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Press release:

From soon-to-be high school graduates to first-time adult college students; military veterans to full-time employees; local residents to international prospects; computer geeks to the digitally challenged; and career enthusiasts of every persuasion -- Genesee Community College will have its doors open this spring welcoming potential new students of all ages, backgrounds and academic interests. In total, GCC has 15 different events on its Spring Visits calendar, which is a notable record of its own. 

"Genesee Community College, especially with our new facilities and success coaches at the main campus in Batavia, really is the number one value in educational opportunity in Western New York!" said Shelitha Williams, Ph.D., vice president for Student and Enrollment Services.

"I've worked in other institutions and traveled extensively, and I'm proud to make this claim. This spring, we hope anyone who has even the remotest thought of a college education or is seeking a new focus in life will come see us!"

The 2019 Spring Visits GCC calendar includes the following events at the Batavia Campus:

Major Exploration Days:

• Friday, March 8 - Business, Science and Technology
• Friday, March 22 - Law, Criminal Justice and Human Services
• Friday, March 29 - Health and Physical Education
• Friday, May 3 - Creative Arts, Education and Liberal Arts

The Major Exploration Days all begin at 8:45 a.m. with registration and a continental breakfast before hearing presentations by Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Activities. Guests will then have a campus tour including the new Richard C. Call Arena and the Student Success Center.

From there they will meet the faculty, current students and success coaches related to their academic major.

Finally, those interested can tour College Village seeing the newest housing opportunity, namely the renovation of Birch Hall into the "communal" living facility featuring single bedrooms surrounding the large, centrally located and shared kitchen and bathrooms. 

• Spring Open House -- Saturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. -- This is GCC's Spring 2019 "signature" event providing prospective students and their families the chance to gain broad insight about GCC's robust services for student success. Presentations or interactive conversations with Admissions, Financial Aid, Career and Transfer Services, Student Success Center, Athletics, Student Activities and College Village will be among the many opportunities. Full campus tours will be provided, and to commence the Open House, GCC's theater majors will perform excerpts from "ENCOUNTERS" and "The Lamp is the Moon," two of GCC's performing arts events this spring.

Campus Tours and Group Information Sessions 

• Thursday, Feb. 28, 12:30 - 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 16, 12:30 - 2 p.m.
• Thursday, April 18, 12:30 - 2 p.m.

In just 90 minutes, visitors will hear the highlights of GCC's many programs and services, as well as the enrollment process. They can also enjoy a one-hour walking tour with a College Village option for those interested in living on campus.

Targeted Academic Information Sessions 

For those pursuing a career in healthcare, attending a specific information session is often a mandatory step in the application process. For this reason, different healthcare divisions are offering their own Info Sessions as outlined below:

Physical Therapist Assistant in the PTA Lab in room A208

• Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, March 20, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, April 3, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. 
• Wednesday, April 17, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 1, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 6, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Nursing - Non-LPNs Only in the Med Tech Building -- second floor

• Monday, March 18, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 22, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 12, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Advanced Placement (LPN to RN) Only in the Med Tech Building -- second floor 

• Wednesday, Feb. 27, 4 - 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 26, 9 - 11 a.m.
• Thursday, April 11, 1 - 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 8, 9 - 11 a.m.
• Monday, June 10, 4 - 6 p.m.

Veterinary Technology in T119A

• Thursday, Feb. 28, 12:45 - 2 p.m.

Register online for any of GCC's Spring Visits here. For more information about any of the Spring Visit events, contact GCC's Admissions Office at 585-345-6800, toll free at 1-866-CALL-GCC or email Admissions@genesee.edu. For online, door-to-door driving directions click here.

To tour GCC remotely, click here for a 360 degree virtual online campus tour!

For the remainder of the school year, the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District has reached an agreement with the Sheriff's Office to provide a school resource officer on the district's campuses.

The Public Service Committee recommended Tuesday a budget amendment that would increase the Sheriff's budget by $42,263 to be offset by $41,263 from the school district.

Deputy Howard Wilson is expected to serve as O-A's new SRO.

Wilson's road patrol position will be filled by a new hire.

There are a number of open slots on road patrol currently, Sheriff William Sheron told the committee. 

Five recruits begin law enforcement training March 11. They will attend the academy in Niagara County for 22 weeks, followed by 14 weeks of field training.

Another four recruits are expected to begin training in August or September.

In the meantime, Sheron said, the office is understaffed and deputies are working overtime. The overtime expense is offset by the open positions going unpaid.

Legislator Marianne Clattenburg asked if the Sheriff's Office has received reports from other school districts with new SROs this year -- Alexander, Pavilion, and Pembroke -- to substantiate that the program is effective.

"About a month ago, I revisted each school district and the response from superintendents and staff was overwhelmingly positive," Sheron said. "More than just being a deterrence, their are bonds being formed.

"Students are not fearful of the officers and their not afraid to share experiences with officers, sometimes about home life, which isn't always good. All I can say is every response I've gotten has been favorable from each one of the schools."

ALBANY — The New York State Council on the Arts together with the Preservation League of New York State and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area announce the recipients of the seventh year of grant funding through the Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program today.

In Genesee County, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council -- GO ART! will receive $3,000.

“At its October 2018 meeting, the Technical Assistance Grant panel awarded $55,068 to 19 projects in 17 counties,” said Jay DiLorenzo, president of the Preservation League. “As always, the competition for these funds was intense. We are delighted to help advance the preservation efforts of these organizations with timely funding from the Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program.”

The Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program, a competitive historic preservation grant program, was established in 2012 as a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League of New York State.

Additional support for this program in 2018 has been provided by the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. The Technical Assistance Grant program enables the Preservation League to support arts centers, historic sites, music halls, theaters, libraries, and other cultural not-for-profit or municipal entities that steward historic buildings in every one of New York’s 62 counties.

With the announcement of the 2018 awards, support provided by TAG since its launch in 2012 totals $332,465. These grants have directly advanced the preservation of 118 historic buildings in 44 counties across New York State.

The Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the Preservation League of New York State. The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area has provided additional support for projects occurring in the National Heritage Area.

For more information about the Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program, please call (518) 462-5658, ext. 10, or visit League’s website at www.preservenys.org.

The 72nd annual Batavia Gun and Sportsman Show will be held the weekend of March 16-17 at Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia.

Times are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The hotel is located at 8250 Park Road.

Admission is $5; children age 12 and under get in free when accompanied by adult.

More than 130 8-foot vendor and exhibitor tables will be chock full of items and there's plenty of free parking.

This event is sponsored by the Alabama Hunt Club, located on Lewiston Road in Alabama.

The show will feature collector, antique and investment firearms, swords and knives, Revolutionary War to World War II militaria, books, traps, pistols, gun parts, ammo and hunting accessories, black powder accessories, reloading equipment, archery, medals and more!

NOTE: All firearm laws MUST be obeyed.

Public participation is encouraged: bring items to sell or trade with dealers.

A National Instant Criminal Background Check MUST be completed prior to all firearm sales. The background check is free.

For more information, contact Dennis Davis at:   dwdavis70@gmail.com or phone (585) 798-6089.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel announced part of their onsite plans for the upcoming Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4^th.

The Second Annual Derby Gala will take place in the Batavia Downs Gaming Grandstands Banquet Room on the second floor. Admission for the Derby Gala at the Downs is $75 per person and proper attire is required.

Guests MUST be 21 years of age or older to attend. Guests will receive an open bar from 4:30 to 7 p.m., grazing stations, a $10 wager on the Derby, $25 in Free Play and a free Derby Program.

There will also be televisions showing the days’ races and mutuel clerks for patrons to place wagers. A best dressed contest and best hat contest will take place with prizes from the Hotel at Batavia Downs and Four Roses Bourbon.

Tickets will go on sale tomorrow -- Wednesday, Feb. 20^th at 10am -- on Bataviaconcerts.com and at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop. Tickets are very limited.

The hotel at Batavia Downs will be offering a special VIP rate for those who wish to add an overnight stay to their Derby experience. Use promo code KD5419. Tickets to the event and a hotel room are to be purchased separately.

“We’re looking forward to another great day of events surrounding the Run for the Roses,“ said Henry Wojtaszek, president and CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming. “The success of the Derby Gala last year adds to the already tremendous day of wagering and entertainment that our guests have come to expect from Batavia Downs.”

Details on the other two, non-ticketed parties on Derby Day will be announced at a later time.

A winter weather advisory has been issued for Wednesday, from 1 to 10 p.m.

The National Weather Service says residents should expect snow, sleet and freezing rain. 

Less than an inch of snow is expected but with sleet and freezing rain, driving conditions could be hazardous.

Luis A. Torres-Otero, 20, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested after Batavia police investigated a domestic incident which occured at 9:29 a.m. on Feb. 6 on Hutchins Place. It is alleged that the defendant struck a female in the face while she was holding a child. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due back in court on Feb. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Joseph J. Mazzarella, 66, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment and second-degree criminal contempt. On Feb. 11 at 2:45 p.m., he allegedly threatened an individual on Bank Street in violation of an order of protection. He was jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Joseph J. Mazzarella, 66, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Mazzarella was arrested after he allegedly violated an order of protection by contacting a protected person by phone at 4:55 p.m. on Feb. 13. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Patrick M. Viscuso, 54, of Vernon Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree burglary and second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested after allegedly violating an order of protection at 8:58 p.m. on Feb. 18 by being inside a protected person's residence on Evans Street in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in jail on $5,000 cash or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Zachery V.D. Seeley, 22, of Lyman Road, Bergen, is charged with three counts of second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 9 p.m. on Feb. 12 after allegedly violating an order of protection by having direct contact with a protected person on Miller Avenue in Batavia. Seeley was arraigned and put in jail in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,500 bond. He is due in Batavia City Court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Damian C. Cogovan, 19, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of second-degree criminal contempt. At 7:29 p.m. on Feb. 7, the defendant was allegedly observed by Batavia police in the direct presence of two protected parties while at his residence. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond. He is due in city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Lawrence W. Worsley, 39, of Ridge Road, Albion, is charged with second-degree contempt. He was arrested on Feb. 10 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court for allegedly violating an order of protection issued to a person on Vine Street in Batavia on Jan. 16. He was arraigned and put in jail in lieu of $1,000 cash or bond. He is due back in Batavia City Court at a later date.The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Nicholas M. Korczak, 33, of Pike Road, Batavia, is charged with second-degree aggravated harassment. He was arrested on Feb. 7 following an investigation into alleged threats of violence via text messages on Feb. 6. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in Batavia Town Court again on March 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Deputy Mathew Clor.

Daniel Joseph Geller, 35, of Moulton Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with aggravated DWI, DWI, and failure to use designated lane. Geller was arrested on the charges following the investigation of a property damage accident at 12:19 a.m. on Feb. 10 on Main Road in Pembroke. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Pembroke Town Court on March 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Melynda M. Gayhart, 31, of Hutchins Place, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after a shoplifting investigation allegedly found that she stole beer from her employer -- the 7-Eleven on East Main Street in Batavia. Gayhart was released on an appearance ticket and she is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Christopher John Raymond Diers, 36, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On Feb. 8 Diers was arrested at 4 p.m. for allegedly stealing property from Walmart. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on Feb. 25. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Christopher John Raymond Diers, 36, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. At 6:39 p.m. on Feb. 8, Diers was arraigned in Batavia City Court after he was arrested on a Batavia City Court bench warrant. It was issued after he failed to appear in court on a petit larceny charge stemming from the alleged theft of two lottery tickets on Nov. 4 from the Circle 3 convenience store and gas station at Ellicott and Cedar streets in Batavia. Diers was jailed in lieu of $2,000 cash or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Erica Michelle Raphael, 34, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree bail jumping and petit larceny. Raphael was arrested on two warrants on the two charges after being located in Orleans County on Feb. 18. She was turned over the the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and arraigned in Batavia Town Court. She was released on her own recognizance and is due in Batavia Town Court on Feb. 25. The original charges were issued on Oct. 29 following an incident at an unspecified location on West Main Street Road in Batavia. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Justin T. Gladney Sr., 29, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested following a shoplifting complaint at 10:10 a.m. on Feb. 16 at the Family Dollar store on East Main Street in Batavia. Gladney was released on an appearance ticket and he is due in Batavia City Court on Feb. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Press release:

City of Batavia Democrats announce the endorsement of Benjamin Bonarigo Sr. for full-time City Court Judge.

The City of Batavia Democratic Committee voted unanimously to endorse Benjamin Bonarigo Sr. for full-time City Court Judge at their endorsement meeting on Feb. 5th.

Of the endorsement, Chair of the City of Batavia Democratic Committee Erica O’Donnell said, “Mr. Bonarigo’s resume speaks for itself. He is beyond qualified for this position, but beyond that he exhibits a deep commitment to service in our community.”

Bonarigo said: “I am truly honored to have received the support of the City of Batavia Democratic Party and I promise to work hard, just as I have done everyday for the past 36 years of my legal career, to earn the trust and support of the voters in this election.

"I hope to live up to the faith the Democratic Party has shown in me and to make all voters proud to vote for me as the next Batavia City Court Judge. I pledge to be a fair and impartial jurist in every case, listening to the voice of every person that comes before me.”

Aside from establishing his own successful legal practice in the City of Batavia, Bonarigo has serve on many boards, committees and volunteer organizations. He has been involved in youth football, Mock Trial, Literacy Genesee/Orleans, Notre Dame High School Foundation Board and Board of Trustees, the Holland Land Office Museum, Genesee Community College Board of Trustees, and The Twenty-Five Neediest Children’s Fund Inc.

O’Donnell says, “Ben is the perfect example of a public servant and I’m honored to support him. I’m in no way shocked that he received such a warm response from our committee.”

Press release:

Recently, our New York City controlled State Legislature passed, and Governor Cuomo signed, a big change in the schedule for our local elections. Previously, our local parties used the spring and early summer to field and endorse candidates. This resulted in our local Republican candidates and Committee members approaching Republican voters during July to seek your signatures and support.   

The new rules push the whole process much earlier and our Republican Committee had to work hard to have our candidates in place this month as we’re being forced to approach Republican voters in a couple of weeks.

The Republican candidates we endorsed are: City Court Judge Durin Rogers, to replace our retiring full-time City Court Judge; Ward 1 City Council Member Paul Viele for reelection; Ward 2 City Council Member Patti Pacino for reelection; Ward 3 City Council Member John Canale for reelection; Ward 4 City Council Member Al McGinnis for reelection; Ward 5 City Council Member Kathy Briggs for reelection; Wards 1 and 6  County Legislator John Deleo for reelection; Wards 2 and 3  County Legislator Marianne Clattenburg for reelection; and Wards 4 and 5 County Legislator Gary Maha for reelection.  

I’m asking all City Republicans to work with our local Committee to support ALL of our endorsed candidates. Our endorsed candidates are fine Republicans who’ve been working hard to serve you, while promoting our values and efficient local government in Batavia. Each has the valuable experience to continue providing for our needs as residents and taxpayers.

Over the next several weeks, we will be approaching many of you seeking your support for these great Republicans. Unfortunately during these shorter winter days, some of us may be forced to knock on doors during the cold evenings after dark. Please understand that this is out of necessity.

Finally, I’d like to remind all Republican voters that for your signature to count, you must only sign one petition for each position that’s on the ballot. We’ve worked hard on your behalf to recruit, research, interview and consider the candidates that we’ve endorsed and ask you to make sure any petition you sign is presented by a member of our Republican Committee or an endorsed candidate. If other candidates approach you, I ask you to reserve your support for our endorsed candidates.

On behalf of our Republican Committee, I want to thank the Republican voters of Batavia for their continued support. We are proud to serve all citizens of the City of Batavia, regardless of political affiliation.

Dave Saleh
Chairperson, City of Batavia Republican Committee

A tractor-trailer fire is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 390.6.

The truck is fully involved and a trooper on scene reports the fire is starting to get into the trailer.

Town of Batavia fire dispatched. Mutual aid requested from Le Roy, Elba, and Oakfield.

UPDATE 2:27 p.m.: The westbound lanes of the Thruway are being shut down.

UPDATE 3:36 p.m.: Thruway assignment back in service.

A conscientious reporter, he exceled at community coverage for the Batavia Daily News.

Muehlig was born in Buffalo and served in the Coast Guard during the Vietnam War. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and to his family, a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, caring son, brother and devoted friend to all who knew him.

For his full obituary, click here.

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation and Gilda's Club of Rochester hosted a new fundraiser Sunday evening at Eli Fish called "Hops for Hope."

Proceeds from the event benefited both organizations, both of which assist children with cancer.

Danielle Rotondo, Donna Kabel, members of the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation board of directors, Laurie Napoleone, cofounder, and Mark Parsons, with Gilda's Club of Rochester.

A mild but persistent snowstorm passed through the area overnight and into this morning. Snowfall is expected to taper off as we head into the afternoon. 

If you're viewing this on The Batavian app, click here to view the video on thebatavian.com.

One of the five bowlers in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday Night League at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia who had a shot at perfection this week made it to the promised land and, not surprisingly, that one was Batavia left-hander Rich Wagner.

Wagner continued his spectacular season with 269-300-235--804, raising his average to 248.7 with six weeks left. The current Genesee Region USBC record for a season is 242, shared by Scott Culp of Honeoye Falls and Curtis Foss of Medina.

The other four who came close -- Vin Pontillo, 278--733; Jim Pursel, 279--725; Geoff Harloff, 277--724, and Alex Morris, 278--700. Jason Gallo, Wagner's teammate, posted a 217 triplicate.

At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Foss nearly had a monster triplicate, firing 279-279-276--834 in the Friday Night Mixers League.

And at Medina Lanes, Mike "Pook" Bielak notched his first 800 series -- 290-289-243--822 -- in the Thursday Firefighters League while Foss had another 300 game, his fifth of the season.

For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page. Mike Pettinella's next Pin Points column is scheduled for this Thursday.

A one-vehicle rollover accident, believed to be with injuries, is reported in the area of 9224 Alexander Road, Alexander.

A caller says it appears an occupant or occupants are beginning to crawl out of the vehicle.

Alexander fire and ambulance dispatched. Mercy EMS is also responding.

UPDATE 9:48 a.m.: Both occupants are out of the car.

UPDATE 9:53 a.m.: Mercy EMS can disregard. Alexander's ambulance will handle sign-offs.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.32, up 4 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.53. The New York State average is $2.47 – the same as last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.74. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.44 (down 3 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.50 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.36 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.41 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.44 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.36 (no change since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.43 (no change since last week)

The modest increase in the national average is likely due to supply concerns as refineries begin maintenance season. Overall, however, frigid weather has played a critical role in keeping pump prices low this winter, due to less demand for gasoline. For two weeks, demand numbers have decreased. The drop in demand helped total gas stocks across the country increase slightly by 400,000 bbl to 258.3 million bbl.

Moving into this week, milder weather could increase demand, pulling pump prices alongside it.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI increased $1.18 to settle at $55.59. Crude prices have continued their ascent due to growing belief that global supply is tightening. As crude prices increase, motorists can expect pump prices to follow suit, since approximately 50 percent of the cost consumers pay at the pump is due to the cost per barrel of crude oil.

The passenger of a van that struck a manure spreader Friday night on North Bergen Road in Byron remains in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Guarded condition at Strong means the patient is in the intensive care unit.

Paul W. Tuttle, of Bergen, was a passenger in a 2015 Dodge Pro Master van driven by Richard J. White, of Brockport, when it struck a Kuhn-Knight manure spreader attached to a John Deere tractor driven by Kip A. Keller, of Byron.

Keller was eastbound on North Bergen Road at 7:07 p.m. when the van struck the manure spreader, causing the manure spreader to separate from the tractor. 

Byron Chief Chief Robert Mruczek said after the accident that the manure spreader had placards and lights on.

As a result of the crash, the van suffered heavy front-end damage. Tuttle was transported to Strong by Mercy Flight.

Drivers White and Keller suffered minor injuries and were taken to Strong and UMMC by ground ambulance. 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The collision is being investigated by Chief Joseph Graff, Sgt. Andrew Hale, Investigator James Diehl, of the Crash Management Team. Deputy Travis DeMuth and Deputy Michael Lute assisted at the scene, as did members of the fire departments from Byron, South Byron, and Elba, along with Mercy EMS and Byron Auto Repair.

Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

In almost blizzard-like conditions Genesee County Republicans came together at the Old Courthouse in Batavia to hold their endorsement meeting for the local November elections.

The committee members considered candidates for nine legislative districts, a county coroner seat and the county clerk.

Here is a list of the GOP endorsements for those offices:

1. Genesee County Coroner – Jeffrey McIntire (incumbent) 4-year term
2. Genesee County Clerk – Michael Cianfrini (incumbent) 4-year term
3. County Legistlator District 1, Towns of Alabama & Oakfield – John Hilchey (incumbent) 2-year term
4. County Legislator District 2, Towns of Bergen, Byron & Elba – Christian Yunker (replacing retiring 10-year Legislator Robert Bausch) 4-year term
5. County Legislator District 3, Towns of Darien & Pembroke – Gordon Dibble (incumbent) 2-year term
6. County Legislator District 4, Towns of Batavia and Stafford – Andrew Young (incumbent) 4-year term
7. County Legislator District 5, Town of Le Roy – Rochelle Stein (incumbent) 2-year term
8. County Legislator District 6, Towns of Alexander, Bethany & Pavilion – Gregg Torrey (incumbent) 4-year term
9. County Legislator District 7, City of Batavia, Wards 1 & 6 – John Deleo (incumbent) 2-year term
10. County Legislator District 8, City of Batavia, Wards 2 & 3 – Marianne Clattenburg (incumbent) 4-year term
11. County Legislator District 9, City of Batavia, Wards 4 & 5 – Gary Maha (incumbent) 2-year term

This past November, voters in Genesee County approved four-year staggered terms for county legislators. This election will begin the process of staggering the terms.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced the application period for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program FY18.

Administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the SAFER Grant Program is designed to help local fire departments and Emergency Management Service (EMS) providers to increase or maintain the number of trained, “frontline” firefighters available in their communities.

“The SAFER Grant Program provides funding assistance to our local fire departments and EMS providers in order to help recruit new members and ensure that current members are up to date on their training,” Congressman Collins said. “I encourage all NY-27 fire departments and EMS providers to apply for this program.”

FEMA will accept applications from eligible departments now through 5 p.m. Friday, March 22.

Interested applicants with further questions or those seeking letters of support from Congressman Chris Collins are asked to call his Geneseo District Office at (585)-519-4002.