Pavilion

Pavilion lost a Section V D1 championship game Saturday to Wheatland-Chili, 45-20. Pavilion was seeded #6 in the tournament and Wheatland was the #1 seed.

Kim Davis had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Golden Gophers. Lindsay Lowe was named to the all-tournament team. The game was played at Cal-Mum.

This is the fifth in a series of five stories about the honorees at this Saturday's annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony. The ceremony is being held at the Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia.

Pouring concrete is a young man's game, said Tom Baltz, co-owner of Baltz Concrete Construction in Pavilion.

"We have a lot of knowledge and ability to keep (the business) running, but I certainly couldn't go out and do concrete anymore," said the 64-year-old Baltz. "We have a lot of tough guys. You have to be tough to do concrete work."

Baltz employs between 40 and 50 people regularly, usually more in the summer. They have to work in all kinds of conditions. This isn't school where you can count on a few snow days during the winter. A Baltz construction worker works in the hot and the cold, the wind and the rain, the snow and the bright light of an August afternoon.

"They're working outdoors in all possible conditions," Baltz said. "We only took one weather day off this winter. They're out there in the mud and the water and they still have to think clearly and get a job done, and get a job done in a manner that it's going to stand up. It really is an amazing thing what these guys are capable of doing and what they're willing to do to get the job done."

It's been 45 years since Tom's dad, Robert Baltz, started the company, which his three sons eventually took over. Since then it's continued to grow and increasingly become a bedrock business of the community.

That's why Baltz Construction was selected by the Chamber of Commerce at the business of the year.

"I was only 19 when I started," Baltz said. "I came home from college and got out in the sun and got working, I just put my head down and did it. To be honest with you, I just never looked back. I just loved the physical work of it."

Baltz Construction specializes cast-in-place concrete. In other words, Baltz workers go to a construction site and fill casts with concrete, rather than bring in pre-poured castings. 

Clients include schools and factories.

"If it's concrete, we do it," Baltz said. "We don't do a lot of residential work because that's kind of a different gear than what we're set up to do. We have bigger equipment with more overhead, so we don't do a lot of residential unless it's a large job."

Robert Batlz was working for the B.R. DeWitt Corp. driving a cement truck when it struck him that maybe that was the kind of work he could do for himself.

"He saw a lot of concrete being poured and thought it looked like an opportunity so he decided to give it a try."

He started out with small jobs on the side but by 1973, Baltz Concrete became his full-time job.

That's when Tom went to work for him.

In a couple of years, Robert Baltz bought the Howard Brown Precast Company and Tom's brothers went to work for him there and Tom ran Baltz Concrete.

When the precast company was sold to Kistner, Baltz Concrete became the business of Tom and his two brothers.  

When one of the brothers wanted out, Tom and his brother Nicholas decided to make James Logdson a partner.

"James was looking for a summer job when he came to work for Baltz Concrete," Baltz said. "He worked one summer, he graduated, but he impressed us a lot. I talked my brothers into chasing him down and making him an offer to come to work for us. That was in the 1980s. He's been with us ever since."

Baltz said the company has always valued its employees and they try to treat them right.

"We take jobs that are anywhere within an hour-and-a-half of Pavilion," Baltz said. "We don't go much further than that because we need our people to be home every night. We hire family men. It's important that we get them home every night to be with their families."

They also support some of their after-work hobbies. They might sponsor stockcar or go-kart or some other activity.

"You get involved with the people you work with in a ton of different ways," Baltz said. 

There's a lot of charity support flowing out of Baltz Concrete. They sponsor youth baseball, soccer, softball, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, the Pavilion Community Chest and the Arc of Genesee Orleans.

"Being part of the town and being in a position to do something, you feel like you have the opportunity to help and helping always makes you feel better," Bartz said.

Both Tom and Nicholas are married. Tom and his wife don't have children. Nicholas is a stepfather to the children of his wife, but he and his wife are also parents to three foster children they plan to adopt. 

"So he has many children," Baltz said. "He lives and breathes for them, that's for sure."

What makes the company successful, Baltz acknowledged, is its people.

"We're not like a factory," Baltz said. "There's not a lot of equity in equipment. Most of the equipment we use has little or no market value. When all is said and done, with this place, if we shut it down, there's more worth in the building and the driveway then there is in the equipment.

"With our company, it is the people who are the only real value."

That's why some of the best employees in the company, such as Logsdon, have become partners.

The two new junior partners are Jaret Geitner and Jeremy Trzieceski.

The best workers, Baltz said, are the ones who have a dedication to their job and take pride in what they do. Those are the people who get promoted.

"When you have pride, you do something right for its own sake," Baltz said. "You don't do it for your boss or for your company. You do it for your own pride. You can teach a guy to do a job right but you can't teach a guy to care about his job."

The guys who care are easy to spot, Baltz said. They're the ones who see the boss working with estimating software, so they go home and play with it just to see if they can figure it out. 

"You know who the ones are that wake up in the middle of the night and think, 'Wow, did I get that measurement right?'"

That's why those employees get a shot at being a partner.

"There is a self-motivation in certain people that you have to recognize because if you don't recognize those people, they will go someplace else quick enough."

A single-vehicle accident is reported on Ellicott Street Road just south of Route 20 with three minor head injuries reported.

Pavilion Fire and Alexander's ambulance dispatched.

Fire police from Pavilion fire have been requested to Route 19 and Route 63 to shut down northbound traffic due to weather conditions.

I've gotten a lot of positive feedback on this photo since 2013 when I made it.

Today, when I drove out to Pavilion, I discovered the barns have been demolished. A local business owner told me they came down last week.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that he will be hosting a free community forum open to the public at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15 at the Hollwedel Memorial Library, located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

Hawley will provide an update on the happenings of Albany and will answer questions from the audience. The event is sponsored by the women’s group “RAP.”

“I enjoy these open community forums as a channel of communication between the residents I represent and the inner-workings of state government,” Hawley said. “We have a responsibility as public representatives to be open and accountable, and that is what forums like these are all about. I encourage everyone who is able to attend and I look forward to seeing you there.”

Hawley is Assistant Minority Leader of the Assembly Republican Conference and currently serves on the Agriculture, Ways & Means, Rules, Insurance and Racing & Wagering committees.

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139^th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Hawley’s Official Website.

Jaomi Delgado is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Dec. 20 in the City of Batavia that the defendant knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug, cocaine, with intent to sell it. In count two, he is accused of same crime for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing one or more preparations, compounds or mixtures or substances containing a narcotic drug, cocaine, and these were of an aggregate weight of one-half ounce or more. In count three, Delgado is accused of the crime of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree, also a Class B felony, for allegedly selling cocaine in the City of Batavia on Dec. 20.

Samuel R. Baudanza is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 22 in the Town of Pavilion that he knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with intent to sell it.

Isaac C. King is indicted for the crime of assault in the second degree, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that on July 31, having been charged or convicted of a crime and while confined in a correctional facility -- the Genesee County Jail at 14 W. Main St., Batavia -- that he intentionally caused physical injury to another person. In count two, the District Attorney accused King of fourth-degree grand larceny and alleged that on that date he stole property from a person at the jail.

Triton A. Drock, 23, of Buell Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Drock is accused of failing to be a witness in a Grand Jury hearing after being legally summoned. Drock was jailed on $2,500 bail.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia was arrested on a warrant. The reason for the warrant was not released. The 17-year-old was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Shannon L. Klinkbeil-Heyday, 41, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and falsifying business records. Klinkbeil-Heyday is accused of making fraudulent returns and keeping the refund money.

Christopher S. Bump, 23, of Briarwood Drive, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. The reason for the warrant was not released. Bump was ordered held in the Genesee County Jail.

Torrence C. Greene, 27, of Wearing Road, Rochester, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Greene was arrested at 1:09 p.m. Friday following a police response by officers James Prusak and Frank Klimjack to a report of a disturbance on Walnut Street. Greene is accused of possession of a narcotic with the intent to sell. He was jailed without bail.

Joseph Thomas Misiak Jr., 62, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Misiak is accused of threatening a member of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in a voicemail.

Jacob John Bukowski, 30, of East Park Street, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bukowski was allegedly found in possession of marijuana in the Town of Alabama at 3:30 p.m. Saturday by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Stephen Michael Milroy, 23, of Creek Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to keep right, and failure to notify DMV of change of address. Milroy was stopped at 12:48 a.m. Saturday on Route 20, Alexander, by Deputy Erik Andre.

Michelle Amber Condidorio, 36, of South Street, Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Condidorio was stopped at 2:01 a.m. Saturday on Telephone Road, Alexander, by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Richard JM Button, 27, of Heritage Estates Street, Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Button was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia during a traffic stop at 4:48 p.m. Thursday on Judge Road, Alabama, by Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Jennifer Sue Davis, 38, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, speed not reasonable and prudent, and uninspected motor vehicle. Davis was charged following an investigation into an accident reported at 8:52 p.m. Thursday on Downey Road, Batavia, by Deputy Austin Heberlein.

Gabriel A. Tapia, 19, of Woodhaven, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Tapia was charged by State Police after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana at College Village at 11:16 a.m. Saturday.

Jacqueline M. Kobee, 28, of Buffalo, is charged with possession of controlled substance not in original container, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana, and aggravated unlicensed operation. Kobee was stopped at 1:54 p.m. Saturday on Route 77 in Pembroke by State Police.

An 18-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at 9:58 p.m., Saturday, at College Village, by State Police.

Michael T. Morasco, of Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and moving from lane unsafely. Morasco was stopped at 11:52 a.m. Friday on Route 63 in Pavilion by State Police.

An accident involving a tractor-trailer is reported in Pavilion at Route 63 and Route 20  

Intitially there was a report of a head injury and Mercy Flight was put on ground standby. A first responder reported only minor injuries.

Pavilion fire and Mercy EMS responding.

Press release:

The Pavilion Republican Committee is seeking civic-minded individuals interested in serving as Town Supervisior or Council Person for the Town of Pavilion.

If you have questions or if you are interested in running, please send a letter of intent by Feb. 1 to: Town of Pavilion Republican Committee, c/o Kevin Clary, Box 28, Pavilion, NY 14525 or email kevron1@frontiernet.net.

Press release:

Today recipients of the 46th annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce awards for 2017 were announced.

The event to honor them will be held Saturday, March 3, at the Quality Inn & Suites on Park Road in Batavia.

This is the county's premier event honoring businesses and individuals for their achievement in business, community service and volunteerism.

Tickets are $50 per person or a table of 10 for $450. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres, entree tables and a cash bar. (No formal sit-down dinner is served.)

The Award Program starts at 7 o'clock, at which time coffee and dessert will be served.

The 2017 honorees are:

• Business of the Year -- Baltz Concrete Construction, Pavilion
• Innovative Enterprise of the Year -- Firing Pin, Bergen
• Agricultural Organization of the Year -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Batavia
• Special Service Recognition of the Year -- Batavia Cross Training, Batavia
• Geneseeans of the Year -- The Family of William Kent Inc., Stafford

Call Kelly J. Bermingham at 343-7440, ext. 1026, to make your reservations.

Pierre Mahon Humphrey, 27, of Michigan Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 4th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Humphrey was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and narcotics during a traffic stop on Park Road, Batavia, by Deputy Travis DeMuth at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Humphrey was jailed on $25,000 bail or $50,000 bond.

Lucas T. Shafer, 20, of State Route 96A, Romulus, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Shafer was charged after Officer Arick Perkins located a vehicle parked behind the Harvester Center and stopped to investigate at 12:45 a.m., Tuesday. Also charged, Aaron C. Cuyler, 19, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia.

Sath Paul Dhanda, 37, of Clapsaddle Road, Bethany, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Dhanda was arrested following a complaint of a person banging on the back door of a residence on Ellicott Street, Batavia, at 3:08 p.m. Monday. There was an order of protection in place that Dhanda allegedly violated. Dhanda was jailed on an unspecified amount of bail.

Alexander J. Schultz, 18, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct. Schultz and a 17-year-old, who was also charged, were allegedly involved in a fight on Ross Street, Batavia, at 4:34 p.m. Jan. 11.

Ryan N. Bartholomew, 23, of Adams Street, Batavia, is charged with making terrorist threats and aggravated harassment, 2nd. Bartholomew allegedly made threats against police officers on social media. He was jailed without bail.

Desiree M. Sumeriski, 34, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Sumeriski allegedly failed to seek medical care for a child after observing injuries sustained by the child.

Camon T. Wyatt, of Pardee Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear as ordered in court. Wyatt was released on bail.

David L Andrews, 30, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with criminal impersonation and conspiracy 6th. Andrews is accused of conspiring with another person not to pay a bill at a local person by pretending to be another person.

Preston Randall Herbst, 21, of Hamlin Drive, Canandaigua, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Herbst was stopped at 2:51 a.m. today on Telephone Road, Pavilion, by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Joseph Thomas Misiak Jr., 62, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with making terrorist threats. Misiak allegedly called a supervisor at the Sheriff's Office and threatened to damage the property of the subject as well as physical harm the subject. Misiak was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Anna Marie Howard, 32, of Ivison Road, Byron, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and registration display violation. Deputy Ryan DeLong and Deputy Andrew Mullen responded to a complaint of a person driving erratically in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven in Bergen at 4:05 p.m. Sunday. 

Jordan R. Mock, 23, of Pavilion, is charged with a false written statement and falsely reporting an incident. Jordan J. Schilling, 30, of Silver Springs, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, false written statement, and falsely reporting an incident. Mock and Schilling were arrested in relation to a burglary investigation by State Police reported at 4:10 p.m. Saturday on Perry Road, Pavilion. Schilling was also charged in Wyoming County with false written statement in relation to a fraud investigation. No further details were released.

Timothy A. Frenchy, 24, of Bronx, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Frenchy was charged while at College Village at 9:03 p.m. Monday by State Police.