A mulch fire is reported in the parking lot at Save-A-Lot in the city. That's at the corner of Jackson and Ellicott streets. City fire is on scene.

UPDATE 4:01 p.m.: The call to dispatch was made by DPW.

UPDATE 4:04 p.m.: Fire commands reports mulch fire was out upon their arrival. The assignment is back in service.

UPDATE (By Howard): Fire started by a discarded cigarette, apparently. A passerby stomped it out before fire crews arrived.

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation invites nominations for its Alumni Hall of Fame, which recognizes those alumni who have achieved outstanding success and made a lasting impact on their community. The Foundation will induct the next class of nominees in March 2015.

"We encourage those who know outstanding graduates to nominate them now," Jackie Christenson, GCC's Alumni coordinator said. "We know there are lots of deserving graduates out there, and we hope people will begin now to submit nominations."

Nomination forms can be downloaded from GCC's Alumni Web site (www.genesee.edu/alumni/HallofFame/) and e-mailed or sent to the College's Alumni office.

GCC introduced the Alumni Hall of Fame in 2007. Over eight years, the College has recognized 28 outstanding graduates in a variety of fields, from law enforcement to economic development.

"The success of these graduates serves as an inspiration to all of us here at the College and the community at large," Christenson said. "We are eager to honor more of GCC's best and brightest."

The criteria for nominating an individual to the Alumni Hall of Fame are based on the individual's contributions to his or her profession, distinguished service to the community and/or service to Genesee Community College. Nominees must be well-established in their professional lives, completing their GCC degree at least 10 years prior to nomination.

Nominations may be submitted by the nominee or by friends, family, work associates or other colleagues who are familiar with the nominee. A selection committee will choose honorees. New inductees will be honored at a reception, and their photo and a short biography will be featured on a plaque displayed in the Alumni Hall of Fame, located on the second floor of the Conable Technology Building.

A benefit dinner for Adam Figlow will be held on May 31 at Ascension Roman Catholic Parish, located at 15 Sumner St. in the City of Batavia.

Adam is a 35-year-old single father of four who is the custodian at the parish. He was diagnosed in December with spindle cell sarcoma of his left arm. He has since undergone two surgeries and a course of radiation therapy.

Dinner starts at 5 p.m. and the proceeds will help him with his medical expenses. There will be spaghetti, a Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle.

Presale tickets are $7 for adults; $8 at the door; $5 for children 4-10.

John M. Englerth, 43, of 6534 Main Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI and failure to submit to breath test. Englerth was stopped at 11:48 p.m. Friday on Bank Street in Le Roy by a village police officer. Englerth was allegedly observed driving without wearing a seat belt and allegedly failed to keep right.

Jordan R. Smart, 22, of 6 Gibson St., Oakfield, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC. of .08 or greater. Smart was allegedly seen driving erratically and stopped at 1:39 a.m. Saturday on East Main Street, Le Roy, by a village police officer.

Justin Thomas Hemmer, 33, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Hemmer was jailed on $500 bail.

Aaron Mark Sechrist, 23, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Sechrist allegedly stole $26 in merchandise from Walmart.

Ajia Rae Hasenauer, 21, of Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with a violation of probation. Hasenauer was arrested following a traffic stop at 8 a.m. Friday on Main Street, Le Roy, by Deputy John Weis. Hasenauer is also accused of aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, unlicensed operator, failure to stop at a red light, failure to signal a right turn and no headlights during inclement weather.

Taylor Levi Finnin, 21, of Main Street, Le Roy, was arrested on a bench warrant for an alleged failure to pay a fine. Finnin was arrested following an appearance on an unrelated Family Court matter. Finnin was arraigned before Judge Robert C. Noonan and released on a promise to start making $50 per month payments.

Raymond James Radley, 48, of Main Street, Leicester, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Radley was arrested by deputies from Livingston County and turned over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on a warrant out of Town of Pavilion Court stemming from an alleged incident May 11 on Perry Road, Pavilion. Radley was jailed on $5,000 bail.

New York Times: AT&T to Buy DirecTV for $48.5 Billion in Move to Expand Clout

It was a gorgeous day in Genesee County today. As I was out and about for a bit this afternoon, I took a few pictures. 

Above, a tree in the parking lot of GCC.

On Bridge Road, Elba.

On Barrville Road, Elba.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley mowing his lawn on Bank Street Road, Batavia.

More than 950 students graduated today from Genesee Community College in a ceremony held before friends and family inside the GCC gym. State Senator George D. Maziarz delivered the commencement address. Norbert J. Fuest received the Alpha Medal of Service Award from the GCC Foundation. John C. Dwyer was awarded an Honorary Associate Degree. Degrees were presented to students who completed studies in August 2013, January 2014, May 2014 and August 2014.

After leaving the Vendor Blender at the fairgrounds, I found a group of local residents racing remote control cars on a dirt track nearby. Bob Markek, a racer and race organizer for KRZ Raceway and Hobbies, said this is the third year the group has been racing at the fairgrounds.

Merchants said today they were happy with the steady flow of visitors walking through the Vendor Blender at the Genesee County Fairgrounds today. The event was hosted by the Genesee County Agriculture Society.

Kathy Brown, left, of The Ray Station talks with customers about cast iron skillets.

Kelli Brian points out options in a catalog to Tom Brown.

The fish weren't biting on the Tonawanda Creek today, but that didn't stop a group of Batavia residents from having fun during an annual fishing derby organized by John Lawrence.

The water was high and swift, which made it hard to even get a nibble, but the anglers, young and older, stuck with it.

Above, Brian Mruczek with is son Lakoda.

Giana Mruczek.

Nick Grasso puts on a show like he's really hooked something big.

The Medina War Veterans sponsored a Gun Raffle and Spaghetti Dinner today to benefit Operation Injured Soldiers. The event was held at the Sacred Heart Social Center. 

Above, Chris Page, Peggy Johnson and Brittany Johnson contemplate which baskets to put their numbers in for the chance auction.

Veterans and guests at the VA Hospital were entertained this afternoon by The Manhatten Dolls, a group of singers from NYC who perform the great vocal harmonies and songs of the 1930s, '40s, '50s and '60s.

Ed Longhany points to the name Richard N. Longhany on the Genesee County War Memorial, which was dedicated today in an hour-long ceremony at St. Jerome's.

Richard Longhany was on a Navy vessal that was hit by two torpedeos from a German U-boat. Some of Longhany's shipmates were rescued, including one seaman who survived 17 days at sea in February weather. Richard Longhany was lost at sea.

There are dozens of such stories about the men and women from Genesee County who died in 20th Century wars, those whose names are on the War Memorial.

It was erected to replace the one that was formerly outside UMMC and it replicates the names and the wars that were on the original memorial.

The names are etched into a very special and rare kind of polished black granite that can only be found in one quarry in India. The granite has a polished black skin, but is white underneath the black, allowing a skinning process to make the names visible. It's the same kind of granite and the same process used on the Vietnam War Memorial. 

The mirror-like black granite will give visitors the opportunity to reflect on the lives of loved ones lost in service to their country.

Anita Dziekan brought a news stories and pictures of her brothers, Rosario A. Mocciaro and Santo Mocciario Jr., who died days apart in World War II. Rosario drowned after the PT boat he was on was torpedoed by the Japanese. Days after the telegram came informing the family of Rosario's death, another telegram came with news of Santo's death, who died in the Battle of Leyte. A third brother was wounded in North Africa during the war.

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Two dozen players turned out to the YMCA today for Batavia's first-ever Pickleball Tournament.

Pickleball was created in Seattle in 1967 and now is the fastest-growing sport for people 50 and older, according to local pickleball "ambassador" Timothy Pickering (a former resident of San Diego who has moved with his wife to Batavia). 

Players use paddles to hit a plastic whiffleball-like ball over a net, something like tennis.

Pickering hosts regular games and clinics at the Y.

Chuck Northrup and John Bender won this first tournament.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Photo submitted by Timothy Pickering. Pictured, Ray Burke and Eric Robinson, third place; Chuck Northrup and John Bender, first place; Karen Spiotta and Jason Santere, second place. Pickering, tournament director, is kneeling. 

All of the entrants in the tournament. Photo submitted by Timothy Pickering.

It was a perfect morning for a plant sale at the Cornell Cooperative Extension on East Main Street, Batavia, with local master gardeners hosting the annual spring gala.

Alan Bieber and Heather Tower wait for a hot dog from Carol Schroeder.

Lucy Oltramari checks out a plant while her mother Laurie looks on.

Kara Tress shops for new plants.

A garden shed fire is reported at 7979 Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Stafford.

Stafford and Town of Batavia fire dispatched.

UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: The caller reports that there is about 50 gallons of gas inside the shed.

UPDATE 5:53 p.m.: There's no immediate exposure problem. There are other structures on the property but nothing extremely close.

UPDATE 5:55 p.m.: A Town of Batavia responder reports smoke visable from Bank Street. Another responder reports, "I've got a visual. She's going pretty good." A tanker from Elba is requested.

UPDATE 6:02 p.m.: Elba can respond non-emergency.

UPDATE 6:36 p.m.: Photo submitted by Karnenko Overs Barlog. Also, Mercy EMS requested to the scene to evaluate a firefighter.

This tyke is a public relations specialist. Holding a sign that's as big as he is, he encourages passersby to take a chance on winning a swell ride. He's out in front of the Town of Batavia Fire Station #1. The 15th annual raffle will be held at the volunteer firefighters' wingding July 26. Grand Prize is a 2014 Harley Fat Boy, pictured behind their PR guy.

Photo submitted by Jessica Radam.

A one-car rollover accident is reported on Feeder Road, just west of Judge Road. The driver is claiming no injury although he did bump his head. The vehicle is being "restrained by trees from falling into the creek." Alabama Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. The location is in the Tonawanda State Wildlife Management Area.

UPDATE 8:51 p.m.: The Alabama assignment is back in service.

Press release:

Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

There will be a plant sale featuring outdoor and indoor plants (many grown by Master Gardeners), geraniums and a Chance Basket Auction. Bring in a soil sample from your garden for free soil pH testing. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.

There will also be a terrarium demonstration at 11 a.m. and a container gardening demonstration at noon.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants and other interesting items for your garden. Sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds please. Chance Auction drawing at 12:30 p.m.

For more information contact Brandie Schultz at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 10; stop by the Extension office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia; or visit our Web site at http://www.genesee.shutterfly.com

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise, have released their 2014 promotional schedule featuring fireworks, giveaways, special events, and daily promotions.

The 2014 season is the 75th anniversary of professional baseball in Batavia. This season will feature a couple promotions to help celebrate this momentous occasion. The first one occurs every Saturday home game, as well as Sunday, Aug. 31. At these seven games, one fan will win $75 worth of “Muck Bucks” courtesy of the Genesee County Baseball Club and the Muckdogs Booster Club. “Muck Bucks” can be used to purchase food and/or merchandise at Dwyer Stadium.

The second promotion will occur on Friday, Aug. 22nd. When baseball came to Batavia in 1939, 3,000 fans attended the first game, which is an attendance record that still stands to this day. The Muckdogs will attempt to break this attendance record on Aug. 22nd. If the record is broken that night, one fan could win $3,001!

The Muckdogs will again offer fans a daily menu of money-saving promotions available throughout the season.

The Daily News will continue to sponsor Muckdog Mondays. Every Monday home game, fans can purchase buy one get one free General Admission tickets with a coupon that runs in the Saturday edition of The Daily News.

Every Tuesday, New York’s 529 College Savings Program presents Kids’ Tuesday Night Tickets. Every Tuesday home game, the first 50 kids accompanied by an adult will receive a free General Admission ticket.

The Family Four Pack will take place on every Wednesday during the 2014 season and is presented by MVP Healthcare. Fans can purchase four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 12-oz. sodas and a 2014 program for only $30, a savings of $16.

On Thursday nights, Bob Evans Restaurant will sponsor our Kids Eat Free promotion. At every Thursday home game, the first 100 kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda and snack item.

Fireworks will again light up the sky after every Friday night game at Dwyer Stadium, as well as on the annual Independence Day celebration on July 3rd. Every Saturday will feature a pre-game concert in the concourse. These “Rock the Ballpark” events are presented by Tim Horton’s of Batavia and New Buffalo Impact, with Papa and Mama Root, an oldies rock and roll tribute band, and original music recording artists. All performances begin at 6 p.m. and are weather permitting. Returning to the lineup this year is Dollar Draft Saturday presented by Eastown Beverage and Redemption Center. Every Saturday home game, 12-oz. Bug Light and Genny Light drafts will be just $1 from 6 to 7 p.m.

At Sunday home games, kids can run the bases with Homer after the game courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurant. Also on Sundays, the first 100 seniors will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda/coffee, and a snack item courtesy of The Williams Law Firm.

Other games of note on the 2014 promotional schedule include:
Opening Day/Magnet Schedule Giveaway
Saturday, June 14th

Personal First Aid Kit Giveaway
Friday, June 20th

Muckdogs Car Decal Giveaway
Saturday, June 21st

Independence Day Celebration Fireworks
Thursday, July 3rd

Post-Game Helicopter Candy Drop
Sunday, July 20th

Prostate Cancer Awareness
Friday, July 25th

Bark in the Park
Sunday, July 27th

Le Roy Community Night
Friday, Aug. 8th

Muckdogs Note Pad Giveaway
Saturday, Aug. 9th

Snapple Night
Friday, Aug. 22nd

Team Photo Giveaway
Saturday, Aug. 23rd

Fireworks Nights will be as follows: June 20th, June 27th, July 3rd, July 18th, July 25th, Aug. 8th and Aug. 22nd.

The Muckdogs open their 2014 home schedule on Saturday, June 14th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m. For a complete 2014 promotional schedule, go to www.muckdogs.com or call the Muckdogs office at (585) 343-5454. Muckdogs season tickets, coupon books, ticket packages and individual tickets are all on sale.