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Press release:

U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that Matthew Barber, 53, of Batavia, pled guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny to possession of child pornography following prior federal and state convictions relating to sexual abuse involving a minor.

The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on May 20 officers with the U.S. Probation Department and New York State Parole conducted a search at the defendant’s residence.

Officers seized a cellular phone, which was found to contain images and videos of child pornography. A flash drive containing child pornography was also seized.

Barber possessed more than 1,000 images and 200 videos of child pornography on the two devices, some of which depicted prepubescent minors, violence, and the sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler.

In April 2007, the defendant was convicted on a federal charge of possessing child pornography, and a state charge of sexual abuse in the first degree.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Stephen Belongia; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski; the Batavia Police Department, under the direction of Chief Shawn Heubusch; and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 27 before Judge Skretny.

Previously: Batavia man who previously served time on child pornography charges indicted by Feds again

A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley on Gov. Cuomo's decision to end COVID-19 State of Emergency in NYS June 24:

“While this should’ve happened months ago when my colleagues and I in the Assembly Minority called on those in the Majority to restore checks and balances to state government, I am happy that a return to constitutional state government is imminent.

"The needless restrictions the governor mandated within our businesses, schools, places of worship and communities caused a great deal of struggle and suffering, so it is heartening to know the days of living at the mercy of the governor’s whims are coming to an end.”

Press release:

Statement by Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association:

“While the lifting of the emergency order is a welcome milestone to the end of the pandemic, with it comes the sudden end to alcohol to-go. A permanent extension of alcohol-to-go is supported by 78 percent of New Yorkers, but the Legislature failed to extend it and now the Executive Order has ended.

"Only in New York would elected officials ignore an overwhelming majority of the public. Restaurants are struggling to find staff, keep up with rising costs and manage a limited supply of goods, and nearly two thirds of the applicants will not receive Restaurant Relief Funds. New York State must do more to help, not hurt, our restaurant industry.”

Press release:

Statement from NYSCEA President Marcus Molinaro on the End of COVID-19 State of Emergency:

"Today, we learned from a tweet that the Governor will end the COVID-19 State of Emergency, effective tomorrow (June 24). 

"This is yet another important milestone signaling the approaching end of a pandemic that so many heroic Americans have battled for over 16 grueling months.

"On behalf of the counties of New York, in addition to all those who played a critical role, I thank the leaders and government employees who were too often the unsung heroes in this pandemic. They all worked tirelessly, day and night saving lives and rebuilding our communities.

"Counties across New York led the local response to this catastrophe. County leaders were the onsite incident commanders, leading local emergency response, and our local health and mental health departments were the tip of the spear in administering the testing, tracing, and vaccination efforts that made this day possible. 

"And, on behalf of all county governments, I extend our heartfelt prayers to those who lost loved ones. We are committed to recovering and rebuilding in their memory and honor."

A traffic controller has contacted Genesee County Emergency Dispatch to report the sighting of a drone flying at 3,000 feet over Pembroke, apparently in the flight path for the Buffalo Airport.

It's illegal to fly a drone above 400 feet unless flying over a tall structure. 

A deputy has been dispatched to the area of Gorton Road and Phelps Road.

The drone is described as about two feet by two feet and silver.

Rebbecca Storm Wissinger, 29, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with: endangering the welfare of a child; custodial interference in the second degree; and second-degree harassment. Wissinger was arrested at 5:03 p.m. June 21 after an incident at GC Social Services on East Main Street Road in Batavia. It is alleged that she became physical with a third party while trying to take custody of her children, against a GC Family Court order. Following her arrest, she was released with appearance tickets to be in Batavia Town Court June 24. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Andrew Hale, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Thomas Joseph Scheuerlein, 56, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Following an incident at 4:48 p.m. June 21 in the Town of Batavia, Scheuerlein was arrested, arraigned in Alabama Town Court, then released. He is due in Genesee County Court on Aug. 11. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush.

Grace Crystal Murray, 22, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass. At 11:50 a.m. on June 23, Murray was arrested on a bench warrant and arraigned in Batavia City Court, then "returned" on her own recognizance. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Zachary Hoy.

Press release:

The Salvation Army in partnership with Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia will be hosting their final food box distribution at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 28^th.

The distribution will take place at the church's north campus located at 8160 Bank Street Road. This is a drive-thru distribution.

Be sure your trunk/hatch are cleared out for the volunteers to place the boxes in your vehicle. You will need a photo ID for each household you will be picking up for.

There will be boxes of assorted fresh produce and boxes of assorted dairy items. The distribution will continue until the boxes are gone.

When lining up ahead of time please do not block traffic and stay in your vehicle until it is time to procede.

Sunset in Pavilion yesterday evening, submitted by Jeslene Beach.

Rebekah Daniszewski and Alex Hale received Batavia Coaches Association Athlete of the Year awards tonight at the Batavia High School Athletic Awards ceremony at Van Detta Stadium.

Athletic Director Mike Bromley presided over the event that recognized outstanding Blue Devil senior class student-athletes for their accomplishments over the four sport seasons in 2020-21.

Daniszewski, a Section V track and field champion in the shot put (indoor) and shot put and discus (outdoor), and Hale, a three-sport standout, each were given $50 and a plaque from the Coaches Association.

The Athlete of the Year award goes to a senior girl and boy for outstanding leadership, sportsmanship and athletic performance.

Daniszewski also received the Burk Family Scholarship for Excellence in Track and Community Service, a $300 award from the Batavia City School District Foundation, while Hale also was selected to receive the Daniel Van Detta Memorial Scholarship for football and baseball, a $250 award from the BCSD Foundation.

Jonah Epps III was the winner of the Thomas Ricci Memorial Scholarship for track and field and/or cross-country, a $500 check from the BCSD Foundation. He also received the Project Play WNY Multisport Athlete Award, which comes with a certificate, celebratory lawn sign and social media spotlight.

Jacob Long was named the Burk Family Scholarship for Excellence in Football and Community Service winner, earning a $300 check from the BCSD Foundation.

The Danny Lullo Memorial Football Scholarship went to Zachariah Brown, who received a $300 check from the BCSD Foundation.

Luke Rogers was selected to receive the Jason Gioia Memorial Scholarship for dedication to school and the community. The scholarship is for $500.

Other award winners are as follows:

• Outstanding Physical Education Student Award: Alexander Childs, Mykola Bartz, Lillian Whiting.
• Air Force Scholar Athlete: Luke Rogers, Tess Barone.
• Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete: Cooper Mattice, Isabella Houseknecht.
• Navy Outstanding Athlete Award: Zachary Gilebarto, Lillian Whiting.
• Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award: Bannon Moore (who also received the Judd Gouinlocke Memorial Scholarship), Haylee Thornley.
• Varsity Club Award: Chloe Torres Brown, Kathryn Fitzpatrick, Zachary Wagner, Natalie Clark, Evan Preston, Dallas Lama, Andresha Richardson, Chase Pangrazio, Jonah Luplow, Jianna Torcello, Elizabeth Kingston, Troy Helsdon, Stone Siverling, Tyler Kleinbach.
• Dr. Pierce Sportsmanship Award: Sean Pies, Sadie Loria.
• Batavia Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete Award: Kameron Kuszlyk, Sophie Beckman.
• Project Play WNY Multisport Athlete Awards: Jonah Epps III, Bryn Wormley.
• Batavia Lions Club Athletic Award: Jacob Long ($50).
• 1947 Club Athletic Awards: Faraz Idrees, Mackenzie Reigle.
• Certificates of Excellence: Zachariah Brown, Rebekah Daniszewski, Jonah Epps III, Ian Fuchs, Alex Hale, Faraz Idrees, Kameron Kuszlyk, Jacob Long, Jonah Luplow, Bannon Moorre, Chase Pangrazio, Sean Pies, Mackenzie Reigle, Bryn Wormley.

Several athletes were recognized for winning sectional titles. They were:

• Boys Swimming: Cooper Mattice.
• Wrestling: Cooper Stewart, Nicholas Lamkin.
• Indoor Track and Field: Jamarion Richardson, Gavin Konieczny, Noah Burke, Rebekah Daniszewski, Jesse Reinhart.
• Outdoor Track and Field: Fabian Vazquez, Isabella Walsh.

The labor market in Genesee County continued to tighten in May the number of people in the job market without a job dropped by 200 from the previous month.

In May 2021 in Genesee County, there were 1,200 people in the labor force without jobs according to NYS Labor Department data.

The unemployment rate is 4.2 percent, or similar to May 2017, when it was 4.3 percent. In May 2019, the rate was 3.2 percent. Last year, three months into the coronavirus pandemic, it was 11.1 percent.

Meanwhile, there are 1,057 open job positions listed with the Job Bureau in Genesee County, according to Director Teresa VanSon.

Also according to the state, there are 21,000 non-farm jobs that are filled in Genesee County, up 1,700 from 19,300 May 2020. The total private-sector jobs jumped from 14,200 to 15,900 year-over-year. Government jobs remained unchanged at 5,100.

From the city's Department of Public Works:

The City of Batavia Water Department is going to be repairing a water line at 10 Vernon Ave. at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23. The repair will require the road to be shut down for through traffic. 

This will include emergency vehicles.

The road should be open by 3 p.m.

The City appreciates your patience while we perform this repair.

A caller reports a small child, about age 2, is driving a motorized scooter in and out of the roadway in the area of State Street and Lewis Place. City police are responding.

UPDATE 4:54 p.m.: An officer is speaking with someone about this call at State and Hutchins Place.

For the fourth consecutive year, Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has been selected as one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York.

The annual listing of businesses honored through the Best Companies to Work for in New York program was created by the New York State Society for Human Resource Management and Best Companies Group.

This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in New York, benefiting the state's economy, its workforce and businesses.

The 2021 Best Companies to Work for in New York list is made up of 72 companies, including the not-for-profit GCASA, which offers services in the areas of substance use prevention, treatment and recovery.

GCASA Executive Director John Bennett said he was proud to be honored for a fourth year, recognizing his staff “as amazing individuals who help people in our communities every day.”

“Our employees give back in so many ways and are deserving of having a great place to work,” he said. “We try to be family-oriented and give staff flexibility in creating their own schedule which is a highly-rated perk we offer. This year, we are improving our in-house training and education opportunities and addressing some salary inequities compared to other regional organizations in our category.”

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a for-profit, not-for-profit business or government entity;
• Be a publicly or privately held business;
• Have a facility in the state of New York;
• Have at least 15 employees working in New York; and
• Must be in business a minimum of 1 year.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Companies to Work for in New York. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. This part was worth approximately 25 percent of the total evaluation.

The second part consisted of a survey to measure the employee experience. This part was worth approximately 75 percent of the total. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings.

Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in New York and also analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine the final rankings.

Kim Corcoran, GCASA’s director of Human Resources, said the agency’s staff is committed to providing the best possible services to its communities.

“GCASA is extremely honored to be recognized once again,” she said. “Along with an employer-completed survey, 125 staff were asked to respond to a survey to include areas regarding GCASA’s leadership, corporate culture and communication, work environment, pay and benefits, supervision, and overall engagement. This is quite a tribute to our staff and reflects the positive environment fostered by our leadership.”

All honorees will be celebrated at an online event at 5:30 p.m. July 28. For more information about the event go to https://rbj.net/events/best-companies/

To learn more about attending the event or sponsoring contact rbjevents@bridgetowermedia.com.

For more information on the Best Companies to Work for in New York program, visit www.BestCompaniesNY.com.

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

2021 LEGISLATIVE RECAP: SENSELESS SPENDING AND AN ABSENCE OF ACCOUNTABILITY

This last year, industry and society at large have shifted drastically as the challenges we’ve faced have forced us to be more innovative and resilient than ever before. However, even as private businesses and families alike found new ways to thrive while braving a pandemic, it was another year of business as usual for the Governor and his allies in the legislative Majority.

They worked to raise taxes, chip away further at our constitutional rights and construct the most expensive budget in our state’s history, a monstrous proposal that spends more than Texas and Florida do within a year COMBINED, while doing little for those who need help most. 

Giving recovering small businesses less than half of what’s being given to undocumented immigrants in direct assistance is unconscionable, and there’s nothing progressive about letting small, family-owned businesses die for the sake of helping people who broke our laws to be here.

These small businesses are built up over decades through generations, and are places where people find their first jobs or even their lifelong careers. They are what make the towns, villages and cities where we live the unique and special places we know them to be, and it has been incredibly saddening to see so many of them continue to struggle when there’s so much more we could have done to support them, their employees and the communities they serve.

What has been even worse than the Majority’s failure to provide adequate assistance to our small business owners, has been their unwillingness to stand up to the governor’s active attempts to encumber their success.

Even as he remained embroiled in scandal and under investigation at multiple levels of government, they refused to meaningfully curtail his emergency authority or rescind any of the restrictions he placed on small businesses, even as available scientific data demonstrated that they were unnecessary.

Despite all of the questions surrounding his conduct, and especially his handling of nursing homes during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor held a grip on power as firm as ever as we left Albany after session. Even as the Assembly itself has conducted an investigation throughout the last several months into his multiple potential wrongdoings, we still have nothing to show for it.

While this year was largely disappointing, legislatively speaking, there was at least one bright spot within it that I feel we should all be proud of. After fighting to make it happen for years and having my proposals to do so shot down in committee, I was proud to see a bill passed (A.7865) that will provide free tuition to members of Gold Star families.

While I wish we were able to pass this bill even earlier to begin helping Gold Star families as soon as possible, President Reagan said it best, “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.”

So I am simply relieved to see this idea become law one way or another. It is indeed heartening that on at least one issue we were able to come together and do the right thing, so I am hopeful that next year we can build upon that success bearing in mind who we really need to be helping here in New York State.

Press release:

The City Church and St. Anthony's are excited to announce the opening back up of their Tuesday Night Activity Nights on July 6th.

They offer basketball, four square, a game room and the Liberty Arts room will be open.

The gym floor has been recently updated and is ready to be played on!

This will occur every Tuesday night from 6-8 p.m. at the St. Anthony's Community Center located on 114 Liberty St. in Batavia.

Everyone is welcome and food will be provided.

They are excited to welcome the community for a night of fun and friendship!

A dog is reported to be on the roof in the first block of Washington Avenue in the city. Officers are responding.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: Dispatch has left a message on the resident's voicemail machine. An officer at the residence reports the dog has opted to go back inside the house, but still has access the roof. "I'll be hanging in the area until we get it secured," says the officer.

A car vs. pedestrian accident with possible serious injuries is reported at 229 W. Main St., in front of Ken Barrett's Chevolet dealership. City fire is en route. Mercy medics are responding. Police are on scene. Mercy Flight out of Batavia is on ground standby.

UPDATE 2:13 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to scene and directed to land behind city fire headquarters in a grassy area off Evans Street. City Ladder #15's crew is the ground contact.

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed behind city fire headquarters.

UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and heading to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. The city assignment on West Main is back in service.

UPDATE 4:35 p.m.: From the City of Batavia Police Department -- The City of Batavia Police Department is investigating a car vs. pedestrian personal injury accident that occurred on Tuesday, June 22, at about 2:03 p.m. in front of 229 W. Main St., Batavia. A pedestrian was crossing West Main Street and was struck by an SUV that was traveling eastbound. The pedestrian was transported by Mercy Flight to Strong Hospital to be treated for his injuries, which are unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing and the names of the individuals involved will not be released at this time. The City of Batavia Police Department would like to thank the City of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy EMS and Mercy Flight Air Crew for their assistance with the initial investigation.

Top photo: City police say this dark-colored SUV was involved in the accident where a pedestrian was struck.

Below: Emergency personnel at the scene while the patient is being stablized in the ambulance in order to transport them to city fire headquarters where Mercy Flight has landed.

Submitted images and press release:

The Batavia Society of Artist is hosting artist Collette Savage on Tuesday, July 13th at 6 p.m. at DeWitt Recreation Area at 115 Cedar St. in Batavia. She will be demonstrating pastels en plein air (outside).

We will be in the smallest pavilion on the left side of the park. Nonmembers welcome for a $5 fee. Please bring a chair in case Savage wants to get closer to the water.

Savage has been an artist since she could pick up a pencil. She received her bachelor’s degree in art from SUNY Brockport but has found the best education she received has come from sources outside of academia.

She has taken classes from local artists including Sari Gaby and Thomas Keggler, as well as nationally known artists Albert Handel and Marc Hanson.  Nevertheless, working directly from life on a regular basis has been her greatest teacher.

Savage has worked in pastels for the past 20 years and continues to be fascinated by all the creative ways that pastels can be used. An avid plein air pastel painter, she teaches classes in pastel painting and plein air for the beginner where she can share her knowledge and love of what she does.

Savage is a member of Suburban Rochester Art Group, Greater Rochester Plein Air Painters and the Pastel Society of Western New York. In addition to teaching classes, she does workshops and demonstrations.

Savage enjoys sharing her knowledge of pastel and plein air painting. Recently, Colette has begun recording videos on YouTube, which demonstrate pastel painting techniques. Here is the link.

You can read her blog about pastel painting here.

She also offers her pastel paintings and giclee prints on her Etsy shop. You can email her at:  cmsavage31@gmail.com

The project manager of Le Roy Meadows says a solid plan is in place to address more than $600,000 in back taxes owed to Genesee County and necessary roof and driveway repairs at the 10-building, 80-apartment complex at 18 Genesee St.

David Renzo Jr., president of V&V Development Corp., of Batavia, today said a vouchering system to retrieve subsidies owed to the project by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a commitment of an investment group out of California, which owns 95 percent of the complex, are the keys to getting Le Roy Meadows back on track.

“As soon as we get the subsidy in for all that, the taxes are going to be paid,” Renzo said.
“We’re resubmitting vouchering covering the past three or four years, and we’re thinking that in four to five weeks we will start receiving the HUD subsidy again and the taxes will be paid.”

The Batavian has learned that the county is waiting to receive $605,886.43 in back taxes owed by Le Roy Meadows -- $603,167.33 on the property assessed at $2.2 million and another $2,719.10 on a small parcel assessed at $10,000. The taxes are for the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Genesee County hasn’t started the foreclosure process yet due to the signing by Gov. Andrew Cuomo of an extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020 and the COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Businesses Act through Aug. 31.

Renzo said the location’s current problems stem from HUD suspending its contract with Le Roy Meadows several years ago. Tenants there pay 30 percent of their monthly income toward rent with HUD supplying the difference.

“Our HUD contract was suspended but we’re working on that with HUD right now by sending the vouchers (for the back subsidies),” he said. “There was a lot of confusion. The tenants shouldn’t be worried now because we have a plan in place. They’re not going to lose their rental assistance.”

He said the worst-case scenario is that tenants will receive an individual voucher that can be used for the rental assistance – giving them a choice between staying at Le Roy Meadows or taking that voucher to live somewhere else.

“Right now, rental assistance is project-based. The investment group in California is committed to getting this done. They’ve got positive feedback from HUD and getting the back subsidy that is owed to us to pay off the taxes and get the work done,” Renzo advised.

Concerning the condition of the roofs and driveway, Renzo said he is working with the investment group, soliciting the bids and lining up the work, to have all of the roofs replaced and to blacktop “the worst part of the driveway.”

He also said that repairs of the original sidewalks are part of the plan.

The tarps covering the roofs on many of the buildings are there as precautionary measures, he noted. Thus far, one of the 10 roofs has been repaired.

“With the subsidies about to come, plus the reserve accounts that we have set up and the backing of the investment group, the work will get done,” he said, adding that the interior of the apartments are in “great shape.”

Renzo said that contrary to what was reported in another local news outlet, neither he nor the V&V Development Group own Le Roy Meadows. He did say that plans are to bring in a new management group specializing in HUD policies and procedures to run Le Roy Meadows.

V&V Development Group also manages three complexes governed by the United States Department of Agriculture – The Meadows at South Main Street and Northside Meadows, both in Batavia, and Corfu Meadows.

Photo: Le Roy Meadows building with tarps protecting the roof, which needs replacing. Courtesy of Le Roy code enforcement officer.