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Possible garage fire reported on Prospect Avenue in the city

By Billie Owens

Smoke is reportedly coming from the garage at 8 Prospect Ave. in the city. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 5:06 p.m.: The address is approximate -- either 8 or 10 Prospect -- the house is yellow with a flagpole out front; caller is from adjacent street (Ellicott Avenue).

UPDATE 5:08 p.m.: Fire command says may be a grill fire in back of 4 Prospect.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: It's a grill that's smoking due to food cooking; fireman is going to caller's house to speak about the fire concern.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: The assignment is returning to service.

GC 4-H Fur and Feather Club to host Youth Poultry Show at fairgrounds Sept. 23

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Fur and Feather Club is hosting a Youth Poultry Show on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds, 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

The show is open to all local youth ages 19 and younger, you do not need to be a 4-H member to participate.

Entries must be postmarked by Sept. 15, no day-of-show entries will be accepted.

Showroom opens at 7:30 a.m.;birds must be cooped by 9 a.m.

For complete show rules and entry form please visit: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events or contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

GC Democratic Committee fundraiser is Sept. 10 at RCW @ Bohn's

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Democratic Committee is proud to announce a fall fundraiser featuring Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, NYS Democrats Executive Director Basil Smile Jr. and several of the potential candidates interested in challenging Congressman Chris Collins in 2018.

The Committee will be honoring Lorie Longhany for all of her contributions to the community.

The fundraiser will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, at RCW (Rochester Club West) @ Bohn's, located at 5256 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Cost/suggested donations: $30 per person or $50 per couple.

To reserve your seat please email geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com. Please include your full name and physical address in the email.

Note: political donations are not tax deductible.

Two photography exhibits planned this fall at GO ART!

By Billie Owens

Information provided by GO ART!

In addition to GO ART!'s upcoming member exhibit "Guilty Pleasure," (Sept. 10 - Dec. 9) there are two more exhibits, both featuring photography, planned this fall at Seymour Place. It is located at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

"Complex Society" consists of photographs by Bob Doyle to be shown in the Bank of Castile Main Gallery.

Doyle says "These images are from the early stages of a current long-term project…I am attempting to illustrate a definition of civilization by the notation (of) various elements or evidence of a structure that supports our complex society."

It runs Sept. 14 to Nov 3. Artist Reception is 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 8.

"The Beauty of Ireland" shows photographs of that nation by Barbara Knight in Oliver's Gallery in the Seymour Dining Room. It runs Sept. 14 through Nov. 3.

Knight has been a freelance writer and photographer for the past 25 years, working for two newspapers in her area. She has always had a love for photography, expanding her knowledge along the way. She has also had a dream of traveling to Ireland.

In April, this dream came to fruition when she visited the Emerald Isle for 10 days. These photos are a culmination of the sites she saw during that visit. Defined by her as "One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen!", Ireland's beauty is outstanding! She is thrilled to be able to share that beauty with those who visit during the exhibit.

There will be an Artist Reception Sept. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. with music, light fare and beverages. The reception coincides with the one for the members' exhibit "Guilty Pleasure" (same day and time).

Regular Gallery Hours: Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and second Sunday of the month 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Artists wanted for GO ART!'s fifth Member Challenge Show: 'Guilty Pleasure' -- deadline is Sept. 9

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is looking for artists to participate in its fifth Members Challenge Show, which will be on display Sept. 10 through Dec. 9 at Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Batavia.

GO ART! is challenging artists to create artwork that invokes the idea of, feeling, meaning or experience of "Guilty Pleasure." All levels of artists are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Artists are encouraged to submit works that interpret this theme in any way they choose. One piece per artist requested. No media restrictions. Entries must be no larger than 3’ x 3’.

Artists interested in participating can drop artwork off, along with an application (download at www.goart.org/galleries,) to GO ART! at Seymour Place. For more information or to become a membervisit www.goart.org, or contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313 or info@goart.org. Entry Fee: Members -- FREE.

GO ART! will be accepting submissions Sept. 5-9. No submissions will be accepted after Sept. 9. Selected works will be displayed in the Bar Gallery.

This will be “The Public's Choice" show with an artist reception, 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 14 with music, light fare and beverages.

Gallery Hours: Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Also on the second Sunday of the month 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

200 years of Stafford architecture is topic of talk & slide show by Cynthia Howk from Landmark Society of WNY

By Billie Owens
On Sunday, Sept. 17, the Stafford Historical Society will sponsor a talk by Cynthia Howk from the Landmark Society of Western NY entitled "Discover Stafford: 200 Years of Historic Architecture."
 
Howk is the society's Architectural Research coordinator. Her presentation will include slides of houses, barns, well houses, smokehouses, carriage steps, hitching posts and other historic resources found in Stafford. The public is invited. 
 
It will be held at 3 p.m. at the Stafford Town Hall. It is located at 8903 Route 237, Stafford.

Small business workshop on NY's Paid Family Leave Act is Sept. 13, hosted by chamber

By Billie Owens

Press release:

“Understanding the new Paid Family Leave Act” will be the subject of a small business workshop to be hosted by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

This is the one of a series of business workshops held in conjunction with the United States Small Business Administration and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. The workshops are open to all Chamber and non-Chamber businesses and their employees and will offer expert advice from experienced business professionals designed to help small businesses succeed and grow.

Starting in January, the new Paid Family Leave Act takes effect for New Yorkers. Private sector employees will be able to take paid time off to bond with a new child, care for a seriously sick family member or address family matters due to a qualifying military deployment while still benefitting from job security upon the employee’s return to work.

“New York’s Paid Family Leave Act is one of the most comprehensive family leave programs in the nation,” said Tom Turnbull, Chamber president. “There are still many unanswered questions surrounding this program.

"Whether you’re an employer or an employee, you will find the most current information at this workshop on how this new mandatory benefit impacts you.”

Lawley Insurance is partnering with the Chamber on this workshop. Judy Karmens, Lawley compliance specialist, and Michael Szymoniak Jr., Lawley employee benefits consultant, will be the presenters.

The workshop will be held at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia. The session will run from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and includes a question and answer period. Cost for non-Chamber members is $10 for each attendee. Chamber members may attend all sessions free of charge but must make reservations to insure space for their employees.

To reserve a seat in any workshop or for more information, contact Kelly Bermingham at 585-343-7440 or by email at kbermingham@geneseeny.com

Vendors and merchandise wanted for second annual Trevor Mathiesen Vendor Blender at Dibble Center Sept. 10

By Billie Owens

The second annual Trevor Mathiesen Vendor Blender will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, at The Dibble Family Center in the City of Batavia. It is located at 4120 W. Main St.

Cost is $30 per vendor table.

Trevor was a 13-year-old boy who died suddenly Oct. 22 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He loved to play hockey and was a member of the Buffalo Stars. He enjoyed four-wheeling, riding dirt bikes and he spent many hours fishing at Godfrey's Pond in Bergen. Trevor loved the outdoors and all animals.

All proceeds from the Vendor Blender will go to Trevor's parents, Amy and John Mathiesen, to be donated to the organization of their choice. Last year, proceeds went to purchase two boats and a kayak for use at Godfrey's Pond.

Anyone who would like to donate a basket, gift card or an item, please contact Kellie Wade and she will come and pick it up.

If you are interested in being a vendor, please print the following information and mail it to Kellie Wade, 7250 Ivison Road, Byron, NY 14422.

For additional information, call Kellie at (585) 201-3489.

  • Name
  • Business
  • Type of Merchandise
  • Address
  • City
  • State
  • Zip Code
  • Telephone Number
  • Email address

Genesee County 4-H’ers take home top honors at New York State Fair

By Billie Owens

In photo above, Grand Master Showman -- Adam King, Reserve Master Showman -- Emily Mikel.

Submitted photos and press release:

Emily Mikel, representing the Genesee Co. 4-H Dairy Club, took home the title of 2017 Reserve Master Showman in the Youth Dairy Show.  

In photo above, Judge -- Evan Snyder, Overall Master Showman -- Benjamin Kron.

Benjamin Kron, representing the Genesee Co. 4-H Sheep Club, took home the title of Overall Master Showman in the Youth Sheep Show.

Tito scores career best in NYSS at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Tito and driver Andy Miller.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Two divisions of New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings vying for $107,000 in purse money highlighted the Sunday afternoon (Aug. 27) card at Batavia Downs and a live crowd of 3,500 was on hand to watch the proceedings.

In the first $53,500 division, Tito (Andy Miller) left from post one and took an undisputed lead right off the gate. After going a moderate 1:01.3 to the half, the heavily favored My Lindy Winner (Jim Morrill Jr.) came first-up and delivered some moderate pressure to the front-runner. But Tito was up to the task and buzzed home in a quick :56.4 back-half to win easily by two-lengths in 1:58.2.

It was the first career win for Tito (7.20) and thus the time was a new lifetime mark. The time was also only one-fifth of a second off the track record for 2-year-old trotting colts.

Tito, who is by Muscle Mass out of Stonebridge Encore (Angus Hall), is owned by Anthony Lombardi, George Golemes and Louis Willinger and is trained by Erv Miller.

(Photo of Clive Bigsby with driver Chris Lems.)

In the second $53,500 split, Clive Bigsby (Chris Lems) used the exact same game plan. After taking the lead from post one, Lems backed off the fractions to 1:01.2 while three horses broke behind him. He continued to grab leather up the backside with no challengers in sight and gave Clive Bigsby his head for the last quarter where he trotted home in :28.4 to an easy three-length win in 1:59.1.

The win puts him in a first place tie in points (200) with Fourth Dimension as the top horse in his NYSS division. Fourth Dimension did not enter this week’s NYSS race.

Clive Bigsby ($3.10) now has five wins in seven starts this year and an impressive bank of $93,562. The progeny of Muscle Mass out of Northern Flare (Angus Hall) is owned by the Winters Racing Stable and George Ducharme, who also trains the colt.

There were also two $15,000 divisions of the Excelsior series on the card.

The first group was bested by Dewey Hava Winner (Deweycheatumnhowe-Kosher Winner) who scored a half-length decision in 2:00.4 for trainer/driver Ray Schnittker. Dewey Hava Winner ($4.10) is owned by Eric Taddeo.

The second set went to If Not Why Not (Muscle Mass-Amazing Grace) after a good late brush off a pocket-trip in 2:01.1 for Phil Fluet. If Not Why Not ($10) is owned by Michael Polansky and is trained by Dave Spagnola.

Genesee County 4-H Dairy youth compete at NYS Fair

By Billie Owens

Dairy Challenge Team (from left): Jillian Brewer, Renee Uberty, Maggie Winsper, Amelia Brewer.

Submitted photos and press release:

Several youth from the Genesee County 4-H Dairy Club competed at two dairy events held at the New York State Fair in Syracuse.

The Dairy Challenge contest was held on Aug. 23 and is a contest in which youth are quizzed at stations on different dairy topics such as: nutrition, anatomy, physiology, and product/equipment knowledge.

Genesee County 4-H Junior Team participants were: Amelia Brewer, Jillian Brewer, Maggie Winspear and Renee Uberty.

The Dairy Judging Contest was held on Aug. 24 and allowed youth to be the judge; scoring animals on dairy character and functionality and structural correctness of the animals.

The following youth represented Genesee County 4-H:

Novice Teams 

Genesee Team 1: Caroline Luft, Maggie Winspear, Bing Zuber -- Second Place

Genesee Team 2: Adison Norton, Renee Uberty -- Fifth Place

Novice Individuals

Bing Zuber -- Fourth Place

Adison Norton -- Sixth Place

Caroline Luft -- Seventh Place

Maggie Winspear – 12th Place

Renee Uberty – 14th Place

Junior Team

Amelia Brewer, Georgia Luft, Mason Werth, Claire Mathes, Jillian Brewer) – Eighth Place

Junior Individuals

Amelia Brewer -- 21st Place

Georgia Luft -- 24th Place

Mason Werth -- 34th Place

Claire Mathes -- 41st Place

Jillian Brewer -- 49th Place

Senior Individual

Mary Sweeney -- Sixth Place -- Individual and Fourth Place -- Reasons.

Mary will return with the top 25 contestants, for a second round of the contest on Sept. 1. She will be competing for a spot on the New York State 4-H Dairy Judging team to represent New York at a National Competition in Madison, Wis., World Dairy Expo.

We are very proud of all the our youth for competing at the state level and look forward to going back for next year’s competition. Thank you to our 4-H Dairy Club Volunteers who helped make this opportunity possible.

Dairy Judging Team -- back row: Amelia Brewer, Maggie Winspear, Renee Uberty, Jillian Brewer, Mason Werth, Adison Norton; Front row -- Georgia Luft, Bing Zuber, Caroline Luft.

Rockin In Heaven posts fastest mile of Batavia meet

By Billie Owens
Photo of Rockin In Heaven with driver Jim Morrill Jr.
 
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs 
 
It was much like a walk in the park for visiting Mohawk Raceway regular Rockin In Heaven as he went gate to wire without issue in the $10,000 Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Aug. 26).
 
Driver Jim Morrill Jr. left decisively with Rockin In Heaven and gained a lead he would not relinquish. While touring the facility with the best view, he took his competitors to the half in :56.1 before getting it in gear in the second half. 
 
With For A Bettor Time (Kevin Cummings) sitting behind him Rockin In Heaven was challenged by Believe This Bob (Drew Monti) moving to the three-quarters. But Morrill let him out a notch and posted a :27.4 third quarter to keep everyone in check. From there he swelled up and motored down the lane to a handy victory in 1:52.1, which was the fastest pacing mile of the 2017 meet. 
 
It was the fourth win in 15 starts for Rockin In Heaven ($4.80) and it pushed his earnings for the year to $57,819. The 5-year-old son of Rock N Roll Heaven is owned by Dr. Ian Moore, Douglas Polley, Francois Lecomte and Gordon McComb. Dr. Moore trains Rockin In Heaven. 
 
In the co-featured $9,000 Open II pace, Show Stopping (Kevin Cummings) pulled first-over at the five-eighths and paced stride for stride with the front-running Lucky McTrucky (Jim Morrill Jr.), eventually out-duelling him at the wire to win by a nose in 1:53.4, equalling his seasonal mark. 
 
Show Stopping ($26.60) is owned by Resiliant Racing Stable and trained by Rose Russo. 
 
The Downs leading driver Drew Monti had a grand slam on Saturday night while Jim Morrill Jr., Kevin Cummings and Ron Beback Jr. each had two wins apiece. 
 
Batavia Downs had a very special guest visit the track on Saturday. 2012 Olympic women's pole vault gold medalist Jenn Suhr was in the clubhouse enjoying the races. Suhr, who is also a 15-time U.S. National champion and holder of several women's pole vaulting records, most recently won a gold medal in the 2016 World championships in Portland, Ore.

My Lindy Winner at Batavia Downs on Sunday for $107,000 NYSS

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

A big day of racing is on tap at Batavia Downs on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 27) and the featured events are two $53,000 divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings. With perfect weather forecast and speedy competition scheduled to appear, the track record for this division is almost certain to go down.

The first $53,500 division is in race one and has My Lindy Winner (Credit Winner-My Lady Lindy) slated as the 6-5 favorite.

My Lindy Winner has made only two starts in his lifetime and they couldn’t have been more opposite. His first in July at Monticello Raceway was over before it began as he made a break at the gate. His second 11 days ago at Saratoga Raceway was historic.

Getting away fourth from post two, My Lindy Winner (Jim Morrill Jr.) stayed put most of the mile before tipping three-wide at the top of the stretch. From there he trotted past the front-running Purpose Blue Chip (Dan Daley) and first-over Clive Bigsby (Jason Bartlett) to win by almost two-lengths in 1:56.4.

The time was a lifetime mark for My Lindy Winner but it was also a new track record at Saratoga Raceway for age, gender and gait and also made it the fastest trotting mile for a 2-year-old trotting colt on a half-mile track in North America this year.  

My Lindy Winner has drawn post three, has Jim Morrill Jr. back in the bike and looks to be another solid contender from the Tracy Brainard stable.

Challenging the favorite will be The Veteran (Muscle Mass-Tequila Slammer) who also raced at Saratoga his last start. In an earlier division of the NYSS, The Veteran got away third and tracked closely the whole mile as the top NYSS point-earner for this group, Fourth Dimension (Brian Sears) went gate to wire in 1:57; which for a short time was the new track record. The Veteran finished third and also trotted below the former Spa mark.

With two wins in four starts this year, The Veteran has one NYSS win to his credit and $29,645 in his bank account as a result. He will leave from post two for trainer George Ducharme who has assigned Chris Lems line-duty this week. He is 2-1 morning line.

In the second $53,500 split that is carded as race four, Clive Bigsby (Muscle Mass-Northern Flare) tries for his fifth win of the year and gets the nod as the odd-makers choice.

Clive Bigsby finished second last week at Saratoga to My Lindy Winner’s record effort after leaving for position and then coming first-over at the half. From there he was parked the rest of the mile and provided live cover for the eventual winner. He still finished second after a very gutty effort.

For the year, Clive Bigsby has four wins out of six starts and has $66,812 in earnings. He is also the second leading NYSS point-earner this year in his division behind Fourth Dimension. He has drawn post one for trainer George Ducharme and is listed at 8-5. Chris Lems will be in the bike.

Also looking formidable in the race is Rich Uncle (Credit Winner-Royal Assets) who made an unfortunate break last week. Racing in a NYSS division at Saratoga, Rich Uncle left sharply off the gate and took a bad step in the first turn just as he was getting ready to drop in third. Prior to that he put in a stellar effort at Yonkers where he finished third in a 1:57 mile and the start before that, a NYSS win at Monticello where he was used twice during the mile.

Rich Uncle is trained by Ron Burke who has Jim Morrill Jr. up to drive. The pair will leave from post six and have been tabbed at 3-1 morning line.

The track record for 2-year-old trotting colts at Batavia Downs is 1:58.1, which oddly enough was the same time of the former track record at Saratoga Raceway.

Post time for the first race on Sunday is 1:15 p.m.

Barn Winner trips-out to easy win at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Barn Winner with driver Kevin Cummings.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After spending most of his summer racing the New York fair circuit, Barn Winner made a rare night time pari-mutuel appearance and went home victorious in the $10,000 Open Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Aug. 25).

It seemed way too easy. Barn Winner (Kevin Cummings) left from post one and yielded the lead to Lutetium (John Cummings Jr.) in the first turn and from there he just had to sit and wait. Lutetium took the group through fractions of :28.1, :57.4 and 1:27 before he started showing signs of fatigue.

At the top of the far turn, Cummings pulled Barn Winner and he trotted right on by the leader and just kept on going. BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) came flying late outside and Corleone Hall (Drew Monti) found room up the passing lane, but Barn Winner held them at bay and won by a length in 1:57.1.

It was the eighth win in 17 starts this year for Barn Winner ($7.80) and it provided him with a new lifetime mark as well. Now boasting earnings of $30,980 for 2017, Barn Winner is owned by Steve and Nancy Pratt and is trained by Steve Pratt.

In the co-featured $8,000 Open II trot, Egosnattitudes (Larry Stalbaum) came from sixth and made a bold three-wide move at three-quarters to sweep the field and catch the front-running Nobel Legend (Ray Fisher Jr.) by a neck to win in 1:56.4. Egosnattitudes ($13.00) is owned by Graham Grace Stables LLC and is trained by Kim Asher.

Kevin Cummings and Larry Stalbaum both had driving hat tricks on Friday while Drew Monti captured two races of his own. Joe Skowyra had a training triple with Angelo Nappo garnerning two training wins as well.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs tonight (Aug. 26) with the first race post set at 6 p.m.

Barn Winner trips-out to easy win at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Barn Winner with driver Kevin Cummings.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After spending most of his summer racing the New York fair circuit, Barn Winner made a rare night time pari-mutuel appearance and went home victorious in the $10,000 Open Handicap trot at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Aug. 25).

It seemed way too easy. Barn Winner (Kevin Cummings) left from post one and yielded the lead to Lutetium (John Cummings Jr.) in the first turn and from there he just had to sit and wait. Lutetium took the group through fractions of :28.1, :57.4 and 1:27 before he started showing signs of fatigue.

At the top of the far turn, Cummings pulled Barn Winner and he trotted right on by the leader and just kept on going. BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) came flying late outside and Corleone Hall (Drew Monti) found room up the passing lane, but Barn Winner held them at bay and won by a length in 1:57.1.

It was the eighth win in 17 starts this year for Barn Winner ($7.80) and it provided him with a new lifetime mark as well. Now boasting earnings of $30,980 for 2017, Barn Winner is owned by Steve and Nancy Pratt and is trained by Steve Pratt.

In the co-featured $8,000 Open II trot, Egosnattitudes (Larry Stalbaum) came from sixth and made a bold three-wide move at three-quarters to sweep the field and catch the front-running Nobel Legend (Ray Fisher Jr.) by a neck to win in 1:56.4. Egosnattitudes ($13.00) is owned by Graham Grace Stables LLC and is trained by Kim Asher.

Kevin Cummings and Larry Stalbaum both had driving hat tricks on Friday while Drew Monti captured two races of his own. Joe Skowyra had a training triple with Angelo Nappo garnerning two training wins as well.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs tonight (Aug. 26) with the first race post set at 6 p.m.

Tompkins Bank of Castile named Bergen resident assistant branch manager in Churchville

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Tompkins Bank of Castile has hired Bergen resident Jessica McAlister as assistant branch manager for the Churchville branch.

As assistant branch manager, McAlister is responsible for supervising the Churchville branch while providing the highest levels of customer support. In addition, McAlister is responsible for ensuring the Churchville branch is an active corporate member of the community.

McAlister joined Tompkins Bank of Castile in May. She has more than 10 years banking experience, including positions at the Attica Wyoming Correctional Employees Federal Credit and the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union.

McAlister holds an associates degree in Accounting from Genesee Community College, and she is a member of the Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce.

Rollover accident with unresponsive driver reported on Simonds Road, Darien

By Billie Owens

img_1292.jpg

A single-vehicle rollover accident is reported at 10058 Simonds Road. The vehicle rolled over several times, according to the person calling dispatch. The driver is unresponsive.

Darien Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE: A male driver suffered serious injury. Taken to ECMC by Mercy Flight. A female passenger transported to strong by ground ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries. Sheriff's Office investigation underway. Crash Management Team on scene.

UPDATE 7:30 a.m.: The driver has been identified as Timothy W. Rohl, 51, of Cedarwood Terrace, Rochester. The passenger was Christine L. Ost, 41, who was also the owner of the 2005 Ford Escape. The vehicle was eastbound on Sumner Road when it failed to negotiate a left curve in the roadway and traveled off the east shoulder of Simonds Road. The vehicle rotated counterclockwise, traveling off the west shoulder of the road, down an earth embankment, which caused it to rollover and come to rest on its wheels facing south. The crash is under investigation and charges are pending. Unsafe speed is considered to be a factor in the crash. The investigation is being conducted by Sgt. Jason Saile, Investigator James Diehl, Deputy and Ryan DeLong. Assisting at the scene were Darien fire, Mercy EMS and NYSP.

Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Accident with injuries reported on Clinton Street Road, Bergen

By Billie Owens

An accident with injuries, blocking traffic, is reported at 7520 Clinton Street Road.

Bergen Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding and Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

UPDATE 9:33 p.m.: A firefighter on scene reports two patients, no extrication necessary and Mercy Flight not needed.

Batavia Downs hosts Family Fun Day and Wiener Dog races Sunday

By Billie Owens

(Photo of a previous contender by Paul White.)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

On Sunday (Aug. 27) Batavia Downs will once again present the very popular Family Fun Day and Wiener Dog races. It’s daylong of fun for the entire family and every year it fills the Downs with thousands of kids, parents and grandparents.

There is a full schedule of free fun for the kids including pony rides sponsored by Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Batavia, Pringles the Clown, Jason the Juggler, Mr. Scribbles and booths set up on the apron that will include Leroy Airbrush, face painting and sand art. These events run from 2 to 4 p.m.

One-dollar food items that include hot dogs, soda and sno-cones will be available from noon until the last live harness race on the apron.

Then following the live harness racing action at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Wiener dogs hit the track for the “Dachshund Dash” sponsored by Genesee Feeds of Batavia. Ten heats with eight dogs per heat will line up before the championship field of 10 is decided.

All dogs entered will be rewarded with $10 of gaming Free-play from Batavia Downs Gaming and a “doggie bag” full of gifts courtesy of Genesee Feeds. Each heat winner will receive an additional $25 in gaming Free-play. And then the winning dog and two runners-up will earn their owners Clubhouse buffets and gaming Free Play packages valued up to $200.

All the dogs must enter the tent “paddock” to register which will be set up by the valet parking entrance near the clubhouse turn. No dogs will be allowed through the main entrance of the track.

“Family Fun Day always brings in our biggest crowd of the year and it’s definitely a red-letter day on our calendar,” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing. “Everyone, especially our marketing department, looks forward to having all the dogs getting ready for their respective races, and all the families here to watch and take advantage of the fun on the apron. It’s a great community day that we love to host every year.”

Besides all the excitement in the grandstand, there is also a full card of exciting harness racing action on the track that features the $107,000 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings. The two divisions go as races one and four and post time for the first live harness race is 1:15 p.m.

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