A two-car rollover accident with minor injuries is reported at 7635 Telephone Road. The location is near South Street Road, Pavilion. Mercy medics on scene report "very, very minor injuries -- cuts and stratches." Pavilion Fire Department is responding.
Adversary Seelster with driver Ron Beback Jr., photo courtesy of Paul White.
By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations
How do you top a five-win night? Simple; win six! That’s exactly the kind of weekend Batavia Downs dash driving leader Kevin Cummings had.
After winning five races on Friday, Cummings took six of the 12 races on the card Saturday night, including the last five straight races. And he finished second twice and third three times besides. In fact, he was only off the board once all night. That performance translated into a .676 UDR for the night.
Cummings took pictures with Lucky Nadotremblay ($2.80), B Eva’s Lucky Lad ($5.50), In The Clear ($7.20), Camstar ($10.20), Noble Legend ($7.50) and Precise Accusation ($18).
As a result of his two-day winning spree, Cummings now has 115 victories for the meet and that puts him 39 ahead of his nearest competitor. For 2015, Cummings has registered 318 wins and $1.7 million in earnings. That win total is only 16 shy of his career best, which was set last year.
In the $10,000 Open pace feature at Downs, a two-horse duel resulted in Adversary Seelster being the best among seven of the best resident pacers.
Jokerman (Jim McNeight) left fast to take control of the front, but Adversary Seelster (Ron Beback Jr.) came out early to overtake him by the quarter. Positions remained the same until Youwillwishyouhad (Kevin Cummings) pulled at the half and charged hard at the leader.
Cummings pushed the pace to three-quarters, gaining a slight advantage on the outside at that point. But after Beback popped the plugs on Adversary Seelster, the gelding found another gear and responded in kind. He put away Youwillwishyouhad and then fended off a late challenge by Jokerman before hitting the wire first in 1:55.2.
It was the fourth win of the year for Adversary Seelster, and the winning time was a seasonal mark for him. The winner’s share of the purse pushed his 2015 earnings to $35,100 for owners Keith Pinkowski and Curtis Edholm. Adversary Seelster is trained by the currently red hot Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr.
Jim McNeight and Ron Beback Jr. both had driving doubles, while conditioner Alex Giuliani sent three of his trainees to the winner’s circle.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Nov. 25) at 6:15 p.m.
Lutetium (Kevin Cummings)
By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations
It’s an old story, but one that’s frequently told in western New York. Lutetium wins another $9,500 Open trot feature race at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Nov. 20).
Leaving from the outside (post six) in an abbreviated field, Lutetium (Kevin Cummings) shot right to the front and took a lead he would never relinquish. With a loose, two-length advantage for most of the race, Lutetium cut quarters of :28.2, :58.3 and 1:28.2. As he opened up a wider margin past that last station, Cummings guided Lutetium to the wire first in 1:58.2 as the rest of the field viewed his efforts while arguing for minor spoils.
It was the tenth win of the season for Lutetium ($3.20) and sixth victory at Batavia Downs this meet. The winner’s share of the purse inflated his 2015 earnings to $80,371 for owner Colleen Girdlestone. Mark Laidlaw trains the 8-year-old gelded son of Credit Winner.
The Downs' leading driver, Kevin Cummings, registered a quintet of victories Friday night, extending his already insurmountable lead in the dash win category for the meet. He finished first with Lutetium ($3.20), Creating A Dream ($3.10), Leave Your Mark ($8.90), Livefreeordiehard ($8.10) and Rebel Teen ($4.80). Shawn McDonough and Ray Fisher Jr. also had driving doubles.
On the training side, John Mungillo sent three horses to the winner’s circle and Mihalo Zdjelar Jr. did the same with two.
A one-car accident with injuries is reported at 1428 Main Road in Corfu. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.
UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are requested to the scene for mutual aid to East Pembroke.
Sarah Wilson, 31, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor following a joint investigation by the Genesee County Department of Social Services and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department. Wilson is charged with one count of criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, one count of offering a false instrument for filing, 1st, both of which are felonies, one count of petit larceny. The investigation started after a Social Welfare Examiner at Genesee County Social Services noticed several inconsistencies in a medical statement Wilson had submitted to the department, which Wilson claimed had been completed by a local doctor. The investigation that followed revealed the medical statement allegedly had not been completed or signed by the doctor. Wilson was arrested by Sheriff's Investigator Joseph Graff and jailed on $1,000 bail. She is scheduled to reappear in Batavia Town Court at 2 p.m. on Dec. 8.
Lee A. Baxter, 31, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, third-degree assault, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Baxter was arrested at 2:40 p.m. on Nov. 19 following a reported on a domestic incident which had allegedly become physical. Batavia police patrols arrived and allegedly observed a physical altercation between "Baxter and another female." Baxter was put in Genesee County Jail on $2,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.
Cody A. Bush, 29, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, a Class C felony. It is alleged that he sold a quantity of suboxone, which is a controlled substance, in and around the City of Batavia and the Town of Elba to an agent of the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. The DA's Office assisted in the investigation. The defendant was already in GC Jail on related charges when he was arrested Monday by Sheriff's deputies and arraigned in City Court on one count and then transferred to Elba Town Court where he was arraigned on the other count. He was taken back to jail.
Patrick Antonio Griffin, 46, of Saint Petersburg, Fla., is charged with: first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation; operation of a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more, first offense; driving while intoxicated, first offense; unlawful possession of marijuana; operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver; and having non-transparent window tint. Griffin was arrested at 1:09 p.m. on Nov. 14 on Ledge Road in Alabama. He was put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $2,500 bail. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona.
William David Conner, 64, of Harris Road, Le Roy, was arrested at 6:31 p.m. on Nov. 14 on Linwood Road in Le Roy and charged with: driving while ability impaired by alcohol, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle while on a public highway, failure to dim headlights, and having inadequate tail lamps. He is to reappear in Le Roy Town Court on Dec. 21. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona.
Michael William Godden, 38, of Edgemere Drive, Rochester, was arrested Nov. 18 at 11 p.m. after being stopped on Route 490 in West Bergen. He is charged with driving while intoxicated, first offense, refusal to take a breath test, and operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate. He was released under supervision of Genesee Justice. The case was handled by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona.
A 17-year-old male who resides in Batavia is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested Nov. 18 after allegedly breaking a window at his mother's residence and then proceeding to yell at her and call her names, in violation of an order of protection which had been issued on Oct. 29 and was valid until 10/29/16. He was jailed in lieu of $500 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.
Frank F. Sposato III, 21, of Irwin Place, Huntington, was arrested today at 1:49 p.m. and charged with speeding and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. He was arrested following a traffic stop at 20 W. Main St. in Batavia and put in jail in lieu of $250 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels.
Kevin R. Larsen, 38, of Hall Street, Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 16 on a bench warrant, which was issued following an incident that occurred on Nov. 5 on Swan Street. He was put in jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Eric Hill.
A possible tree fire is reported in Elmwood Cemetery on Harvester Avenue in Batavia. City firefighters are responding.
Two Batavia Cheerleading Youth Camps will be offered next month and are open to ages 4 through 13. Cost is $25 if registration is before Dec. 4; otherwise it's $30.
You do not have to be in the Batavia School District to participate. All are welcome. Camp sessions will be held at the Batavia Middle School Gymnasium from 5:30 to 7:30 on Friday, Dec. 18, and from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. Participants must attend both sessions.
Coaches and parent volunteers will be working the camps accompanied by basketball junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders. Both camps are mandatory. Participants will learn jumps, arm motions, cheers & chants, stunting, and a 45-second routine appropriate for each age level. They are: Level 1 -- ages 4-6; Level 2 -- ages 7-9; and Level 3 -- ages 10-13.
All cheerleaders will perform the routine learned at the camps with varsity cheerleaders at the Genesee Community College Christmas Tournament game on Monday Dec. 28. Game details and warm-up time TBA.
To register, make checks payable to Batavia Cheerleading Boosters and send cash or check to:
Batavia City Schools
Attention: Justine Briggs
260 State St.
Batavia, NY 14020
Include the registrant's name, age and T-shirt size. Also include an emergency contact name, emergency contact primary phone number, and emergency contact e-mail address.
For additional information or questions, e-mail Bataviacheerleading@gmail.com
Visit on Facebook at Batavia Cheer - Batavia Cheerleading
By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations
Wind gusts topping 50 mph could not dissuade the best effort of Mach This Way after she got aired-out for more than half a mile before winning the $10,000 Open mares pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Nov. 18).
The race was basically the tale of two mares. Memumsnotnice (Drew Monti) who shot right to the front to cut the fractions as she normally does and Mach This Way (Ron Beback Jr.), who was taken back to sixth until past the quarter pole.
Coming to the head of the stretch the first time, Beback pulled Mach This Way first-over and started a slow, methodical march towards the leader. By the time the field hit the three-quarter pole, Mach This Way was almost alongside Memumsnotnice and had no intention of stopping. The pair broke away from the pack, paced stride-for-stride around the far turn and matched steps all the way down the stretch until Mach This Way got a late advantage to win by a half-length in 1:56.4.
It was the sixth win of the year for Mach This Way ($17.80) and pushed her earnings to $48,005 for owner William Emmons. James Clouser Jr. trains the Mach Three mare.
Ron Beback Jr. had an outstanding night in the sulky, winning four races. He took pictures with Dirt Track Momma ($6.90), Mach This Way ($17.80), China Dream ($3.30) and Carman Coyote ($13.20). Drew Monti, Jack Flanigen and Ray Fisher Jr. all scored driving doubles. Trainers James Clouser Jr. and Maria Rice also sent two horses each to the winner’s enclosure.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs tonight (Nov. 20) at 6:15.
Press release:
Plans are under way for the 14th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner, which will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, at the Alexander Fire Hall. This event is a celebration of Genesee County’s number one industry – Agriculture. The highlight is a delicious meal using locally produced foods prepared by Penna’s Catering. The dinner is open to the public.
Tickets go on sale Dec. 1 at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce (210 E. Main St., Batavia). Tickets are $30 each or a table of 10 can be purchased for $275. Only 400 tickets will be sold. Order your tickets now as the event always sells out. Tickets will not be available at the door. Sponsorships are also available, which help support agriculture educational events in Genesee County.
The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District and Genesee County Farm Bureau. Many local farms and businesses sponsor this event.
For more information contact the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 585-343-7440, ext. 27, or chamber@geneseeny.com
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that he has signed on as co-sponsor of the NY Cares Act-Sanctuary City Bill, legislation to strictly enforce federal immigration laws and prevent dangerous illegal immigrants from seeking sanctuary in our state and avoiding deportation.
During the past four years, 121 illegal aliens committed murders after they were released from deportation hearings, despite having prior criminal records. The bill, A.8552, is being carried in the Senate by Sen. Tom Croci (R-Long Island).
“I am sponsoring this legislation because I believe protection of the citizens of this state should be our top priority,” Hawley said. “ISIS operatives already have made it clear that they intend to infiltrate our state and do harm to our men, women and children. By more strictly enforcing federal immigration policy, we can prevent violent immigrants from gaining sanctuary in our communities and deport those who are actively supporting terrorism or are sympathetic to radical Islamic views.
"We cannot afford to continue turning a blind eye to illegal immigrants for the purpose of cheap labor, leaving our communities vulnerable to dangerous criminals. The global war on terrorism requires a heightened level of security and restriction on our immigration policy, and that is exactly what this bill intends to do.”
Christmas in the City will be held on Friday, Dec. 4, and will also mark the conclusion of the closing ceremonies for Batavia's Centennial celebration.
First, starting at 6 p.m., come and behold the Centennial Time Capsule in the foyer of City Hall. See the sponsor wall and the legacy gift. Enjoy a dessert bar with a variety of toppings and hot chocolate. The first 100 people will receive a free Centennial mug!
Bid on a piece of history. Offer a price for the Centennial Street Banner that has bedecked the City Hall sign and take it home as a keepsake if you win. Silent auction bidding opens for 100 pennies.
Then, at 6:15 p.m., the lineup begins in nearby Austin Park for the aerial "Human 100" group photograph -- hopefully with 500 volunteers dressed all in blue or white or gold! Be part of the photo and receive a free Centennial flashlight. Photo will be taken at 6:45 p.m.
At 7, watch the parade along Jefferson Avenue and be on the lookout for the Centennial cake! And golden "coins" made of chocolate tossed to onlookers by Centennial celebrants, too!
The evening's closing ceremonies for the Centennial concludes with a fireworks extravaganza at 8 o'clock, compliments of the Centennial sponsors.
Christmas in the City will also feature:
Photos with Santa at GO ART! (5-9 p.m.)
Stores & Restaurants Offering Specials & Entertainment (5-9 p.m.)
Holiday Window Decorating Contest (5-9 p.m.)
Horse & Wagon Rides on Center Street (across from Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle) (5-9 p.m.)
FREE Shuttle Rides from Save-a-Lot to Wonderland of Trees at Holland Land Office Museum (5-9 p.m.)
Batavia Concert Band in the Batavia City Centre (6-6:45 p.m.)
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
(Sponsors: GOLD: The Batavian, Tompkins Bank of Castile & Tompkins Insurance)
As part of the city's ongoing Centennial celebration, there is going to be an aerial photograph taken of the "Human 100." The city is calling for 500 volunteers to stand "in cheery formation dressed in festive blue, white or gold wintry wear!"
This crowd shot in the form of the number 100 will take place at Austin Park on Friday, Dec. 4th, within lineup forming at 6:15 p.m.
An additional volunteer opportunity in celebration of the Centennial will take place immediately following the Human 100 photo shoot.
All will get to walk alongside the Centennial Cake in the Holiday Parade that kicks off this year's Christmas in the City festivities. There's one condition: Participants must be wearing blue, white or gold to be in the parade!
The route is along Jefferson Avenue and walkers will get chocolate coins to toss to rapt and merry parade watchers.
Questions? Call Vibrant Batavia is 738-7388 or contact Leanna Di Risio at: leanna@vibrantbatavia.com
From Matt Worth, city director of Public Works:
The water line repair has been completed on Law/Chestnut Street between South Jackson and Walnut streets in the City of Batavia and the street is open to thru traffic.
Eugene Jankowski Jr., of Batavia, won 1st Place Law Enforcement, 1st Place Senior and placed 17th overall out of 241 competitors at the 2015 Smith & Wesson, International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) Backup Gun Nationals.
Held Nov. 5-7 at the Smith & Wesson Employee Sports Center in Springfield, Mass. The theme for this year’s match focused on the “Roaring Twenties,” which challenged competitors with intricate props and shooting obstacles inspired from the decade as they raced through 14 stages of fire using small, concealed-carry-style handguns. Courses of fire required traditional two-handed shooting as well as shooting one-handed at fast moving targets.
A highlight video of the match can be found here https://youtu.be/wlVk3_kwV2s
For complete match results http://www.idpa.com/compete/competitiondetails/21220
The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real life encounters. It was founded in 1996 as a response to the desires of shooters worldwide. The organization now boasts membership of more than 20,000, including members in 50 foreign countries.
Paul M. Gelardo, 30, of Valley View Lane, Batavia, is charged with: three counts of third-degree burglary, which are Class D felonies; one count of second-degree criminal mischief, also a Class D felony; and one count of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. His arrest concludes several investigations in the Town of Stafford. It is alleged that between April and September of 2014 that Gelardo unlawfully entered three separate buildings and removed items from them and also damagedf equipment at a stone quarry when he was allegedly removing wire from it, according to a Sheriff's Office press release from Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster. Gelardo was identified as a suspect when DNA found at one of the burlgaries allegedly matched his. None of the missing items have been recovered. Gelardo was put in jail in lieu of $10,000 bail and is set to reappear in Stafford Town Court at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10.
Lena Marie Evans, 28, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with making graffiti and third-degree criminal trespass. Today (Nov. 19), following the investigation of a graffiti and trespassing complaint near Route 98 in the Town of Batavia on CSX Railroad property, Evans was arrested on these charges. She allegedly went on railroad property without permission at 8 p.m. on July 15 and painted graffiti on a building. She was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled for Town of Batavia Court at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Saile.
John Wesley Johnson, 59, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and operating with a suspended registration. Johnson was arrested on Nov. 11 for allegedly stealing about $66 worth of merchandise from Walmart before leaving the story. He was stopped by Batavia Police Sgt. Dan Coffey and then arrested and jailed in lieu of $250 bail. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Parker assisted by Sgt. Coffey.
Paul A. Russo, 40, of Frewsburg, was arrested by state Troopers on Nov. 17 and charged with petit larceny. An arrest warrant was issued after he allegedly swapped his used sneakers for a pair of Nike Flex valued at $70 from Kohl’s Department Store on Oct. 23. No further information was released.
Batavia Middle School is hosting a Family & Community Night from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19. This year's theme is "Warm the Night" and FREE hats, mittens and scarves will be distrubuted.
Enjoy a FREE light supper of soup and bread with Timbits and coffee, courtesy of Tim Horton's.
There will also be a FREE bicycle raffle and you'll also receive a FREE basket raffle ticket at the door -- one raffle ticket for EVERY family member!
Prepare to be dazzled by a FREE laser light show!
Plus, the Batavia Police Department will be on hand to license bikes in the gym and give you a coupon for a FREE bike helmet from Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle.
Gain insight into the opportunities to learn how to support your child this year and help our students succeed. See you there!
Press release:
The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is a neighborhood champion for Small Business Saturday, also known as “Shop Small Saturday.”
Shop Small has become a national movement along the lineup of Black Friday & Cyber Monday. This year’s Shop Small event is Saturday, Nov. 28th, and will take place all over the country. The Batavia BID distributed promotional materials for the event to its downtown retail and restaurant businesses and encouraged them to do their own form of promotion as well. The nonprofit organization also invited local business owners, residents, and politicians with postcards to come to specific places to encourage the understanding that downtown Batavia has great places to shop, dine, live and play.
The Batavia BID intends to take pictures on Shop Small Saturday and encourages those that shop small that day to share them with the Batavia BID. You can post on the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District Facebook page or contact Laurie Oltramari at (585) 344-0900 or e-mail LOltramari@DowntownBataviaNY.com to share pictures or to ask questions about the event.
Please join the movement to support your local economy by shopping small not only on Small Business Saturday, but each Saturday!
Genesee Community College is hosting a four week baseball camp starting Jan. 9. Genesee Community College Head Coach Skip Sherman will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy.
Classes are available for players in grades 1-12 and are limited to six players per coach. Sessions are offered in advanced hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and baserunning. Space is limited. Registration is now under way.
For more information, visit www.USBaseballAcademy.com, or call toll-free 866-622-4487.
By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations:
Horsemen racing at Batavia Downs are reminded of draw schedule changes for Thanksgiving week.
A double draw will take place on Tuesday (Nov. 24) for races cards on to be held on Friday (Nov. 27) and Saturday (Nov. 28). The entry box will close at the normal time of 9 a.m. You must also enter horses for Wednesday's qualifiers on Tuesday (Nov. 24) by 10 a.m.
All program information, including driver changes, must be submitted to the judges by 2 p.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 24).
Qualifying races will remain at the regular time of 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25.
There are 12 more race cards remaining in the 2015 season that concludes on Dec. 12. Post time for all remaining cards will be 6:15 p.m.
For more information please visit the horsemen's link at www.bataviadownsgaming.com
Press release:
Lori Ann Santini from East Pembroke lost her entire house and all the contents in a fire on Wednesday, Oct. 28th. Lori Ann was not at home, and her three children were all at school when the fire started.
Lori Ann has been an East Pembroke firefighter for 15+ years and is also a member of the County Emergency Support Unit (ESU, Haz-Mat and Rope Rescue team). Her ex-husband Jose, also an East Pembroke firefighter for 15+ years, responded to the call and initiated a rescue of the dogs still in the house. Near the conclusion of the call, Jose was transported by ambulance with an undisclosed medical complaint. He was later transferred to Rochester and underwent cardiac surgery.
Lori Ann is a paramedic with Le Roy Ambulance Service. Jose is a dispatcher for Mercy Flight/Mercy EMS.
There will be a Spaghetti Dinner and Chinese Auction to benefit the Santini Family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, (basket drawings at 6:30) at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church Hall, 8656 Church Street, E. Pembroke. Cost is $10. For tickets, call Don Newton at 585-813-4033 or Pam McCarthy at 716-560-1659.
Any donations are accepted and appreciated. They may be dropped off at Ron & Newt’s on Main Road in East Pembroke from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or at the East Pembroke Fire Dept. on Monday nights from 6 to 9 p.m., or call Don or Pam to have a donation picked up.
Copyright © 2008-2022 The Batavian. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
