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As an elected official and small business owner himself, George Borrello said he's always found it important to maintain a relationship with the small business owners he represents.

He hopes to represent the business owners in Batavia, if he's successful in his campaign to represent Genesee County as part of the 57th State Senate District, so on Saturday, he toured several businesses in Downtown Batavia.

After COVID lockdowns, workforce challenges, a minimum wage increase, the increased cost of doing business in New York, it's more important than ever, Borrello said, for him to talk with his fellow small business owners.

"I just want to make sure I'm in touch with the folks here," said Borrello, a former member of the Legislature in Cattaraugus County and current holder of the 57th District (which won't include Genesee County until next year).  

He applauded the effort of downtown businesses in Batavia to band together and revitalize their community.

He said supporting locally owned businesses is important because small businesses are what drives New York's economy.

"First of all, 50 percent of our economy in New York State is supported by small business," Borello said. "They employ 50 percent of every working person in New York State. But right now, especially if you're talking about the economic driver, of our nation, it is small business. So if we allow the businesses to languish, then it's going to destroy the quality of life in communities like Batavia. It's also going to have a negative impact on our overall economy. So for me, supporting all the small businesses that are the backbone of the economy, is part of the mission of ensuring that New York stays strong."

On Saturday, Borrello visited Valle Jewelers, Eli Fish Brewing Co., Charles Men's Shop, Hunt Realtors, and Adam Miller Toy and Bike.

And there might have been a little Christmas shopping involved.

"I prefer to do what I can to support fellow local businesses," Borrello said. "But also, I found that's a better, more unique way to find gifts that I would have never thought of. So for me, it's also been a great way to, to kind of do some enhanced Christmas shopping and provide the people that I give gifts to with some unique stuff."

Photos by Howard Owens. George Borrello visiting Valle Jewelers and speaking with co-owner Carrie Lawrence.

Photo by Joanne Meiser.

Saturday was a smooth success as several children took to the ice for the Try Hockey for Free program at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena in Batavia.

The Event was part of USA Hockey Week Across America with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, and is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge. This local event was hosted by the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association.

There were 30 kids registered for the hour of free lessons, which included free skate rentals, hockey sticks and pucks.

"It was a great adventure for all of the children as well as for their families," Coordinator Sharon Valyear-Gray said.  "They mentioned that they didn’t know what to expect, but the miracle of seeing their little ones actually skating and using the hockey sticks so proudly when they fell, and that they could get back up with the help of the stick.

"Seeing the excitement and experiencing the energy in the room when the little ones come off the ice makes all the work that goes on behind the scene so worth the effort," she said.

The lead coach was Erik Triftshauser, along with Fred Hamilton and many of the players from the United Hockey Team came to assist.  Matt Gray, the operator of the McCarthy Ice Arena, as well as his children Lilly and Leo, who is a goalie and played in net so the little ones could have the total experience, also participated, she said.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Batavia City Centre's concourse was bustling with sellers and shoppers during a vendor fair fundraiser hosted by and for All Babies Cherished Saturday in Batavia. Dozens of merchants and crafts people put their wares on display for early holiday shopping or to purchase a special treat to take home. 

Photos by Howard Owens.

We emailed three questions to the candidates for the 57th State Senate District, George Borrello and Dan Brown.  Unfortunately, Mr. Brown did not respond.  

UPDATE: Dan Brown responded Sunday evening.  While we had sent a reminder to a leader in his party on Thursday, we mistakenly omitted his name from the reminder email.  Since this was our mistake, we've agreed to publish his answers even though they were received after his opponents answers were published.  His answers are at the bottom of this post.

What is the number one issue facing New York, and how will you address it in the Senate?

BORRELLO: The number one issue facing New York State right now are the disastrous criminal justice reforms – namely cashless bail and the parole law titled, Less is More – that took effect in 2020 and have been responsible for soaring crime rates in our cities and communities. Certainly, our largest cities have suffered the most under these laws: Rochester’s per capita murder rate now outpaces Chicago’s; violent crime in New York City is up nearly 40 percent; car thefts in Buffalo are up approximately 200 percent. Even in smaller communities like ours, law enforcement officials report significant increases in shoplifting, drug crimes, car theft, domestic violence and drunken driving. When individuals know that there are no consequences for committing crimes, they have no incentive to curb criminal behavior. Repealing these laws is the most urgent priority. Then, we can bring all stakeholders to the table (which wasn’t done by those who wrote the original cashless bail law) and craft smart reforms that will be fair to defendants while keeping New Yorkers safe.

What do you think you could do as a member of the Senate to bring more new businesses, start-up, homegrown businesses to Genesee County, to foster entrepreneurship in Genesee County?

BORRELLO: As a small business owner myself, I know how difficult New York State makes it for entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs to start and grow a business. Our state is routinely ranked as the worst place to do business in New York State. One initiative that would act as a strong incentive for entrepreneurship is a measure that I sponsor called the “First Employee Tax Credit.” This proposal is a payroll tax credit to assist small businesses with the disproportionate rise in costs that result from hiring one employee.

Another key factor in creating a climate where entrepreneurship can thrive is ensuring our rural areas have access to broadband. For far too long, broadband access in our rural communities has been nonexistent or inadequate. That is why I led the fight to get the fiber optic tax levied by the state DOT repealed. This particular tax was killing the potential for broadband projects in rural areas with costs that increased in direct proportion to the length of cable to be installed. In rural areas where miles of cable are often required just to reach a single house, this tax was simply ridiculous. After three years of advocacy and building bipartisan support, I am pleased to report the tax was finally repealed in the latest state budget. This is important progress we will be looking to build on in the coming session.    

What is one policy initiative that the political party of your opponent espouses that you think makes sense, is good policy?

BORRELLO: One area of policy where I am in agreement with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle is on the need to provide more funding and support for those who care for our most vulnerable residents. The Cuomo administration neglected this segment of our human services community for years, resulting in wages for direct care providers that were often less than the starting pay at fast food restaurants. Not surprisingly, this has created a crisis-level workforce shortage among the non-profit providers that care for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Providers cannot find or retain staff, programs are closing and individuals are not having their needs met. We made some headway in addressing this crisis in this year’s budget, with a 5.4 percent statutory cost-of-living adjustment as well as some recruitment and retention initiatives, but more still needs to be done. There is strong bi-partisan support on this issue, so you can be sure I will be working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make more progress.

Answers from Dan Brown.

Q1: Taxes. NY state carries some of the highest personal tax rates in the nation. The tax on our income, prepared food, clothing, fuel, property, school, and the tolls to drive on our roads - we are overtaxed, forcing those who can to either live or shop out of state.  The state government needs to attempt to follow the same tax regulations as schools and municipalities. As a fiscally conservative town supervisor of Great Valley for the past 17 years, the town has never exceeded the tax cap and has maintained a healthy contingency reserve. When I look at the 57th District, I see my town in every community. We need to rein in spending locally and especially at the state level and make our state affordable for our seniors, our working force, and our youth.  

Q2: Businesses are struggling to find a workforce. The development of educational agencies around the needs of local businesses is mandatory. I am a huge proponent of trade and technical schools. Apprenticeships to training people and specialized programs affording our young people the knowledge to be able to fill job vacancies here. Regardless of the job site in the 57th District, the technician shows up with a laptop before a wrench. Second, our infrastructure is lagging, power, water, sewer, and roads; every business looks for those fundamentals before the ground is broken on any project. A solid infrastructure shows a commitment to businesses. 

Q3: The Anti-Crime Initiative, municipalities need all the help they can get in mitigating the level of crime occurring in large cities. Bail Reform goes hand in hand and needs to be overhauled as well. The negative impact it has on our communities is felt far and wide, as the chairman of the Cattaraugus County Town Supervisors Association, every one of us is frustrated. Every local, county, and state judge feels that way. It creates an unsafe situation for the police, our friends, and our neighbors. It’s a priority. 

Steve Hawley, a Batavia resident, and Jennifer Keys, a Le Roy resident, are running for the 139th Assembly District.  We emailed three questions to each candidate and are publishing their answers verbatim. 

What is the number one issue facing New York, and how will you address it in the Assembly?

HAWLEY: The number one issue in NYS continues to be the majority party and Governor’s out-of-control spending penchant.  This year’s state budget is a whopping $220.5 BILLION foisted on our taxpayers during one of the worst inflationary times ever. Property taxes, income taxes, gasoline, grocery & heating expenses for our homes and apartments are literally bankrupting my constituents. Just like any business or family, the government needs to “live within its means.”  Additionally, we need to reestablish a criminal justice system that makes our neighborhoods & streets safe again.

KEYS: I believe that the ability to access needed services that are put into place to help lift people up is the number one issue. The barriers are often insurmountable and increased by too many costly layers of government. I will work to identify and implement ways to streamline services for everyone who needs them and also to eliminate unnecessary layers of government. As someone who has worked as a community mental health worker for two or more decades, I have experienced the barriers to accessing behavioral health services, development services, social services, and medical help. The pandemic exposed that folks were not getting paid enough to do the work they were doing and has since increased the shortage of providers across the board. We have a significant shortage of providers in this state for some of our most needy citizens from birth to death, Early Intervention to Office of the Aging. There are waitlists to have basic needs met, such as housing, primary care and dental care. All of this needs to be addressed, including the barriers to hiring more staff. When people cannot get their basic needs met, their stress level increases and they can get stuck in fight, flight, or freeze mode, which can prevent them from getting a job, which then continues the cycle of unstable housing, which then continues everything else. When people live at a lower-than-subsistence level the stress of everyday life becomes their primary focus and that is not healthy for them, their families, or for our society. All of this needs to be addressed in order to increase the functioning of our society.  

What could you do as a member of the Assembly to bring more new businesses, start-ups, homegrown businesses to Genesee County, to foster entrepreneurship in Genesee County?

HAWLEY: Our Free Enterprise system has taken serious hits over the last several years.  Working long hours, taking risks and believing in one’s self needs to be re-established as a laudable attribute.  We need to foster, as elected officials, a philosophy that encourages individuals, existing businesses already located in NYS and others who may be looking to locate here a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere by changing the reality that NYS is the 49th worst state to do business in and the highest taxed state in the nation.  How do we do this…..by being responsible…..lowering taxes and fees, fewer adverse mandates and reducing the amount of red tape our state foists on individuals and businesses.  We need to encourage, not discourage, success!

KEYS: I do not have a business background, as is well known, but I do recognize that business, particularly small business, is the backbone of our communities. I want to hear from experts in the field, the entrepreneurs themselves, about what it is that they need in order to keep their doors open and to hire more folks. I want to know the barriers and then to partner with other members of the assembly and state senate to create the change that is identified in order to promote increased entrepreneurial ship. My husband and I are raising our family here and, like everyone else, would like our children to have the opportunity to stay here and have their daily needs met.

What is one policy initiative that the political party of your opponent espouses that you think makes sense, is good policy?

HAWLEY: I fully support increasing the availability and accessibility of mental health services.

KEYS: I am not here to play party politics. I am here to represent everyone in the 139th Assembly District in an effort to make a positive impact on the daily lives of everyone who lives here and everyone who chooses to come here in the future. 

The race for the redistricted NY-24 is between Claudia Tenney and Steve Holden.  We emailed both campaigns three questions with the intent of publishing their verbatim answers. (NOTE: For the first hour or so this post was up, we said Mr. Holden did not respond; however, he had responded but the response did not come up in a search of my inbox. The campaign resent the answers and we were able to locate the original, timely response, using that sender's name in search. We've added his answers.)

What can you do as a member of Congress to make Congress less partisan and more productive? Would you renounce party membership if it would help Congress serve the American people better? 

HOLDEN: Now more than ever, our country needs political leaders who understand service and sacrifice, who are skilled and practiced in servant leadership, and who are trained to work with diverse teams to overcome obstacles and accomplish their missions. As a veteran with 20 years of military experience, both at home and abroad, I have those skills. I believe that members on both sides of the aisle will realize quickly that I am mission-oriented and eager to work with anyone and everyone, regardless of their party affiliation, to address the many challenges we face. I do not see members of the other party as the enemy, and I will always consider all opinions and ideas on their merit.

All that one person can do is be true to the oath that we swear as Congressional representatives “...I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter...” I will take that oath seriously. I don’t believe that renouncing party membership will help to better serve the American people. I am a proud Democrat, but I am also my own man.

If given the honor of serving in Congress, I will represent everyone in the 24th district, whether they voted for me or not. I am proud to have garnered the support of Republicans like Geneseo resident Dick Platt, a veteran of the Korean War, and many others whom I have met on this journey. I will never let my party affiliation prevent me from supporting legislation that I believe is good for America and good for the people in my district, regardless of who proposes it. That is how I will fulfill my oath.

TENNEY: As I took my oath of office last February, I was honored to reaffirm the bipartisan commitment to civility I first took as a member of Congress in 2017. If voters in New York’s 24th Congressional District return me to Washington as their representative, I will continue working with my colleagues - Republicans and Democrats alike - to promote constructive discourse, model positive leadership, and advance productive policies. Our country faces many challenges today. From rising crime to soaring inflation, families and small businesses are hurting. Our nation needs principled leadership now more than ever, and I have a strong record in Congress of working together to find solutions that deliver real results for seniors, families, and small businesses. After hearing heartbreaking stories from countless individuals across New York State who were locked out of nursing homes and cut off from their loved ones during the pandemic, I introduced the bipartisan Essential Caregivers Act. This bill ensures residents of long-term care facilities never again suffer alone in isolation without the support of their families, as thousands were forced to do in New York. This bill is a bipartisan win, with nearly 80 cosponsors from both parties. It is a compassionate policy solution that will meaningfully enhance the quality of life for seniors and their families. I am a lifelong registered Republican. I would not, nor is it necessary, to renounce my party affiliation. I would not advise anyone to do that, as robust debate in our free marketplace of ideas is the cornerstone of our Constitutional Republic. 

What could you do as a member of Congress to bring more new businesses, start-up, homegrown businesses to Genesee County, to foster entrepreneurship in Genesee County? 

HOLDEN: As a small business owner, myself, I know how difficult New York State makes it for entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs to start and grow a business. Our state is routinely ranked as the worst place to do business in New York State. One initiative that would act as a strong incentive for entrepreneurship is a measure that I sponsor called the “First Employee Tax Credit.” This proposal is a payroll tax credit to assist small businesses with the disproportionate rise in costs that result from hiring one employee.

Another key factor in creating a climate where entrepreneurship can thrive is ensuring our rural areas have access to broadband. For far too long, broadband access in our rural communities has been nonexistent or inadequate. That is why I led the fight to get the fiber optic tax levied by the state DOT repealed. This particular tax was killing the potential for broadband projects in rural areas, with costs that increased in direct proportion to the length of cable to be installed. In rural areas where miles of cable are often required just to reach a single house, this tax was simply ridiculous. After three years of advocacy and building bipartisan support, I am pleased to report the tax was finally repealed in the latest state budget. This is important progress we will be looking to build on in the coming session.    

TENNEY: In both Albany and Washington, I have always fought to put the taxpayers first by upholding free-market principles that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. I grew my family's newspaper and manufacturing business in New York, so I know what small business owners face when trying to grow and thrive in this business-unfriendly state. To help our small business community, in 2017, I stood up to entrenched special interests in New York to support and pass the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which ensured working Americans could keep more of their hard-earned money. Today, while my opponent would eliminate the Trump tax cuts, I am an original cosponsor of the TCJA Permanency Act to make this vital relief permanent for small businesses and families. In addition to easing the tax burden, I am also focused on reducing the regulatory burden small businesses and entrepreneurs increasingly face. President Donald Trump’s administration required two regulations be cut before any one new regulation could be put into place. This was a policy innovation that effectively empowered job creators and small businesses and encouraged greater growth and innovation. The Biden administration has sadly returned to business as usual by once again embracing big government regulatory overreach. This makes it harder than ever for our small businesses and family farms to compete and grow, which is why I am fighting in Washington to restore sanity and discipline to the regulatory process. 

What do you think is the best Federal program, and would you fight to keep it if under attack, and what is one Federal program you would cut if you could? 

HOLDEN: One area of policy where I am in agreement with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle is the need to provide more funding and support for those who care for our most vulnerable residents. The Cuomo administration neglected this segment of our human services community for years, resulting in wages for direct care providers that were often less than the starting pay at fast food restaurants. Not surprisingly, this has created a crisis-level workforce shortage among the non-profit providers that care for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Providers cannot find or retain staff, programs are closing and individuals are not having their needs met. We made some headway in addressing this crisis in this year’s budget, with a 5.4 percent statutory cost-of-living adjustment as well as some recruitment and retention initiatives, but more still needs to be done. There is strong bi-partisan support on this issue, so you can be sure I will be working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make more progress.

TENNEY: There are a range of programs at the federal level that responsibly deliver targeted resources to those in need with strong oversight and accountability. One of these programs is the Community Services Block Grant, which provides financial assistance that is specific to local needs to advance core priorities like reducing poverty and increasing self-sufficiency. This program is about providing those in need with a hand-up, not a handout. I also have been honored to support the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program, which provides much-needed assistance to firefighters and first responders, helping fund vitally important training operations and equipment upgrades. But unfortunately, Washington never misses an opportunity to misuse and abuse taxpayer dollars. For instance, following passage of the partisan American Rescue Plan Act, nearly $800 million was spent on stimulus checks for convicted criminals. Then in the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, as much as $80 billion was set aside for an army of new IRS agents that would be responsible for launching new audits of low- and middle-income taxpayers. And if all that wasn’t bad enough, President Joe Biden’s recent unilateral and unconstitutional decision to cancel federal student loan debt for high earners was especially egregious. This proposal, which will cost at least $300 billion, bypassed Congress and is blatantly unfair to those who paid off their college debt or who simply chose not to attend. These hardworking Americans are now stuck footing the bill for the 10% of Americans who still have debt outstanding, which includes doctors, lawyers, and other individuals with extremely high earnings potential. These examples are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Washington’s reckless spending. One of my top priorities in Congress to tackle inflation and restore prosperity to our region is to ensure greater fiscal responsibility. We should support those programs that work and eliminate those that do not while enhancing accountability and transparency across the board. 

Bethany Fire has been dispatched to Route 20 and Transit Road for a woman who fell off a motorcycle.

A chief on scene reports back pain and possible extremity injuries. The chief says he doesn't see anything too traumatic.

The woman was a passenger on the bike it it appears to have been a slow fall.

Mercy Flight out of Olean is on a ground standby until Mercy medics arrive on scene and can evaluate the patient.

UPDATE 12:24 p.m.: Mercy Flight is not required.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: Patient being transported to Strong. Bethany back in service.

Photo submitted by Lisa Stefanski-Pfalzer

It sure seemed like Sir. Elton John visited Batavia Downs on Friday night but in reality, it was actor and musician Jason Ostrowski, who headlined a tribute show to the British hitmaker as Bennie and the Rest.

Photos by Howard Owens.

A Buffalo man was charged with second-degree manslaughter after he allegedly caused the death of a female passenger on the motorcycle he was driving just before noon Friday, City Police say.

At approximately 11:57 a.m., the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a report of a motorcycle accident at the roundabout on Oak Street Extension. Batavia Police arrived and located a female on the ground in the roundabout and the operator of the motorcycle fleeing the scene.

Mercy EMS and the Batavia City Fire Department were dispatched and arrived to render aid to the female. The operator was stopped by Batavia Police and returned to the scene. While medics were attempting to render aid to the female, the operator of the motorcycle allegedly attempted to interfere with EMS personnel.

The operator, identified as Christopher Scinta, 27, of Buffalo, was then taken into custody. Scinta was transported to Batavia Police Headquarters, where he allegedly attempted to flee again by damaging and jumping out of a window. Scinta was quickly apprehended.

The female, Jasmyne Rubel, 17, was transported to UMMC, where she was pronounced dead.

Based on the investigation, it's alleged that Scinta was operating the motorcycle in a reckless manner and at a high rate of speed on Pearl Street, with Rubel as a passenger. Scinta struck the curb near the roundabout, causing him to lose control. The motorcycle came to rest on South Main Street, east of the roundabout. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

Scinta was arrested on the following charges:

• Manslaughter 2nd
• Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd
• Obstructing Emergency Medical Services
• Criminal Mischief 4th
• Operator left scene of an accident - injury resulting in death
• Reckless Driving
• Improper passing on the right
• Driving a motor vehicle on a sidewalk
• Operate motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver
• Operate an unregistered motor vehicle on a highway
• Operate a motor vehicle without insurance
• Operate a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate
• Speed not reasonable and prudent
• Operate a motorcycle with improper plate
• Failed to stop at a yield sign when required

Scinta was arraigned in Batavia City Court before Judge Thomas Burns and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond, or $100,000 partially secured bond. Scinta is scheduled to reappear in Batavia City Court at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Matt Lutey at 585-345-6311, the Batavia Police Department's confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Accident scene photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Press Release

Join the Richmond Memorial Library in assisting families in need in our community.

The RML Teen and Tween Programming Group will sponsor a food drive collection from November 1st-November 18th, 2022 at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St, Batavia.  Below are some suggestions of acceptable items. Please make sure all items are not past expiration and are non-perishables! 

A donation bin will be located in the foyer of the library and donations can be dropped off during regular library hours.  Donations will be delivered to the Salvation Army.  Questions can be directed to Teen Services Librarian Felicia Cecere (fcecere@nioga.org) or Library Assistant Ellen Brokaw (ebrokaw@nioga.org).

Suggested Items for Donation:

Boxed Stuffing Mix, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Jars of Gravy (or Gravy Mix Packets), Canned Yams, Cranberry Sauce, Canned Vegetables, Cornbread Mix, Canned Pie Fillings, Pie Crust Mix, Box Dessert Mixes, Drink Mixes, Coffee, Tea, Crackers, Foil Baking Pans, Paper Products.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St in the City of Batavia. The library is open Mon-Thurs 9 am - 9 pm and Fri & Sat 9 am - 5 pm. For more about the library, visit batavialibrary.org

 

Tickets are available through Monday for the annual Genesee Cancer Assistance Night at the Downs to honor volunteers who have devoted time and energy for the nonprofit.

The evening is to include a basket raffle, buffet dinner and recognition of volunteers. Doors open at 4 p.m., with appetizers at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel on Park Road, Batavia.

 A cash bar will be available, and raffle winners will be drawn after dinner.

Tickets are $35, which includes $25 Free Play. To purchase tickets, call 585-345-0417 or order online. 

With experience that dates back to when the cold was literally delivered to homes, Koch feels confident now as the new president and owner of Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning in Batavia.

“I’ve been in the industry ever since I was a kid. I'm the fifth generation in my family to be involved in the industry. My great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather ran an ice delivery business; they were salesmen. My dad and my uncle ran a refrigeration company and my family has been involved in it for a while,” Koch said during an interview Friday. “So we purchased the company and the building, and the goal is to keep everything the same and grow it.”

Koch, a resident of Hilton, has owned Triton Mechanical in Monroe County with his father Jeff and friend Kevin O’Connell for more than six years. The company originated organically, he said, and the team — which also includes mom Wendy — has worked to make it a successful heating, ventilation and air conditioning operation, he said.

“I wouldn't change a thing. Everybody said that you shouldn't go into business with family or friends. And we we've made it work, and it's fantastic,” he said. “We have great conversations and mom and dad are great. And Kevin is fantastic. Kevin is really, he's a strong leader, and I don't know, it's just perfect.”

He met former Turnbull owner Bill Hayes a couple of years ago, and was introduced to the company at 50 Franklin St., Batavia, more thoroughly after Hayes decided to put it up for sale. One selling point was that Koch wanted to become as fully involved with the community as Hayes has been, the new owner said.

“And when we met Bill, we looked at the company and the team and reputation and just decided (they wanted to purchase it), and he decided also, because he was looking at other folks to buy the company,” Koch said. “And we both agreed that this would be the right move to allow him to stay on and continue the vision of the company.

“We’ve been given a chance to grow a company on a very strong foundation and partner with someone who cares … someone like Bill who cares a lot about the community and family and team the way that we do,” Koch said. “We have similar visions as business owners and similar values as family.”

With its founding in 1966, Turnbull already has a solid track record, and Koch and his leadership team have no plans to change what’s working. The staff of 31 and current services will remain, and the only shift may be additional growth of the residential and commercial offerings, he said.

Triton will retain its name, but the company has been merged with Turnbull, as evident on the new website. Hayes will remain as project manager/designer and consultant for at least a year, per the contract, he said. 

He can’t help but see how fate played a role in this new professional relationship, as Hayes bought Turnbull Heating from Roy Turnbull after a chance meeting at Grand Cayman Island, and now Koch and his team have purchased it from Hayes. In each scenario, the owner was eyeing retirement with a goal to find the right people to take over.

For Hayes, it was a former employee — Pat Roberts, a student who worked for three summers while attending college — who helped to broker the deal via an introduction of Hayes and Koch.

“I am truly blessed to find these guys and the guy that brought us together,” Hayes said. “This guy was a mentor between two companies; he was watching out for my welfare and for Triton’s welfare.”

What inspired Hayes to seek retirement now? It’s quite simple, he says: seven grandsons, all under the age of 10. While Hayes can remember chats he had with his own grandfather, he wants to be that older and wiser mentor for his two daughters’ children. He also feels that he found the right professional team to take over.

“They come with a strong service background. And the fact that they had the same mission as I do, which is taking care of the customer at all costs. If there's any concerns, they can lean on me, and the customers can still call me,” Hayes said. “The bonus is the fact that they'll listen to what I have to say, because a lot of times, that usually doesn't happen, but we really have come together now. It’s working like a dream.”

The deal was signed June 1, and as for business, it has been “phenomenal,” Hayes said, surpassing anything in his 30 years of owning the company. Ringing phones has meant hiring two additional staff members to answer calls and set up appointments, he said.

He attributes it at least in part to the merger and reputations and territories of each. Turnbull reaches beyond Genesee County, into Orleans and Wyoming, and expanding into Erie and Niagara counties, while Triton is in Ontario, Monroe and Oneida counties.

“You have two powerful service companies come together, and on the other end of two counties … it’s just going to take off,” he said. “I wanted the right person or persons to take over, I wanted the same mindset.”

Koch added that Hayes will remain part of the business “to get us used to running the company.”

“He knows everybody around here in Batavia and Genesee County, he's very well connected, and he's gonna continue selling and designing HVAC systems and business as usual,” Koch said. “I love running the service business. I like helping other people. And I love being involved in the community. We've done that with our company from day one. And we're going to do that with Turnbull.

“Now that that's our company too, we’d like to support the community and give back to small businesses," Koch said. "It's not easy, a lot of folks have helped us along the way. And we want to give that back.”

Top Photo of Jake Koch; Jeff Koch, Bill Hayes, Kevin O'Connell and Jake Koch at the newly merged business site in Batavia. Not pictured is former Turnbull Vice President JoAnn Hayes, who has been "my rock" for husband Bill, he says. Photos courtesy of Jake Koch.

The annual Fall Basket Raffle to benefit the Crossroads house opened today at the Batavia First Presbyterian Church.

Sales of raffle tickets continue tomorrow from noon to 4 p.m. with drawings starting at 3 p.m.

There are 148 baskets to try your hand at winning.  The fundraising goal for Crossroads is $9,000.

Joseph Schafer won City Fire's fire prevention coloring contest in the K-1 group and his grand prize was a ride in Engine 11 to Jackson School this morning.

His smile says it all but his mother said the ride this morning was a surprise. He had been sick so his parent held off telling him he won until he was well and could return to school. He was thrilled this morning, she said. "It's his favorite truck and his favorite people," she said.

Ongoing fundraisers for a Roof Fund that began earlier this year are being put to the task of needed repairs this week, including a new roof, at First Baptist Church at 306 East Main St., Batavia. Promoted as offering many services under that roof, the church offers a thrift shoppe, drop-in ministry, Cold Nite Cafe, and a collection for Father Ivan's Migrant Ministry.

Photo by Howard Owens.

Guitarist Tom Torrisi performed at the Richmond Memorial Library on Wednesday evening, entertaining the audience with pieces by Leo Brouwer, José Luis Merlin, and Francisco Tárrega, as well as his own compositions.

Originally from Clifton Park and now residing in Buffalo, Torrisi developed his love of classical guitar while in college and eventually studied at the Eastman School of Music.  

The video is of Torrisi performing "Ballad of a Woman In Love" by Brouwer.

A vehicle rollover accident with two people trapped is reported in the area of 6120 Main Road, Stafford.

The vehicle is reportedly on its roof.

Stafford Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Dispatchers are checking on the availability of Mercy Flight.  Mercy Flight #8 out of Olean is the only one available.

Fire police are requested to shutdown Route 237 and at Clipnock Road.

UPDATE 4:11 p.m.: No need for Mercy Flight. Two patients, minor injuries, according to a medic on scene.

A motorcycle accident is reported at the Oak Street roundabout.

The initial report was that the cyclist was down but now dispatchers are reporting that he is up and getting out of the roadway.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.