A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Route 77 and Ledge Road. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics responding.

UPDATE 1:46 p.m.: A third ambulance is called to the scene, in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 2:12 p.m.: The Alabama assignment is back in service.

Press release:

It’s been a long time coming, but Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey received a letter from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) stating that, once the State makes its official review visit in the early part of March, the District and Batavia Middle School will be off of the NYSED District/Focus School list in 2016-2017. Middle School staff were invited to a brief meeting Friday morning for the announcement.

“We wanted you to be the first to know,” Dailey said. “Even though this was always viewed as a district-wide process, most of the efforts were concentrated here, and we appreciate all your hard work. So, thank you, and congratulations.”

The process began several years ago, going into the 2012-2013 school year, when the District was notified that it had not met New York State’s proficiency benchmarks for one subgroup of students and, as a result, had been identified as a Focus District that was required to choose at least one school on which to focus efforts toward improvement for this subgroup. Because the Middle School had the greatest number of students in the specified subgroup, it was named as the Focus School.

The District then assembled a school improvement committee which, from that point forward, reviewed data, recommendations, and survey input to develop annual school improvement plans built around six tenets identified by NYSED’s Diagnostic Tool for School and District Effectiveness as aligning with research-based proven practices of effective schools: 1) District Leadership and Capacity, 2) School Leader Practices and Decisions, 3) Curriculum Development and Support, 4) Teacher Practices and Decisions, 5) Student Social and Emotional Developmental Health, and 6) Family and Community Engagement.

The criteria for being removed from the list included (1) meeting State participation requirements for all accountability groups for ELA and math; (2) meeting State achievement goals for the specified subgroup for two consecutive years; (3) meeting State achievement goals for averaged scores of all students in grades 3-12 for two consecutive years; and (4) having no subgroup fall below the minimum State achievement benchmarks during that time period.

Batavia Middle School Principal Sandy Griffin, noting several positive outcomes not numerically measurable, said “Our faculty has increased collaboration and the use of data to inform decision making. They have a deeper understanding of the Common Core Learning Standards and have been more actively involved in writing curriculum.

"Throughout the building – faculty, students, and staff – have a renewed commitment to and enthusiasm for the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) initiatives and to working as a team to create the best environment for learning and growing.”

Says Dailey, “This is a tremendous accomplishment by the administrators and staff of the Middle School and District. Together we have created a community of learners that pushes themselves to improve each day. We have taken a very positive approach to improvement that has paid off by our change in status with NYSED.”

UPDATE Feb. 29: Following a reader's inquiry about which subgroup triggered the inclusion on the focus list, we contacted the school district. We were told that:

"In the 2010-2011 school year, the Middle School missed the State Performance Index (PI) by 4 points with the African-American subgroup."

Press release:

YWCA of Genesee County's Women of Distinction Committee is seeking nominations for those outstanding people deserving of one of six Women of Distinction awards this year. The deadline for submitting nominees is March 14.

Recipients will be honored during the annual Women of Distinction Awards Celebration June 18 at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.

Local YWCA officials have been striving to incorporate a more direct relationship between award recipients and the nonprofit's endeavors, including the Domestic Violence Crisis & Prevention Services program, Care & Crisis Helpline, Children and Family Services and Healthy Relationships course in the schools. No matter how big or how small, or whether it's a man, woman, youth or business, all of those efforts have tremendous potential to assist with our goal to empower women and eliminate racism.

These awards are one way to publicly acknowledge the good works of others that have ultimately contributed to the well being of our Genesee County population, Executive Director Jeanne Walton said.

"Our agency has been mirroring YWCA USA in that it is constantly evolving to meet community needs and share its strengths," Walton said. "This year the national organization released a new brand to emphasize that we're on a mission. YWCA of Genesee County's mission is to reach out to women and families with our domestic violence and childcare services while recognizing that we can't do it alone. The Women of Distinction Awards Celebration is a wonderful way to give a nod of thanks for the dedicated generosity of our supporters."

The selection committee is looking for nominations of women, companies and organizations that have gone above and beyond in the following categories:

Racial Justice: Supporting diversity through one's initiatives, philosophies and/or programs. This may include service in a leadership role, with commitment to racial justice and a high standard of courage, integrity and commitment to YWCA's mission to empower women and eliminate racism.

Economic Empowerment: Helping women to face the challenge of economic inequality or hardship. This is done with programs or initiatives that create opportunities for women to lift themselves from their current circumstances and gain more options to improve their lives.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Making a continuous effort to recruit, develop and promote a diverse work force and foster an inclusive  environment where women leaders thrive.

Military/Veteran: A veteran or related agency that has worked on behalf of veterans and continues to serve through civic, personal and/or professional improvements.

Advocacy/Civic Engagement: Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. Promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

Peace: Striving to make the world a better place by emphasizing the importance of kindness, compassion and peace.

Nominations are due by March 14 and may be e-mailed to: jwalton@ywcagenesee.org or sent to YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia, NY, 14020. Please include your name and contact information, the award category, name of nominee, some background and your reasons for nominating this person, organization or business.

For more information, call (585) 343-5808.

A burglary in progress was reported at 4 Mix Place in the city and police have a manhunt perimeter set up and the canine unit on scene. Law enforcement has switched to a secure communications channel.

UPDATE 11:20 a.m.: Police have searched and cleared the house but no burglar(s) found. Whether a burglary actually took place has not yet been determined.

UPDATE 2 p.m.: Batavia PD has put out a statement about the situation this morning. The police say following a report of a burglary in progress by a resident on location, police observed suspicious circumstances outside the residence. A K-9 and State Police were requested to the scene for assistance. A search was conducted, and though the residence was in disarray, no subjects were located inside the residence. There is an active investigation and anybody with information are asked to contact Officer James DeFreze by calling (558) 345-6350 or the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

A two-car accident with minor injuries, possibly wrist pain, is reported at West Main and North Lyon streets. It is blocking traffic. City fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

It's been 26 years since Jeanette Filbert played in a sectional title game. In her senior year at Batavia High School, the Lady Blue Devils came into the final with a 19-0 record and high hopes of winning the school's first championship in girls basketball.

The girls didn't win that year. Pittsford-Mendon, a perennial powerhouse, dashed the dreams of hardwood glory for the girls and Filbert never forgot what that was like, and for 26 years, she's watched from the sidelines as Mendon came out on top game after game and blocked Batavia's path to the Section V trophy it lacked.

But history doesn't always repeat. Sometimes, life comes full circle and dreams do come true.

Friday night, Batavia finally -- and perhaps for the first time ever -- beat Mendon, winning the long-coveted Section V Class A2 trophy by a score of 53-42.

It was sweet revenge.

"I'm impressed," Filbert said. "They (Mendon) always have a good program. They are well coached always, and being from Batavia, a small town, coming here to play in a Rochester district, it always felt a little unfair, but I'm very proud of our girls. I can't express how I truly feel. They're a well-coached team and these girls in Batavia, they deserve this."

The girls on the 2016 championship team include a basketball prodigy, arguably the best female player in Section V, and that would be Tiara Filbert, Jeanette's daughter.

"First, I give all honor to God," Jeanette said. "We are truly blessed with her talent, but there are no words to describe how I feel right now. Like I said, this was 26 years in the making and to be able to be here and to have my daughter be a part of the team that brought them here ... again, it's not about her, it's about the team effort. She couldn't do what she did without the team helping her."

What Tiara did was score 27 points, grab 18 rebounds and notch five steals on the way to being named tournament MVP.

Tiara being Tiara, even when asked pointedly about her performance, didn't take any credit herself.

"We all came in with a positive mindset," she said. "We knew we were going to do everything we can to win. I know I had to come in and play my game and I knew our team, we were going to come together and be able to play 32 minutes of basketball."

And that they did. It never really felt like Mendon had a chance. Oh, they would claw back from 12 and 14 point deficits, but then Batavia would put together another 10- or 12-point run and pull away again.

Filbert said Mendon never managed to get the team rattled, even when they got within a point or two of the lead.

"We all know it's part of basketball," Tiara said. "You've got to keep going on to the next one no matter what happens in a game. You've got to keep an optimistic outlook on things, and we knew our defense was going to take care of our offense for us."

Head Coach Marty Hein said he had a lot of confidence in his seniors, especially Tiara coming into the game.  

"If she's not the best girl in Section V, she's second place," Hein said. "Out of 115 teams in Section V, if I've got the second best player, anything can happen. Mendon's a great team. Taking nothing away from Mendon, nothing away from Todd, but having that type of caliber player, it's going to take two, three girls to even come close to stopping her."

Speaking of team effort, there would be no sectional title in Batavia today if not for the play of Sam Cecere, whose double-double (16 points and 10 rebounds) was crucial to Batavia's success.

By her own admission, Cecere has struggled a bit lately scoring. In the semifinal game three nights ago, she missed her first 10 shots before scoring six in the second half. In practice this week, she worked hard on getting in position a bit quicker and finishing with the ball in the bucket.

"The feeling (of winning the title) is just unreal," Cecere said. "Four years ago, I was in this gym as a freshman and we lost a sectional final and from that point forward, I was motivated to get a trophy and make it ours. The fact that we got here and got a great win just feels unreal. It's amazing."

The win was especially meaningful because it came against Mendon, Cecere said. 

"It feels good to give them a taste of their own medicine, really," Cecere said. "We've always lost to them as long as I've been on varsity and they've always been hard games. They always have players who are so good, but this time, we were the better team and that feels amazing."

There was a time early in the season when even the most confident of coaches and the most rabid of Blue Devil fans might have a flicker of doubt that this truly would be the year the girls would win their first sectional title, and that was in January, when the Lady Devils lost a key component of the team's offense. Maddy McCully's season ended during the Rotary Tournament when she suffered an ACL and MCL injury.

There were no post-game All-Star trophy's for McCully, who cheered her teammates from the bench dressed in her jersey with a black calf-to-thigh brace on her leg, but Hein said her contribution to the team can't be understated.

Even injured, McCully grew as a senior leader, Hein said. 

"Maddy's growth made Taylor's (Stefaniak) growth," Hein said. "Watching last year's film against Mendon, she looked like a freshman, completely like a freshman. Ryann (Stefaniak), who is a freshman now, in the second game of the season, when we lost to Mendon, looked like a freshman. You know, she didn't look like a freshman tonight. That all goes to Maddy's help, all the time talking with the girls."

While neither of the Stefaniak sisters made it into double digits on scoring Friday (they scored five apiece), they both played with confidence and helped with ball movement on offense and were key parts of Batavia's successful defense.

"They definitely stepped up big time for us after Maddy went down," Tiara said. "They had big games against Notre Dame in our tournament. They came out strong. They kept coming back. We just had to keep them in a positive mindset and they came out here and they handled their business."

Top photo: Tiara Filbert.

Always fearless in the paint, Ryann Stefaniak did get tagged with an offensive foul in the second quarter.

Sam Cecere was dominate in the low post.

Filbert, as usual, was a threat inside and out.

Taylor Stefaniak with a layup in the fourth quarter.

Sam Cecere's father was ebullient (see slideshow below) and emotional in the final minutes as it became increasingly clear his daughter's team was about to win a championship.

Post-game celebration.

The team bus received a police and fire escort down Main Street when the team returned to Batavia.

Back at the high school.

To purchase prints, click here.

A vehicle is reportedly refusing to stop for police in the city.

We're not sure where the pursuit started, but a police officer observed, "he looked right at us and is refusing to stop."

The vehicle headed south over the bridge at South Lyon and then onto South Main, then to South Pearl.

A deputy was attempting to get a spike strip down. It's unclear if they were down in time or at the location that the vehicle continued.

The vehicle has been clocked at 95 mph leaving the city and city units are backing off.

Another deputy is attempting to get in position ahead of the vehicle, which is westbound on Route 33.

The vehicle has slowed to 50 mph.

UPDATE 1:38 a.m.: The vehicle is a green Chevy Suburban registered to a female in North Tonawanda.

UPDATE 1:44 a.m.: The vehicle hit spikes near the Corfu Fire Hall on Route 33. Both front tires were punctured and the vehicle is continuing on just rims. We think we heard a description of the driver as a white male in a hoodie. The vehicle has reached the Erie County line and may have hit an Erie County patrol vehicle.

UPDATE 1:48 a.m.: A deputy reported the suspect may have a possible hand injury. A medical evaluation is requested.

UPDATE 1:50 a.m.: Darien's ambulance is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 2:17 a.m.: Suspect in custody, being transported to the jail.

The Batavia High School Girls Basketball Team just won the Sectional V Class A2 game against Pittsford Mendon. Final score: 53 to 42.

More T/K, including photos.

UPDATE 8:41 p.m.: The team bus will be arriving in town shortly. Starting from the Aldi's parking lot, the team will receive a police and fire escort down Main Street.

An attached garage is on fire at 3933 Pearl Street Road. Flames are showing. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. The location is between Donohue Road and Treadeasy Avenue.

UPDATE 7:23 p.m.: Command reports the fire is under control. It amounts to "superficial damage to an overhead door."

UPDATE 7:38 p.m.: Fire is out. Command reports it started because a cooking grill was located too close to the garage door.

Rancho Viejo, 12 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Traditional Mexican cuisine, from tacos and burritos to pollo norteno, Rancho Viejo brings a bit of "South of the Border" to Batavia's restaurant scene. We have a $10 gift card for $4.

Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, 9 Main St., Le Roy, NY. The kind of downhome, laid-back and comfortable place that just feels right. Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, this eatery and bar features a variety of eats and drinks that are outstanding. Specializing in smokedv meats -- each meat is dry rubbed with a proprietary mix of seasonings, then smoked slowly in their on-site smoker for maximum flavor and tenderness. With a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, combo platters and entrées, there's always plenty of choice for even picky eaters. Great food, frosty brews and some of the best folk around call the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew their favorite -- make it your favorite today! Don't forget to ask about our catering! We have a $20 gift card for $9.50.

Rochester Club West @ Bohn's, 5256 Clinton Street Road (Route 33), Batavia, NY 14020: Formerly Bohn's, the restaurant is now under new management with a new name. Enjoy fine dining in casual elegance amid beautiful dark woods and skylights. This ideal location centrally located to both Buffalo, Rochester and surrounding areas offers extensive menu selections, freshly prepared foods and quality service. Entrees include prime rib, Gateau of Crepes (vegetarian), seafood, steaks, chicken and pasta, heavenly desserts, full bar. Dinner is served Thursday 4 to 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 4 to 10 p.m., & Sunday 4 to 8 p.m. The restaurant is also open on some major holidays such as New Year's Eve, Valentine’s Day, Easter Sunday Brunch, Mother's Day Brunch and others. Sunday Specials, and on Thursday Early Bird dining is available. Private parties may be scheduled anytime for any style event, including corporate events, conferences and business meetings, wedding receptions, rehearsals and showers, sports banquets, memorial events and all kinds of social events. Accommodating parties as small as 10 people and over 200 people, our experienced banquet and catering personnel are available to assist you in planning your event both on and off premises. Phone 344-1543. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

The Mane Attraction Salon and Spa, 99 Main St., Batavia, NY: offers "Affordable Luxury" in Downtown Batavia. We pride ourselves in the great customer service we give to the entire family. Men, women and children are all welcome either by appointment or walk-in. We offer all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, facials, leg and back waxing, Shellac Polish System, manicures and pedicures. We are the only salon in Batavia that has an airplane chair for kids' cuts! Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $7.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $9.50.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Stretch your body and soul with yoga. This offer is for a $20 gift certificate for the price of $5. Not good with any other discounts or offers. Excludes workshops.

T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's."  Stop in and check out our Jumbo Chicken Wings, Roast Beef on Weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from Super Salads, butcher cut Strip Loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

John & Mary's Restaurant, 3711 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY: This popular restaurant offers a varied menu that people love. From subs, hoagies, hand-tossed pizza, and wings, to fish & chips, salads, Mexican food, gyros and other Greek fare, it's all here. Only the finest and freshest ingredients are used. Bread, using homemade dough, baked fresh daily. Amazing specialty pizzas and appetizers! "We never waver on quality!" Delivery available all day, every day. We offer catering. Hours 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. We have a $10 gift certificate for $4.

Pastore's Pizzeria, 110 W. Main St., Le Roy (formerly Ficarella's), NY 14482: Since 1998, Pastore's has been serving fresh, hearth-baked pizzas and a wide variety of wings, subs, wraps, pasta, salads, as well as many finger foods. We would like to thank all of our loyal customers in Le Roy, Stafford, Caledonia, Pavilion, Bergen and surrounding towns in Genesee County, for making this our 16th year in business! We have a $10 gift certificate for $4.

The Little Ridge, 107 Evans St., Batavia NY, 14020: The Little Ridge continues the long-standing history of fantastic food from Batavia's local favorite, Delavan's. Fine dining and family fare combine to offer the best of both. We offer Friday night Fish Fry, prime rib dinner on Saturdays, steaks, burgers, salads, and classic Italian dishes. Open Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Phone 815-5118. Take-outs available. Kids' menu. Weekly and daily lunch and dinner specials. On Saturday, breakfast is served from 9 to 11 a.m. Good food, good friends, good times! We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $10.50.

Fortune's Restaurant inside Batavia Downs, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020: Italian-style menu, drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15. (Must be new or current Players Club member to redeem.)

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl, 21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $7.

Santino's Pizza, 2 Main St., Oakfield, NY: We're pizza and a whole lot more! Voted #1 pizza in Genesee County in blind taste test! Santino's features pizza, wings, subs, wraps, ice cream, and more! We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

LJ Nails Hands. Feet. Wax., 583 E. Main St., Batavia NY 14020: Pamper yourself with top-quality manicures, luxurious pedicures in massaging spa chairs, gel and acrylic nails and custom design work, waxing, and more in a safe environment with all equipment sanitized and clean. Gift certificates available. Hours are Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sunday. Stop in, call 344-8888, or check us out on facebook @.https://www.facebook.com/ljnailsbatavia. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

RULES

[Last updated Feb. 6, 2016. Subject to change without notice.]

NOTE: A $1 PayPal service fee applies on items more than $10. The fee is 50 cents on items $10 and below.

The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase, unless it states otherwise. It is not valid with other offers, has no cash value, and does not include gratuities. Only one gift certificate per-merchant, per-household every SIX months. Gift certificates cannot be combined with other offers without prior approval of the merchant. Gift certificates bought separately cannot be combined for a single purchase. Individuals buying gift certificates must use their own personal PayPal account for the purchase. For hair and nail salons, good for services only, not products.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. ***Most of the time, multiple gift certificates are available for sale per business, but you can only buy one per business, so just select the "Buy Now" button ONCE to avoid duplicate sales. Unless other arrangements are made immediately after purchase, the gift certificate will mailed to the winner at his or her PayPal-provided postal address within two or three days of purchase.

ENDED

The premier GLOW Wedding Expo is this Sunday, Feb. 28, from noon to 3 p.m. at Batavia Downs Gaming, located at 8315 Park Road, Batavia. 

More than 200 brides are already registered to attend this debut expo featuring 33 vendors representing all aspects of The Big Day, including dresses, jewelry, venues, bridal showers, photography, beauty, engagement parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, limos, catering, invitations, rehearsal dinners, and more.

Meet with the experts inside the new Batavia Downs Paddock Room Event Center. These will include Stella's Bridal Boutique, of Le Roy, which is providing the day's fashion show at 1:30 p.m. featuring attire from the boutique, and Bloomz Florist, of Attica. T-JAM ENTERTAINMENT is in charge of the music. Also, representatives from the now-under-construction Batavia Downs Hotel will be on site to promote guest rooms that are expected to be available late this summer.

Participating vendors also include:

• Valle Jewelers (Batavia)
• The Mane Attraction Salon & Spa (Batavia)
• Mancuso Limousine
• Jay Terkel Photography (Corfu)
• The Spa at Artemis (Batavia)
• Deb's Bakery (Batavia)
• Huron Creek Acres (Alexander)

Visit glowweddingexpo.com to register.

For information call the Down's Marketing Department Group Sales Manager Mary Bucceri at (585) 343-3750, ext. 468.

Following an investigation into the sale of heroin in the Town of Bergen, 27-year-old Ryan M. Bobzin, of West Bergen Road, was arrested, according to a press release today from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation was conducted by the county's Local Drug Enforcement Task Force, comprised of law enforcement personnel from the Sheriff's Office, Batavia Police NET and Le Roy Village PD.

Bobzin is charged with: criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, also a Class B felony; and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, a Class A misdemeanor.

On Feb. 24, Bobzin was arrested by a uniformed deputy at the Genesee County Jail where he was incarcerated for a separate charge. It is alleged that he sold a quantity of a controlled substance, heroin, to an agent of the drug task force in the Town of Bergen. Bobzin was arraigned in Town of Bergen Court and jailed on $25,000 bail.

The District Attorney's Office and uniformed members of the Sheriff's Office assisted the task force with the investigation.

Press release:

Brian Eller, COO of 1366 Technologies, the Massachusetts-based solar company and first tenant of the Town of Alabama's STAMP (Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park), will be the featured speaker at the annual meeting of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) on Friday, March 4, at Batavia Downs.

Registration and networking begins at 11:30 a.m. and the event will conclude at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Other speakers include: 

·         New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer;

·         New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley;

·         Genesee County Legislature Chairman Raymond Cianfini;

·         Tom Kucharski, president and CEO, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise; 

·         Paul Battaglia, GCEDC Board chairman; and,

·         Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC

“We are excited to welcome Brian Eller of 1366 Technologies to speak at our annual meeting as the company invests its capital and resources right here in Genesee County, which is expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs,” said Steve Hyde, GCEDC president and CEO.

“We look forward to celebrating the future economic impact of 1366 Technologies in our region, as well as recognizing our many public and private sector partners who have made played a critical role in helping us grow our local economy within the past year.”  

The GCEDC will unveil its 2015 report and announce the recipient of the annual Economic Development Partner of the Year Award.

Tickets cannot be purchased at the door, and seating is limited. For more information or to register please contact Rachael Tabelski at 585-343-4866or at rtabelski@gcedc.com.

The Le Roy Zoning Board of Appeals ruling in favor of Frost Ridge Campground, may have been one of its last as a joint town/village body.

The Town Board is moving forward with plans to consider creating an independent town ZBA.

The board voted unanimously on Thursday to schedule a public hearing for 7 p.m. March 10 on proposed Local Law No. 1 of 2016. The law would establish a three-member town ZBA.

This is the second time the board has scheduled a hearing on the proposed law.

Last November, the board voted to withdraw from the 2004 intermunicipal agreement that created the joint town/village ZBA. A public hearing on a law to create a separate town ZBA was scheduled for Dec. 10, 2015.

That decision came before the ZBA could comply with Supreme Court Judge Robert Noonan’s order for it to rule on the legality of camping, concerts and related activities at Frost Ridge Campground. Interim Supreme Court Judge Mark Grisanti subsequently ordered the town to cancel its public hearing, and for the existing ZBA to conduct a hearing on Frost Ridge by Dec. 18, 2015.

The ZBA met Grisanti’s deadline by a day, and officially ruled in favor of Frost Ridge on Feb. 17.

Press release:

In a recent Buffalo Business First magazine, Elba Central Middle and High Schools' combined ranking placed in the top spot among all 17 schools in the Eastern Tier (Orleans, Genesee & Wyoming counties).

Factors used in determining each school's ranking are percentage of graduates who received Regents diplomas, Regents scores in 10 subjects and scores on statewide English and math tests -- all over the last four years.

Elba Central was also the only school of the 22 schools in the Genesee Valley to have a 100-percent passing rate on the Geometry Regents and the U.S. History Regents.

“Because we’re small, it’s difficult for any student to get lost in the shuffle," explained Elba Schools Superintendent Keith Palmer. “And even though we’re a public school, our staff treat our students as if we’re providing a private education, focusing on individual needs with individual interventions and taking the time to work with students who need it."

Submitted photo.

Notre Dame seems to be peaking at the right time, scoring goals in bunches in post-season play, sending them to a Sunday final against a team they've played close three times this season, but came up a goal short each time.

On Thursday at RIT, the Fighting Irish flicked in three goals in under two minutes to start the second period and lock down a playoff victory against Aquinas, 8-1.

All four of Notre Dame's lines scored at least one goal for the second straight game.

"This is a good sign at the right time of year," said Head Coach Marc Staley.

The game was scoreless for the first six minutes and Staley said some of his team's lack of offense can be blamed on nervousness. Aquinas had beaten Brockport earlier in the year, and one of Notre Dame's four defeats was a lopsided loss to Brockport.

There was also a "feeling out" period to start the game.

"I thought we came out a little nervous tonight, which is to be expected, but we rotate four lines and they rotate two lines, so we knew if we kept shifts short and made good line changes that eventually they were going to tire and that's exactly what happened," Staley said.

The three quick goals in the second were a boost of confidence and the 5-1 lead was deflating for Aquinas, Staley said.

"We don't give up a lot goals," Staley said. "There were only three games all year where we've given up four goals or more, so when we get up four, five to one, we can shut it down and teams know that."

The sectional title game against Geneseo is at 1 p.m., Sunday, at RIT. Geneseo has beaten Batavia three times this season, by scores of 6-4, 3-2 and 2-1. Staley said his team is eager to rise to the challenge of meeting a season-long nemesis in a title game.

"It's going to come down in the belief you have in yourself in the locker room, and I believe we've got that right now," Staley said.

Here's the scoring table for the game:

To purchase prints, click here.

Press release:

The Genesee County Master Gardeners will be offering their popular educational programs again this spring. A variety of gardening topics will be presented and taught by Master Gardeners.

All programs are from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension building, 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Cost is $10 per person per class unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited.

For more information call 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or visit our Web site at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/gardening.

March 30 – “Using Color in the Garden” -- We will discuss aspects of color theory and its application in the garden, all lavishly illustrated with photos. Blooms and beyond -- berries, bark, variegated foliage, and garden ornaments all combine for a more powerful visual impact. And Yes! You can grow these flower combinations here since the presentation features local gardens. Registration deadline is March 24.

April 7 – “Better Garden Photography” -- Have you ever visited and photographed a gorgeous garden, but were later disappointed with your photos? In this presentation we will cover many subjects including the impact of light, and elements of composition such as balance, contrast, perspective, and color. Useful techniques are taught such as the rule of thirds, framing, and the effect of lines. All topics are illustrated with photos of garden scenes. Practical tips will improve your photos in (and out!) of the garden. Registration deadline is April 1.

April 13 – “Urban Forestry and Tree Care” -- Healthy trees are an asset as they provide cooling shade, habitat for birds and can increase the value of your property. Department of Environmental Conservation forester Garrett Koplun will instruct us on how managing trees in an urban environment differs from a traditional forest environment. We’ll discuss a number of problems common to trees in an urban setting. We will also cover ways to improve and prevent tree health issues. Registration deadline is April 8. This program is FREE.

April 20 – “Invasive Plants & Other Species in the Landscape” -- What are invasive species? Where are they located? Are they growing in my garden? What can I do? Why should I care? Find out the answers to these questions and learn how gardeners can be part of the solution. We’ll also discuss some of the alternative plants you can grow instead of the ornamental invasive plants that may be lurking in your garden. Registration deadline is April 15.

April 27 – “What’s Wrong with My Plant?” -- A gardener's introduction to plant disease identification and treatment. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of the four major categories of plant diseases and their specific treatment strategies via a review of those most commonly brought into our Helpline. Registration deadline is April 22.

YMCA PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION BEGINS FOR FALL 2016! Fall registration for the Batavia YMCA Preschool will begin March 1st. The YMCA offers educational programs for children ages 2-5, focusing on social, emotion and cognitive development. Smartboards, swim lessons, the kids' gym and our very rich curriculum are all sure to prepare your child for the early stages of learning. The YMCA is also partnered with Batavia City Schools, following NYS standards and classes are taught by NYS Certified Teachers. Stop by the YMCA to register as these classes fill quickly! Click here to visit our site.

A car has struck a bridge by the Blue Dog Saloon, 2630 Attica Road. Possible ankle injury reported. Alexander Fire Department and medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: A responder on scene reports the roadway is extremely slippery.