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Batavia posts thrilling 56-52 victory over Attica for Lions Club tourney Large School championship

By Mike Pettinella
Batavia wins Lions Tournament in closing seconds.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia displays the championship trophy following a close victory over Attica in the Batavia Lions Club Tournament Large School bracket on Friday night at Genesee Community College.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

Junior guard Carter Mullen’s three-point basket with 43 seconds to play broke a 49-49 tie, and Batavia High went on to defeat Attica, 56-52, in a battle of Blue Devils to win the 42nd annual Batavia Lions Club Pete Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament Large School bracket on Friday night at Genesee Community College.

The stage was set for Mullen's heroics when senior Joey Marranco hit a three-point shot with 1:45 left on the clock, giving Batavia a 49-44 lead. Attica's Jack Janes responded with a three-point shot and then followed a missed shot with a layup to knot the score at 49-49.

After Mullen's big bucket, which was launched near the sideline in front of the Batavia bench, Attica turned the ball over with 30 seconds left. That led to a free throw by junior forward Justin Smith. Attica made another errant pass at the 18-second mark, giving the ball back to Batavia.

Mullen then made a foul shot to make it 54-49 before Janes swished another three-pointer to cut the lead to two with eight seconds remaining.

Marranco was fouled with six seconds left and sank both free throws to secure the victory for Batavia, now 4-3, heading into some tough Monroe County League competition.

Attica led 13-11 after the first quarter, but Batavia rallied to take a 23-19 lead into the locker room. Batavia led 40-33 after three quarters as Smith scored six of his game-high 16 points on his way to being named the tournament MVP.

He was joined on the all-tournament team by Mullen (14 points), Attica’s Cole Harding (12 points) and Clayton Bezon (13 points), Le Roy’s Merritt Holly Jr. and Royalton-Hartland’s Dan Aquilina.

Marranco finished with nine points, and Estavon Lovett added eight for Batavia, while Carter Gorski had 11 and Janes 10 for Attica, now 6-2.

Batavia Coach Buddy Brasky credited Lovett for “doing a great defensive job” on the 6-foot-4 Harding.

“That was one of the keys to the game,” he said. “Secondly, I thought we executed our offense pretty good. Carter Mullen’s three there at the end was a huge shot. They’re a good team; we’re a good team. It was just a real competitive game.”

Attica Coach Rob Crowley said his team was tentative in the first half and missed several open shots.

“I felt we played well defensively in the first half, but we sort of hurt ourselves on offense. We held on to the ball a little too long and missed several opportunities,” he said. “It looked like we were tense because the ball wasn’t going in, and we forced it a bit. We obviously played much better in the second half.

“But it’s not like Batavia’s a bad team. I knew this would be a toss-up game, and I think if we played 10 times, we’d each win five.”

In the Large School bracket consolation game, Le Roy turned back Roy-Hart, 64-45, using an 18-0 run in the third quarter to break the game open. Holly Jr. scored 28 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, and Matthew Hockey added 13 points to lead the Knights. 

See also: Alexander Trojans captures Lions Club tournament Small School crown, 61-49 over Notre Dame

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Justin Smith goes for a layup. Smith was named Tournament MVP.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Justin Smith goes for a layup. Smith was named Tournament MVP.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Attica's Carter Gorski scoring for the Blue Devils.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Attica's Carter Gorski scoring for the Blue Devils.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Carter Mullen going tfor two points.  Mullen was named an all-tournament player.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Carter Mullen going for two points for Batavia.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Estavon Lovett driving to the paint.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Estavon Lovett driving to the paint.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Lions All-Tournament players (not pictured Roy-Hart award player)  Photo by Steve Ognibene
All-tournament team, from left, Merritt Holly Jr. of Le Roy, Cole Harding and Clayton Bezon of Attica, and Carter Mullen and Justin Smith of Batavia. Photo by Steve Ognibene.

Attica holds off Roy-Hart behind Harding's 22 points to reach Lions' Large School finals

By Mike Pettinella
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Senior forward Cole Harding lets one fly in the Attica Blue Devils' victory over Royalton-Hartland this afternoon at the Batavia Lions Club Large School bracket boys' basketball tournament at Genesee Community College. Photos by Brennan Bezon.

Updated at 9:45 p.m. with Batavia versus Le Roy score.

The Attica Blue Devils advanced to the championship game of the Large School division of the 42nd annual Batavia Lions Club Pete Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament this afternoon with a 67-55 victory over Royalton-Hartland.

Coach Rob Crowley’s team, playing the first of four opening round games at Genesee Community College, raised its record to 6-1 and now will take on Batavia, which defeated Le Roy, 68-62, in the last game of the night.

Senior forward Cole Harding scored 22 points, pulled down 14 rebounds and dished out six assists to lead Attica, which also got 18 points and 10 rebounds form senior guard-forward Jack Janes and 16 points and 12 rebounds from senior center Clayton Bezon.

Junior guard Carter Gorski chipped in with seven points for seven points.

Attica raced out to a 10-0 advantage, but Roy-Hart battled back to tie the score at the end of the first quarter. Balanced scoring pushed the winners up by 10 at the half, 36-26, and the lead ballooned to 19 in the third quarter.

“The boys played hard this afternoon and moved the ball very well,” Attica Coach Rob Crowley said. “We sort of battled ourselves at certain points in the game, making things difficult on ourselves, but found a way to stick together and get the victory.”

For Roy-Hart, Dan Aquilina scored 21, Rem Albee 18 and Brayden Ricker 10. The Rams will play in the consolation game against Le Roy at 3 p.m. Friday at GCC.

Photos by Brennan Bezon.

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Jack Janes drives in for two points for Attica.
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Center Clayton Bezon goes in for a layup. 
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Coach Rob Crowley with his team during a timeout.

Four locals place at harvest classic cattle show in Erie County

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Erie County Agricultural Society hosted the Harvest Classic Cattle Show on the Erie County Fairground this past weekend. In its third year, the event hosted nearly 200 cattle and competitors and prize premiums totaled over $8,000. Exhibitors came from New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Results:

Charolais Heifers

  • Grand Champion, Charolais Heifer – Evie Groom, Lyons
  • Reserve Champion, Charolais Heifer – Lisa Compton, Ovid

Hereford Heifers

  • Grand Champion, Hereford Heifer – McKenna Broughton, Attica
  • Reserve Champion, Hereford Heifer – McKalynne Helmke, Philadelphia, OH

Maine-Anjou Heifers

  • Grand Champion, Maine-Anjou Heifer – Lincoln Giebner, Canton, PA
  • Reserve Champion, Maine-Anjou Heifer – Simon Spoth, Lewisburg, PA

Maintainer Heifers

  • Grand Champion, Maintainer Heifer – Kalya Lippert, Sinclairville
  • Reserve Champion, Maintainer Heifer – Lana Miles, Jasper

Shorthorn Heifers

  • Grand Champion, Shorthorn Heifer – Makayla Sugg, Alden
  • Reserve Champion, Shorthorn Heifer – Jenna Weixlmann, Arcade

Shorthorn Plus Heifers

  • Grand Champion, Shorthorn Plus Heifer – Broughton Cattle Company, Springs
  • Reserve Champion, Shorthorn Plus Heifer – Chelsea Lippert, Alexander

Simmental Heifers

  • Grand Champion, Simmental Heifer – Addy Rae Bozeman, Naples
  • Reserve Champion, Simmental Heifer – McKalynne Helmke, New Philadelphia, OH

Sim-Solution Heifers

  • Grand Champion, Sim-Solution Heifer – Chase Gerhardt, East Aurora
  • Reserve Champion, Sim-Solution Heifer – Gavin Palmer, Springboro, PA

AOB Heifers

  • Grand Champion, AOB Heifer – Evie Groom, Lyons
  • Reserve Champion, AOB Heifer – Emily Smith, Marion

Crossbred Heifers

  • Grand Champion, Crossbred Heifer – Gavin Palmer, Springboro
  • Reserve Champion, Crossbred Heifer – Tyler Strub, East Concord

Supreme Champion Females

  • Supreme Champion Female – Gavin Palmer, Springboro, PA
  • Reserve Supreme Champion Female – Kayla Lippert, Sinclairville
  • Third Overall Champion Female – Chase Gerhardt, East Aurora
  • Fourth Overall Champion Female – Addy Rae Bozeman, Naples
  • Fifth Overall Champion Female – McKalynne Helmke, New Philadelphia, OH

Market Heifer

  • Grand Champion, Market Heifer – Lincoln Giebner, Canton, PA
  • Reserve Champion, Market Heifer – Sarah Wilson, Dansville

Shorthorn Plus Steer

  • Grand Champion, Shorthorn Plus Steer – Kayla Lippert, Sinclairville
  • Reserve Champion, Shorthorn Plus Steer – Maddilyn Durfee, Attica

AOB Steer

  • Grand Champion, AOB Steer – Payson Southers, Millmont, PA
  • Reserve Champion, AOB Steer – Molly Decker, Scenery Hill, PA

Light Weight

  • Champion, Light Weight – Carson Wojciechowski, Springville
  • Reserve Champion, Light Weight – Gavin Palmer, Springboro, PA
  • Honorable Mention, Light Weight – Jenna Weixlmann, Arcade

Medium Weight

  • Champion, Medium Weight – Amelia Hintz-Strub, Springville
  • Reserve Champion, Medium Weight – Cody Carlson, Byron
  • Honorable Mention, Medium Weight – Romey Slick, Edinburg, PA

Heavy Weight

  • Champion, Heavy Weight – Shelby Schrader, Ghent
  • Reserve Champion, Heavy Weight – Lydia Covert, Lakewood
  • Honorable Mention, Heavy Weight – Savannah Palmer, New Castle, PA

Supreme Champion Market Animals

  • Supreme Champion Market Animal – Payson Southers, Millmont, PA
  • Reserve Supreme Champion Market Animal – Lincoln Giebner, Canton, PA
  • Third Overall Champion Market Animal – Shelby Schrader, Ghent
  • Fourth Overall Champion Market Animal – Molly Decker, Scenery Hill, PA
  • Fifth Overall Champion Market Animal – Sarah Wilson, Dansville

A complete list of results can also be found online: The Harvest Classic (the-fairgrounds.com)

The show is presented by the Erie County Agricultural Society. Since its founding in 1819, the mission of the Erie County Agricultural Society has been to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York State.

Photos: Attica Prison Riot Memorial Ceremony

By Howard B. Owens
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Alexander resident Cortni Quinn, a corrections officer at Attica Correctional Facility, provided these photos from Wednesday's Attica Prison Riot Memorial Ceremony.

Every year, on Sept. 13, there are two ceremonies on prison grounds in remembrance of the riot, which started on Sept. 9, 1971, and ended on Sept. 13, 1971. the first service focuses on victims and families of victims who died. The second is a state service remembering the riot.

This year was the 52nd anniversary.

The bagpiper is William Franz of Attica. The pictures include the Attica Honor Guard and the Attica CERT team members.

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attica prison riot ceremony

Idyllic beach setting on Friday turns into chaos and horrific mass shooting for local residents

By Joanne Beck

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What better way to enjoy spring break than lounging on a beach at Isle of Palms in South Carolina, soaking up the sun, cooling off in the ocean from the 80-degree temps and spending quality time with family?

Is the picture firmly in mind? Now look over to the pier and see a throng of people. They must have just gotten off a bus to see the sights. After a beautiful, balmy day, it’s time to go take a shower to wash off all the warm, clingy sand.

Just another typical vacation down south, right? That’s what Melanie Domes thought. She and her 10-year-old daughter had gone there to visit a cousin, and two days in, all was well. They had finished their shower and headed down the street.

After that point, Domes’ vacation paradise changed drastically. During the shower, a nearby restaurant’s music masked the sounds of gunfire. Those throngs of people were kids on a senior skip day, and fights had broken out.

“We casually walked out to the street where there were cop cars coming from all directions, sirens and horns blaring. We moved out of the way for the truck thinking someone must have been hurt on the beach.  We then continued to walk to my vehicle, parked across and down the street. As I looked up, hundreds — 400, 500, plus gangster people, came running in our direction. I became very scared, I had no idea what this mass confusion was going on. I first thought to get to the car quick but the screaming and fighting were between us and the car,” Domes said Tuesday to The Batavian.

“A mass of kids came running at us. I was in complete fear; I thought, ‘Are they running to something, or are they running from something?’ I looked around for shelter, and I saw a Dumpster, and thought do we hide in there? I then saw a cop car a few feet in front of us … I really didn't know what these crowds of angry kids wanted.”

The threesome stood next to a police car as Domes scanned the area for viable shelter. They saw a shop owner locking her doors, and “I begged her to please let us come in,” Domes said.

“The tears of horror, I think, was what allowed us to stay. We had to hide behind boxes and clothing and away from the windows,” Domes, a school teacher from Attica, said. “The lady ‘grandma’ and the girl were so kind to us, she kept us updated on what was going on. Six people were shot, and others injured.  We stayed in lockdown for over an hour, watching through the cracks of them running like crazy and cops chasing them. Some pounding on the door. We did try to get to the car and have to turn back and take cover again because it was chaos.”   

Eventually, the store owner, known as “grandma,” led them safely to their vehicle so that they could leave the island. Meanwhile, they encountered kids screaming threats and cursing as Domes clung to her daughter more tightly. Her cousin drove them back; however, the bridge was shut down, making the trip longer for everyone to get off the island, Domes said.

What she hadn’t known at the time was that many others had been hiding as well, one woman and her baby were behind a bush, and others were in a bathroom or holed up in people’s homes.

“I’m a teacher, and the sad thing is, we’ve been practicing for this stuff. I never thought I’d ever have it happen to me, or to my daughter,” she said, pausing for a few emotional moments. “I just thank the Lord that I was with her. So many times, kids wander off at the beach, and that place is such a safe place, I wouldn’t have thought twice about letting her go get an ice cream. I’m still shocked. I broke down several times today.”

Her daughter is also, obviously, upset about the incident — or, more bluntly put — the mass shooting, yet another. Domes is an advocate for having a gun permit and having the ability to protect oneself in situations like this one. The problem is that not all states allow for that, she said.

Her parents taught her to look for an out when learning to drive. If something blocks the path, look to see where you can move to avoid a crash. She has adapted that to other scenarios and believes she tried to do that during the shooting, to look for shelter instead of just having one plan of going to her vehicle.

Another lesson is to “always be aware of your surroundings,” she said.

Even though there were several police officers present, they were focused on the chaos and fights, she said, and not available to help other citizens. It took three hours to get it all under control, she said.

“This experience was horrifying,” she said. “I never thought I would be put in a situation like this. I was beyond grateful I was with my cousin and the lady of the store let us in.”   

According to USA Today, six victims included people between the ages of 15 and 16, and one woman in her 30s who was not part of the beach party on Friday. One suspect, age 16, was arrested for possessing a stolen firearm, and an 18-year-old was arrested for possessing a firearm in a municipal parking lot, police said.

The incident stemmed from a high school senior skip day in the coastal city of Isle of Palms, about 15 miles east of Charleston, SC, when gunfire erupted at about 5:20 p.m., according to CNN news reports.

Photo of Isle of Palms beach submitted by Melanie Domes.

Three local grapplers finished atop of the podium at state wrestling championships

By Steve Ognibene

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Three local wrestlers had strong showings at the NYS championship meet this week, one of the area's top grapplers, Casper Stewart, finishing third in his class, 152 pounds.

That wasn't the result he and his coach and father were hoping for, said Rick Stewart (dad and coach).

" It’s hard to put things in words right now," Stewart aid. "Obviously, it is not the result we wanted, and we are disappointed.  He set the bar very high and expect to accomplish the goals.  Even though this year’s season is an amazing accomplishment with a 51-1 record with a third-place finish at states and an eastern states title, the ultimate goal wasn't achieved, and that will be the motivation for next year. I'm very proud of him and know he will do great things in this sport. He is beyond driven."

Casper’s comments about the future, Just keep training hard, working with good training partners and coaches.

Other local podium finishers in Genesee County:

  • Alexander senior Ben Merill finished 4th in division two, 138 lb. weight class
  • Byron-Bergen junior Malachi Smith finished 6th in division two, 189 lb. weight class

To view the final results, click here.

Photos and information provided by the Attica-Batavia team

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Knights pick up opening round win in 41st Annual Lions Tournament

By Howard B. Owens

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Merritt Holly, Jr., unloaded on Attica for 27 points on Tuesday evening in the opening game of the 2022 Lions Tournament at GCC to lead Le Roy to a 48-30 win over Attica.

Jean Agosto scored 12 points for the Oatkan Knights.

Cole Harding scored 18 points for the Blue Devils.

Other opening-round games today:

  • Elba vs. Oakfield-Alabama (started at 5:15 p.m.)
  • Medina vs. Notre Dame (started at 6:30 p.m.)
  • Roy-Hart vs. Batavia (starts at 8 p.m.)

On Thursday, the small school championship game is at 6:30 p.m. and the large school championship game is at 8 p.m.  Both games are being played at GCC.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

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Local, environmentally minded farmers featured in new video series

By Press Release

Press release:

Offering a glimpse into the lives of hardworking farmers, American Dairy Association North East released a new episode of “This American Dairy Farmer,” a digital series highlighting family, tradition, and sustainable food production on local dairy farms.

Every gallon has a story, and “This American Dairy Farmer” offers a behind-the-scenes look at dairy farms and the families who operate them while helping viewers make personal connections with those who produce their food.

In "Happiest Person I Know," which debuted July 27 on AmericanDairy.com, viewers meet Natasha Stein Sutherland from Stein Farms in Le Roy. Sutherland is herd manager at the dairy farm that her grandfather started in 1956 with two cows that came with the property.

“The neighbors literally came over and taught my grandfather how to milk those cows, and that’s how Stein Farms got its start,” Sutherland said. “The farm shaped my childhood and now I’m blessed to work with five family members every day.”

Sutherland brings a unique perspective to the New York dairy industry, having spent seven years managing herds in New Zealand, where she met her husband while studying dairy science through Cornell University’s exchange program.

“I am the happiest person I know because I get to care for an amazing group of cows. I love what I get to do,” Sutherland said.

Watch “This American Dairy Farmer” to see how Sutherland tends to her dairy herd while also looking after the pristine blue-ribbon trout stream that runs alongside Stein Farms.

“This series is an opportunity for consumers to meet and learn about the people who produce the milk for everything from their morning coffee to their children’s school meals,” said John Chrisman, CEO of American Dairy Association North East. “You see the passion dairy farmers have for taking care of their animals, protecting the environment and leaving a legacy for the next generation.”

“This American Dairy Farmer” will visit 12 dairy farms in 2022. Previous episodes are available on AmericanDairy.com. Other dairies featured from New York’s GLOW region include farms in Linwood, Pavilion and Attica.

Visit AmericanDairy.com to see all of the dairy farms featured and catch new episodes!

Local author Rob Thompson to serve as election observer in Ireland

By Press Release

Press release:

Attica resident will serve as an election observer in Northern Ireland on 5 May, the date set for the election of its Legislative Assembly, the legislature of Northern Ireland. Rob Thompson is accredited by the United Kingdom Election Commission and is trained by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the EU.

COVID-19 forced many elections to be rescheduled and now with the world opening back up so to speak election calendars are being filled up as well. Over the next 18 months, my schedule includes, besides Northern Ireland, election work in Sweden, the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Estonia. In May, and subsequent short-term missions I will work at several polling places in West Belfast ensuring the election process follows principles established by the 1990 Copenhagen Document; “universal, equal, fair, secret, free, transparent, and accountable.”

An issue I found of interest has been Brexit, during the 2019 vote England and Wales voted to leave the EU while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain. With Brexit’s victory, the question was would there be a hard border between NI and the Republic of Ireland. But a protocol was negotiated and is intended to protect the EU single market while avoiding the imposition of a 'hard border' that might incite a recurrence of conflict. Under the Protocol, Northern Ireland is formally outside the EU single market, but EU free movement of goods rules and EU Customs Union rules still apply; this ensures there are no customs checks or controls between Northern Ireland and the rest of the island. Periodically NI will vote to remain or reject the protocol, the first consent vote is scheduled for December 2024. May’s election of the Legislative Assembly could be a bellwether vote, of whether or not NI is edging toward desiring independence or will remain Unionist.

Perennial favorites Batavia falls to Attica in first-round of Lions Tournament

By Howard B. Owens

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After trailing for much of the game, including, at times, by double-digits, the Batavia Blue Devils put together a final quarter rally but still fell short against Attica, 50-48.

Carter McFollins scored 19 points for Batavia while Tanner Mountain added 12 points.

For Attica, Simon Lamparell scored 16 points and Luke George scored 10.

Attica advances to the championship game at 9 p.m., Thursday, at the GCC gym against Le Roy.

For more game photos, click here.

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Batavia family salutes WWII veteran on his birthday, which also happens to be Veterans Day

By Joanne Beck

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Even though there are plenty of ceremonial activities for veterans to attend on Veterans Day, it’s sometimes necessary to bring the ceremony to the veteran.

And that’s exactly what the family members of Eugene DeFedericis decided to do this year. They not only planned a special day to honor his military service, but also for a little public recognition on his birthday, which happens to fall on Nov. 11 as well. 

His granddaughter-in-law, Stacey DeFedericis of Batavia, told The Batavian Wednesday of the surprise. 

“This is a salute to Veterans Day and to Eugene’s 97th birthday,” she said. “This is something special for him and his two great-grandsons. My boys are non-stop listening to his stories; they fell in love with him the moment they met him.”

Eugene, of Attica, is the grandfather of Jason DeFedericis, Stacey’s husband. He served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed in Germany, France and Austria. A corporal C 5, the grand patriarch likes to share war stories and also serves as a role model for great-grandsons Abel, 6, and 4-year-old Haiden, Mrs. DeFedericis said. 

“He tries to instill being well-mannered and to present themselves to be the gentlemen they’re supposed to be,” she said. “He’s a strong guy, and very polite.”

The family has photos and articles of Eugene from his service days during 1944 to 1947. A framed collection of ribboned medals and one for sharp shooter is behind glass to protect the tokens of his service.

He has a flag up at his home and often wears a veterans WWII baseball cap, she said. Perhaps a given, he is “very, very patriotic,” she said, and used to travel around the county to various veterans ceremonies. He cannot walk as well as he used to, which prompted the family party at his home on Thursday. 

“It’s just a ceremony to say thanks, and for his birthday,” she said. “I’m just trying to do something special for him; it’s to show him he’s loved. I want him to know he’s still loved by us.”     

Photo: Veteran Eugene DeFedericis is flanked by great-grandsons Abel and Haiden, with grandson Jason and son Bob behind him. Photo submitted by Stacey DeFedericis. 

Woman pleads guilty to disorderly conduct in welfare fraud case

By Press Release

Press release:

Valerie L. Marucci, 42 of Attica pled guilty to one count of Disorderly Conduct and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge in Batavia Town Court on August 24, 2021.

Marucci was originally charged with two counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing and one count of Grand Larceny 4th after an investigation by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi revealed that she failed to report income.  She subsequently received $2725 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to.

In addition to the reduced charges and conditional discharge, Marucci was also disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for one year and she has made full restitution to the Department of Social Services.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of Welfare Fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Fraud Unit at (585) 344-2590, ext. 6417 or 6541

Photo: Attica Rodeo

By Howard B. Owens

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Photos by Philip Casper

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Memorial Final Ride for Dean Wright - A riderless horse with boots turned backward is led around the arena to honor a lost cowboy

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Attica Lions Club announces eight scholarship recipients, two more award winners

By Press Release

Press release:

The Attica Lions Club has announced the recipients of their club scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The purpose of these scholarships is to provide financial assistance to senior students from both Alexander Central School and Attica Central School who have a genuine desire to further their education.

Applicants must be academically qualified to the extent that they meet the entrance requirements of the institution to which they seek admission.

Lion Ron Cole announces the following recipients:

Alexander

  • Mikayla Hickey
  • Colton Judd and
  • Kiersten Pryzbylski

Attica

  • Alexis Dimick
  • Makenna Jarnot
  • Cassidy Pajda
  • Alesis Wright and
  • Abigail Zymkowski

Other awards presented by the club went to Nicole Hume, of Alexander, who receives the Ted Harding Jr. Award and to Andrew Cusmano, of Attica, who receives the Lions Citizenship Award.

Severe thunderstorm warning in effect till 5:15 p.m., roadway to be closed at Route 98 and Lockport

By Press Release

From the National Weather Service office in Buffalo:

A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 5:15 p.m. EDT for Southeastern Orleans and Central Genesee counties.

At 4:30 p.m. EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Oakfield, or near Batavia, moving east at 35 mph.

Up to 70 mph wind gusts pose a hazard, according to radar. Expect considerable tree damage. Damage is likely to mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings. Locations impacted also includes Darien Lakes State Park, Attica, Corfu, Elba, Alexander, East Bethany, and Interstate 90 near exit 48.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

UPDATE 4:54 p.m.: A low-hanging cable wire and possibly a tree are reported down in the roadway in Elba in the area of 4119 Lockport Road. A first responder says the roadway is partially blocked. The roadway will be shut down at Route 98 and Lockport Road. Spectrum is notified; no ETA.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: The Elba chief says the cable line has been cleared; now removing other debris before reopening roadway.

Born in the Jazz Age before the Great Depression and still enjoying life

By Billie Owens

Above, Elon Spink and his granddaughter, Tammy Charbonneau.

Written by Thomas Spink.

LE ROY -- Le Roy Village Green resident Elon Spink is Genesee County's newest centenarian!

Elon was born 100 years ago on June 19, 1921 in Attica to Ida and Harry Spink. He was the fourth of five children.

At an early age, he was diagnosed with polio, but thankfully he recovered, and he was able to get back his mobility and live a remarkably long life. Having had polio prevented him from enlisting to fight for his country in World War II, which disappointed him as he wanted to help defend his country from the Germans.

During his lifetime, Elon held many jobs. He transported farm equipment, construction materials, worked as an accountant for his brother Tom’s business and then started driving bus. He finished up his career delivering beer and beverages, retiring in 1983 at the age 62.                                        

He moved to Rochester in the 1950s where he would meet and marry the love of his life -- Fern Elizabeth Sherman.  Fern had three children, Patrick, Lucinda and Susan, who have known Elon as Dad for the past 60+ years. Elon and Fern had one child together, Thomas.

Elon and Fern were married for  51 years. Fern passed away in 2006, and Elon continued living ON HIS OWN until December, 2020. At the age of 99 and a half, in the middle of COVID-19, he had a fall and he and his family realized it was time that he needed assistance, which is when he moved to Le Roy Village Green.  

Many of Elon’s most cherished memories are related to sports. Elon was a pretty good bowler. He won team championships in Rochester in the '50s and '60s. Elon is a diehard Rochester Redwings fan and through his son, Pat, (who worked in broadcasting for the Red Wings), he got to meet and befriend several players over the years.

In June of 2001, to celebrate his 80th birthday, he traveled to New York to watch the Yankees play on a Saturday and then rode down to Philadelphia to watch the Batavia Muckdogs parent team take on the New York Mets that following Sunday.   

He is an avid Buffalo Bills fan, and one lifetime experience for Elon was going to the Buffalo Bills first Superbowl in Tampa in 1991. He had the opportunity to meet Bills' owner Ralph Wilson at a Bills game. Ralph asked him how old he was, and when Elon said he was 83, Ralph chuckled and said that he was 86. Later that year, Ralph signed a picture of the two of them saying, “You're still not as old as me.”

The Buffalo Bills are Elon’s favorite team by far. He jokingly comments all the time, “I don’t know if I will ever see them win the Big Game.” Well Elon, maybe Josh Allen will do what your favorite quarterback, Jim Kelly, tried so hard to do four times in a row – and you may get to see a Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl victory this year as you work your way toward 101!

We all wish you the happiest 100th birthday!

Photos courtesy of Margaret Sheelar.

Below, Elon Spink and his son, Thomas Spink.

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