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Press release:

The Genesee County Democratic Committee announces its 6th Annual Farm to Table Celebration. Please join us at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18th, at the Le Roy Country Club.

Special guests include New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Batavia native Diana Kastenbaum -- Democratic congressional candidate for the 27th District, and Erie County Minority leader and candidate for the NYS 61st Senate District, Tom Loughran. We will also be honoring the Ferry family of Darien for all of their contributions to the community.

A suggested $25 donation covers a beautifully crafted turkey dinner, 50/50 auction, basket raffles and a selection of local wine and beer. All funds raised will stay in Genesee County.  

Tickets may be reserved by emailing Jennifer Keys at Jennifer.Keys@rochester.rr.com

A dated Sept. 2 letter was received today by many of Batavia's KeyBank customers informing them that the branch located at 219 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia is closing at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2.

The nearest branch for those customers will be located at 69 Main St. in Batavia. That location is currently a First Niagara branch that is scheduled to become a KeyBank branch on Oct. 11. Services for customers affected by the closure of 219 E. Main St. will be available at the 69 Main St. branch on Monday, Dec. 5.

The letter -- written by Kevin J. Sloan, executive vice president, Branch Network, KeyCorp -- says:

"As we bring First Niagara and KeyBank together, subject to regulatory approval, we've evaluated the branch networks of both banks to see how we can serve you most efficiently. As a result of the evaluation, your KeyBank branch (219 E. Main St., Batavia) is closing."

Those with questions are asked to stop by the Batavia branch of KeyBank before Dec. 2 or to call KeyBank customer service at 1-800-KEY2YOU (1-800-539-8336).

Press release:

"Great reads at great prices!"

The Corfu Free Library's popular Book Sale will take place Saturday, Sept. 10, starting at 10 a.m. at the Brick House Corners Fair on the corner of routes 5 and 77 in the Town of Pembroke. 

The Book Sale is perfect for avid readers who want to stock up on books covering a wide variety of topics and authors at amazing prices. This fall’s large selection of used books features titles for all ages of readers and a sizeable selection of DVDs of movie titles and some on informational/educational topics as well. 

The used books and DVDs being sold are items that were donated by residents for someone else to read and enjoy, along with a small number of outdated or discarded materials from the library’s shelves.

In addition to the Used Book Sale, the Brick House Corners Fair, which is sponsored by the Pembroke Historical Association, also features children’s games, a bake sale, pie judging contest, entertainment, historical exhibits and much more. 

The Used Book Sale at the Fair is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and is held annually and is a great opportunity for readers to get some popular titles and authors at discounted prices. While residents are there, they can pick up a copy of the Library’s brochure so that they can learn more about the materials, electronic services and programs the library has to offer.

For more information about the Annual Book Sale, or any of the programs at the Corfu Free Library, please call 585-599-3321. 

The Corfu Free Library provides residents a variety of programs, events and materials that are listed on the library’s website at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org.

A 16-year-old male, no address provided, was arrested at 11:55 p.m. on Sept. 3 following a reported burglary in progress on Ellicott Street in Batavia. The subject was located at the incident location and was subsequently involved in a foot chase with patrols. He was apprehended on Liberty Street, then transported to Batavia Police headquarters for processing. He is charged with third degree attempted burglary, third degree criminal mischief, and possession of burglar tools. He is scheduled to be in City Court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Lisa Marie Cordier, 32, of Castle Drive, Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, Cordier waas arrested for allegedly slapping and striking two people. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

A 17-year-old who lives on Castle Drive in Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, the defendant was arrested for allegedly punching and pulling the hair of another person. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Steven Richard Holt, 40, of Castle Drive, Olean, is charged with second-degree harassment. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 4 at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort, the defendant was arrested for allegedly slapping and pushing another person. The case was a handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Sgt. Jason Saile.

Carly Marie Fazio, 28, of Trowbridge Street, Buffalo, is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing government administration. At 11 a.m. on Sept. 4, Fazio was arrested for allegedly obstructing government administration during a domestic incident at Darien Lake Theme Park and resisting arrest. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Kevin Michael Jones, 31, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with: DWI; DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; unlawful possession of marijuana; and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. At 1:39 a.m. on Sept. 4 on Route 5 in Pembroke, Jones was arrested following an investigation into an erratic driving complaint. In addition to the charges, he was ticketed for having inadequate exhaust and driving a vehicle with a broken windshield. He was issued an appearance ticket for Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 2. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer.

Michael Eugene Weichman, 21, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. At 2:40 p.m. on Aug. 31, while investigating a report of a domestic altercation, Weichman was allegedly found to be in possession of a switchblade knife, while having a prior conviction for a crime. He was arrested and jailed in lieu of $2,500 bail. He is due in Batavia Town Court on Sept. 19. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Graff, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Michael J. Antonucci, 33, of Alexander Road, Attica, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 7:24 a.m. on Aug. 24 on Bank Street in Batavia after he allegedly violated an order of protection by having contact with the protected party. He is due in City Court on Sept. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Cowen Mitchell.

Kiha S. McNear, 18, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 2 on two bench warrants out of City Court. McNear was located at a residence on Walnut Street and was held on bail in jail. McNear is due in City Court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay. 

Ryan R. Hernandez, 19, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Sept. 3 on a bench warrant out of City Court. The warrant was issued after Hernandez failed to appear in court on a misdemeanor vehicle and traffic law charge. He was released on his own recognizance and in due in City Court on Sept. 7. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

A porch fire is reported at 41 Maple St. in the city. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 7:34 p.m.: Fire is out; checking for extensions.

(Submitted photo: "Winter Morning," painting by Don Grieger of The All Weather Gang, a group whose works are now on display at Elzay Gallery at Ohio Northern University's Wilson Fine Art Building through Oct. 5.)

Press release:

The All Weather Gang is a group of diverse individuals (think aerospace engineer and English teacher to graphic designer and owner of a construction company) from Western New York, including Batavia and Le Roy, who have met almost every Saturday for decades to go outdoors and paint in weather that at times would give even the U.S. Postal Service reason to reconsider.

They gather to paint the world around them and by doing so to draw attention to the scenes that "every one looks at, but no one sees." For the first time, the group's artwork is on display in Ohio.

The new exhibition, which opened Aug. 29 runs through Oct. 5, brings together paintings from summer, fall, winter and spring that are painted en plein air (outdoors) and on site.

The show is at the Elzay Gallery located at Ohio Northern University's Wilson Fine Art Building at 515 S. Gilbert St. in Ada. The gallery is open daily 1 to 4:30 pm. Sponsored by Ohio Northern University Art & Design Department and CASE (Committee on the Arts and Special Events).

A male in his 40s is injured following an ATV accident at 3725 Maltby Road in Oakfield, well off the main roadway. He reportedly has a head injury, was briefly unconscious, and is bleeding due to a "severe laceration of his right ear." Mercy Flight is on ground standby. Oakfield fire and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between Weatherwax and Fisher roads.

City police are responding to Union Street for a complaint of "large kids playing football in the street."

A residential structure fire is reported downstairs at 136 Pearl St. in Batavia. A person is reportedly burned. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: Fire command on scene confirms a fire at a two and a half story building. A child has second-degree burns on the left shoulder area.

UPDATE 11:09 p.m.: The fire was small in nature -- in a stairwell -- and is reported to be out. Streets are closed at Pearl and Roosevelt and Pearl and Brooklyn. A second ambulance is called for a subject suffering from smoke inhalation.

UPDATE 11:33 a.m.: Fire Capt. Bob Fix said the fire appears to be accidental in nature and was out when firefighters arrived. A boy about 6 or 7 years old has a shoulder burn and is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. A police investigator will interview people about the fire. "It was a little spot fire right inside the door, in the stairwell, about three steps up."

Peter S. Hawkins, 49, of A Street, Cayuga Village, Niagara Falls, is charged with second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct. He was arrested at 12:05 a.m. on Sept. 1 after he allegedly got into a physical altercation with a male nurse and then barricaded himself in an exam room inside the Emergency Room at UMMC. He subsequently allegedly attempted to fight Batavia police officers who responded to the scene. He was issued two appearance tickets and released. He is due in City Court at 1 p.m. on Sept. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Faith L. Finnin, 22, of State Street Road, Batavia, is charged with tattooing a child less than 18 years of age. Finnin was arrested at noon on Aug. 23 following an investigation into an allegation that a child less than 18 was tattooed by Finnin on Raymond Avenue in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, to answer the charge. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Santiago J. Qumane, 18, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested at 11:21 a.m. on Sept. 2 following a home visit from Genesee County Probation during which he was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in City Court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Frank Klimjack.

(Above photo of Foiled Again, who has won more than $7.4 million and is the richest standardbred ever of either gait, courtesy of Ken Weingartner.)

Foiled Again, who has won more than $7.4 million and is the richest standardbred ever of either gait, will be at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 3) to compete in the weekly featured $10,000 Open Handicap pace.

Batavia Downs has hosted the elite of the sport over the 70 years it has been in existence including Proximity, Good Time, Bret Hanover, Albatross and Niatross. Foiled Again is in the same league as all those legends but has also surpassed every trotter or pacer that has ever competed in the sport for earnings.

Foiled Again has won countless stakes and has been race-timed in 1:47.1. He has 88 wins, 61 seconds and 40 thirds in 263 lifetime starts and has earned $7,407,758 in purses. The United States Harness Writers Association named him Pacer of the Year in 2011, best older male pacer in three consecutive seasons (2011-2013) and he also was a two-time O'Brien Award winner as top older pacing horse in Canada (2011 and 2013).

Foiled Again has competed at Batavia Downs twice before in his career, both times in the tracks signature race, the Robert J. Kane Memorial Pace. And Foiled Again won both times: in 2009 timed in 1:52.3 with Matt Kakaley driving and in 2013 timed in 1:52 with Brett Miller aboard.

The all-time track record at Batavia Downs is 1:51.1 and that was set by Aracache Hanover in 2011. Given the great weather forecast and how the new racing surface has been setting up, there is a legitimate chance that standard could be in jeopardy.

Saturday night’s card also features two divisions of the $111,000 New York Sires Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings that will feature the best freshman male pacers in the state.

Post time for the first race is 6:15 p.m.

(Inset photo of Foiled Again courtesy of Batavia Downs.)

Paul William Tuttle, 45, of Sautell Road, Bergen, is charged with second-degree criminal trespass. At 2:26 this morning (Sept. 2), Tuttle allegedly entered someone's apartment on Byron Holley Road in Byron while being highly intoxicated. Tuttle allegedly urinated in the residence and helped himself to an ice cream cone from the resident's freezer. The resident allegedly located Tuttle enjoying the frozen treat on the couch. Because the Sheriff's Office could not reach a Byron judge, Tuttle was arraigned in the Town of Bergen Court and then released on his own recognizance. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, assisted by Sgt. John Baiocco.

Michael Norbert Jagodzinski, 56, of Fisher Drive, Rochester, is charged with driving with a BAC of more than .08 percent, and DWI -- first offense. Jagodzinski was found at 11:31 p.m. on Aug. 31 parked along Clinton Street Road in the Town of Bergen. He was allegedly found to be intoxicated at the time. He was issued tickets for Oct. 5 in Town of Bergen Court. The case was handled by Sheriff's Sgt. Eric Seppala.

Ann Marie Schlegel, 39, of Porter Road, Medina, is charged with failure to pay a fine for petit larceny. She was arrested by the Medina Police Department on an unrelated matter and then transferred to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a bench warrant for failing to pay a fine levied because of a petit larceny incident on May 19 on West Main Street in Batavia. She was arraigned and then jailed on $435 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Sgt. John Baiocco.

A 17-year-old resident of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. The subject was arrested at 5 p.m. on Aug. 31 on East Shelby Road in Oakfield for allegedly stealing an iPad Touch (valued at $150) from a female's residence. The subject was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Oakfield Court on Sept. 16 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Deputy Lonnie Nati.