Online News and Community Views, Genesee County, NY
Holland Land Office Museum seeks local history buffs to volunteer
Press release: Have you ever wondered how Genesee County came to be? What was the Holland Land Purchase? What is a Gibbet? If any of these questions peak your curiosity among many others, then volunteering at the Holland Land Office might be perfect for you. The museum is reaching out to anyone with...
Photos: Downtown Public Market opens in the age of masks and social distancing
It was a perfect summer day for the opening of the Downtown Public Market in Batavia. Of course, rules were in place requiring masks and social distancing.
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LIVE: Public Health COVID-19 Update for June 5, 2020
Video Sponsor Public Health COVID-19 Update for June 5, 2020
A message from the president of the NYS Sheriffs' Association
From Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey Murphy, president, New York State Sheriffs’ Association on behalf of the Sheriffs of New York State: As professional law enforcement officers who have dedicated their careers to saving lives and helping people in need, the Sheriffs of New York State condemn t...
Rochester Regional Health8 min 46 sec
Batavia emplyees of Rochester Memorial Health take a knee for 8:46 at the War Memorial at the Jarome Center A message from Rochester Regional Health President and CEO Eric Bieber, MD: "Today, we as healers at Rochester Regional Health stand with you for healing. The events we have witnessed in our n...
Trio plans Sunday afternoon 'Batavia Chalk-Out' starting at 2 at the Peace Garden
A trio of organizers is planning an event Sunday afternoon, June 7, in Downtown Batavia. Lindsay Wrobel, Verneda Peete and Ken Marrocco, are holding the "Batavia Chalk-Out" from 2 to 4 p.m. It is not affiliated whatsoever with the protest "March for Justice," which is planned roughly from 8 a.m. to....
NYS parks begins accepting new camping reservations Monday, expected to fill up quickly
Press release: New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will begin accepting new camping reservations beginning June 8, for check-in beginning June 22. Campers are reminded to practice social distancing, bring and wear a face covering, respect the rules, and...
Oakfield Girl Scout Ava Flores earns Gold Award for setting up little food pantry for all
Submitted photo and information from Melissa Domoy: “Feed The Need” is a little food pantry located in the Oakfield community behind the Okafield United Methodist Church at 2 S. Main St. Creating this valuable resource was a project two months in the making as Ava Flores (above photo) worked to ...
Car pedestrian accident reported in the city at North and Bank street
A car reportedly struck a pedestrian at North Street and Bank Street in the city. The pedestrian was able to get up and is conscious and alert. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.
Northgate pastor: clean-shaven for a cause -- $2,215 raised to fight food scarcity
Northgate Pastor John Keller gets some grooming. Submitted photos and press release: Beginning in October of 2019, Northgate Pastor John Keller began a process many of our readers can relate to. He grew a beard. After an eight-month progression and the absence of winter temperatures, Pastor Keller m...
VIDEO: Senior parade for Genesee Region athletes
Video Sponsor For spring athletes, they lost their seasons, and they lost many of the senior-year traditions, such as senior night. Richa Hannan, AD for Byron-Bergen, organized a parade through the county in their honor.
Chief of Police responds to public requests for information on use of force policy
Statement from Chief Shawn Heubusch, Batavia PD: Due to the ongoing events that are unfolding across our country and within our region I have received questions about the Department's use of force policy and what is done to ensure that our police officers do not abuse their authority or use excessiv...
Five questions for board of education candidates: Pembroke Central School
The Batavian has reached out to school board candidates in Genesee County to get their answers to five questions prior to voting on June 9. At the Pembroke Central School District, Daniel Lang is running for a one-year unexpired term and Heather Wood is running for a new five-year term. The question...
'Large fight' reported on Ellsworth Avenue
Police were dispatched to Ellsworth Avenue in the City of Batavia for the report of a large fight. The initial dispatched included a report of "shots fire" but a responding police officer, once on scene, said, "no firearms involved." Ellsworth is between Ross and Summit streets.
JC Penney in Batavia closing as part of company bankruptcy
In a bankruptcy filing, JC Penney has announced its closing 30 percent of its 856 stores, including its Batavia location. The company, which has been struggling financially for years, filed bankruptcy in Federal court on May 15. The stores that are closing -- which presumably include the Batavia sto...
Public Health reports one recovery, one new COVID-19-positive test
Press release: As of 2:00 p.m. Genesee County received 1 new positive case of COVID-19 for a total of 192 positive cases The new positive individual resides in Pembroke. The person is in their 50’s. The new positive case was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive. 1 of the previous ...
Downtown businesses, police, and even the city post office brace for Sunday's 'March for Justice'
Organizers behind a planned protest in Downtown Batavia on Sunday, June 7th, have distributed posters announcing the "March for Justice" which starts with a gathering in front of Batavia City Hall at 8 a.m. From that location at 1 Batavia City Centre, the plan is to march PEACEFULLY -- which is in a...
HLOM details reopening strategy, plans 'low touch' or 'no touch' experience
Press release: The Holland Land Office Museum plans to reopen when New York State guidelines allow with limited admission and mandatory coronavirus protocols. We have been following the guidelines set forth by the CDC and the State of New York. Executive Director Ryan Duffy and the Board of Director...
'Scrap for the Pack' scrap metal collection event June 27-28 to benefit homeless pets
Come out and support the animals of the Genesee County Animal Shelter. We are collecting scrap metal to raise money for the animals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 27th and Sunday, June 28th at the shelter parking lot. It is located at 3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. We are accepting met...
GLOW Corporate Cup to benefit YMCA is cancelled
From the Batavia office of Merrill Lynch: Given today’s health concerns and restrictions related to large gatherings as well as the economic challenges faced by many businesses and individuals, we feel it’s in the best interests of all to cancel the GLOW Corporate Cup for 2020. We thank you for ...
Former First DA Cianfrini now serving as assistant county attorney
Melissa Cianfrini is back as a Genesee County employee, this time as the Assistant County Attorney. County Attorney Kevin D. Earl today confirmed that Cianfrini, who unexpectedly resigned her position as the county’s First District Attorney in January, was hired on Feb. 25 at a salary of $78,086 ....
Byron woman accused of drunk driving without a license and with a child in the car
Taylor K. Laird, 27, of Mechanic Street, Byron, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI -- child in vehicle; aggravated unlicensed operation. Laird was arrested at 10:57 a.m. on May 28 on Pearl Street in Batavia following a "check the welfare call" at a business on West Main Stree...
A sunny afternoon in Oakfield
Reader Ritchie Kirkum, of the Oakfield Betterment Committee, sent us this photo of lovely scenery he took late yesterday from the lookout tower on Albion Road.
Hickox Road to close this afternoon for two days for emergency repair of embankment
From Timothy J. Hens, superintendent, Genesee County Highway Department Genesee County will be closing Hickox Road in the Town of Alexander from 4 p.m. this afternoon (June 4th) through 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon June 6th. This will allow for the emergency repair of a landslide along the eastern emba...
Ranzenhofer endorses Jacobs for Congress
Press release: New York State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer (SD-61) endorsed Chris Jacobs for Congress (NY-27) today. “I have had the honor of serving with Chris Jacobs as a State Senator for four years now, and I can say with all sincerity he has always put the needs of Western New York at the forefro...
Five questions for board of education candidates: Oakfield-Alabama Central School
The Batavian has reached out to school board candidates in Genesee County to get their answers to five questions prior to voting on June 9. At Oakfield-Alabama Central School, five candidates are running for three open positions – Jackie Yunker Davis, Daniel N. Groth, Douglas Russo, Shanda Spink a...
Legislature poised to swear in 31-year-old Chad Klotzbach of Basom as District No. 1 representative
Chad Klotzbach of Basom has been selected to replace John Hilchey as the District No. 1 representative (Alabama and Oakfield) on the Genesee County Legislature. The legislature’s Ways & Means Committee this afternoon unanimously approved the appointment pursuant to the county’s Local Law No. 1, ...
VIDEO: Protestor who took video of jail draws law enforcement attention
Video Sponsor A Batavia resident was among protesters on Main Street this afternoon but in his attempt to document his participation, he shot video of the Genesee County Jail. That drew the attention of local law enforcement. He said he was approached by a Batavia police officer and a corrections of...
Former congressional rep Kathy Hochul endorses Nate McMurray
Press release: Today, New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul announced her endorsement of Nate McMurray for the Special Election on June 23rd. Hochul represented this district from 2011-2012 after winning a special election to fill the seat prior to redistricting in 2012. Lieutenant Governor Kath...
Police in Virginia find arsenal of bombs in home of 'terrorist' trucker killed in Geneseo
Joshua Blessed Story by Pete DeLea, of the Daily News-Record of Harrisonburg, Va. Republished with permission. A Virginia man shot and killed by New York police last week became radicalized over the years, had a deep hatred for government and police, and was likely planning a large-scale attack, acc...
As firefighters finish working one accident, a second one reported in opposite lane of the Thruway
While Le Roy Fire and Bergen Fire were on the Thruway working an accident that required a Mercy Flight transport near mile marker 380, a second accident was reported in the westbound lane. The first accident involved a tractor-trailer in the eastbound lane. It appears there are minor injuries in the...
GCC's Virtual Commencement on Saturday will feature six local high school students
Press release: As Genesee Community College puts the final touches on its Virtual Commencement Ceremony scheduled to be launched this Saturday, June 6, at 1 p.m., there is a group of six students from Genesee County high schools who deserve special mention. They will be completing their GCC degree r...
City extends Emergency Order banning congregating in public parks
Emergency Order #12-2020 The following language of emergency order #12 has been issued June 3, 2020. This emergency order is consistent with the phase two reopening conditions and revised PAUSED requirements. This order continues the following issued under Emergency Order #11, which was effective Ma...
New positive COVID-19 case reported in Genesee County
Press release: New Cases As of 2:00 p.m. Genesee County received 1 new positive case of COVID-19 for a total of 191 positive cases The new positive individual resides in Batavia. The person is in their 40’s. The new positive case was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive. 0 of the ...
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Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian hosted a Ward 6 public meeting at City Hall on Wednesday evening. Citizens spoke out on topics ranging from a registered sex offender living next to a park where children play, to the status of the GCASA-owned building on South Swan, the recent robbery by Pizza Hut, sidewalks, and the proposal for a new skate park in the city. City Council President Eugene Jankowski, Assistant Police Chief Chris Camp, Chief Shawn Heubusch, and Probation Officer Michele Tucci, were on hand to discuss issues with residents.
Town of Batavia firefighters talk about what it means to them to volunteer
Todd Crossett spent 22 years with the Batavia Police Department, most recently as assistant Chief of Police. He's retiring and taking a job at the VA Center. We spoke with him briefly at his retirement party today.
Local Democrats were pleased, elated, really, with the turnout Thursday night at Moon Java for a Meet the Candidates event. Nate McMurray, running for the NY-27 in the anticipated April 29 special election, and three candidates vying for the nomination for the 61st State Senate District in the June Democratic primary were on hand for the event. Moon Java was filled to capacity to hear from the candidates. Micheal Plitt, chairman of the Genesee County Democratic Committee, said local Democrats have a record number of volunteers signed up for this campaign season. "I think the blue wave will continue," Plitt said.
Patrick Mandia grew up in a family of restaurateurs -- the Pok-A-Dot, Sunny's, the Red Carpet, Pontillo's -- and after 15 years of working as a DJ at the former Billy Goat's he thought it might be time for him to own his own tavern. At first, his wife, Carrie Mandia, thought it a rather risky idea. But as they talked, she realized she trusted her husband and trusted her own business background. "You only live once," she said. The couple has completely revamped the former Billy Goat's location and turned it into a county-themed bar, Copperhead Creek.
Pro-Life Rally in Le Roy
Both Elba and Byron-Bergen went into Friday's girls basketball games with only a single loss each. Of course, only one team could leave the court with only one loss. In this case it was Elba, now 13-1, who came out on top, 54-43. The Lady Bees are now 10-2. For Elba, Brynn Walczak scored 17 points. Leah Bezon scored 15 and Lauryn Engle, nine. Taylor Augello and Maddie Muehlig has seven each. Julianna Amesbury socred 21 for Byron-Bergen and Kelsey Fuller scored 16.
This is, we hope, the first in a series of videos we're calling "Local Knowledge." We're looking for other people in the community to feature who have something to teach, a how-to video, of a specific task or skill. If you think you have something to teach, email [email protected]. In this video, Deputy Chris Erion gives an overview of how to work with a police dog, starring K-9 "Frankie."
Last night, the Lady Dragons and the Pembroke community raised $32,468 .20 for research at Roswell Cancer Institute. The total the community has raised now exceeds $152,000. In the basketball game, Pembroke beat Oakfield-Alabama 50-47 to move to 11-1 on the season.
With a three-point jumper late in the second quarter, Elba's Colton Dillion pegged his 1,000th career point during the Lancer's away game against the Oakfield-Alabama Hornets. The game was stopped briefly for Colton to be awarded with a commemorative 1,000-point ball. The Lancers, now 9-2, won 59-52. O-A drops to 6-4 on the season.
Attica gave Batavia a game in the large-school championship of the Pete Arras Lions Tournament at GCC. A strategy of ball control -- often running the shot clock down to just seconds -- and a defense that kept the Batavia Blue Devils high-powered offense from running away with the game meant the visitors had a chance up until their final possession. In the end, Batavia defended its crown, securing a 53-51 victory.
Today we're pleased to release Episode 4 of our series of Batavia's Best Businesses, featuring Batavia Downs. In this episode, Nici Johnson and Macy Paradise decide it's time for a staycation at Batavia Downs. Batavia's Best Businesses is a joint promotional production for Genesee County businesses by The Batavian and WBTA. To find out how to promote your business in this web video series, contact Lorne or Jim at WBTA.
Thursday evening, T.F. Brown's hosted its annual happy hour in support of the Community Christmas Dinner and it included an ugly sweater contest.
Thank you to Batavia First Presbyterian Church for opening its sanctuary on Tuesday for us to record three songs with James Robert Kibby. Look for a special Christmas Eve edition of The Batavian Sessions on, well, Christmas Eve. Also, I'm looking for more talented local/regional musicians to record for The Batavian Sessions. I can be reached at [email protected].
Batavia Ramparts skate with Santa
The photography of Rob Gibson has been seen by millions of people in such movies as "Gettysburg," "Cold Mountain," "National Treasure," and the just-released "Harriet." His skills are in demand by producers and directors looking for authentic, period-correct photos actors in films covering historic topics. He now lives in Gettysburg and is originally from Lockport. He was in Pembroke on Tuesday night to give a demonstration on his tintype photography technique.
Sign up today and you can receive a free $20 gift certificate to Center Street Smokehouse. (After you sign up we'll contact you by direct messagener to get your address so we can send you the gift certificate).
The Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble performs at 4 p.m. today at Pembroke High School. Here's one of the numbers ensemble will play, American Overture for Band by Joseph Jenkins conducted by Philip J. Briatico.
HLOM Wonderland of Trees opening gala
Richard Umlauf is taking up the cause of getting a new skateboard park built in Batavia. Until a few years ago, there was one behind Falleti Ice Arena off of Evans, but the location meant it got little use and it became a magnet for low-level drug use, according to police. Umlauf is aware of those issues so he connected with Tony Hawk Foundation, which provides grants, in conjunction with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, to help build community skate parks. Last Saturday, Umlauf organized the first meeting for skatepark supporters Trevor Staples, with the Tony Hawk Foundation, flew in from Michigan to attend the meeting and explain how the grant program works. It will be up to a group of committed skateboard park supporters to raise as much as $250,000 for a skate park. The foundations will match up to $250,000, making a $500,000 park possible. The organizers will also need to secure the support of the city as well as space for the park from the city, perhaps in an existing city park.
Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble will hold its Fall Concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Pembroke High School. It is located at 8750 Alleghany Road, Pembroke. The purpose of the GVWE is to serve and to provide the Greater Genesee Valley audience with new and familiar live music, to serve its membership with the opportunity to perform challenging wind ensemble literature and to create the opportunity for the conductor and musicians to grow their collective musical talents. Admission: $10 -- Adults; $8 -- Senior (55+) & Veteran; $5 -- Student (with ID); Free -- Children 5 years old & under; $25 -- Family Deal for immediate family and children as defined by mother and/or father and up to four children. Featured Works "Scootin’ on Hardrock" -- David Holsinger Selections from "The Sound of Music" -- Rodgers & Hammerstein Selections from "American Overture" -- Joseph Willcox Jenkins Conductor(s): Martin Allen -- Guest Conductor -- Grand Island High School; Philip J. Briatico -- conductor & founder of the GVWE
OAE Wins 8-Man Sectional Title
The Fighting Irish dominated Section V Class D all season but when it came time to meet the Section XI champs, and defending state champions, Clymer/Sherman/Panama, Notre Dame found themselves facing a tough opponent. While Notre Dame was able to pick up yards on offense -- 328 total yards -- scoring points proved difficult while the Wolfpack had little difficulty crossing into the endzone. The final score was 47-14.
At 9:27 p.m. on Veterans Day, Franklin Morales-Monterroso and Taylor Henry, who met while serving in the U.S. Navy, welcomed their first child into the world, Julian Michael Morales, at 8 pounds and 28 1/2 inches. Julian is a Veterans Day baby, born at UMMC, to parents who are veterans and several family members who are veterans, including his grandmother, Tammy Henry, who gave birth to Taylor while serving in the Air Force.
Veteran's Day in Batavia 2019
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba beat Frewsburg in eight-man semifinal
Notre Dame beat Alexander Friday 14-7 to win the Class D Section V championship
Batavia resident Justin Warren has opened his own barbershop in Attica Invictus Barber & Brand
