batavia

More than 20 volunteers hauled out 180 pounds of garbage from the Tonawanda Creek this morning under the supervision of Boy Scout Alex Hansen.

The cleanup was the culmination of Alex's Eagle Scout project, which he said took a year to plan and execute.

It required the cooperation of Genesee ARC (who hauled away the garbage for free) and Sloat Tire to pick up the tires that were collected, and Alex had to coordinate the volunteers through the Tonawanda Watershed Committee and Troop 6069.

"The creek over the years has become really polluted with trash," Alex said. "People just throw tires and water heaters and even air conditioners right over the bridges in town. All this stuff gets washed to places, such as Kiwanis Park, and so we have people people cleaning because there's trash everywhere."

The 16-year-old scout said volunteers dispersed to Kiwanis Park, Kibbe Park, behind the courthouse and behind Valu Plaza.

"We think this will make a positive difference for the community because people want to enjoy the creek again," Alex said. "We want to make it a better place for people and wildlife."

A person is stuck in the elevator, but not injured, at 400 Towers, 400 E. Main St. in Batavia. City firefighters are responding.

Food, fun and bumper cars for adults. Wait, that's not right. Friday night proved to be an excellent day for the Genesee County Fair's annual Demolition Derby. The grandstands were packed and fans got a thrill of cars smashing and mud flinging.

Other events included a Goat Costume contest, 4-H Horse Show, magician Magical John, GPS and Solar Fun Fest and many more exhibits and attractions.

The final day of the fair is today with exhibits and grounds open until midnight.

• All Day - Magical John | Entertainment Tent
• 8:30am - NIOGA Colored Breed Show
• 9am - NIOGA Holstein/Open Class Dairy Show | Show Ring
• 10am - 4-H Horse Gymkhana & Games Classes | Horse Ring
• 11am - FARM STOCK TRACTOR – Bring your tractor! Enhanced Tractor & Garden Pullers | Grandstand
• 11am - EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
• 1pm - MIDWAY OPENS | Amusement Area
• 1-7pm - Mr. Scribbles | Exhibition Bldg.
• 1pm - NCCC Tanzen Dance Team | Entertainment Tent
• 2-4pm - 4-H Vegetable Art Fun Fair Activity | Kennedy Building
• 3-6pm - Rain Date for GPS & Solar Fun Fest | Merton Building
• 6:30 pm Empire State Pullers Tractor Pulls. Immediately following ESP are Semi Trucks & Stock Pick Up Trucks | GRANDSTAND
• 8pm - Beer Tent Opens
• 8pm - 12am - “Savage Cabbage” band | Beer Tent
• 8pm - 4-H Dairy Animals released
• 8:30pm - 4-H Horse released
• 9pm - 4-H Non-market auction animals — Sheep, Beef released
• 10pm - Kennedy, Merton & Exhibition Buildings open for pick up of entries
• 11pm - MIDWAY CLOSES
• 12am - Beer Tent CLOSES

If a horrifying camping trip sounds like your idea of a good time, you're in luck. "Scream Campout Live!" will take place tonight and every Friday and Saturday through Aug. 23 at the PolarWave on Harloff Road, Batavia.

Cost is $50 per person to have the heebie-jeevies scared out of you all night long. Campers can arrive anytime after 7:45 p.m.. The organizers ask "Can you make it 'til morning?"

Forget sleeping peacefully under the summer stars. "Our scare environments, special effects, and interactive scare actors will place you in the nightmare of your life. We will break even the strongest will."

To do that, campers will navigate around a series of "outdoor environments" throughout the night. Stuff like walking through a slaughterhouse, a chainsaw maze, graveyard, etc.

"You will encounter total darkness, strobe lighting, latex, sudden loud noises, live scare actors, and "scent effects" -- all of which are intended to frighten you."

Just for fun, you can play zombie paintball as zombies attack you, watch horror movies, face daring challenges at every turn.

As if to make it more clear, the flier for the "campout" says "This is not your typical campout. You will become part of the live experience. You may be physically chained, hooded, caged, and...let's not go any further. Strong 'verbal content' by scare actors is part of the experience."

"The night is watching you...Don't close your eyes..."

Like we said, this thrill can be yours for 50 bucks. And if you use this promo code, you'll get $10 off:  FOAM716

You must be 18. To get tickets call 585-217-1263 or go to screamcampoutlive.com

Press release:

On Wednesday July 16th the City refunded (refinanced) the current City Centre debt service. This effort refinanced approximately $4,050,000 of general obligation bonds that financed the construction of the City Centre in 2004.

These bonds were issued by USDA Rural Development, and at the time were considered low interest at 4 percent. However, much like refinancing your own home mortgage, refinancing the City's outstanding bonds will reduce the interest paid over the life of the loan. The refunding was approved by City Council on April 8, 2013, and the City along with its financial advisors, Municipal Solutions, Inc., have been monitoring bond market rates for over the past year to find the time when market rates would be at their lowest level to maximize the savings to the City's taxpayers.

Interest rates on municipal bonds are very favorable at this time and the savings realized by refunding the outstanding bonds now resulted in more than $73,000 in increased budgetary savings compared to rates that were presented to City Council one year ago. In total, this refunding has saved the City approximately $303,000 in interest payments during the remaining 21-year life of the reissued bond, ending in 2036.

The Batavia boys U-12 soccer team beat le Roy 3-0 on Thursday evening to complete an undefeated season in Rochester District Youth Soccer League, Division 4.

Photos by Barbara Paserk.

• All Day - Magical John | Entertainment Tent
• 10am - 4-H Horse Show Fitting, Showmanship & Western | Horse Ring
• 11am - EXHIBIT HALLS AND BUILDINGS OPEN
• 1pm - MIDWAY OPENS | Amusement Area
• 1-7pm - Mr. Scribbles | Exhibition Bldg.
• 1pm - 4-H & Open Class Beef Show & Showmanship | Show Ring
• 3-6pm - GPS & Solar Fun Fest | Merton Building
• 3pm - 4-H Goat Obstacle Course Contest | Livestock Building
• 5:30 pm - 4-H Tractor Driving Contest - Via Pre Registration | Kennedy Building
• 6pm - NIOGA Jr. Showmanship
• 6pm - 4-H Dog Show
• 7pm - COUNTY FAIR GRAND DEMOLITION DERBY | Grandstand
• 7pm - Beer Tent Opens
• 8-11pm - Paul Cumming’s & Friends – Local Country Music Artist | Beer Tent
• 10pm - EXHIBIT HALLS AND BUILDINGS CLOSE

Dont Forget about Saturday's ESP Tractor Pulls!

There have been reports of some mysterious cloud of gas -- or a gas smell -- in the East Pembroke area, according to the dispatch center, but no origin for the smell has been found.

East Pembroke Fire Department was dispatched to locate the source and is back in service.

"They've exhausted all leads," according to a dispather.

Roadway paving on Otis Street in the city, which was scheduled for tomorrow, July 18, has been rescheduled. The work will be done between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, July 21-22. Residents should not park on the roadway and are asked to park on neighboring streets during the closure.

Likewise, there will be lane reductions and traffic delays on South Jackson Street from Chestnut / Jackson streets to Otis due to paving work also rescheduled for 7 a.m. to  5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Lastly, work on Union Street from West Main to Richmond Avenue that was planned for July 17 has been changed to Monday. This work will close the roadway to all traffic from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Residents should not park on the roadway and are asked to park on neighboring streets during the closure.

In each case, all motorists need to seek alternate routes.

*Weather delay would be the next business day.

Questions? Call the Bureau of Maintenance at 345-6400, ext. #1.

Yet another fine day at the Genesee County Fair. Fairgoers strolled lazily under blue skies, dotted with white billowing clouds, as the scent of fried dough and sausage hung in the air, enticing passersby to just try a little taste. 

The day’s events included Draft Horse Show Hitch Classes, Swine Breeds and Showmanship, musical entertainment by Monster Johnson, and rounding out the day - the Fair Queen crowning of winner Courtney Jones. 

The 18-year-old Batavia native is a recent graduate of Batavia High School and a Rustic Riders Horse Club member. Jones will be attending Niagara University this fall where her course study includes early childhood and early childhood education.

The runner-up was Heather Dries.

Winners in the pageant’s other categories included:

— Princess — Lauren Hull, winner, Rebekah Allen, runner-up.

— Junior Princess — Karly Smith, winner, Emily Boldt, runner-up.

—  Little Miss — Eva Marie Rhoads, winner, Madelynn Pimm, runner-up.

Others awarded included Emily Boldt - Miss Congeniality and Rebekah Allen - the Tooley Memorial Award.

The Fair runs through July 19 with a variety of events and displays scheduled throughout the day. For event information visit http://gcfair.com/Home/FairInformation/DailySchedule.aspx .

• All Day - Magical John - Entertainment Tent
• 9am - 4-H Dairy Show & Showmanship | Show Ring
• 9am - 4-H Horses In Place
• 10am - 4-H Horse Show, Fitting, Showmanship and English | Horse Ring
• 11am - EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS OPEN
• 1pm - 4-H Goat Knowledge Olympics Contest | Livestock Building
• 2pm - 4-H Horse Show Dressage Classes | Horse Ring
• 5pm - MIDWAY OPENS | Amusement Area
• 5:30-7pm 4-H Market Animal Auction Buyers Dinner
• 6pm - RACEWAY 5 SPECIAL STOCK CAR RACES | Grandstand
• 6:30pm - “Genesee’s Got Talent” Talent Showcase | Entertainment Tent Stage
• 7pm - 4-H Market Animal Auction | Show Ring
• 8pm -Beer Tent Opens
• 8-11pm - Barnstorm – Country Band | Beer Tent
• 10pm - EXHIBIT HALLS & BUILDINGS CLOSE

Nathan L. Royse, 22, of Ross Street, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 1st, criminal mischief, 4th, assault, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Royse allegedly entered a residence on Wood Street at 10:10 p.m. July 9 with two or three other assailants and assaulted the residents and damaged property. A snow shovel was allegedly used as a weapon. Two people were injured. A child was allegedly present during the assault. Royse turned himself in on the charges.

Samantha Laura Kopacz, 18, of Geise Road, Attica, and a 17-year-old resident of Bailey Street, Cowlesville, are charged with criminal tampering, 3rd. The duo are accused vandalizing Alexander School by writing on numerous windows and doors with window paint and spreading a substantial amount of paper throughout the grounds. 

Christina A. Deluna, 34, of Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation. Deluna was was stopped at 12:43 p.m. Tuesday on West Middlebury Road, Town of Middlebury, by a Wyoming County deputy. Deluna was allegedly driving on a suspended license due to a lapse in insurance coverage.

Rachell O. Soggs, 26, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Soggs is accused of stealing a pair of socks from Dollar General.

Troy D. Schimley, 21, of Sandpit Road, Alexander, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a pair of 2 to 6 a.m. parking tickets. Schimley was released on cash bail.

Kelly J. Rhim, 35, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Rhim is accused of shoplifting from Tops Market.

Juan Antonio Roman Jr., 36, of Portland Avenue, Rochester, is charged with three counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Roman was allegedly found at the residence of a protected party.

Matthew P. Lenhard, 28, of Corfu, is charged with burglary, 3rd. Lenhard was arrested by State Police for an alleged burglary reported at 2:30 p.m. on March 24. No further details released.

Erica M. Raphael, 29, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Raphael is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Roger E. Godfrey, 66, of Le Roy, is charged with unlawful growing of cannabis. Godfrey was arrested on Harris Road on July 11 by State Police. No further details released.

Kavin M. Lampman, 41, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Lampman was stopped 9:12 p.m. Saturday on Alleghany Road, Indian Falls, by State Police.

Jason M. Thomason, 32, of Wheatfield, is charged with DWI. Thomason was stopped at 11:50 p.m. Saturday on Route 77, Darien, by State Police.

This is the second classic car I've seen in Batavia this summer with a flat black paint job. It's a nice look, I think.

This Chevy was parked on Center Street late this afternoon.

A school supply drive for K-12 students starts today at La Mexicana, Inc., a small grocery store located in the Valu Plaza, behind McDonald's in Batavia.

It is sponsored by La Mexicana, Inc., The KinderArt Klub, and Batavia resident Jill Hart, an agent of RealtyUSA.

Donations will be collected through Friday, Aug. 8, every day except Tuesdays. Regular store hours are noon to 6 p.m., closed Tuesdays, and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

After the drive is through, the supplies will be organized and a school supply store will be set up where parents can shop for free.

The shopping days are set for Wednesday, Aug. 27, through Thursday, Aug. 28, from 12 to 6 p.m. at La Mexicana, 4125 W. Main St.

If you have questions, please contact Danielle at 813-2891 or e-mail at <daniellerenea9@gmail.com>

Donations should be new or in "like new" condition. Here's is a list of supplies wanted, but donations need not be limited to them.

• Crayons
• Markers
• Colored pencils
• Highlighters
• Loose paper
• Composition notebooks
• Spiral notebooks
• Pencils
• Pencil sharpeners
• Erasers
• Blue or black ink pens
• 1-inch binders
• 2-inch binders
• Dividers
• Adhesive divider tabs
• Pencil pouches
• Backpacks
• Locker organizers
• Calculators
• 3-ring hole punch (for binder items, paper, etc.)
• Rulers
• Liquid all-purpose glue
• Glue sticks
• Scissors
• Individually packaged snacks
• Kleenex packets
• White Out Tape (no liquid)
• Book covers
• School assignment calendars / planners

Press release:

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the post-game helicopter candy drop scheduled for Sunday, July 20th has been postponed. It has been rescheduled for Sunday, Aug. 24th, at the Muckdogs vs. Mahoning Valley game at 1:05 p.m.

Tickets for that game, and all other home games, can be purchased at the Dwyer Stadium Box Office or over the phone by calling (585) 343-5454. Normal box office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The Muckdogs return home tonight to take on the Lowell Spinners, an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, at 7:05 p.m.

Genesee County celebrates its 175th anniversary of its County Fair. With Midway hawkers enticing passersby to test their luck at games of chance and carnival rides ready for riders, and 4-H groups showcasing various farm animals, there is no shortage of entertainment at the fairgrounds. 

Marlene Morris, of Batavia, has been traversing the fair on and off for the past 10 years.

“I’m personal friends with the clowns,” Morris said. “But I also came for the parade.”

Morris also enjoys perusing the animal enclosures and notes that the animals seem to be well cared for.

“4-H changes kids so much,” Morris said. “It takes so much responsibility to care for the animals.

“The best part of the fair, though,” Morris continued, “is seeing how much the kids enjoy the fair.”

The Fair runs through July 19 with a variety of events and displays scheduled throughout the day. For event information visit http://gcfair.com/Home/FairInformation/DailySchedule.aspx .