era, he learned how to find safety in failure and lead a life of humility.

He recounted a time in his life when a career opportunity arose outside of the healthcare field, and he was not selected. He reassured the graduates that failure is integral to success.

“When I did not get the job, I was crushed. I had not embraced yet that it is okay to fail,” Ireland said. “But, it was simply fate showing me a path I had not imagined. What I did not know was that a different path lay ahead.”

As Ireland concluded his remarks, three graduating classes prepared to receive what they had worked so hard for: a diploma to recognize their new graduate status. After a two-year hiatus, this ceremony seemed to be — in and of itself — a new chapter for GCC and its students.

Top photo: Daniel Ireland of Rochester Regional Health gives the keynote address to the Class of 2022 at Genesee Community College Saturday in Batavia. Classmates celebrate their accomplishments and family and friends capture the moment. Photos courtesy of GCC.

At 3:41 p.m. on May 21, 2022, Genesee County dispatchers received a call of a motorcycle off the road in the area of 6191 North Byron Road with the subject not breathing. 

According to Sgt. Andrew Hale with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, a male in his 60’s from Hilton, NY, was traveling eastbound on North Byron Road with three other motorcyclists when for some unknown reason the motorcycle left the roadway and went off the north shoulder of the road and through a ditch, striking a wooden fence, coming to rest on its side.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene by the Genesee Coroner’s Office.  The three other motorcyclists who were traveling with the victim were not in the area when the subject left the roadway and crashed.

The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the accident.

UPDATE: The driver has been identified as Thomas Hankey, 60, of Hilton. He was driving a 2013 Victory motorcycle.  It appears that Hankey was eastbound on North Byron Road with three other motorcycles when his bike left its lane of travel. It crossed over the center line and continued off the north shoulder of the road. The motorcycle struck a farm fence and flipped over end-over-end and came to rest on the north shoulder. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Crash Management Team.  

By Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

Batavia City Schools' recent budget and board vote put candidates Chezeray Rolle, John Marucci and Korinne Anderson in place for a seat on the Board of Education, however Marucci and Anderson had a tied vote count of 346. Anderson has conceded the three-year term to Marucci and she will take the two-year term, Superintendent Jason Smith said

Rolle, with a top vote of 368, with take his seat with a three-year term.

A 60-unit housing development in a R-3 zoned area off of Lake Road in Le Roy received unanimous approval on Wednesday.

Eric Biscaro, who built and operates Clinton Crossings in Batavia, has said the complex will consist of  30 duplex homes on 16 acres off Route 19. The complex will be open only to people aged 50 and older.

Of the 16 acres, only about five acres will be developed.

Even though the property is zoned R-3, Biscaro did need to seek a one-time special use permit from the planning board, which the board approved 5-0.

Previously: Housing community in Le Roy will be neighborly, developer tells nearby residents

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) released the following statement announcing he will seek re-election in the new 23rd Congressional District drawn by the Special Master.

“Serving Western New York for the past two years has been an honor, it is my home, and we value freedom, family, national security, and fiscal responsibility. With this in mind and after much consideration, I am announcing my candidacy to run in the newly drawn 23rd district. “NY-23 shares these conservative values. They draw across county lines and connect cities, towns, and villages throughout the region. Many of these communities I have been honored to represent in Congress and previously in the New York State Senate and as Erie County Clerk. I look forward to getting to know new communities throughout the Southern Tier, and I am committed to being out and about in each and every community, continuing my track record of working effectively with localities.

“In my first two years in office – we have faced and overcome many challenges, but this coming election is one of the most consequential in my lifetime. One-party Democratic rule and the Biden administration in Washington have been disastrous for our nation. We face an inflation crisis not seen in 40 years. Families face record-high prices at the pump, leaving them to choose between filling their tanks and buying medicine and essential goods. Our southern border remains open to criminals and dangerous fentanyl due to weak policies from the current administration. And Americans are being forced to foot the bill for the administration's partisan policies. Now, more than ever, we need a strong, conservative majority in the House to deliver real solutions that bring down costs, restore our energy independence, end reckless spending, and secure our nation. I will fight to deliver that majority and continue my work for the people of New York to defend our constitutional rights, economic prosperity, and our future."

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) voted in favor of the Access to Baby Formula Act (H.R. 7791) when it passed the House of Representatives last night.

“Months ago, Abbott Nutrition issued a voluntary recall of their baby formula products and shut down their plant in Sturgis, Michigan while the FDA conducted inspections. The Sturgis facility is a major portion of the domestic supply of baby formula – yet the President and his administration sat on their hands for months, as the strain on domestic supply became a crisis,” Jacobs said. “Last night I voted in favor of the bipartisan Access to Baby Formula Act developed by the Education and Labor Committee of which I am a member. This bill provides flexibilities for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Children, and Infants (WIC) so that recipients can use their benefits to purchase what formula stores have on the shelves. This legislation helps new mothers, especially lower income families, access necessary supplies and develops a process to deal with future supply chain issues so a crisis like this does not happen again. I will proudly support tangible and meaningful solutions to this problem.”

The Access to Baby Formula Act would provide additional resources and protections to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program to ensure the FDA and USDA can act quickly in the event of a supply chain crisis to protect WIC recipients and ensure access to critical supplies – especially formula.

Today, Jacobs cosponsored the Babies Need More Formula Now Act to increase supply, require a plan from the FDA, expand choices for parents, and improve the recall process. Jacobs has also cosponsored the Formula Act that would direct the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create a new set of international standards to cut red tape and allow for increased formula imports to supplement domestic supply. Additionally, Jacobs also sent a letter to the President last week expressing the urgency with which the administration needed to act and outlining additional action.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C, I-Batavia) joined his Assembly Minority colleagues in drafting a letter to Gov. Hochul and New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado requesting they facilitate an immediate meeting of the Domestic Terrorism Task Force (DTTF) in response to the tragic shooting that took the lives of 10 New Yorkers in Buffalo this past weekend. 

Despite the fact the DTTF was established in 2020, the task force has never met, commissioned any studies or issued a single report, even though the legislation convening the task force had specified they were required to meet on a quarterly basis. The task force was created to collect and disseminate information about how to identify potential mass shooters, protect vulnerable areas they could target and prevent mass shootings, among other responsibilities.

“We owe it to all New Yorkers to take action to prevent terrorists from inflicting further pain on our communities and to learn everything we can about how to prevent hate from animating into violence,” said Hawley, “It is frustrating to think that even as our state has faced a significant increase in violent crime in the last several years, the governor has allowed this task force to sit on their hands and leave us unprepared for tragedies like the one that took place in Buffalo less than a week ago.”

State Police Troop A held its 41st Memorial Day for fallen troopers at the Batavia Barracks on Thursday.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Press release:

Today was a day to celebrate some Oakfield-Alabama students. Senior class advisors Tracy Schlagenhauf and Kadi Hilchey organized “signing day” as a means to celebrate the future plans of Oakfield-Alabama seniors. Although not all seniors chose to participate in the event, those who did were called up to the podium and posed with family as they staged a “signing” off their future plans. 

Mr. Peterson, the principal at Oakfield-Alabama, remarked in his opening comments about the importance of this type of ceremony. Peterson told the students, “Some of you are off to colleges and universities where you’ll study a variety of fields. Some of you are off to the military to do your part to defend our nation and American values. Others are off to technical school to hone very specific vocational skills. Others will go directly to the workforce. ALL OF YOU will do your part to change the world and we’re proud to say that you got your start here at Oakfield Alabama.” Peterson, along with Elementary principal Lynn Gehlert, wrote personalized letters of congratulations to each student as part of the ceremony. 

Mrs. Hilchey remarked that “We just wanted to celebrate the kids and this was a fun way to do that. After two and half years of COVID, these kids have been through a lot. We were thrilled to invite parents to our school so that we could let the kids know that graduating and moving on to college and career opportunities is indeed a major accomplishment.” Mrs. Schlagenhauf, also a parent of two graduating seniors this year, remarked that, “As a parent, I cherish opportunities to celebrate my kids' accomplishments. We thought that an event like this would give parents a chance to do just that.” Hilchey and Schlagenhauf have also organized a host of activities for the class of 2022 as part of “Senior Week” beginning with a 2 p.m. Baccalaureate service on June 12th and culminating with Oakfield-Alabama’s commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on June 18. 

Photos by Debra Reilly.  Top photo: McKenna Johnson

Myia Lyons

Evelyn Rebert

Colbi Heineman

To view more photos, click the headline.

Emma Haacke

Jenna Gilbert

Gaige Armbrewster 

Alcia Amidon with Senior class advisor Tracy Schlagenhauf

Jordyn Tobolski

Chris Haskins

Ethan Cramer

Joe Haskins

Kelsey and Jordan Schlagenhauf

Kameron and Kaden Cusmano

Sunset shots from Thursday by Chris Crocker in Stafford (top) and Joannne Meiser in Indian Falls (below).

A Rochester man was arrested yesterday on a charge of petit larceny after allegedly stealing two crossbows from Dick's Sporting Goods on Veterans Memorial in Batavia.

Staff at Dick's reported a theft of crossbows as the suspect drove away and provided dispatchers with a description of the vehicle. 

A car driven by William Jefferey Gould, 39, of Affinity Lane, Rochester, was later stopped by State Police on I-490 and the crossbows were recovered.

Gould was also reportedly driving a stolen car from Freece.

The theft of the crossbows was investigated by Deputy Eric Meyer and Deputy Ayrton Blankenberg.

Gould was released on appearance ticket and turned over to police officers in Greece.

More than 300 community volunteers turned out today for United Way's annual Day of Caring to perform a variety of tasks for local organizations.

Photos are from Crossroads House and Justice for Children.

At Crossroads, a family paid for a new cement walkway and patio and volunteers are planting a garden so that those staying at Crossroads can be taken outside and enjoy a bit of nature.

The groups receiving assistance: 

• Purple Pony
• Peace Garden
• Holland Land Office
• Town of Batavia
• Machpelah
• Crossroads House
• St. Max Kolbe
• GO ART!
• All Babies Cherished
• UMMC
• Gillam Grant
• ABCD
• Eagle Star
• Lifetime Assistance
• Community Garden
• St. Joe's
• St. James
• Justice for Children
• Batavia Cemetery
• BEA- Jr. Achievement
• CCE
• Notre Dame
• Batavia Housing Authority
• Warrior House
• Arc Glow-Elba House
• Tops Food Drive-Arc GLOW

We are hosting a free tire recycling event for Genesee County residents on June 11th! We can recycle your car and truck tires at no cost to you. Tires must be clean and without rims. Registration is required as there is limited space on the trucks. Please call our office at {585) 343-2362 x5 to get on the sign-up list. When you call to register, we will need to know approximately how many tires you will be bringing, and we will provide you with additional information about the event. This program is funded by a NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee grant.