batavia

This afternoon, Batavia Downs hosted a ribbon-cutting and grand reopening of its casino room expansion on the first floor of the historic facility.

The new gaming area has been open for a week and that first week of revenue exceeded by 20 percent the previous record week for Batavia Downs, said Ryan Hasenauer, marketing director for Batavia Downs.

The expanded casino area also includes a new sports bar called Rush 34, officially hosted by former Bills great Thurman Thomas.

Ribbon cutton: Assemblyman Steve Hawley, State Sen. Patrick Gallivan, State Sen. Mike Ranzenhofer and Maurice Gardner, representing the City of Buffalo.

Speaking is State Sen. Patrick Patrick Gallivan, who represents Erie and Wyoming counties, which are counties that also benefit from revenue generated by Batavia Downs.

Speaking, Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Among the amenities in the expansion is a water fountain that drops water in sculpted form, be it letters spelling out Batavia Downs, symbols from slot machines or geometic patterns. Here's a video of the fountain:

A driver's alleged attempt to avoid a traffic control device at Route 33 and Batavia Stafford Townline Road drew the attention of a trooper this morning and led to a short pursuit that ended when the car struck a mobile home.

The driver of the car and her passenger where both arrested.

Cailee A. Neiss, 19, of Byron, was charged with several traffic violations including reckless driving and avoiding a traffic control device.

Nickolas Sutherland, 23, of Byron, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Neiss allegedly drove through the Arrowmart parking lot in an effort to avoid the stoplight at the intersection.

According to State Police, "the operator, upon seeing the flashing lights of the patrol car, attempted to avoid being stopped, drove recklessly turned onto Gaslite Lane and subsequently struck a mobile home causing minor damage."

Nobody was home at the time and there were no injuries reported in the accident.

Neiss was issued a summons; Sutherland was issued an appearance ticket.

With the basketball season only six weeks out, some of the regions top hoops players have been heading over to the Batavia High School gym two days a week to drill on the game's fundamentals -- shooting and ball handling.

"It's a lot of skill work and a chance to get a ball in their hands," said Buddy Brasky, Batavia's boys varsity head coach and leader of the mini-camp, which he's been running for about six years.

Jeff Redband, a junior with Batavia, has been coming to the camp for five years, said his participation has definitely improved his game.

"This camp is based on the basics, so you don't learn new stuff, but it makes you better at the things you really need to know," Redband said.

Each session includes ball-handling exercises and shooting drills, but Brasky noted drilling just two days a week isn't going to cut it. The 45 players participating -- which range in age from eighth grade to high school seniors -- need to practice and play every day if they're going to improve.

"We tell them you can only do so much here," Brasky said. "You've got to take what we do here -- we're only here two days a week -- and go home and do it on your own at home."

One of the drills involves shooting 100 baskets from at least 12 feet out, but that's just a drop in the bucket for the amount of practice necessary to become a competent shooter.

"The games give them the opportunity transfer what they're learning in skills in a game situation," Brasky said.

"You've got to get a couple hundred shots in a day," Brasky said.

Following drills, the players break off into four-on-four games, which give the kids a chance to play against players from all over the region, not just Genesee County and not just their own schools.

All that drilling on fundamentals has really paid off for Elba's Haley Brown.

"It helps a lot," Brown said. "It's made me a lot better shooter and ball handler and it shows during the season."

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Press release:

A vehicle has reportedly hit a trial in a trailer park on Gaslite Lane, Batavia.

Two people were in the vehicle and both have been detained.

No injuries are reported.

UPDATE 10:43 a.m.: Reporter Alecia Kaus is on scene and reports that a State Trooper was attempting to perform a traffic stop on the vehicle and the vehicle didn't stop and the driver allegedly attempted to ditch the vehicle in the trailer park. Two people are being taken into custody. A trooper told dispatchers that at least one person faces a possible criminal possession of a controlled substance charge.

UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: The car struck the trailer in Lot #11. Nobody was home at the time.

Regional Sales manager Steve Ferraro, Branch manager Tammy Underhill, Staffing coordinator Ashley Paganello and Account Sales executive Nancy Gilmartin.

Coastal Staffing has expanded from Florida to Buffalo, Rochester, Avon and now its newest office within the Harvester Building in Batavia.

Regional Sales Manager Steve Ferraro says the company specializes in temporary and long-term staffing solutions. He believes that Coastal has found the perfect place to set up shop.

“With all the manufacturing companies right in our backyard, immediate business development is available,” Ferraro said. “We are excited to be in Batavia and look forward to arranging staffing for manufacturers, as well as hiring skilled laborers and administrative personnel.

Coastal Staffing has been around for more than 20 years and originated in Naples, Fla. They help employers find staff and individuals find employment.

“A company requests staff and our office finds the right candidate. We take care of the interviewing and paperwork -- including tax forms, payroll and workers compensation,” Branch manager Tammy Underhill said. “The company doesn’t have to worry about anything, because we take care of everything.”

Coastal Staffing believes it this their “personal touch” that sets them apart from competitors.

“When an individual is looking for a job, most agencies will have them complete an online application process,” Underhill said. “We want to interview people face-to-face and get to know them personally so we can provide solutions for their specific needs.

Staffing coordinator and Batavia native Ashley Paganello, along with Account Sales executive Nancy Gilmartin will run the office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Services for job-seekers are always free of charge.

Heather E. Schramm, 33, of 110 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with failure to pay fine imposed by court. Schramm is accused of not paying a fine related to a second-degree harassment charge. Batavia PD Officer James DeFreze observed Schramm walking near Save-A-Lot and took her into custody on a City Court warrant.

Alicia M. Lyons, 33, of 120 State St., lower, was arrested on a bench warrant. Lyons is accused of not appearing on an alleged theft of services charge. Lyons is accused of not paying for food at a local restaurant.

Donna M. Kroft, 60, of 120 State St., lower, was arrested on a bench warrant. Kroft is accused of not appearing on a alleged theft of services charge. Kroft is accused of not paying for food at a local restaurant.

Travis L. Bartz, 18, of 11 Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant. Bartz is accused of failure to appear on a criminal mischief, 4th, charge. Bartz was located by Batavia PD Officer James DeFreze at Batavia HS and taken into custody. Bartz was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Nathan David Martina, 18, of Lisa Lane, East Amherst, and Christopher Mario Ossa, 18, of Harris Hill Road, Williamsville, are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Martina and Ossa were found at 9:47 p.m., Wednesday, in a parked vehicle on Batavia Stafford Townline Road allegedly in possession of marijuana.

Clarence W. Odell, 45, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Odell was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Pembroke Court. Odell allegedly damaged the wall of an office building in the Town of Pembroke on July 17.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming will be celebrating it Grand Reopening Celebration with a ribbon cutting and reception beginning at 3 p.m. this afternoon.

Attending will be members of the Western New York legislative delegation including State Senators George Maziarz, Patrick Gallivan, Michael Ranzenhofer as well as other local dignitaries including Assemblyman Steven Hawley. Former Buffalo Bill Ruben Brown will also be in attendance.

Following the ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. in the lobby, attendees are invited for tours of the facility and of Thurman Thomas’ new Sports Bar; 34 Rush. Drawings for Free Play and other Grand Reopening giveaways will occur on the gaming floor.

As a public benefit corporation, all profits from Western OTB and Batavia Downs Gaming net expenses are contributed back to the 15 counties and two cities of Western New York.

Dispatchers report several callers say they heard the sound of a gunshot, possibly a shotgun, somewhere on the Southside of Batavia.

Calls have come in from Watson, Maple, Thorpe, Liberty and Otis streets.

Police officers are converging on the area.

UPDATE 12:05 a.m.: There's been nothing new to report on this. 

A Batavia woman whose name is well known to regular readers of local police blotters is going to prison for five and a half years after being sentenced in County Court on her first felony conviction.

Latoya D. Jackson, 27, who has a long list of arrests for alleged misdemeanors ranging from disorderly conduct, reckless endangerment, harassment, weapon possession, resisting arrest and petit larceny, was sentenced on two counts of assault, 2nd.

On Sept. 16, Jackson entered conditional guilty pleas to the assault charges in exchange for a guaranteed concurrent sentence on both counts. Jackson pled guilty, but did not admit to committing the crime, only that a jury would likely find her guilty (known as a Alford Plea).

One of Jackson's victims, a cousin, said she was glad to see that Jackson would receive justice today.

"When I tell people my cousin cut me (explaining a scar on her face), they look at me like I'm crazy," the young woman said.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman asked Noonan to consider the maximum sentence available under the plea agreement, which would have been seven years in prison.

Larry Ader, Public Defender's Office, argued that Noonan's best option was to give Jackson a probation-based sentence. If Jackson has finally learned she needs to go in a different direction with her life, that would be best, Ader argued, but if Jackson hasn't learned her lesson and violates probation, Noonan would be able to send Jackson away for up to 14 years.

"I'm not going to stand up her and say my client is a stranger to the criminal justice system," Ader said. "She's not. But this is her first felony.

"I think that as you well know, we don't know what it will take to finally change somebody's behavior and Ms. Jackson is quite aware that she's been given chances in the past to change her behavior and it hasn't work," Ader added. "If she doesn't change at this point with two felonies hanging over her head, you could punish her with a longer sentence than is available today."

Noonan said he agreed with the recommendation of the DA and the Probation Department that Jackson be sent straight to prison.

"It appears you've had many an opportunity to wake up and see that your life is going in the wrong direction," Noonan said. "Now you stand here convicted of two serious crimes and you negotiated for yourself concurrent sentences, which was probably a wise thing for you to do."

In their first competition of the year, the Batavia HS varsity cheerleading team took second place at the Brockport Spirit Fest over the weekend. Kayle Corp placed third in the individual competition. The sectional competition is Oct. 26. (Photo and information submitted by Justine Bonarigo.)

A car is on its roof in a ditch off Pike Road, Batavia, but the driver is out, walking around and not injured.

Town of Batavia fire is on scene along with law enforcement.

The accident is in the area of 3711 Pike Road.

UPDATE 9:42 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire back in service.

A two-vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported in front of Wendy's restaurant on West Main Street. City police, fire and Mercy medics are on scene.

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: Mercy medics transported a 46-year-old female to UMMC. She complains of lower abdominal pain. Responders are back in service.

With the encouragement of friends, her father, as well as her fiancée, Lisa Vokes decided start her own business and recently opened House of Kolor at 218 W.Main St., Batavia.

Her own full-service tattoo and piercing job shop seemed like the logical next step in her career, she said.

"I had reached a plateau and I wanted to branch out on my own," she said while creating a cover-up tattoo on the back of Brad Strzelecki.

Vokes worked locally for six years before deciding to strike out on her own, but her father was encouraging her to apply her artistic talent in body art for years before she took up the craft.

"Ever since I was young, my dad wanted me to be a tattoo artist," Vokes said. "He used to tell me he would buy me my own kit and we could sit at the kitchen table and I could tattoo him all day if I wanted to."

Vokes never took Pops up on the offer, but after she finished school, she deciding becoming a tattoo artist would be a good career choice.

"My father couldn't be prouder of me now," Vokes said.

As a young artist she loved drawing dog portraits and that quickly became one of her specialties in body art as well.

Creating meaningful tattoos for people is gratifying, Vokes said.

"It's amazing the connections you make and the people you get to meet," Vokes said.
"It's unreal.

"I love doing tattoos for people when they have meaning," Vokes added. "I've had several people who I've done memorial pieces for and they've actually gotten up and been in tears and given me a hug and said thank you. It's a great thing. People really appreciate it when you do things for them that have meaning. It's awesome."

Vokes said she's grown a lot over the past few years as a tattoo artists and appreciates the chance to do good work for people, especially when given the chance to do something unique, one-of-a-kind.

"Honestly, I really like to freehand on people now," Vokes said. "I don't like using the stencils anymore, so it's more like my art and it's going on their body forever. It's a special thing."

Vokes thinks it's important that no matter where somebody goes for ink, they make sure they like the artist, both as a person and their style, and that the parlor is following proper and safe procedures.

"It's important to find artists you like and are comfortable with and that you look at their portfolio and like their style," Vokes said. "If you're not comfortable with somebody, it's not worth going to them.

"It's going on your body for life and you want to make sure they're doing the right job," she added.

Vokes with her fiancée and business partner, D.J. Snyder.

Roger L. LaShure Sr., 46, of 3322 W. Main Road, #51, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, acting in manner injurious to a child less than 17 and harassment, 2nd. LaShure allegedly slapped a child in the face. There is reportedly an order of protection in place barring LaShure from having contact with the child.

Troy D. Schimley, 20, of 144 Main St., Attica, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Schimley is accused of sending threatening text messages to a family member in Batavia.

City fire responded to Liberty Street for a transformer arcing and National Grid has been called to the scene.

Until it's repaired, Liberty Street between Ellicott and School streets is closed.

Here's some shots from a late afternoon drive through East Pembroke, Indian Falls and Pembroke.

Above, on Stegman Road, Batavia.

Pratt Road

Little Indian Falls Road

Indian Falls Lake

Slusser Road

They called him the Bellevue Bomber because he had "one of the most devastating lefts" seen in Schenectady in a long time, but alas, in a 1947 bout billed as the "fight of the year" in Schenectady, Mike Sallee fell to Tony Barone in a five-round decision.

"Hard-hitting Barone, who was the aggressor throughout, hit Sallee almost at will and came close to ending the scrap in the first round," according to a newspaper account of the match.

Sallee -- who had notched 38 KOs as an amateur prior to meeting Barone -- began his boxing career with the Batavia Boxing Club as Micheal Saquella.

The boxer's son, Alan, came across our series on local boxers and sent us information about Sallee.

Alan doesn't know why his father fought under the name Sallee (pictured left above with two unidentified men), but he had a pretty good record. As an amateur going into the Barone fight, he had been in the ring 55 times with 44 wins. Beyond that, there isn't much available his fighting history that we can find. He's listed as club member #35 in Butch Zito's write-up on the Batavia Boxing Club, but there's no further information on him in the book.

He appears to have transferred Schtady as some point in his boxing career and hailed as a local boxer in the Schenectady papers of the period.

The pre-fight write-ups on Sallee are glowing in their appraisal of his ring prowess, but it was also clear he was in for a tough scrap with Barone.

"With both lads packing dynamite in either fist and boasting fine records, the betting is quoted as even money," wrote an unidentified sports reporter. "Plenty of dough is expected to change hands no matter who wins as both welterweights have a lot of followers."

If you come across Batavia boxing history in your family, send clips and pictures to howard@thebatavian.com.