Local News

Press Release:

BATAVIA – Late Blight was detected in Genesee County on August 16. Late blight is a serious, airborne disease of tomatoes and potatoes best known for causing the Irish potato famine. Late blight is caused by a fungus-like organism that spreads dozens of miles on storm fronts.

Late blight can kill plants in less than two weeks. Disease spots are often dark gray to brown in color and tend to be surrounded by pale green tissue. Initially, spot shape and size varies but eventually most of an infected leaf or stem will become discolored and die. Leaf spots often look slightly fuzzy on the underside of the leaf in the early morning or when the weather is wet and humid conditions. Late blight will put dark brown to black smears on plant stems. Tomato fruit may also develop large, firm, greasy-looking, brown, gray, or black smears on the upper part of the fruit. Potato leaves show dark spots with fuzzy white spores on the underside during humid weather. Potato stems show similar lesions to those seen in tomato.

Late blight does not resemble lower leaves that yellow and contain numerous small black specks. Late Blight does not leaves to have spots that contain small, black, concentric rings.

Since this disease is aggressive, spreads easily, and can be very damaging to area farmers, Cornell Cooperative Extension asks that anyone suspecting they have late blight please contact their local CCE office for assistance with identification. In Genesee County, home gardeners may contact the Master Gardener Helpline at 585-343-3040 x 127. Samples may be dropped off at the office, 420 East Main Street, Batavia, from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Please put them in a clear, plastic bag. Commercial vegetable farmers may contact the Cornell Vegetable Program – cvp.cce.cornell.edu/specialists.php.

“Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County provides equal program and employment opportunities.”

Genesee women’s soccer (Left) and Genesee men’s soccer (R) both in top 10 of NJCAA Division III Soccer Preseason Poll

Press Release:

Genesee Soccer Teams Both in Top 10 of NJCAA Preseason Polls

BATAVIA, NY… On Monday, the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) released its 2019 Pre-Season polls for men’s and women’s soccer and the programs at Genesee Community College are inside the top 10 in both polls.

The Genesee women’s soccer team placed seventh in the preseason poll. Conference for Erie came in sixth and regional opponent Herkimer came in at number eight. Defending national champion Richland College (TX) is the pre-season number one.

Genesee will kick off the season with home games against Clinton Community College on Saturday, August 24 and against North County Community College on Sunday, August 25. Returning for his seventh season, Jeff Reyngoudt along with assistants Macy Reyngoudt and Kelly Starchok are looking for redemption in the NJCAA Women’s Soccer National Championships as well as repeating as NJCAA Region III Champions.

The Genesee men’s soccer team is second in the NJCAA Division III Men’s Soccer preseason polls. Reigning National Champion Richland College is the preseason number one. The season opener for the men’s soccer program will be on Saturday, August 24 against Clinton Community College and will host North Country Community College on Sunday, August 25.

Head Coach Ken Gavin returns behind the bench for his 12th season. The Cougars men’s soccer team is looking for another trip to the NJCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament in hopes of the program’s second National Championship in three seasons. Genesee is the four-time and reigning NJCAA Region III Champions.

The complete schedule is available online at www.geneseeathletics.com For more information, log online to www.geneseeathletics.com; follow us on social media by using #cougarPRIDE and check out our new Athletics video.

The Batavia Muckdogs are in first place at the all-star break with just 12 games left and one game separates seven teams from the playoff spots. The Muckdogs are home at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia starting Thursday for six straight games that could decide the division.

Press Release:

Batavia Muckdogs head into all-star break and home stretch in first place

NILES, Ohio – The Batavia Muckdogs used a balk and a 3-run home run to hold off Mahoning Valley, 8-6 on Monday night.

Meanwhile in West Virginia, the host Black Bears fell to Williamsport, 8-7 in extra innings. As a result, Batavia (35-29) and West Virginia (34-28) are tied at the top of the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division heading into the all-star break.

The break won’t be relaxing for the Muckdogs as they have an NYPL high seven players and three starters in the game on Wednesday at Staten Island.

On Monday night, Batavia trailed 2-0 to Mahoning Valley, a team that won four straight and was not allowing Batavia on the scoreboard.
Batavia shortstop Dalvy Rosario hit one of the biggest home runs of the season in the top of the third, a 3-run home run to give Batavia the lead.

With the scored tied, 4-4 in the top of the seventh, J.D. Orr coaxed a balk, his eighth of the season as a runner causing a balk, allowing Albert Guaimaro to score the go-ahead run. While Mahoning Valley would stick around, Joey Steele and Evan Brabrand shut the door for the win and the save respectively.

Steele improved to 2-0 on his solid season, as he threw 2.1 innings of shut out ball, striking out four and giving up just two hits.
Steele, an all-star selection and 30th round draft pick of the Miami Marlins out of University of San Francisco, lowered his ERA to 1.59. He has thrown 17 innings and walked just three wile striking out 28.

Meanwhile, Brabrand, who has made a final-score impact in the stats in every game he has pitched in but one (that was a perfect inning), had a new roll on Monday.
Batavia manager Tom Lawless, looking to stop Mahoning Valley’s win streak and Batavia’s losing streak, brought Brabrand in with two outs in the eighth.
The 6-3 righty closer out of Liberty where he was a 9th round pick of the Marlins, hit the first batter in the ninth, but got a double play to end the game.
Brabrand now has 12 saves on the season and a 3-1 record in 17 games. He has struck out 21 in 17 innings, walked just one and given up just three runs for a 1.59 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP.

Josh Simpson picked up his sixth hold of the season striking out one while Andrew Miller had the start and struck out five over 4.1 innings.

Rosario, just 19 and a Marlins signing out of the Dominican Republic, is 10-for-23 (.435) in his last six games. In addition to his second home run of the season, he also crushed his 13th double of the season, scored twice, had the 3 RBI’s and a walk.

J.D. Orr, who will start in left in the all-star game, increased his NYPL leading average to .387 going 2-for-4 with a RbI and run.

Troy Johnston had a hit and a RBI while Nic Ready and Guaimaro each had a single, Sean Reynolds walked and scored, Harrison Dinicola had two hits and scored and Jack Strunc had a double and a run. Catcher Dustin Skelton also had a RBI singe and scored a run for Batavia.

The all-stars for the Muckdogs are Ready, Orr, Johnston, Milton Smith II, and pitchers Julio Frias, Brock Love and Josh Simpson.

The game is hosted by the Staten Island Yankees and starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Just one game separates seven teams fighting for four spots in the NYPL playoffs.

The Muckdogs return home on Thursday for three straight crucial home games at 7:05 p.m. each night against State College, then three more home games against Williamsport.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

The Muckdogs are on Facebook, twitter and Instagram and now have a BataviaMuckdogs snapchat account. Follow the team on social media for game updates and videos and photos during the games of fans and players.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports the death of a Williamsville man in a single vehicle motorcycle accident on Sliker Road, Pembroke.
Deputies were called for report of a male lying in a field unconscious just minutes after 7 p.m. last night.
60 year old Michael Block of Williamsville was found by first responders not breathing and without a pulse and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Block had apparently failed to negotiate a left hand curve while heading west on Sliker road and then lost control of his 2000 Yamaha Motorcycle striking several trees and coming to rest in a field.
The accident remains under investigation.

Serrano sentenced to maximum.
49 year old Jennifer Serrano of Irving in Chautauqua County appeared in Genesee County Court yesterday where she was sentenced to 4 to 14 years in state prison on counts of vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Serrano was sentenced to serve two consecutive terms of 2 to 7 years on her conviction connected to last summer’s hit and run death of 18 year old Connor Lynskey of Hickley in Oneida County.
District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said the only appropriate sentence was the maximum…

Serrano was found guilty of hitting Hickley who was camping with friends as he was walking back to his campsite from a Darien Lake concert.

Motorcycle crash in Byron ends in a DWI arrest for a Bergen man.
Following investigation into an early Sunday morning single motor vehicle accident on Byron Holley Road in Byron Deputies took 35 year old Jason Skivington of Buffalo Street Bergen into custody for DWI, moving from a lane unsafely and failing to stop at a stop sign.
He was released with an appearance ticket for Byron Town Court.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is asking New Yorkers to help pick the next state license plate.
A petition has been launched on the governor’s website where people can vote for one of five plate designs.
Four of the designs include the Statue of Liberty while another features the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge over the Hudson River.
Voting runs through Sept. 2nd, and the design with the most votes will become available in April.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is continuing to push for tougher gun laws following recent mass shootings in Ohio and Texas.
Yesterday, he and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the best course of action would be to expand background checks.
Over the weekend, President Trump blamed mental health as a reason for the increase in violence.
Schumer says he believes the president isn’t serious about gun reform and is only trying to delay debate until pressure to act fades with lawmakers.

The City’s Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants today and tomorrow from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the area south of East Main Street and east of Jackson Street.
Homes and businesses nearby may see a temporary discoloration of water.

A $23-million contract has been awarded for the first phase of construction on the Western New York National Veterans Cemetery in Pembroke.
This first 65-acre phase will result in 4,000 gravesites and could be ready for the first burial late next year.
The contract has been awarded to Global Union Enterprises of Ontario County. The cemetery will be located along Indian Falls Road.

There is a Republican hat in the ring for the 27th Congressional District seat now held by Chris Collins.
New York State Senator Robert Ortt announced over the weekend he wants the job and took immediate aim at any Democratic Party opponent:

Photo: NYS Senator Robert Ortt (R-Lockport)

Democrat Nate McMurray has announced he’s is taking a second run at the 27th district seat. Incumbent Collins says he hasn’t decided yet.

The start of the next legislative session in Albany is still months away, but Democrats are already looking at what gun control measures they may want to introduce.
The Buffalo News reports there are several options on the table including bans on some big caliber weapons and microstamping identification on ammunition.

Summer is starting to wind down, but Western New York drivers can still save on their final road trips.
According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular gas is $2.79. That’s down 2-cents in the last week and 7-cents in the last month.
Gas Buddy.com reports the average cash price in Batavia is $2.76.

The Batavia Muckdogs are on the road tonight.
They take on Mahoning Valley.
The Dogs return home against State College Thursday night following two days off.

Jennifer Serrano

Jennifer Serrano of Irving has been sentenced to a maximum of 14 years in prison today in connection with last summer’s hit and run death of an 18 year old Darien Lake concert goer.
Judge Charles Zambito sentenced the 48 year old Serrano to two consecutive terms of 2 to 7 years for vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said today he never considered a plea bargain in the case:

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman

Serrano, from Irving, NY, had been convicted in a jury trial in July of hitting Connor Lynskey of Hickley in Oneida County.
He was camping with friends and was walking back to his campsite from a concert at Darien Lake when he was struck and killed.

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing / testing fire hydrants on Monday August 19th, Tuesday August 20th. And Wednesday August 21st from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the general area of south of East Main St. and east of Jackson St. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear.

Press Release:

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Black Is Back took full advantage of post one in Saturday night’s (Aug.17) $12,500 Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs, going gate to wire in impressive fashion.

Driver Dave McNeight III flew off the wings to claim the point with Black Is Back in the first turn and then kept his foot on the gas to the quarter in :27 flat. The race was basically over at that point as the pair would just continue to extend their lead from there.

After hitting the half in :56.2 on top by 1-½, Black Is Back paced away to a two length lead at three-quarters and four lengths by the top of the stretch. As he turned for home, McNeight sat statuesque as the wrapped-up Black Is Back continued to pull away and hit the beam on top by seven in 1:53.2.

It was the second win in four Batavia Downs starts and seventh win of the year for Black Is Back ($3.70) who now has banked $50,110 this year for owners Curtis Edholm and Mihajlo Zdjelar Sr.. Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr. trains the winner.

The $11,000 Open II Handicap also went to a coast to coast winner; Tullow N.

John Cummings Jr. rousted Tullow N off the gate and to the front and never let anyone get close to them the whole mile. After clicking off fractions of :27.4, :56.4 and 1:24.4 with a loose lead to boot, the field was scattered behind Tullow N except for Manceiver (Drew Monti) who sat the pocket the entire way and was close enough to be considered a contender. But Tullow N didn’t see it that way as he turned for home and pulled away to a 2-¾ length win in 1:53.1.

With $55,135 in earnings on the strength of four wins in 2019, Tullow N ($8.10) is also two for four since coming to Batavia Downs. Blindswitch Racing owns the 8-year-old altered son of Mach Three-Tessa Bromac and Dave Russo does the training.

Shawn Gray was in from Saratoga to drive on Saturday and put on a clinic while he was here. Gray won half the card; five out of the 10 races including a natural Hat Trick in the final three races of the night. He had his picture taken with Best Ears (1:54, $9.20), Myell’s Rockstar (1:54.2, $6.30), Thisjetsabookin (1:54.2, $4.20), M G Home Run (1:56, $13.60) and P C Shockwave (1:56.4, $2.60). The five-bagger vaulted him from ninth to fourth in the local driver standings in one night.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 18) at 1:15 p.m. Sunday will feature a $3,000 guaranteed pool on the early Pick-5 wager that runs from race one to race five. It is part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering program and as such, free program pages are available for those races on the USTA website or by clicking here for a direct download. ()

The list of candidates vying to take the 27th Congressional District seat is growing.
Senator Rob Ortt announced his run for the congressional seat Saturday, first in Lockport and then later in Batavia out in front of City Hall.
Ortt called Batavia the heart of the district and spoke of the shared values of many of its residents that are being threatened by the majority in Albany…

Ortt touted his military service repeating the slogan that he is a “battle-tested warrior” both in war and with his conservative credentials.
The Senator joins the race to unseat incumbent Congressman Chris Collins, who while under indictment for insider trading charges has yet to announce whether he will seek re-election.

Troopers in Warsaw have located the vehicle involved in a hit and run that killed a dog and injured two young girls.
State Police located the 2017 Chevrolet Trax over the weekend that was allegedly involved in the Town of Sheldon accident.
The incident occurred at around quarter after eight Thursday night as a 12 year old girl was walking her dog with her 14 year old friend on the grass along the side of Dutch Hollow Road when a car swerved and struck them.
The driver took off, leaving the two young teens and their dog on the ground only about 200 feet from their home.
Troopers are still determining who was operating that vehicle at the time of the crash.

Senator Chuck Schumer announced Saturday that the Department of Veteran Affairs has awarded an over $23 million contract to a company in Victor to begin construction on the very first Phase of the Western New York National Veterans Cemetery in Pembroke.
The nation’s newest veteran’s cemetery will be located at 1232 Indian Falls Road in the Town of Pembroke.
The cemetery site was originally 132 acres, then they purchased adjoining 60-acre and 77-acre parcels, closing on those early last year.
The first phase of construction encompasses 65 acres of the cemetery’s total 269 acres.

The start of the next legislative session is still months away, but Democrats are already looking at what gun control measures they may want to introduce.
The Buffalo News reports there are several options on the table including bans on some big caliber weapons and microstamping identification on ammunition.
Some gun control advocates think the state already has some of the toughest gun laws in the country and it’s up to the federal government to take the next steps.
Several gun control and safety measures were passed by the Legislature this year.

Summer is starting to wind down, but Western New York drivers can still save on their final road trips.
According to Triple A, the average cost for a gallon of regular gas is $2.76 in Genesee County.
That’s down six cents in the last week and seven cents in the last month.
The state average is $2.82 while nationally it’s $2.62.

Batavia has seven all-starts on the New York-Penn League All-Star team including outfielders Milton Smith II, left, and Troy Johnston.

Press Release:

Batavia Muckdogs land seven all-stars for New York-Penn League All-Star game

BATAVIA – The 2019 season for the first-place Batavia Muckdogs has been a special one at Dwyer Stadium. Now, add the all-star game to the memories.

The New York-Penn League has announced seven players will represent Batavia in the all-star game on Wednesday, Aug. 21 in Staten Island.
Nick Ready (third base), J.D. Orr (left field) and Troy Johnston (right field) were named starters. Milton Smith II (center field) and pitchers Julio Frias, Brock Love and Josh Simpson were also named to the team.

The all-star game is at 7 p.m. hosted by the Staten Island Yankees with gates opening at 3 p.m. There will be a home run competition between the New York City Fire Department and NYPD.

During the pre-game, the 2019 NYPL Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take lace with Batavia’s Gene Baker going in the hall with Bernie Williams, Jane Rogers and Josiah Viera.

Baker, who died in 1999, became the first African-American manager in organized baseball, when the Pittsburgh Pirates named him skipper of the Batavia club in 1961.

In 1963, he became the second black coach in the major leagues following Buck O’Neill by a half -season. He can also be credited with being the first black manager in Major League Baseball when he took over for ejected Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh on September 21, 1963. He was also the first African-American player to ever make the Chicago Cubs roster in 1953.

Here is a look at the Batavia all-stars:

Nic Ready
It has been a wild year for Nic Ready. The son of former Major Leaguer Randy Ready, Nic won the 2019 NCAA Home Run Derby in Omaha, Nebraska, then was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 23rd round out of the Air Force Academy.
Ready, a 6-foot-3 righthander who plays third and first, has shown tremendous power this season with seven home runs and 34 RBI’s with 26 soubles and a triple. He is hitting .280 with a .525 slugging percentage.
Ready is currently active duty with the Air Force, but a new law will allow him to play professional baseball and fulfill his military commitments the next two years.
In the all-star game, Ready will start at third.

J.D. Orr
It is no surprise J.D. Orr will start in the outfield in the all-star game. The 5-foot-10 Orr was drafted this year in the 10th round of the draft by the Miami Marlins out of Wright State, where he led the nation in stolen bases.
In Batavia, he not only leads the team with 24 stolen bases, but he leads the entire New York-Penn League with a .373 average and has 59 hits. He has hit three doubles, two triples and scored 46 runs.

Troy Johnston
Another starter in the outfield for the Muckdogs will be Troy Johnston, a 17th round pick of the Marlins out of Gonzaga this year.
Johnston, a 5-foot-11 lefty is hitting .295 with 46 hits, 11 doubles, a triple and two home runs. He has driven in 26 runs and scored 23. At Gonzaga, he was leading the nation in doubles furing the 2019 season and led his team in average.

Milton Smith II
During the 2019 season, Milton Smith II spent time as the top hitter in the New York-Penn League, and is still hitting .319 with 52 hits, a triple and 17 stolen bases, as he was caught just four times. Smith II is also an outstanding centerfielder for the Muckdogs.
Smith, a 5-foot-10 lefty, was drafted in the 22nd round by the Marlins out of Meridian CC in Mississippi in 2018.

Brock Love
Love is a 6-foot-1 right hander who has made a big impact on the Muckdogs this season coming out of the bullpen. He has thrown 14.1 innings with 18 strikeouts and just four walks, giving up just four runs for a ERA of 2.51 and a WHIP of 0.77.
He was picked by the Miami Marlins as the fourth pick of the 2019 draft in the 34th round out of the University of Alabama.
In college, Love was injured in 2017 but in 2018 he was 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA, something he did in his first seven performances with Batavia. In 2019 he led Alabama in strikeouts with 66 in 60 innings while starting 13 games. Love showed right away as a freshman his command of the strike zone, walking just three batters his first year while strikeout 21 with a 2.81 ERA.

Josh Simpson
The 2019 season has been frustrating for batters opposing Josh Simpson as the 6-foot-2 lefty has a 0.55 ERA in 11 games and has struck out 21 batters in 16.1 innings with just two walks. He has given up just one run all season for the Muckdogs.
Simpson was a 32nd round draft pick out of Columbia University by the Miami Marlins this year. He was an all-Ivy League selection and struck out 56 batters. He threw a nine-inning complete game shut out against Cornell as a senior.

Julio Frias
Frias turned 21 as the season started, and the 6-foot-2 lefty out of Boca Chica, Dominican Republic has enjoyed a great season as a top starting pitcher. Frias has 11 starts and has gone 4-2 with a 2.54 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 56.2 innings with just 21 hits allowed.
In his short career, Frias has tossed 182 innings with 174 strikeouts. His last start was on Aug. 11, a win over Mahoning Valley. Frias signed in 2014 as an international free agent with the Marlins at age 16.

Julio Frias records one of his three strikeouts Friday night against West Virginia.

Press Release:

Muckdogs fall, 9-3 to West Virginia

BATAVIA – The Batavia Muckdogs lead in the New York-Penn Pickney Division is down to a half game after a 9-3 loss to West Virginia on Friday night.

Batavia is on the road for three games starting Saturday at Mahoning Valley then the all-star break before returning to Dwyer Stadium on August 22 to host State College.

Batavia’s Sean Reynolds blasted his 12th home run of the season on Friday and the 34th of his short minor league career in the fifth-inning in the loss.

J.D. Orr had two doubles and scored a run increasing his league-leading average to .379.

Harrison Dinicola hit his sixth double of the season while Dalvy Rosario had a RBI, and Andrew Turner singled in a run. Milton Smith II had the other Muckdog hit.

Julio Frias took the loss and is 4-3 on the season. He struck out three in four innings. Edison Suriel had six strikeouts in three innings of work giving up one run while Joey Steele struck out two in one inning and Evan Rebrand had two strikeouts without giving up a run in the ninth.

Batavia is 34-26 and West Virginia is 33-26.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

The Muckdogs are on Facebook, twitter and Instagram and now have a BataviaMuckdogs snapchat account. Follow the team on social media for game updates and videos and photos during the games of fans and players.

Press Release:

August 17, 2019 for the Bur. Of Water and Wastewater

Effective immediately the is a water shut down on Walnut Street from the City line to Law Street for a repair to a broken water main.

Service will be restored as soon as possible. Once service is restored, you may notice some discoloration.

Please delay doing laundry until the water clears up.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Wheels A Turning (Photo courtesy of Paul White)

Press Release:

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — After heavy late afternoon rains degraded the track to sloppy, a very game Wheels A Turning overcame the weather, a slow start and a breaking horse to score a decisive victory in the $12,500 Open Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday evening (Aug. 16).

Off the gate, Dragin The Wagon (Shawn McDonough) went for the lead and in doing so, got parked three-deep around the first turn before clearing at the quarter in :27.3. Once on top, McDonough backed off the half to :57 trying to save some for later. Going past the stands before they hit the third turn, Rose Run Speedster (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Wheels A Turning (Dave McNeight III) pulled and got an outer flow going to try and take advantage of the early speed.

As they trotted past the five-eighths, Keystone Apache (Billy Davis Jr.) pulled from second and immediately made a break in front of Rose Run Speedster. That cleared the way for Rose Run Speedster to draw alongside Dragin The Wagon and Wheels A Turning, who was on his back, to go three-deep at three-quarters in 1:26.3. Dragin The Wagon said goodnight at the top of the stretch leaving Rose Run Speedster and Wheels A Turning engaged in a match race to the wire. After trotting in unison for almost the last eighth of a mile, Wheels A Turning finally nudged ahead before the wire and won by a length in 1:56.4.

The eighth win of the season for Wheels A Turning ($5.60) was also a seasonal best effort and the winner’s share of the purse boosted his earnings to $61,810 for owners Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi. James Clouser Jr. trains the winner.

In the $11,000 Open II trot, Lucky Guess (Ray Fisher Jr.) was on a mission when the gate released the field, taking control from post one like a shot. After being unchallenged to the half in a tepid :59.2, Noble Legend (Billy Davis Jr.) pulled from third at the half with Southern Palms (Jim Morrill Jr.) behind him and they both started to push the issue.

Motoring up the backstretch, Lucky Guess and Noble Legend went stride for stride to the three-quarters when Noble Legend started to fade and Southern Palms tipped three-deep and advanced. When the race moved off the turn, Lucky Guess had opened up a two-length lead and down the lane, Fisher raised the lines over his head to let his horse trot home on her own and win in 1:58.2.

The time was a new lifetime mark for the 6-year-old daughter of Lucky Chucky-Athenea.

It was the second win in three Batavia Downs starts for Lucky Guess ($14.20) and her owner Dennis Beaver. Kirk Desmond trains Lucky Guess.

Ray Fisher Jr. was the hot driver for the night, scoring a Grand Slam on the card. Jim Morrill Jr. got the Hat Trick and Dave McNeight III and Billy Davis Jr. each had driving doubles.

In a true oddity of racing, there were two dead heats for win recorded at Batavia Downs on Friday with Jim Morrill Jr. and trainer JD Perrin involved in both of them.

Batavia Downs hosted a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) on Friday night. Donations by many owners, trainers and drivers along with donations from fans attending live racing combined with proceeds from the silent auction to earn a total of over $13,500, which exceeds last year’s best-ever record. That money will go directly to the BCCR.

Batavia Downs would like to thank everyone who participated in this great fundraiser for such a worthy cause.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 17) with post time at 6 p.m. Saturday’s card features a chance for one lucky fan to win a $3,500 diamond bracelet courtesy of TAG Jewelers.

Troopers out of Warsaw responded to Dutch Hollow Road near State Route 78 in Sheldon for two teens struck by a vehicle.
The incident occurred around quarter after 8 Thursday night.
Further investigation revealed that the fourteen and twelve year old girls were walking their Australian Shepard on the grass next to the roadway when a dark colored vehicle swerved into the lawn striking both girls and killing the dog.
The twelve year old suffered serious, non-life threatening injuries and the fourteen year old had minor injuries.
The NYSP Forensic Identification Unit examined the parts from the scene and have updated their initial vehicle description.
The vehicle in question is believed to be a black or dark colored 2017 or newer Chevrolet Trax with passenger side mirror damage and possible head light damage.
If anyone has information regarding this investigation, you are encouraged to contact State Police at 344 – 6200.

Corfu man arrested for trying to buy a gun while facing an order of protection.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 29 year old Robert Barnes of Corfu on counts of Attempted Criminal Contempt and Falsifying Business Records after he allegedly tried to purchase a firearm in Corfu last Tuesday while there was an active order of protection against him.
The FBI was notified after he provided false information on the background form that was submitted to the ATF bureau.
He was ultimately issued an appearance ticket for Corfu Village Court.

Perry woman arrested for endangerment after allegedly fighting in front of kids.
52 year old Beth Lennon of Perry, is accused of striking a female in the stomach and throwing a cell phone at another woman’s leg while arguing in an apartment lobby in Perry Thursday.
The violence reportedly played out in front of a 4 year old, a 12 year old and a two week old baby.
Lennon is facing two counts of harassment and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and was released on her own recognizance with orders of protection established for the victims.

The New York-Penn League has announced seven players will represent Batavia in the all-star game on Wednesday, Aug. 21 in Staten Island.
Congratulations to Nick Ready, J.D. Orr and Troy Johnston who were named as starters and to Milton Smith II, Julio Frias, Brock Love and Josh Simpson who were also named to the team.
The all-star game is at 7 p.m. hosted by the Staten Island Yankees.

According to Batavia’s Bureau of Water and Wastewater water is shut down on Walnut Street from the City line to Law Street for a repair to a broken water main effective Saturday Morning.
Service will be restored as soon as possible.

Press Release:

*UPDATE*
On August 15, 2019 at 8:15 P.M., Troopers out of SP Warsaw responded to Dutch Hollow Road near State Route 78 in the town of Sheldon for two teens struck by a vehicle. Further investigation reveals that the fourteen and twelve-year-old girls were walking their Australian Shepard on the grass next to the roadway and a dark colored vehicle swerved into the lawn striking both girls and killing the Australian Shepard. The twelve-year-old had serious, non-life threatening injuries and the fourteen-year-old had minor injuries.

**NYSP Forensic Identification Unit examined the parts from the scene. The vehicle in question is believed to be a black or dark colored 2017 or newer Chevrolet Trax. The vehicle has passenger side mirror damage and possible head light damage.

If anyone has information on this investigation, contact the NYSP at 585-344-6200. Refer to SJS 9095959.

Press Release:

GENESEO: Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports a fatal crash on Geneseo- Mount Morris Road in the Town of Geneseo.
On August 14, 2019 at approximately 9:18 pm the Livingston County Emergency Communications Center (E-911) received a call for a single car motor vehicle crash on Geneseo- Mount Morris Road (State Route 63) in the Town of Geneseo near Fallbrook.

Sheriff’s Deputies and emergency personnel from the Geneseo Fire Department, Geneseo Ambulance, and Livingston County EMS were immediately dispatched to the scene.

The initial investigation by responding personnel found that the vehicle was travelling southbound on Geneseo – Mount Morris Road when it veered off the west side of the roadway. The vehicle then struck a ditch and went airborne, ultimately crashing through a fence and striking a tree before coming to rest.

The operator of the vehicle was identified as John R. Chasey, age 34 from Dansville NY. Chasey was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Livingston County Coroner’s Office.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Command Staff, Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Forensic Identification Unit (FIU), and Drone Unit were on scene for the investigation.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

Press Release:

LIVONIA: Sheriff Thomas J. Dougherty reports the arrest of a Livonia NY resident on possession of child pornography charges after an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

On August 13, 2019 Sheriff’s Investigator Josh Monster arrested and charged 71 year old David F. Farr with Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child, a class E felony.

The arrest came after the Sheriff’s Office received information that Farr possibly had images of child pornography on his laptop computer. Investigators conducted a forensic examination on the laptop and allege that Farr had searched, viewed, and possessed images containing sexual conduct of children under the age of 16.

Farr was turned over to Central Booking Deputies at the Livingston County Jail for processing and pre-arraignment detention. The District Attorney’s Office was contacted in regards to bail due to the felony level charge. It was recommended that Farr be held on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond.

Farr was later arraigned at the Livingston County Centralized Arraignment Part (LC-CAP) at the Livingston County Jail before Town of Lima Justice Harold Harris. The Judge did remand Farr to the custody of the Sheriff on $1,500 cash bail or $3,000 bond.

Assisting with the investigation were Sheriff’s Investigator Brad Schneider, the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, and the Regional Computer Forensic Lab in Rochester.

Press Release:

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Friday night (Aug. 16) at Batavia Downs is noteworthy for two reasons. One, it’s the first live card of harness racing held on a Friday this meet at the Downs as the track previously hosted their now completed concert series on Friday.

Second, it’s the night of the Batavia Down’s annual “Races to Benefit the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester” (www.bccr.org) fundraiser that will be held at the track to raise both awareness and dollars to fight this deadly disease.

This annual event is one of the larger fundraisers held by this organization and Batavia Downs has been proud to put on the event with them and be a part of this very worthy cause. It will be held in the clubhouse and runs from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

“We have partnered with BCCR for several years now and each year this event gets bigger and better,” said Todd Haight, Director/General Manager of Live Racing. “It’s an opportunity for us to help raise money to defeat the scourge of breast cancer in our lifetime. The generosity of our horsemen and patrons always shines through and I’m sure we will see that again this Friday.”

There will be a silent auction held adjacent to the clubhouse with a list of prizes that will please anyone’s taste. They include two suite tickets to the Buffalo Bills versus Philadelphia Eagles at New Era Field on Sunday (Oct. 27), four suite tickets to the Buffalo Sabres versus the St. Louis Blues at Key Bank Center on Tuesday (Dec. 10), two suite tickets for the Carrie Underwood concert at Key Bank Arena on Sunday (Oct. 13), one Batavia Downs Hotel night and racing package, two Batavia Downs clubhouse racing packages, a recliner form Max Pies Furniture in Batavia and a host of other items too numerous to mention.

Dozens of local owners, trainers and drivers have already committed to donating some or all of their winnings realized on Friday night with more coming on board every day.

The track will also be taking cash donations from anyone willing to help that will be forwarded directly to the BCCR.
“Last year we were able to raise in excess of $13,000 and this year we aim to break that record. The clubhouse has been sold out for weeks so we’ll have many caring people here that night. And we will also have runners in both the paddock and grandstand area taking bids for the silent auction and also collecting any donations people may wish to make,” said Haight.

Post time for the first race is at 6 p.m.

Warsaw resident 33 year old Kory Doyle, who has been convicted of possession of child pornography, appeared in federal court where he was sentenced to 36 months in state prison on the charge.
Investigators looking into Doyle’s child porn possession back in September of 2017 conducted forensic analysis on multiple computers, hard drives, and cell phones owned by Doyle revealing images and videos of violent child pornography.
He is said to have downloaded the content from various websites.
According to prosecutors some of the material included violence, with children under 12 years old, and the sexual abuse of an infant.

Strangulation and Endangerment in Bergen leads to arrest for a Rochester man.
Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies took 24 year old Alan Price of Chili into custody on counts of Strangulation, Criminal Contempt and Endangering the Welfare of a Child following a reported incident from April of this year on Interstate 490 East in Bergen.
Price who was in violation of an active order pf protection at the time was accused of strangling the driver of a vehicle while they were still driving with a one year old child in the backseat.
He was subsequently released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Child porn charges put a Darien man behind bars.
55 year old Aaron Pawlikowski of Sumner Road Darien was arrested by Troopers out of Batavia following an investigation into the promotion of child pornography from an incident reported back in March of 2016
Pawlikowski was apprehended Wednesday afternoon on felony counts of both Promotion and Possession of a Sexual Performance of a Child.
He was ordered to be held in the Genesee County Jail.

Corfu man arrested for trying to buy a gun while facing an order of protection.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 29 year old Robert Barnes of Corfu after he allegedly tried to purchase a firearm in Corfu last Tuesday while there was an active order of protection against him.
The FBI was notified that the accused provided false information on the background form that was submitted to the ATF bureau.
He was ultimately issued an appearance ticket for Corfu Village Court.

The Buffalo Sabres have listened to their fans and are announcing a uniform change.
The team will switch back to their classic royal blue jerseys for the 2020-2021 season.
Royal blue and gold were the Sabres’ primary colors from their inaugural season until the 1990’s.
The team will also be unveiling their 50th Anniversary alternate jersey later this morning.

The Buffalo Bills will take the field tonight for their second preseason game.
They’ll be in Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
Last week, the Bills beat the Indianapolis Colts 24 to 16.
Kickoff for tonight’s contest is set for 7 p.m.

Press Release:

BATAVIA – Representatives from Batavia Downs announced that the facility will be hosting a panel discussion and Q & A session with players from 1969 World Champion New York Mets. Mets legends Art Shamsky, Ed Kranepool & Ron Swoboda are touring the country to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of their unlikely, astonishing 1969 miracle campaign. The event will take place at 7pm on Friday, September 27th inside Batavia Downs’ Park Place Events Center and will be hosted by WGR’s Morning Show Host (and Mets fan) Howard Simon.

Regarded by baseball historians & enthusiasts as ‘The Greatest Season Ever,’ the previously, remarkably terrible franchise defied every prognostication (and several laws of physics) to surmount impossible odds in a historic year when Neil Armstrong also walked on the moon, & half a million music fans gathered in Bethel NY for Woodstock, while the War in Vietnam offered stark realities on the evening news.

“We are pleased to welcome these Mets legends to our facility,” said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO at Batavia Downs Gaming. “We look forward to hosting Mets fans from far and wide to relive this era of our history including this magical season.”

Tickets are $30 for General Admission Tickets and include entry into the event. GA ticket holders receive $20 in Free Play for the Batavia Downs Gaming Floor.

For those interested in the VIP experience, a $100 VIP ticket is available. VIP ticket holders will receive preferred seating, a meet and greet session after the event and an autographed baseball from the night’s guests. They’ll receive $50 in Free Play for the Batavia Downs Gaming Floor.

Tickets go on sale Friday, August 16th at 10am on BataviaConcerts.com.

There will be concessions available for purchase of drinks and food. There will also be memorabilia dealers on site offering all kinds of Mets items.

Guitar-playing trio and group shot from a Recovery WOW campfire outing at Northgate Free Methodist Church earlier this month. Photos courtesy of Thomas Claffey.

Press Release:

News that Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse has made the commitment to offer a recovery recreation center in Batavia is music to the ears of local residents who believe the much-needed support is a key to their sobriety.

“This needs to happen, and the sooner the better,” said Batavian Thomas Claffey, an adult digital art/photography student at Genesee Community College.  “It’s always good to be around people and to have a good support system … people that can relate to what you’re going through and not judge you.”

Claffey, 33, has struggled with alcohol and drug use for many years. He has been sober for the past nine months – “I have found my ground recently and am doing well,” he said – but is acutely aware of the possibility of relapse.

“I’m really glad to be in Batavia, away from where I encounter triggers that lead to substance use,” he said. “Addiction is a sickness and a disease that affects you mentally. It changes the chemical makeup of the brain, and makes you constantly scared of that withdrawal, but yet you’ve got to feed that demon.”

He said it is essential for him to keep his schedule filled and that’s why he got involved with Recovery WOW, a program of GCASA, and is looking forward to taking part in the various activities to be offered by the recovery recreation center that will be housed at the former Bohn’s Restaurant on Clinton Street Road.

GCASA, under the guidance of Executive Director John Bennett, is in the process of purchasing the building and plans to convert it to a gathering place for those in recovery – a destination where those dealing with drug and alcohol addiction can interact through sober living activities.

Planned activities include community clean-up and community garden projects; fitness activities (yoga, hikes, runs, biking, basketball, martial arts); art classes; peer support; cooking and nutrition classes; mutual aid and self-help meetings; games and live music, and special events during holidays.

‘Peers’ Lend a Helping Hand

Bennett said that GCASA has trained 18 peers — Certified Recovery Peer Advocates – through the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to assist those in recovery.

And statistics show the need for such a program as Genesee County has one of the highest opioid overdose rates in New York.

While there is no exact statistics regarding the number of people in recovery, it is estimated that 7 percent of the population suffers from some kind of substance use disorder and that only one in seven get treatment for it, Bennett said.

Amy Kabel of Batavia is one of the peers who will be working at the recovery center.

“I’ve visited other recovery centers and realize that this is something that Batavia really needs,” said Kabel, who has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and formerly was employed at Hope Haven, an in-patient program in Batavia.

“Our job isn’t to tell those in recovery that you can’t do this or that, or that you have to stop using (right away),” she said, “but to be there for them, no matter what their choices are.”

GCASA has set up an advisory committee, steered by Sue Gagne, the agency’s recovery center coordinator for Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Kathy Miller of Byron, a committee member, said that her goal is to help erase the stigma placed upon those who have been involved in substance use.

“A lot of people have been diagnosed with substance or alcohol disorder and there is no place for them to hang out and not feel the stigma of addiction,” she said. “I would like to see this program expand to offer a wide variety of places for people to go and events to attend. We need to stress that it is okay to not drink or do drugs – to make that more the norm.”

Ricco Oquendo, 58, another advisory committee member, is in recovery and has been sober for 10 months. He said he is prepared to educate the public about the disease of alcohol and substance use.

“This is the best I have felt in a long time,” he said. “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired, and, with the help of my savior, Jesus Christ, am determined to make something out of my life.”

Gagne has put together a full activities calendar – events such as campfires, hiking, tie-dye, yoga, karaoke and cooking classes – and sees the recovery recreation center as the next logical piece of the puzzle. (For more information, like us on Facebook – Recovery WOW).

“The recovery center will only increase the awareness and opportunities,” said Gagne, who previously worked for Wyoming County Mental Health. “It’s a confusing world out there, and hopefully this will be a place where people and their families can come and get support without being judged.”

The outside of ROCovery Fitness in Rochester, a former fire station, and the facility’s co-founder Yana Khaspher, left, and Lindsay Chambers, director of development. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

ROCovery Fitness: A Model for Success

The Batavia facility is being patterned after the ROCovery Outreach Center on Dewey Avenue in Rochester, a converted fire station that promotes physical fitness as a vital step on a road to recovery.

ROCovery Fitness was founded five years ago by Yana Khashper and Sean Smith, both of whom are in recovery.

They opened the outreach center two years ago after it was gifted to them by an anonymous donor. Since then, the program has been used by an estimated 3,000 people in the Rochester area.

“Greater Rochester has been very supportive,” Khashper said. “They believe in our mission, which is to meet the needs of the community.”

When asked to speak of the program’s success, she said the success is “this place.”

The outreach center features a large community room and a gymnasium (with exercise machines and free weights) on the first floor and another community room, yoga room, men’s and women’s locker rooms and offices on the second floor.

Structured activities include hula-hooping, kettlebells, weightlifting, boxing and group meetings. It is open every day except for Sunday.

Currently, the staff there is gearing up for its major fundraiser – a ROCovery 5K and X-Challenge on Sept. 15 at Mendon Ponds Park.

Jay Dockum and Adam Welch, both in recovery, said they have found a renewed sense of purpose while participating in ROCovery Outreach Center programs and are focused on living a healthy and sober existence.

“Isolation was the worst place for me,” Dockum said. “I go to meetings here, use the gym and am meeting like-minded people. I just got sick and tired of the way I was living and had to make a change.”

Welch said he has volunteered at ROCovery for about seven months after being in and out of rehab for several years.

A former software engineer, he said drugs took a toll on his career and marriage.

“Sobriety is my main job now,” he said. “I go to AA meetings and hopefully will be able to see my two boys (ages 5 and 8) soon.”

Story by Mike Pettinella, GCASA publicist

For over 3.5 hours, West Virginia’s Ryan Haug, left, and Batavia’s Harrison Dinicola were in the same position from the national anthem. Dinicola won the stand off and the video went viral Wednesday night after the Muckdogs won, 11-5 to stay in first place.

Press Release:

BATAVIA – There are 18 games left in the New York-Penn League season, but there was a playoff atmosphere at Dwyer Stadium Wednesday night.

With the West Virginia Black Bears coming in just 1.5 games behind Batavia, the managers were stealing bases, making pitching changes and even the players were involved in a stand-off that lasted over three hours.

In the end, the Batavia Muckdogs improved to 34-24 with an 11-5 win over West Virginia (31-26).

The Muckdogs trailed, 3-1 in the fourth when Nic Ready blasted a home run deep over the left field fence to cut the lead to 3-2. Ready has seven home runs on the season and went 3-for-4 with 4 RBI’s and his 25th double of the season.

A 2019 Miami Marlins draft pick in the 23rd round out of the Air Force Academy, has 34 RBI’s on the season.

Batavia shortstop Dalvy Rosario had it best offensive night of the season, going 3-for-4 with two doubles, 2 RBI’s and scored two runs as well as turning two double plays with Jack Strunc.

J.D. Orr, who leads the NYPL in hitting with a .381 average stole his 24th base of the season and despite just one hit on the night scored four runs. Strunc had two hits and scored twice.

Troy Johnston, a 17th round pick of the Marlins out of Gonzaga was 2-for-4 with two runs, 2 RBI’s and a walk. He hit his 10th double of the season.

Milton Smith II is hitting .327 after going 2-for-4.

The crowd noticed a fun stand off between Batavia’s Harrison Dinicola and West Virginia’s Ryan Haug. The two held their hats over their hearts during the national anthem, then players from both teams picked them up like a statue and put them standing in the same position on the bench. During each inning, the players were decorated by Gatorade cups and never moved from the position for over three and a half hours.

When Haug finally had to leave the dugout after the game to catch the bus, Dinicola was the victor, touching off a wild celebration by the players including a water and Gatorade bath.

“That was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. My teammates gave me a lot of adrenaline during the game,” said Dinicola. “We had a great team win .The pitchers came in and did their job and our hitters kept hitting, I love it. Go Muckdogs!”

The video of the standoff on the Muckdogs social media sites, had over 20,000 combined views after the game and was shared by Minor League Baseball, Yahoo Sports and others.

The Muckdogs went over 30,000 fans on the season, which is over 3,000 more than all of 2018 with 10 home games remaining.

Andrew Miller started and struck out four in 4.1 innings giving up three runs. With runners on in the fifth, M.D. Johnson came in and retired the only two batters he faced to pick up his first win of the season. At 1-0, Johnson has pitched 12.2 innings with 16 strikeouts.

Bryan Hoeing earned his third hold throwing two innings with two strikeouts, no walks, no runs and just two hits.

Brock Love then closed it with three strikeouts in the last two innings.

Tonight is First Responders Night as all first responders receive two free general admission tickets. it is also Thirsty Thursday with Labatt’s and other special $2 beer prices. The two teams also play Friday night at Dwyer Stadium, both games at 7:05 p.m.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

The Muckdogs are on Facebook, twitter and Instagram and now have a BataviaMuckdogs snapchat account. Follow the team on social media for game updates and videos and photos during the games of fans and players.

A Genesee County Grand Jury has handed down an eight count indictment accusing Benjamin Santiago Jr. of forcibly robbing an individual in an upper apartment on Ellicott Street back in June and attacking them with a hammer.
He is facing Class B Felony counts of first-degree robbery, first-degree assault and intentionally causing serious physical injury to a person during the commission of a crime after allegedly forcing his way into their residence, threatening and then attacking them with a hammer.
Santiago is also facing counts of both grand and petit larceny for allegedly stealing a credit or debit card, a Fuji bicycle from a different victim on Bank Street the same day and for allegedly stealing a 2010 Ford F150 Lariat super cab truck, belonging to yet a third victim.

Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies took three people into custody during the Beck Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday August 13th.
33 year old Michael Bauer of Cheektowaga was arrested for Harassment and Criminal Mischief for allegedly punching another patron and breaking their glasses in the parking lot.
A 20 year old from Snyder was arrested for False Personation after she allegedly provided a false license and a 19 year old resident of Newark was pinched for Trespassing after he allegedly climbed on top of a vending building inside the venue.
All three were issued appearance tickets to appear in Darien Town Court on August 27th.

Ellicott Street man behind bars following a domestic incident.
38 year old Wesley Thigpen was arrested by City Police Tuesday night following report of a domestic dispute at a Hall Street residence in Batavia where he was allegedly in violation of a court order of protection.
Thigpen was charged with Criminal Contempt and remanded to the Genesee County Jail to reappear in City Court on August 22nd.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the addition of Jodi Fisher to its team as the new museum marketing coordinator.
The museum and its supporters welcome Fisher as her experience and personality will be wonderful additions to the HLOM.
As marketing coordinator, she will be responsible for promoting the museum’s large number of exhibits, events and programming to a wider audience both within Genesee County and Western New York as a whole.

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and tomorrow from approximately 8 to noon in the areas south of Main Street and west of Jackson Street.
Flushing and testing operations will continue south of East Main St. and east of Jackson St. next Monday through Wednesday from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Press Release:

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Beck Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday August 13, 2019:

The following were issued APPEARANCE TICKETS to appear in Darien Court on August 27, 2019 at 3 PM:

Michael L. Bauer age 33 of William St. Cheektowaga, NY arrested for Harassment 2nd and Criminal Mischief 4th after allegedly punching another patron and breaking their glasses in the Parking Lot.

Wendy M. A. Woite age 20 of Chateau Ter. Snyder, NY arrested for False Personation after allegedly providing a false license.

Luke D. Wilson age 19 of W. Miller St. Newark, NY arrested for Trespass after allegedly climbing on top of a vending building inside the concert venue.

Antoinette Marchese Clancy

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY (08/14/2019) Love stories play out in amazing ways-from poetry and song, to the choice of a vocation or career as a lifelong caregiver. Occasionally, a love can be so strong that it pays forward and manifests itself in the future becoming ever stronger over time. That is the story behind the Antoinette Marchese Clancy Nursing Scholarship, a newly established fund recently created by the Clancy Family to recognize Antoinette Marchese Clancy, a 1974 graduate of Genesee Community College’s Nursing Program.

On Monday, August 12, 2019, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees approved a Resolution of Appreciation to recognize a substantial gift made by Emmett and Antoinette Clancy, residents of Southern California. Together, they created a new scholarship that will annually support several, second-year nursing students enrolled at GCC. And, as life and love would have it, this new scholarship fund, the largest gift ever made to a GCC academic program, comes at the perfect time as GCC is getting ready to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Nursing Program this coming year.

Antoinette Marchese was born in 1952 and grew up in Batavia on Farwell Drive. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1970, where she met Emmett, who recalls falling in love with her at age 13. After working as a nurse’s aide at St. Jerome’s Hospital, she started her nursing degree at D’Youville College, but transferred and graduated from GCC in 1974 earning the Nursing Excellence Award, an honor that still makes her heart sing. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart, which still makes his heart sing!

They first settled in Albany where Emmett attended Albany Law School, and his lovely bride was hired by Albany Medical Center “sight unseen.” She quickly became the charge nurse of the Maternity Unit, a position she maintained until 1977 when they started their family. They relocated to California in 1982 where they raised their family.

As they celebrate 45 years of marriage and enjoy a family of five children and 11 grandchildren, Mr. Clancy sought an opportunity to recognize the hard work, dedication and selflessness of his partner of 53 years. He reached out to Genesee Community College, remembering how much the College and the Nursing Excellence Award meant to his wife, and also knowing that she would want to help the next generation of nursing students. The resulting scholarship and the new Antoinette Marchese Clancy Excellence Award is a unique form of poetry and music, reflecting how the gift of giving is almost always shrouded in love that makes life worth living.

“On behalf of the College community and scores of nursing students who will not even step on this campus for years to come, I thank the Clancy family and express my deepest gratitude for their generous support,” James M. Sunser, president of GCC said. “Their gift will have a lasting impact on nurses of tomorrow-and by extension, hundreds of students in decades to come. This truly is an exemplary example of paying it forward.”

A formal recognition reception with the Clancys in attendance will be held in the Spring of 2020 as a highlight of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of GCC’s Nursing Program and the annual Nursing graduation ceremony.

For further information, contact Tammy Arneth, director of development with GCC’s Foundation at tlarneth@genesee.edu or call 585-345-6809.

Press Release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of LeRoy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

While we spend the Labor Day holiday and the end of summer celebrating with our loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on August 14th and will end on September 2nd.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

The STOP-DWI Labor Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from our STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.
You can help to make a difference by Having a Sober Plan! Download our mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. Have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend!

LeRoy Police took part in a short standoff at a residence on Church Street in the Village to apprehend a Parolee wanted on a State Parolee warrant.
45 year old Michael VanBuskirk Jr. of Lake Street, LeRoy was allegedly wanted by New York State Parole as an Absconder and had a Parole Warrant issued for his arrest.
VanBuskirk was seen entering a relative’s house on Church St in the Village yesterday shortly after noon and when Officers attempted to take him into custody he failed to answer the door or come outside.
The residence was surrounded and the roadway was closed for a short amount time.
During the standoff, the homeowner came home and allowed the officers inside where VanBuskirk was located and taken into custody without further incident.
He was then jailed on the Parole Warrant.

Members of City Council expressed their disappointment with the lack of progress seen at what has been dubbed the Ellicott Station project.
The development project planned on Ellicott Street in Batavia was announced in March of 2016 with Buffalo based developer Savarino Companies’ vision of office, retail, residential and entertainment space filling the brownfield site.
Council members voiced their concerns at their Monday night meeting citing that there has been no visible work done on the $20 million development since the announcement.
Council Member Robert Bialkowski said he was very disappointed in the developer, calling the property an eyesore and questioning what kind of landlord Savarino will be considering the state the site has deteriorated to.
The board voted, 6 to 2, in favor of City Manager Martin Moore writing a letter of support to the commissioner of the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal highlighting the importance of the project to the city and how it aligns with the HCR’s mission to build and support affordable housing.

Genesee County lawmen taking part in Statewide STOP-DWI Labor Day Crackdown Enforcement Effort.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia and the Village of LeRoy Police Departments will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives in the statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown effort which begins today and ends on September 2nd.

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants from 9 to 3 today and tomorrow and on Friday from approximately 8 to noon in the areas south of Main Street and west of Jackson Street.
Homes and businesses in the vicinity will be affected and may result in a temporary discoloration of tap water.
As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing with discolored water but instead run cold water for about 5 minutes or until clear.

The Genesee County Highway Department announces that Railroad Avenue between Route 98 and Sandpit Road in Alexander is closed through August 27th.
Detour signs will be posted.
The public will be notified when it reopens.

The Batavia defense held Mahoning Valley to one run into the ninth but couldn’t put the game away in a 5-0 loss Monday. Jack Strunc tags out a Scrapper baserunner.

Press Release:

Muckdogs fall, $2 Tuesday tickets as race for first place tightens

BATAVIA – As the race for the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division gets tighter, the Batavia Muckdogs have four crucial home games this week.
Batavia (33-24) fell to Mahoning Valley, 5-0 on Monday night as second place West Virginia (30-25) picked up a win to move two games out of first.

The lead was just 1-0 in the ninth as the pitching staff held Mahoning Vally in check.

Edgar Martinez who suffered the hard-luck loss, gave up one run in six innings, striking out one without a walk. He is 2-3 and his ERA dropped to 2.88
Easton Lucas had a strong seventh and finished with four strikeouts in two innings.

At the plate for Batavia, Dustin Skelton, Andrew Turner, Julian Infante, Nic Ready, Troy Johnston and Milton Smith II (stolen bases, his 17th on the season) all had hits, but the Muckdogs stranded all seven runners.

Tuesday night is $2 Tuesday as all general admission seats are just $2 and it’s UMMC/Genesee Orthopedics Night as the first 1,000 fans will receive 16 ounce sturdy tumblers with dishwasher safe straws and lids. courtesy of UMMC. The game is at 7:05 p.m.

Also, it’s Pups in the Park as dogs get in the game free.

On Wednesday, second-place West Virginia comes to town for three games.

COMING UP: The Batavia Muckdogs are holding First Responders Night at Dwyer Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 15 when the team takes on the second place West Virginia Black Bears.

In appreciation of area first responders, the Muckdogs will be offering two complimentary general admission tickets to the game for all active police, fire, and emergency services personnel. First Responders can receive their tickets by showing proper identification at the Dwyer Stadium box office during normal business hours (weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) leading up to the game or on game night up until the 7th inning.

In addition, First Responders will have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets beyond the two complimentary at the group rate of $5.00 per ticket.

The Muckdogs currently have a two-game lead over West Virginia for first place in a hotly contested playoff race. First pitch Thursday is set for 7:05 and it’s also Thirsty Thursday presented by Labatt. All fans 21 and over can enjoy $2 16 ounce cans of Blue and Blue Light until the 7th inning.

A Parolee in LeRoy is behind bars for beating a woman after being sought on an arrest warrant.
34 year old Jeremy Lyons of Perry Road was arrested after he was found hiding in the weeds in the area of the Little League Field between East Main Street and St. Marks Street last week.
According to LeRoy PD, Lyons was allegedly in violation of his Parole conditions while staying with a female on Church Street in the Village when the domestic incident occurred.
Lyons is accused of tackling the female victim to the ground then punching her multiple times in the face and choking her.
Afterwards, Lyons ran off but was located later that day by Police after a small search.
Lyons was charged with Assault and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation and committed to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of bail.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo is calling for a line of heavy showers to blanket Northwestern Wyoming, and Southwestern Genesee Counties this morning.
Forecasters are saying rainfall of up to one inch in less than 30 minutes is possible and may cause localized flooding.
Drivers are reminded not to drive through flooded roadways.

An Irondequoit resident arrested for drugs in Stafford.
Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies report the arrest of 35 year old Tyson Carpenter on counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminally using drug paraphernalia, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and driver obstructed view.
Carpenter was stopped on Route 33 in Stafford Friday afternoon for alleged vehicle and traffic violations when deputies determined he was driving on a suspended license.
Further investigation uncovered that Carpenter was allegedly in possession of drugs and paraphernalia.
He was ultimately released with an appearance ticket for Stafford Town Court on August 23rd.

Three family members arrested at Bryan Adams Concert for fighting security.
48 year old Julie Adam, 26 year old John Adam and 22 year old Joseph Adam all of Abbott Road Buffalo were arrested for second degree Harassment during the concert Friday at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.
All three were accused of either punching, shoving or striking a Live Nation Security Guard.
The Adam family members were all issued appearance tickets for August 20th in Darien Town Court.

Governor Cuomo has signed off on sweeping new workplace harassment protections.
The law extends the statute of limitations for employment sexual harassment claims filed from one year to three years.
Cuomo says it also makes it easier for workplace sexual harassment claims to be brought forward by eliminating the restriction that harassment must be severe or pervasive in order for legal action to be taken.
All non-disclosure agreements must now include language allowing workers to file a complaint of harassment or discrimination.

A two vehicle rollover accident with minor injuries occurred outside of 89 N. Main St. in the Village of Oakfield at approximately 5:20 this morning.

Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy medics responded to the scene along with a tow truck from Ron and Newts.

Reportedly a male driver in a white SUV was eastbound on Main Street on his way to work when he struck a parked grey Dodge caravan.

The SUV ended up on its roof, on fire and the driver was able to get out on his own with only minor injuries.

Fire crews have temporarily shut down Main between Cary Avenue and Bennett Avenue through Oakfield.

Press Release:

Telephone Road between Sandpit Road and Route 98 will be closed from August 13th through August 27th. Detour signs will be posted.

I will notify you when the road reopens.

Lisa Grice
Principal Clerk
Genesee County Highway Dept.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident in the Town of Darien involving a cow intentionally being shot and killed. The incident occurred sometime after sunset on 8/10/2019 and sunrise on 8/11/2019.  The incident occurred in the area of Bennett Rd and Simonds Rd.  Anyone with any information regarding this incident please contact Deputy Kevin McCarthy at 585-343-5000.

Press release:

1. A violent domestic/assault led to the arrest of a Parolee in the Village of LeRoy on 8/6/2019. The domestic incident was reported in the early morning hours of 8/6/2019 on Church St in which the victim reported 34 year old Jeremy D. Lyons of Perry Rd was staying with the female on Church Street, allegedly in violation of his Parole conditions. During the domestic, it is alleged that Lyons tackled the female to the ground then punched her multiple times in the face and choked her. Afterwards, Lyons ran off. Lyons was located later that day by Police after a small search, in which Lyons was discovered hiding in the weeds in the area of the Little League Field between East Main Street and St. Marks Street. Lyons was charged with one count each of the misdemeanors of Assault 3rd and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation. Lyons was Arraigned and committed to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $750 bail. A Parole Violation Warrant was also issued due to this incident.

1. 64 year old Donald Frisby was arrested by the LeRoy Police Department on July 16, 2019 and charged with one count of Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree, a class D-Felony. It is alleged that in the month of July, while in the Village of LeRoy, Frisby subjected a female to sexual contact by forcible compulsion. Frisby was arraigned before the Court and Released Under Supervision of the Genesee Justice Program.

1. 34 year old Christine Wark of School Street, LeRoy was arrested by the LeRoy Police Department on 7/22/2019 and charged with one count of Petit Larceny after a complaint from a local business that Wark was allegedly seen shoplifting inside the store. Upon arrival of the LeRoy Police, Wark was arrested and released on an Appearance ticket to appear in the LeRoy Court at a later date.

Press Release:

Bergen, NY – The New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. (NYSPHSAA) announced its 2018-19 Scholar-Athlete School of Excellence Award winners. The purpose of the awards are to unite varsity coaches in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide honor. To earn the School of Excellence Award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award.

“I’m so proud of our athletes,” said Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Athletic Director Rich Hannan. “These students are applying the discipline learned on the field of play to their academics and results are incredible. Congratulations to all our student athletes and coaches on this amazing achievement.”

This year, 135 schools in New York State earned the School of Excellence Award. An additional 19 schools received the award compared to 2017-18 school year. This year’s figures represent the highest number of NYSPHSAA member schools recognized for their academic achievements.

“To see the numbers of schools honored increase again is a true testament the kind of student-athletes were have here in New York State,” said Dr. Robert Zayas NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “We continue to be proud of this program that highlights and celebrates schools that value the importance of academics, as well as athletics.”

Joey Pro (photo credit: Paul White)

Press Release:

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — Trainer John Hallett left the friendly confines of Tioga Downs with Joey Pro this week in lieu of a visit to Batavia Downs on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 11) but despite the change in venue, they came away with the same result. Joey Pro scored another win, but this time in the top-class $12,500 Open Handicap trotting feature at the oldest lighted harness track in North America.

Joey Pro (Jim Morrill Jr.) made it quick and simple; he left, took the lead and outlasted the competition. Morrill set quarters of :29, :58.1 and 1:27 with the field pretty much single-file behind him. Going into the last turn, Wheels A Turning (Dave McNeight III) was moving up the outside first-over, two-lengths behind the leader. But he was also trotting up a storm. When the race straightened out down the lane, Wheels A Turning had drawn almost even with Joey Pro and appeared poised to motor right on by, but Joey Pro swelled up and held him off at the wire to win by a nose in 1:56.2 for his third straight victory.

Well on his way to beating his career year of 2018, Joey Pro ($10.80) has now registered eight wins in 2019 and pocketed $41,780 in purses for owner Mark Wamp.

The $11,000 Open II Handicap trot also went to an outsider after Saratoga Raceway regular Rose Run Speedster (Jim Morrill Jr.) pulled past the half, took control of the race before the three-quarter pole and rebuffed a late bid by Fox Valley Veto (Billy Davis Jr.) to win handily by 1-¼ lengths in 1:57.4.

Rose Run Speedster ($4.40) is owned by Simzer and Derue and trained by Brett Derue.

Jim Morrill Jr., Shawn Gray and Billy Davis Jr. all had driving triple on the card; Davis scoring the natural hat trick in the final three races of the day. Trainers Brett Derue, JD Perrin and Steve Kiblin all had two wins apiece.

Live racing resumes Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 14) and the New York Sire Stake 2-year-old pacing fillies will be in town to compete for $107,000 in purses. Post time for the first race is 5:00 p.m.

Batavia manager Tom Lawless called on Joey Steele after an injury and the pitcher threw 2.2 scoreless innings for the save. Steele has not give-up a run in 13.1 innings this season and just one walk with 22 strikeouts. Catcher Michael Hernandez called the shutout, handling all four pitchers in the win.

Press Release:

Muckdogs pitchers shut out Mahoning Valley as Batavia increases first place lead

BATAVIA – Just a day ago, the Batavia Muckdogs were in danger of losing the lead in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division.
However, back home at Dwyer Stadium, the Batavia pitching staff and clutch hitting led the Muckdogs to a 5-0 shutout of Mahoning Valley Sunday.

With the win and a West Virginia loss, Batavia (33-23) now has a 3.0 lead in the division.

Julio Frias improved to 4-2 wth the win, throwing five shutout innings with two strikeouts and one walk.

Jonaiker Villalobos struck out two in a scoreless sixth for his second hold and Geremy Galindez earned his second hold, but left the game with with discomfort after a pitch.

Joey Steele, the 30th round draft pick this year of the Miami Marlins who has a perfect 0.00 ERA, was called to the mound in the seventh with one out. With a few minutes to throw and stretch, he went out and threw 2.2 innings of one-hit, shutout ball with four strikeouts and no walks for his first save.
Steele has now thrown 13.2 innings with 22 strikeouts, no runs allowed, 11 hits, one walk and a 0.88 WHIP to go along with his 0.00 ERA.
“That was huge of Joe, he really picked up the bull pen, went 2.2 innings … that was big time of him,” said Batavia catcher and Miami native Michael Hernandez. “We really needed that.”

Hernandez not only handled the four pitchers for a shutout but had a basest and scored a run.
“I’m just taking it one pitch at time and trying to hit the ball hard,” said Hernandez. “We are in first place, there is no better feeling than winning. It’s always a great day when you get a shut out, that means it’s a combination of defense and pitching … it was a great day for us Muckdogs.”

At the plate, J.D. Orr was close to an inside-the-park homer when his sharply hit single to right skipped off the glove of an outfielder to the fence. He raced around the bases, scoring three runs on the play.

Orr finished 2-for-4 with two runs, his 13th RBI and increased his NYPL leading average to .384.

Nic Ready had two hits and scored a run while Sean Reynolds ripped a RBI single and Jack Strunc had a single and scored.

Not only did West Virginia (29-25) lose, but State College (27-28) in third place lost and Mahoning Valley (25-30) is in fourth.

The Muckdogs have five game left in this home stand, taking on Mahoning Valley Monday and Tuesday with games at 7:05 p.m. all week.

There will be specials on food and drinks Monday and on Tuesday, all general admission tickets are just $2.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

The Muckdogs are on Facebook, twitter and Instagram and now have a BataviaMuckdogs snapchat account. Follow the team on social media for game updates and videos and photos during the games of fans and players.

Nate McMurray is officially making another bid for Congress.
Over the weekend, he announced his candidacy for the 27th Congressional District.
McMurray requested an interview with our news partner The Batavian soon after the announcement, where he revealed his intention to stand against President Trump and seek his impeachment if elected…

Visit TheBatavian.com for the full interview.
Last year, the Democrat lost to Republican Congressman Chris Collins in a closely contested race.
Collins hasn’t said yet if he’ll run for re-election in 2020.
He’s currently awaiting trial on federal insider trading charges.

A Rochester resident arrested for harassment on Bank Street in Batavia.
City Police took 27 year old Carlos Flores into custody on a count of second degree Harassment following a reported incident at 16 Bank Street late last night.
Flores was accused of gesturing to threaten another person during a verbal dispute and was ultimately released with an appearance ticket for City Court on August 20th.

Also from the Batavia Police Blotter for this morning.
39 year old Carrie Stewart of Church Road in Darien and 26 year old Cody Proefrock of Liberty Street Batavia were both busted in separate incidents for petit larceny after stealing from a local business located in the plaza in the 400 block of East Main Street in the City.
52 year old Darrell Smith of Highland Parkway was also arrested for Criminal Mischief following a domestic incident at a Prune Street address.
All three were released with appearance tickets for City Court at a later date

The Batavia Police and Genesee County Probation Departments have teamed up to warn citizens of the potential dangers associated with the possession of BB and Airsoft guns.
The concern comes from how close BB and Airsoft guns appear to actual firearms, especially if they have been modified to appear more realistic.
Airsoft guns are generally shipped with an orange tip to help distinguish them from actual firearms, but both police and probation have encountered guns which have been painted to appear real.
Officials say parents and children should always treat these items as firearms and state law requires children under 16 should only be in possession and using them with under supervision adding that it is also illegal to possess them on school grounds.

Senator Chuck Schumer is pushing a new bill to regulate body armor.
The Senate Minority Leader says the legislation would require the FBI to approve body armor sales to civilians.
Earlier this month, a gunman wearing body armor shot and killed nine people in Dayton, Ohio.
Any approved restrictions wouldn’t apply to law enforcement.
Schumer says he’s planning to introduce the measure when the Senate reconvenes.

A mess is an understatement.
An 18-wheel tractor-trailer rig, loaded with garbage, collided with a car on Route 33 in Stafford.
It happened Friday morning near Ivison Road.
Deputies said a sedan apparently crossed the centerline. The truck, traveling in the opposite direction, unsuccessfully tried to avoid the crash and tipped over.
Its load of trash spilled out along the side of the road and took hours to clean up.
The driver of the car was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant. An 18-month old was also in the car and taken to the hospital for evaluation.

The state Health Department says five measles cases have been confirmed in Wyoming County.
All of the illnesses were found within a Mennonite community. Officials are now trying to find out if anyone else may have been exposed.
Measles symptoms include fever, dry cough, runny nose and a sore throat. If you have any of those issues, it’s suggested you contact a doctor.

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is seeking candidates to fill an expected vacancy on city council.
The position is an at-large post now held by Adam Tabelski.
The City GOP will make a recommendation to City Council to fill Tabelski’s unexpired term.
Tabelski must leave City Council when his wife, Rachel, takes over as assistant city manager.

The Batavia Police and Genesee County Probation Departments have teamed up to warn citizens of the potential dangers associated with the possession of BB and Airsoft guns.
The concern comes from how close phony firearms appear real.
Authorities warn that often times the orange tip generally found on Airsoft guns have been painted over, making them look even more realistic.

The Batavia Muckdogs return home Sunday to take on Mahoning Valley.
Game time is 5:05 and can be heard here on WBTA.
The Dogs will have just finished a three game series in State College.

The accident involving a car and a semi-truck hauling trash was reported just east of Ivison Road on Clinton Street Road in Stafford at around 9:30 this morning.

There was minor injury reported with tons of trash strewn all over the roadway.

According to our news partner The Batavian, an 18-month-old baby girl, who was appropriately seated and strapped in the rear passenger side of the car, was transported to UMMC for evaluation.

Press Release:

Roz Steiner Art Gallery at Genesee Community College Announces Call for Artists

BATAVIA, NY (08/08/2019) Genesee Community College invites visual artists to submit their work for possible exhibition at GCC’s Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Art Gallery located in the Genesee Center for the Arts on GCC’s main campus located in Batavia, New York. This call for work is open to individual artists and group exhibitions in all media interested in the 2020-2021 academic year.

The Steiner Gallery’s mission is to foster community involvement in the arts while enhancing the learning experience for all GCC students, faculty and staff. Proposals are selected by the GCC Gallery Committee, which seeks out exhibitions rich in content and quality craftsmanship.

“Our gallery attracts artists and visitors from across Western New York, and with our robust international student population, there is also a dynamic community of enthusiastic supporters right on campus,” Mary Jo Whitman, gallery coordinator said. “During the academic year, we average about 300 visitors each month. Our committee is always looking for artists who contribute meaningfully to the education of students while participating in the larger discourse of the contemporary art world.”

The Roz Steiner Gallery opened in Spring 2011 and offers 1,700 square feet of outstanding exhibit space featuring 25-foot walls, moveable island walls, bamboo flooring and multimedia capabilities. To review the space and submit an exhibition proposal go to GCC’s webpage for the Roz Steiner Art Gallery: https://www.genesee.edu/home/campus-life/arts/gallery/submissions/. The deadline for consideration for the 2020-2021 academic year is December 31, 2019.

To view various photos from past exhibitions, speaker’s lectures and artists’ receptions go to the Gallery’s facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/gccgallery

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I- Batavia) is to hold a series of town hall meetings throughout Monroe County on Saturday, August 24th. Hawley will make a circuit of several key town halls to get a gauge on citizens’ concerns and questions.

“After one of the most impactful and tumultuous legislative sessions in recent memory, where one party controlled both legislative houses and the governor’s office, residents deserve to know what happened, why it happened and what is on the docket for next year,” Hawley said. “I encourage residents to join me at either of these informative town halls later this month for a full recap of this year and other happenings in our community.”

Town Hall Meeting Schedule:

Village of Churchville/Town of Riga
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Riga Town Hall
6460 East Buffalo Road, Churchville

Village of Brockport/Town of Sweden
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Seymour Library
161 East Avenue, Brockport

Press Release:

Clarence, NY – Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing a $5,900,000 loan and a $3,058,000 grant to the town of Bergen in Genesee County. This loan and grant will be used to install a water distribution system.

“I applaud the Trump Administration for investing federal funds back into the town of Bergen to improve rural water infrastructure,” said Congressman Collins. “Now residents will be provided with reliable water which will yield key health benefits and spur economic growth.”

This project will extend public water service to 335 residential connections and to 32 commercial properties in the town that do not have safe access to potable water.

Rural community leaders can apply for these funds electronically by using the interactive RD Apply tool. They can also apply through one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices.

For more information on USDA’s projects to upgrade water and wastewater systems in rural communities, click here. Municipalities seeking assistance from the USDA are encouraged to call Collins’ Clarence District Office at 716-634-2324.

Press Release:

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – The race for the Pinckney Division lead in the New York-Penn League is getting hot as August as the Batavia Muckdogs lost and West Virginia picked up at least one win on Thursday.

Batavia (31-22) has a 2.5 game lead over West Virginia, who won the first game of a doubleheader against Williamsport on Thursday.

Batavia’s lone run in a 4-1 loss to State College Thursday came in the ninth when Julian Infante had a RBI double. He finished with two hits and is hitting .300 on the season.

J.D. Orr continued his tear, going 2-for-4 with a run to increase his lead-leading average to .387.

Milton Smith II, Harrison Dinicola and Andres Stormes all had hits for Batavia.

Andrew Miller threw the first five innings with two strikeouts, one earned run and two walks. Dakota Bennett went three innings with four strikeouts and one earned run.

Batavia is at State College Friday and Saturday and return to Dwyer Stadium for a 5:05 p.m. game on Sunday with Mahoning Valley.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

The Muckdogs are on Facebook, twitter and Instagram and now have a BataviaMuckdogs snapchat account. Follow the team on social media for game updates and videos and photos during the games of fans and players.

Lengthy prison sentence for a child porn producer in Dansville.
Dansville resident, 42 year old Ryan Lander appeared in federal court for sentencing on a conviction of producing child pornography yesterday.
Investigation by Homeland Security into Lander began based on images he was posting on a website known for child exploitation according to prosecutors handling the case.
Investigators discovered through a forensic search of his electronic devices that Lander had two minor victims engage in sexually explicit conduct between July 2011 and March 2013 which he recorded.
Landers was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Byron traffic stop leads to drug arrest for an Attica man.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 27 year old Darius Jones after he was allegedly caught speeding down Clinton Street Road in Byron Wednesday night.
Jones was allegedly found in possession pot, a controlled substance and other drug paraphernalia and was also driving without a license according to officers.
He was ultimately released with an appearance ticket for Byron Town Court on September 9th.

Parking lot accident ends in DWI arrest for a Batavia woman.
58 year old Linda Clemens of South Main Street is charged with Aggravated DWI after deputies responded to the Batavia Downs Parking lot for report of a motor vehicle accident.
Clemens is accused of striking a parked car in her vehicle while intoxicated and was released with appearance tickets for August 26th in Town Court.

Plans for a solar farm are struck down.
Last night Genesee County planners unanimously disapproved a special use permit and area variance for a pair of 20-acre, 7.2 megawatt ground solar systems on Route 98, just north of the Thruway interchange.
The request by Oak Orchard Solar 1 does not fit into parameters set by the Town Board on what is considered to be prime agricultural land and falls halfway short with the minimum acreage required for such a permit.

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is seeking City Republicans who are interested in being considered for the Committee’s recommendation for Council At-Large.
This position is for the seat soon to be vacated by Adam Tabelski.
The City of Batavia Republican Committee will make a recommendation to City Council with the appointment being made by City Council for the unexpired term.
You can send letters of interest via email by September 24th to City Republican Chairman David Saleh at salehdavej@gmail.com.

Governor Cuomo has signed off on a new bill to boost the health and safety standards for animals sold at pet stores and by dealers.
The legislation requires the animals have sanitary living conditions, have annual checkups and be groomed.
Pregnant dogs also need to have enough room to nurse their litters when they’re born.
Supporters say the legislation will protect animals from abuse that can happen at so-called “puppy mills.”

The Buffalo Bills get their preseason off on the right foot in front of their home crowd.
The Bills beat the Indianapolis Colts last night at New Era Field by a final score of 24 to 16.
Quarterback Josh Allen played two series and completed six of his 11 passes for 66 yards.
Up next for the Bills is another preseason contest against the Carolina Panthers.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is seeking City Republicans who are interested in being considered for the Committee’s recommendation for Council At-Large.

This position is for the seat soon to be vacated by Adam Tabelski.  The City of Batavia Republican Committee will make a recommendation to City Council with the appointment being made by City Council for the unexpired term.  Letters of interest can be e-mailed to City Republican Chairman David Saleh at salehdavej@gmail.com by September 24^th.

(Photos courtesy of Paul White) Bourbon Express

Press Release:

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY — The New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters invaded Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 7) and they did some damage to the record book by breaking the local mark for their age, gender and gait in two successive series races.

In the first $52,000 division, Bourbon Express (RC Royalty-Kasha) was sent down the road by driver Jason Bartlett and once gone, the pair never looked back. Operating with a gapped advantage, Bourbon Express went quarters of :28.4, :59.2 and 1:28.2 before rounding the last turn and heading into the stretch with a two-length lead. From there he trotted home a wrapped-up winner by four-lengths in 1:57.3.

The time was a new lifetime mark for Bourbon Express and also a new Batavia Downs track record for 2-year-old trotting colts. The former mark was 1:58.1 set by Zack’s Zoomer in 2016.

“This horse is very handy, he doesn’t act like a 2-year-old,” said Bartlett. “He’s a real nice colt.”

It was the third win of the year for Bourbon Express ($5.90) who started 2019 as a winner in Excelsior “A” action. Now he has won two NYSS races. Those victories have earned $78,008 for his owners Salvatore Vullo, James De Armond and Jessica Okusko, who also trains the winner.

Annette Roydon bred Bourbon Express.

Barn Holden

Then two races later in the second $51,000 division, Barn Holden (Conway Hall-Barn Babe) and driver Andy Miller seemed to be taking the record-breaking seriously as they were on a mission as soon as the gate released them. Barn Holden was on top by three at the quarter and that margin would only grow as the race progressed.

After a :28.2 and :57.4 first lap, Barn Holden opened up four lengths by the three-quarters in 1:27.1 and five by the top of the lane. Miller however kept his colt to task and tapped the wheel disk twice in the straight and raised the lines mid-stretch and Barn Holden trotted away to an eight-length win in 1:57.1, eclipsing the mark set less than an hour earlier by Bourbon Bay and becoming the new Batavia standard-bearer.

“I thought he was the best going in and I wanted the front,” said Miller. “He trotted very handily to the wire.”

Barn Holden ($2.70) has now won three out of his last four races, all in NYSS action, and has an even $90,000 on the card for his efforts. Steve Pratt, Nancy Pratt, the Purple Haze Stable and the Out In The Country Stable own the top points and money earner in his NYSS division.

Steve and Nancy Pratt bred Barn Holden.

Andy Miller had a big day at Batavia winning four races on the card and posting a stout .814 Universal Driver Rating (UDR) for the six races he was in. Those wins included both $15,000 divisions of the Excelsior “A” series and those horses were both trained by the other half of Team Orange Crush, Julie Miller.

Book Seven (Chapter Seven – Tantalizing Donna)
Driver – Andy Miller
Owner – Stroy Inc.
Trainer – Julie Miller
Breeder – Winbak Farm
Time – 1:59
Mutuel – $7.00

All Profit (Credit Winner – Bambino Supreme)
Driver – Andy Miller
Owner – Andy Miller Stable and Kapildeo Singh
Trainer – Julie Miller
Breeder – Steve Jones
Time – 2:02
Mutuel – $10.20

Jason Bartlett, who just scored his 8,000th driving win this past June, added three more to his total after getting a hat trick on Monday. Like Miller, Bartlett’s percentage for his eight drives was stellar as well, as he ended the evening with a .597 UDR.

Batavia Downs perennial driving leader Kevin Cummings was involved in a spill before the start of the third race when the horse he was driving fell behind the gate. Cummings was transported to the hospital for further evaluation and no further information is available at this time.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Aug. 10) with post time at 6 p.m.

Batavia pitcher Easton Lucas struck out the first six batters of game 2 to set the tone of Batavia’s 6-3 win. The Muckdogs are 31-21 with a four game lead in first place.

Press Release:

Muckdogs sweep Williamsport behind dominating pitching, timely hitting

WILLIAMSPORT – The Batavia Muckdogs ended a three-game losing streak with a doubleheader sweep of the Williamsport Crosscutters by identical scores of 6-3 on Wednesday night.

Despite a six-run first inning in game one and a huge clutch triple in game two, the story of the night was the dominating pitching performance of Easton Lucas. The 6-foot-4 lefty, who was drafted in the 14th round this year by the Miami Marlins out of Pepperdine, struck out the first six batters of the game as Batavia jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second game. He reached his pitch limit in the fourth and did not get the decision, but Batavia pitching coach Chad Rhodes said he did his job.
“He did for us what we needed and plus some,” said Rhodes. “He took the spirit out of them with his command and tied up some good hitters with his fastball inside.”

Williamsport started the night with a six-game win streak.

“His fastball coupled with his command set the tone and made hitters have to cover the whole zone which allowed him to push and pull them with his changeup tonight,” said Rhodes. “he was very crisp and in complete control.”

Lucas struck out eight in 3.1 innings and walked one, gave up one hit and one run. Lucas is 1-1 on the season with 26 strikeouts in 21 innings allowing just four walks and six runs all year with a 0.86 WHIP and a 2.57 ERA.

Geremy Galindez improved to 4-0 on the mound as he threw the final two innings of the second game, striking out one, did not walk a batter and gave up three hits.

Brock Love tossed 1.2 scoreless innings, striking out three without giving up a hit. Love is a 2019 draft pick of the Marlins out of the University of Alabama.

The big hit was from shortstop Dalvy Rosario, who broke a 2-2 tie in the final inning with a triple to centerfield.

Rosario finished with two hits and run while Andrew Turner was 2-for-4 with a run to increase his average to .283 (Turner had a 2-RBI single which was later ruled a fielders choice), Nic Ready had a RBI and scored while Jack Strunc had a RBI single and catcher Mikey Hernandez ripped a double.

Milton Smith II stole second and third, for 14 steals on the season while Rosario stole his 10th base of the season and Ready swiped his third steal.

In the first game, Batavia scored six runs in the top of the first to seal the 6-3 victory.
From there, four pitchers took over. Edgar Martinez went the first three, striking out three without allowing a walk, Josh Simpson picked up his first win of the season, going two innings and striking out two with no walks and one run, the first he has given up this season. His ERA is a minuscule 0.71. Simpson is a 6-foot-2 lefty out of Columbia and a 32nd round pick of the Marlins this year.

Joey Steele earned his third hold of the season, throwing one inning of shut out ball with two strikeouts, no walks and one hit.
Steele has a 0.00 ERA this season. The 6-foot-2 righty, a 30th round draft pick this year out of University of San Francisco has appeared in 12 games, thrown 11 innings with 18 strikeouts and one walk, not allowing a single run.

Evan Brabrand picked up his 11th save of the season, throwing the final inning, striking out one and not allowing a walk, run or hit. Brabrand, a 9th round pick out of Liberty this year, has made the most of his 14 appearances, going 2-1 with 11 saves, a 2.03 ERA and has struck out 18 in 13.1 innings.

At the plate, Julian Infante, a 36th round draft pick out of Vanderbilt this season, went 3-for-4 with a RBI double, a run and increased his average to .304.
J.D. Orr is hitting a lead-leading .383 as he had a RBI single, scored a run, walked and stole his 22nd base of the season.

Brayan Hernandez (RBI), Dustin Skelton and Strunc (RBI, run) all had hits.

Batavia is at State College Thursday, Friday and Saturday and return to Dwyer Stadium for a 5:05 p.m. game on Sunday with Mahoning Valley.
Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

The Muckdogs are on Facebook, twitter and Instagram and now have a BataviaMuckdogs snapchat account. Follow the team on social media for game updates and videos and photos during the games of fans and players.

Mexican citizen busted in Warsaw faces possible life in prison after guilty plea.
Mexican citizen, 48 year old Humberto Martinez-Vega, has admitted in federal court to engaging in a drug dealing conspiracy with another illegal immigrant as he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of one kilogram or more of heroin.
Martinez-Vega was stopped by State Troopers in Warsaw on July 26th of last year with another citizen of Mexico, 27 year old Giovani Ramirez-Soto, as a passenger.
Martinez-Vega provided police an expired Georgia identification card and authorized police consent to search the vehicle.
Officers called a State Police K9 unit to the scene which resulted in the discovery of 1,200 grams of suspected heroin, and approximately 421 grams of suspected methamphetamine hidden behind the front dashboard of the vehicle.
It was later determined that both men were in the country illegally.
Martinez-Vega is looking at a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.
Co-conspirator Giovani Ramirez-Soto has been convicted and awaits sentencing.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the new GLOW With Your Hands career exploration program for students to engage in activities associated with careers like electrical wiring and advanced manufacturing.
At the Genesee County Fairgrounds yesterday, Hochul commended the program’s benefits for students’ education and the regional economy.

Economic development agencies and education groups in the four counties partnered to plan this day-long, hands-on workforce event on September 24th.

New GCASA Social Center location gains approval.
The Town of Batavia Planning Board approved a permit for the GCASA recovery social center at the former Bohn’s Restaurant location.
Kathleen Miller, a supporter of the project, spoke to the board about the unique features of the space.

In response to concerns about people smoking outside, GCASA’s John Bennett reassured that there will be a designated smoking area on the property.

Governor Cuomo is calling on Democratic presidential candidates to endorse what he’s calling a “Make America Safer Pledge.”
It’s a four-point plan the governor believes will help keep Americans safe from gun violence.
Steps include banning assault weapons with high-capacity magazines, creating a mental health database to keep dangerous people from owning guns and passing universal background checks.
The governor’s request for action and others like it have come on the heels of weekend shootings in Texas and Ohio.

Buffalo Bills fans will get a chance to see their team in action tonight.
The Bills are hosting the Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field for their first preseason game of the new NFL season.
The game will serve as a homecoming for former Bills quarterback and current Colts coach Frank Reich.
Kickoff for tonight’s contest is set for seven o’clock.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the new GLOW With Your Hands career exploration program for students to engage in activities associated with careers like electrical wiring and advanced manufacturing.
At the Genesee County Fairgrounds today, Hochul commended the program’s benefits for students’ education and the regional economy.

Economic development agencies and education groups in the four counties partnered to plan this day-long, hands-on workforce event on September 24th.

New GCASA Social Center location gains approval.
The Town of Batavia Planning Board approved a permit for the GCASA recovery social center at the former Bohn’s Restaurant location.
Kathleen Miller, a supporter of the project, spoke to the board about the unique features of the space.

In response to concerns about people smoking outside, GCASA’s John Bennett reassured that there will be a designated smoking area on the property.

City Police arrest 21 year old Kaleb Bobzien and 19 year old Michaela Bruce of Dellinger Ave, Batavia, following a reported domestic incident.
Bobzien faces counts of Criminal Contempt and Aggravated Family Offense and was jailed without bail. Bruce was charged with Menacing and Harassment and was ordered held in lieu of $500 bail.

Health insurance companies doing business in New York must now cover the expense of annual mammograms for women 35 and over. The new legislation is known as “Shannon’s Law,” named for Shannon Saturno, a Long Island teacher who passed away in 2016 from breast cancer, when she was just 31 years old. Her father says he has worked hard with so many others to get this bill passed. Governor Cuomo signed the bill into law on Friday. Up until today, most insurance companies were only required to cover annual mammogram screenings for women over the age of 40.

Elba muck onion growers received their awards for Excellence in Onion Integrated Pest Management from New York State IPM in a small roadside ceremony appropriately at Muck Donut Hour this week. Flanked by Brian Nault, Cornell Onion Entomologist on the left, and Christy Hoepting, Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Program Onion Specialist on the right are award recipients, Chuck Barie (CY Farms), Peter Smith (filling in for award winner Guy Smith with Triple G Farms), Emmaline Long (CY Farms), Matt Mortellaro (G. Mortellaro & Sons), Jennifer Grant (Director of NYIPM) and Max Torrey, Torrey Farms. Missing from photo was Mark Torrey.

Press Release:

Batavia: Elba onion growers, Matt Mortellaro, Guy Smith, Chuck Barie, Emmaline Long, and Mark and Max Torrey received an Excellence in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Award from the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program (NYSIPM). The six are muck onion farmers in Elba, NY who meet weekly during the growing season for what is known as Muck Donut Hour, to discuss crop protection tactics. NYSIPM develops sustainable ways to manage pests and helps people use methods that minimize environmental, health and economic risks. The award honors individuals who encourage the adoption of IPM in their businesses, schools, communities, and farms, and who develop new tools and tactics for sharing these practices.

Onions grown in muck soil—organically rich former swampland where production practices are unique and intense—are one of the most valuable crops in New York, with an average value of $34.6 million. In the Elba muck and surrounding pockets in Orleans, Genesee, and Livingston counties, eight farms produce 40% of the New York onion acreage on 3,000 acres. Mortellaro, Triple G, CY, and Big O farms account for almost 75% of that production.

In 2005, onion thrips infestations were nearly uncontrollable in New York. Populations of the vegetable-loving insect were resistant to multiple insecticides, and the hot and dry conditions created a worst-case scenario, causing crop losses exceeding 30%. The Elba muck growers helped Cornell researchers conduct dozens of research trials and host large-scale demonstrations on their land, in an attempt to understand the biology, ecology, and management of thrips. “The result culminated in a practical thrips management program, which includes regular scouting of onion fields followed by sparing use of insecticides designed to minimize resistance”, said Brian Nault, Professor of Entomology at Cornell AgriTech. The Elba growers are now able to successfully manage their thrips infestations. They average between 1- 4 fewer insecticide applications and have saved an average of $113/acre, which is approximately $6,000-$226,000 per farm per year. In addition to regular scouting, the other key tool in the IPM arsenal is information exchange and discussions at the Muck Donut Hour, which Christy Hoepting, Senior Extension Associate with the Cornell Vegetable Program, describes as a way she keeps her ‘finger on the pulse’ of the pest complex each year. A CCE tradition for over twenty years, the Muck Donut Hour is held weekly during the growing season. There growers and researchers discuss the latest research findings, scouting and spray reports. Hoepting notes the willingness of the muck onion farmers to entrust their crops to Cornell’s research, and their transparency in sharing spray records. She continues: “the Elba growers are undeniably brave; to so wholeheartedly adopt IPM practices demonstrates the extent of their faith in Cornell’s research on their farms. The risk of a pest spiraling out of control in a high-value onion crop is frightening. Clearly, these growers believe in solid science and go above and beyond to
support it.” Steven Beer, Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology at Cornell University, says, “without the cooperation of the Elba onion growers, it is not likely that so many IPM-themed tactics would have been adequately tested under real grower conditions. They set the standard for other growers.” The Elba muck onion farmers are: Matt Mortellaro, a third generation muck farmer and co-owner of G. Mortellaro & Sons, with his brother Paul. “Matt is a fearless leader in adopting IPM strategies. He is committed to sustainable onion production and environmental stewardship, and is a strong advocate of onion IPM,” adds Hoepting. Guy Smith, a fourth generation muck farmer, owns Triple G Farms with his brother Greg and nephew Peter. Guy represents the Elba growing region on the board of directors for the New York Onion Research andDevelopment Program. Chuck Barie and Emmaline Long are Crop Production Managers for CY Farms LLC, which grows 120 acres in Batavia and Elba. Chuck has been responsible for planting, spraying, irrigating and harvesting the onions for over twenty years. Emmaline joined the farm in 2014, after graduating from Cornell; she scouts CY’s entire onion acreage weekly, including counting thrips, to implement IPM. Together, she and Chuck make pest management decisions. CY has the ability to micro manage every 5-20 acre onion field based on each area’s precise pest management needs. Mark and Max Torrey are a father and son onion growing duo, and 11th and 12th generation farmers with Torrey Farms Inc. Max serves as the General Manager for Torrey’s onion operation, Big O Farms. As the largest grower in Elba, the Torrey’s pest management practices affect everyone, Hoepting adds, “Their commitment to implementing resistance management strategies and following IPM spray thresholds has been instrumental in preserving the longevity of insecticides remaining effective against thrips.” The award will be presented to the pioneering growers during their Muck Donut Hour on July 30. Learn more about Integrated Pest Management at nysipm.cornell.edu.

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY – Today, leaders from Batavia Downs Gaming and Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTB) joined Niagara County leaders to present a significant community development contribution to Niagara County.

As the only municipally owned and operated gaming facility in the state, Batavia Downs Gaming/WROTB is not only a strong economic driver for Niagara County, but it provides critical funding for community development which creates jobs, keeps Niagara County families safe and helps to offset tax increases for residents. Since its inception, Batavia Downs Gaming/WROTB has generated over $235 million to 17 municipalities and $20.3 million to Niagara County. Today’s contribution of $178,818 from Batavia Downs Gaming/WROTB’s year-to-date earnings is the highest amount given to Niagara County in 20 years. Batavia Downs Gaming/WROTB had their highest quarterly earnings of $1.7M just this past quarter.

“We are proud to have such an important role in growing Niagara County and are thrilled today’s contribution is the highest amount given to Niagara County in 20 years,” said Henry F. Wojtaszek, President/CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming WROTB. “Thanks to our success, we are able to reduce the tax burden, help fund our local schools and ensure our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to keep us safe.”

“We are grateful to have such wonderful partners in the Niagara County Legislature,” said Ryan Hasenauer Director of Marketing. “Our success is truly a team effort and we are proud to work for an organization whose contributions can be seen and felt across Niagara County and all of Western New York.”

The legal case involving Congressman Chris Collins has had some recent development.
Three securities charges against the 27th District Republican have been dropped by prosecutors.
Those charges may have caused a legal obstacle that could have stagnated the case against the Congressman and were tossed according to the Buffalo News.
Collins was arrested on federal insider trading charges last year, but has maintained his innocence.
He has still not announced whether he will run for reelection.
Collin’s is slated for trial in New York early next year.

An Orleans County man sentenced for firing shots outside of a Greece residence.
In federal court yesterday 23 year old Christopher Rivers of Holley was sentenced to 30 months in prison on a conviction of a felon-in-possession of a firearm.
Rivers was arrested after firing a shotgun multiple times outside an apartment window at an Affinity Lane address in Greece during the early morning hours of January 25th.
The conviction and sentence was elevated because Rivers was previously convicted of Criminal Possession of a Firearm in Orleans County Court, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

California man who attempted to have sex with a 12 year old child is going to prison.
44 year old Gabriel Murillo of San Bernadino County, California, who was convicted of attempted online enticement of a minor, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison in a federal court yesterday.
Prosecutors say that between April 2018 and February of this year, Murillo engaged in sexually explicit online conversations with an individual who he believed was a 12 year old girl living in upstate New York, attempting to groom the child and requesting that she meet with him for sex.
In February Murillo flew from Los Angeles to Rochester in order to have sex with the child, however unbeknownst to him the child was actually an undercover New York State Police Investigator.
Murillo was apprehended while disembarking a plane at the Greater Rochester International Airport.

The United Memorial Medical Center League is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Founded in 1969 by local volunteers who wanted to give back to the community, the organization’s mission was to raise funds and collect resources to support United Memorial Medical Center.
The league is credited with making the community a healthier and better place to live through their efforts.
Recently the UMMC League has been purchasing water bottles, through the continued dues support of League members, for patients at the Lipson Cancer Center at UMMC.

New York’s waterways will be getting a bit safer thanks to legislation signed by Governor Cuomo.
“Brianna’s Law” requires boat operators to take a state-approved boating safety course by 2025.
Violators will face a fine between 100 and 250 dollars.
The measure is named after an 11-year-old Long Island girl who lost her life in a boating accident.
The law goes into effect January 1st.

Drivers who illegally pass school buses are more likely to get caught thanks to a new law.
The measure allows cameras to be installed on the stop-arms of those vehicles.
Any driver caught breaking the law will face a $250 fine for their first offense.
Officials say the new legislation allows school districts to hold dangerous drivers accountable while also having the tools needed to keep kids safe.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Police Department is proud to announce, in partnership with City Church, National Night Out 2019.

The annual event will be held Tuesday, August 6, at the St. Anthony’s facility on Liberty Street between 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.. Liberty Street and Central Avenue in the area of St. Anthony’s will be closed starting at 4:00 P.M. for the event.

We wish to thank the following sponsors for their generous donations in order to make this event happen;

Ken Barrett                                          Chevrolet Carquest Auto Supply                         Tompkins Bank of Castile
Chapin International                          WNY Chiefs of Police                                            T.Y. Lin International
Batavia P.B.A.                                      Hillside Children’s Center                                    Kiwanis Club of Batavia
Graham Corp.                                      Bill’s Auto                                                                Artic Refrigeration
Genesee County Deputy                    Batavia’s Original                                                   Dunkin’
Sheriff’s Association                           Salmon Orthodontics                                            GCASA
Target                                                    City Church                                                              Extended Sound, DJ & Event Rentals
Brian Kemp, T-Shirts Etc.                 Southside Deli                                                         Toyota of Batavia
Batavia Family Dental                        the Radley Family                                                  Northside Deli
Blondies Sip & Dip                              O’Lacy’s Irish Pub                                                  Batavia Tailor & Cleaners
Human Energies                                 the Benedict Family                                              Bohm-Clarco-Smith Funeral Home
CSEA                                                      Red Osier                                                                  7-11

The event will feature many displays by First Responders, including the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Posse Mounted Patrol, City of Batavia Fire Department in conjunction with the NY State Park Police will demo high-angle Rope Rescue, NY State Police will demo the Seat Belt Enforcer, a tour of the Batavia/Genesee Emergency Response Team vehicle, car seat installation and checks provided by the City of Batavia Fire Department, a K-9 demonstration by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, and much more.

There will be face painting, balloon animals, a live band and a dunk tank, where attendees will have an opportunity to dunk a police officer and other public officials. The event is free to the public and City Church will be cooking for those in attendance. There will be raffles and give-a-ways throughout the evening.

The event also serves as a fundraiser to help bring back the Police K-9 Program to the City of Batavia Police Department. Any donations collected will go directly to the K-9 program.

Please come join us for a night of fun and come get to know your City of Batavia First Responders.

Press Release:

BATAVIA – The Batavia Muckdogs ran into the hottest team in the New York-Penn League on Monday, falling to the Williamsport Crosscutters, 9-3.

Batavia (29-21) could not overcome a four-run first inning as Williamsport won their sixth straight and Batavia has dropped three. With the loss and a West Virginia win, Batavia now has a three game lead for first place in the Pinckney Division and trails Lowell by 1.5 games for the best overall record in the NYPL.

Leadoff hitter J.D. Orr, who is always good for at least one hit a game, went 4-for-5 to increase his NYPL leading average to .385 while scoring a run and stealing his 21st base. Orr is a 10th round draft pick of the Miami Marlins out of Wright State and has played left and center for the Muckdogs.

Troy Johnston (17th round pick out of Gonzaga this year) had two hits and a run while Albert Guiamaro is back in the lineup and belted a RBI double.
Kobie Taylor, a 15th round pick out of Texas in 2016 by Miami came off the bench and since for the second game in a row.

Julian Infante (RBI, run), Harrison Dinicola (RBI) and Jack Stunc (RBI) also had hits.

Julio Frias dropped to 3-2 on the season, but went five innings and struck out six as his ERA is 2.79.

Edison Suriel was another bright spot, throwing a perfect ninth and striking out the side.

Batavia is at Williamsport for two more games before heading to West Virginia for three games and returning home on Sunday.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

The Muckdogs are on Facebook, twitter and Instagram and now have a BataviaMuckdogs snapchat account. Follow the team on social media for game updates and videos and photos during the games of fans and players.

Accused drug dealer busted in Bergen after running from and resisting lawmen.
A Rochester resident is behind bars after resisting arrest and escaping officers in a drug arrest in Bergen.
24 year old Ajie Smith-Ezell of Cummings Street Rochester was stopped by Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies on Clinton Street Road in Bergen Thursday morning.
After officers detected the odor of burnt marijuana, Smith-Ezell was escorted from the vehicle and a search commenced in which officers allegedly discovered a quantity of marijuana and packaging indicative of narcotics distribution.
Smith-Ezell is accused of resisting arrest as deputies attempted to remove an anomaly from his pant-leg and briefly escaped officers taking them on a short foot chase before finally being taken into custody.
He was jailed on counts of Criminal Possession of a Narcotic with Intent to Sell, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Obstruction, Resisting Arrest and Escape and is being held in lieu of $5,000 bail.
Additional Charges are also pending.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Department report a single arrest during the Breaking Benjamin Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday.
32 year old Micah Carey of Niagara Falls was arrested for Harassment and Disorderly Conduct after allegedly hitting and kneeing another person and using abusive and obscene language causing public inconvenience.
He was issued an appearance tickets for August 20th in Darien Town Court.

Batavia has a new Assistant City Manager.
Following an extensive candidate search Rachael Tabelski has been appointed to the position of Assistant City Manager by City Manager Dr. Martin Moore.
Tabelski most recently served as Director of Economic Development for the Batavia Development Corporation and previously as Director of Marketing & Communications for the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
Tabelski lives in the City with her husband, Adam, and their two children.
When Rachael steps into the role of Assistant City Manager on August 12th Adam will step down from his position as an At-Large Member of City Council.

Governor Cuomo says it’s up to Congress to prevent future mass shootings in America.
Yesterday, the governor said fellow Democrats need to work together to ban assault weapons, toughen up background checks and keep guns from domestic terrorists.
He also criticized a speech President Trump gave yesterday where he condemned racism, bigotry and white supremacy.
Cuomo said the speech was a great act of hypocrisy since he believes Mister Trump has made racism his stock and trade.

National Night Out is tonight.
The Batavia Police Department would like to remind everyone that National Night Out is tonight from 6pm to 8pm at St. Anthony’s on Liberty Street rain or shine.
The event helps build safer communities by improving relationships with local law enforcement.
There will be free food, giveaways, a bounce house, demos from local lawmen along with live music and many other activities.
For more details visit the City of Batavia Police Department facebook page.

Rachel Tabelski

Dr. Martin D. Moore, Batavia’s City Manager, announces his appointment of Rachael Tabelski to the position of Assistant City Manager. Tabelski was selected following an extensive candidate search.

“I believe that Rachael has the unique skills and leadership qualities we need in the City of Batavia to advance our mission and strategic priorities. She will be responsible for different projects and issue areas in the City including: administrative services, organizational risk management, organizational values, community & neighborhood development, public relations, information technology and implementation of the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. She will also be assisting with the annual budgeting preparation,” said Moore.

The Director of Economic Development for the Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) for the past year, Rachael Tabelski has held executive government positions in Genesee County since obtaining her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from SUNY Brockport in 2008. Her professional roles have included Legislative Assistant to Assemblyman Steve Hawley, elected Councilwoman in the Town of Bergen, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), as well as her current position with the BDC.

“Rachael has a thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques used in government, economic development, community development, planning, marketing and communications,” added Moore. “She has experience in municipal budgeting, grants, organizational culture and policy development—all of which will be extremely helpful as we work together to move Batavia forward.”

Tabelski has volunteered for multiple local community boards and various fundraisers over the years including Genesee County Cancer Assistance, Vibrant Batavia, City of Batavia Planning & Development Committee, City of Batavia Comprehensive Plan Committee, the Batavia Business Improvement Business Development Committee and Batavia Kiwanis Club. She is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Genesee. She has received numerous awards for her work at the GCEDC for her efforts in marketing and communication.

Tabelski lives in the City of Batavia with her husband, Adam, and their two children, Adrian and Anna. When Rachael steps into the role of Assistant City Manager on August 12, 2019, Adam will step down from his position as an At-Large Member of City Council.

Byron-Bergen High School students join Superintendent Edwards and Principal McGee with the US News & World Report award banner Photo credit: Gretchen Spittler

Press Release:

Bergen, NY – Byron-Bergen Senior High School was named on the 2019 list of America’s Best High Schools as determined by U.S. News & World Report. To earn this distinction, Byron-Bergen Senior High School ranked in the top 40% of schools nationally, placing in the top third out of the more than seventeen thousand schools.

“This is a very prestigious recognition,” said Byron-Bergen High School Principal Patrick McGee. “We are a small, rural public school district claiming our place among larger districts, charter and magnet schools with rigorous admissions requirements, and elite college preparatory schools.”

According to the publication’s website, the list identifies top-performing high schools based on scoring comprised of six factors:

• College readiness (30% of the ranking): The percentage of 12th graders from the class of 2016-2017 who took at least one AP or IB exam during high school and the percentage of 12th graders who passed at least one AP or IB exam in high school. Passing is weighted three times more than taking.
• College curriculum breadth (10%): The percentage of 12th graders from the class of 2016-2017 who took a wide variety of AP and IB courses across the multiple disciplines and the percentage of 12th graders who passed them. Passing is weighted three times more than taking.
• Reading and math proficiency (20%): Measures how well students scored on state assessments that measure proficiency in reading and mathematics. Passing these assessments can be required for graduation. Examples of assessments include Smarter Balanced in California and STAAR in Texas.
• Reading and math performance (20%): The difference between how students performed on state assessments and what U.S. News predicted based on a school’s student body. U.S. News’ modeling across all 50 states and the District of Columbia indicates that the proportions of students who receive subsidized school lunch, are black and are Hispanic are highly predictive of a school’s reading and math scores.
• Underserved student performance (10%): How well the student population receiving subsidized school lunch, and black and Hispanic populations perform on state assessments relative to statewide performance among students not in those subgroups.
• Graduation rate (10%): For the 2019 rankings, the graduation rate corresponds to the 2017 graduation cohort who would have entered ninth grade in the 2013-14 school year. The high school graduation rates were collected directly from each state along with the math and reading assessment data.

“I want to thank all of our staff for this recognition as this is a direct reflection of their hard work,” said McGee.

For more information on Byron-Bergen’s ranking on the U.S. News & World Report list, visit https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/new-york/districts/byron-bergen-central-school-district/byron-bergen-junior-senior-high-school-13565

UPDATED:

We would like to thank everyone for their assistance with identifying the suspects in the hit and run accident. They have been contacted and rectified the situation.

Officer Marc Lawrence, PIO
Batavia Police Deparment

Press Release:

The Batavia Police Department is looking for assistance with identifying the suspects in the attached picture. The suspects were involved in a “Hit and Run” property damage accident at UMMC on 7/29/19.

Ofc. Marc Lawrence #168
Batavia Police Department
mlawrence@batavianewyork.com
(585) 483-1428

M.D. Johnson threw a strong ninth inning giving up no runs on Sunday. The Muckdogs lost, 9-2.

Press Release:

Muckdogs fall to Tigers, keep four game lead for first place

BATAVIA – The Batavia Muckdogs lost in grand style on Sunday as the Connecticut Tigers powered by a grand slam home run by Avery Tuck powered the visitors over the Muckdogs, 9-2.

Despite the loss, the Muckdogs (29-20) still have a four game lead in the New York Penn-League Pinckney Division as second place West Virginia also lost and are tied with State College for second.

Batavia’s J.D. Orr continued his impressive 2019 season with a 2-for-4 performance and a run, raising his league-leading average to .368.

Gunner Schubert was 2-for-3 and is hitting .444 since joining the team last week. Harrison Dinicola also had two hits and a RBI for Batavia while Nic Ready and Kobie Taylor had hits.

Moises Nunez also homered for the Tigers and Riley Greene, the No. 1 pick of the Tigers in the 2019 draft and No. 5 pick overall, had a RBI single and scored.

Jackson Rose fell to 5-3 with the loss for Batavia as Brock Love threw a strong two innings with one hit and two strikeouts without allowing a run and his ERA is still 0.00.

M.D. Johnson threw the ninth for Batavia and gave up a hit and no runs.

Batavia is on the road for six straight games in six days at Williamsport and State College before returning home on Sunday, Aug. 11 to play Mahoning Valley at 5:05 p.m.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

The Muckdogs are on Facebook, twitter and Instagram and now have a BataviaMuckdogs snapchat account. Follow the team on social media for game updates and videos and photos during the games of fans and players.

Landlord on Hutchins Street accused of choking a tenant.
37 year old Jason Freeman of Batavia has been arrested by City Police following a complaint of harassment from his residence on Hutchins Street that is shared with other tenants.
Lawmen accuse Freeman of choking and then throwing a bicycle at one of his tenants last Wednesday morning.
He is facing counts of Harassment in the second degree with Physical Contact and Criminal Obstruction of Breathing and was released with an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court dated for tomorrow afternoon.

Darien woman arrested over twice the legal limit in Pavilion traffic stop.
Sheriff’s Deputies took 35 year old Candice Tortorice of Darien into custody Saturday afternoon following a traffic complaint on Route 20 in Pavilion.
Tortorice was allegedly intoxicated over twice the legal limit with a Blood Alcohol Content over .18 percent and was charged with Aggravated DWI, Reckless Driving, Failing to Use the Designated Lane and for having an Obstructed View.
She was subsequently released with appearance tickets for Pavilion Town Court on September 10th.

An Oakfield resident is facing a count of forgery for providing another person’s name to police.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 29 year old Jonathan little of Drake Street Oakfield on counts Forgery and Criminal Impersonation, both in the second degree.
Little was arrested Saturday after it was discovered by lawmen that he had allegedly impersonated another person by forging another individuals name while being processed at the Genesee County Jail early last month.
He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to City Court on August 20th.

Investigation on East Main ends in drug arrest for a Highland Park woman.
City Police apprehended 35 year old Tonya Weber-Jackson on counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia and Obstruction of Governmental Administration following investigation into an unrelated matter outside a local business on East Main Street in the early morning hours yesterday.
She was ultimately released with appearance tickets for August 20th in City Court.

Folks across New York are being asked to be aware of an ongoing scam.
State officials say criminals are making calls to random people and claiming they’re from government agencies.
When the person receives the call, the caller ID display makes it appear like it’s coming from a phone number associated with an official office.
The scammers often ask for personal information that they could use to steal someone’s identity.
Officials say if you get a suspicious call, hang up and call the agency back at a number found on an official website.

The top Democrat in the Senate is calling for an emergency session to deal with gun control after two deadly mass shootings.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Majority Leader Mitch McConnell should have senators come back from recess to vote on a gun control bill that has passed the House.
The bill would close background check loopholes that Schumer says allow people who shouldn’t have guns to get them.
The call comes after a reported massacre at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas Saturday and another in Dayton, Ohio yesterday.