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Photos: Town of Batavia Fire's 2013 Harley Raffle party

By Howard B. Owens

Last night, it was time again for the party of the year in the Town of Batavia with the fire department's annual Harley Raffle.

Paul Berardini, owner of Big Pauly's Pizza, won the Harley Fatboy.

Prints of photos available for purchase by click here.

Phil Vassar praises Frostridge as a unique and special venue

By Howard B. Owens

One night you're playing the Grand Ole Opry. A few nights later, you're playing a campground. That's the life of a touring country star.

But Phil Vassar made it clear last night that he couldn't be happier playing Frostride in Le Roy.

He praised the setting. He praised the hospitality. He praised the acoustics of the venue.

"This is a special place," Vassar told the crowd after his fourth song. "We play a lot of places around the country and there's no place else like this."

On Tuesday, Vassar played at the Opry in Nashville and two days ago a 13,000-seat theater in Memphis on Thursday, but on Tuesday he said he was thrilled to be back at Frostridge, meeting with fans before the show and playing in the open air.

Vassar has 19 hit singles, including two number ones, "Just Another Day in Paradise" and "In a Real Love."

The opening acts included Rochester's Johnny Bauer, Jordan Diggory and Madeleine Snyder, a talented 15-year-old from Pittsford.

First apartments ready under program to bring more residents downtown

By Howard B. Owens

A program to bring more higher-end apartments to Downtown Batavia is starting to produce results.

Yesterday, visitors were able to view two new apartments at 17 Jackson St. owned by Dr. Edward A. Sielski that were renovated as part of Batavia's community plan.

A $60,000 Main Street Improvement Grant -- funded by the state, administered by the Business Development Committee -- helped pay for the $270,000 project.

The second and third floors of Sielski's building -- his dentist office is on the first floor -- were converted to a pair of 1,000-square-foot apartments. Each is two floors with a kitchen and living space on the first floor and bedrooms, a bathroom and washer/dryer combo on the second floor.

The back apartment overlooks Jackson Square.

There are several more downtown apartment projects in the works under the auspice of the program.

Julie Pacette, economic development coordinator for the BDC, said studies have shown there is pent-up demand for higher-end apartments in Downtown Batavia.

The target market is the professional person or couple earning $60,000 to $75,000 a year who wants to live in a more urban environment. They don't mind walking up stairs and want to walk to the public market, the grocery store, theater, restaurants, bars, post office and gym.

Sielski said he's already received several calls about the apartments without even advertising them.

For the open house, one of the apartments was furnished by Max Pies with decorations from Valle Jewelers.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: The total project cost was $270,000 ($100K more than originally reported). This does not include architectural fees). That's 22 percent of the project cost.  The NYS Main Street Grant Program allows grants up to 75 percent of project costs. The first apartment completed under the program was in the Valle Jewelers building, owned by the Valles, and rented immediately.  The rents for these apartments is expected to be $950 to $1,000 a month.

Dr. Sielski with his family, from left, Neil, Lauren, Dr. Sielski, Claudia and Elise.

Photos: Ag in Alabama and Stafford on a sunshine day

By Howard B. Owens

You don't see rectangular hay bales much these days, but while out in Alabama this afternoon I spotted a few in a field off Maple Street Road.

And below, a tractor in a field off Sanders Road, Stafford.

Hutchins Street Blues Brothers to join the show in Jackson Square tonight

By Howard B. Owens

Val Zinni and Carmen Del Plato will perform in Jackson Square tonight as part of the Over the Hill Musicians Society show.

Performing as the Hutchins Street Blues Brothers Rhythm and Blue Review, Zinni and Del Plato will reprise a performance they've staged a few times over the years since 1981. That year they entered the talent show -- which was right after "The Blue Brothers" movie came out -- at the St. Anthony's Lawn Fete. 

Del Plato said after winning the talent show, Zinni kissed Monsignor Aquavia "right on top of his bald head," John Belushi-style, Del Plato said.

At first, Zinni and Del Plato performed to recorded music, but a few years ago they started performing with Del Plato's brother's band.

"We'll be performing two songs because the band won't let us do any more than that!" Del Plato said.

Show time is 7 p.m.

Photo by Shelley Zinni.

Richmond Avenue to be reduced to one lane for paving Tuesday

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

RICHMOND AVENUE (from Park Road to Oak Street) will experience traffic delays on TUESDAY, JULY 30 BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 4 P.M.

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane for paving operations. The following side streets that intersect with Richmond Avenue will see temporary traffic closures preventing access to Richmond Avenue while paving operations are ongoing:

Park Road, Redfield Pkwy, Bogue Avenue, Woodrow Road, Union Street, Vernon Avenue and Lyons Street.

Residents and businesses are not to park on the roadway during paving operations.

Residents and businesses of Richmond Avenue (from Park Road to Oak Street), will have access to their properties, but should expect delays when paving operations are in front of their properties.

Sponsored Post: Town of Batavia to host 14th annual Harley Davidson raffle this Saturday!

By Lisa Ace

The Town of Batavia Fire Department is pleased to announce our 14th annual Harley Raffle to be held this Saturday night, July 27th, at 7 p.m.

This year the lucky grand price winner will take home a 2013 Harley Davidson Fat Boy model FLSTFB or $10,000. (Winner Not Need Be Present To Win.)

ONLY 2,500 tickets were sold and we are now officially SOLD OUT!

  • 1st Prize - $500
  • 2nd Prize - $500
  • 3rd Prize - $500
  • 4th Prize - $500

GRAND PRIZE - Last Ticket Drawn Is For The Motorcycle! (Winner has choice of $10,000 cash prize or Motorcycle)

Admission to the event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! You do not need a raffle ticket to come to the event.

The event includes Live Entertainment from the band 7th Heaven from 8 p.m. until Midnight. Food from Alex's Place and beverages will also be available for purchase as well as 50/50 and Pull Tabs.

Doors at 7 p.m.

The Raffle is to take place this Saturday night at the Town of Batavia Fire Dept. Rec. Hall, 8380 Lewiston Road (Rt. 63) Batavia, NY 14020. (Across from Kmart, just down the road from the Batavia Downs.)

Everyone is Welcome! Must be 21+ to drink and anyone under 21 years must be accompanied by their PARENT or GUARDIAN.

For more information, visit us online: http://www.townofbataviafire.com/

Proceeds to benefit the Town Of Batavia Fire Department.

Wheat field fire in Stafford

By Billie Owens

A wheat field is reported to be on fire at near Sanders and Bartoff roads. Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: The fire is out and Stafford units are clear.

Photos: Nature's bounty at the Genesee Country Farmers Market

By Howard B. Owens

Justine and Shayna Lawrence with Aubrey were among the shoppers showing up this afternoon for the Genesee Country Farmers Market at Batavia Downs.

The market is open on Tuesday and Fridays in the Downs parking lot.

All of the produce is grown by the vendors themselves and they displayed well-stocked tables today.

Below, the little red-headed girl holding an ear of corn is 2-year-old Alice, of Oakfield.

Car crash at Route 77 and Ledge Road, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 77 and Ledge Road. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. A person is believed to have a fractured leg and is not able to get out of the vehicle. It is blocking traffic.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: Another ambulance is requested along with aid from Pembroke and Indian Falls fire. There are two additional patients, one with a head injury, and the other with a spine and neck injury.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: Mercy Flight 5 out of Batavia is called to the scene.

UPDATE 1:19 p.m.: The landing zone will be an adjacent strawberry field.

UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: The helicopter landed a couple of minutes ago.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, bound for Strong Memorial Hospital. A Mercy medic ambulance is taking one patient to Unity Hospital in Rochester, formerly named Park Ridge Hospital.

 

Motorcycle wreck on Lake Street, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A motorcycle wreck is reported at 58 Lake St. in Le Roy. The rider has a broken ankle, according to a responder on scene. An ambulance from Caledonia is requested. The roadway is not blocked. Le Roy fire is responding.

UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: Le Roy fire is told to hold all equipment in quarters.

UPDATE 12:56 p.m.: Caledonia is being cancelled. The injured person will be transported to a hospital by personal vehicle.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is in service.

Sponsored Post: Join Bradman Chiropractic in celebrating 25 years of service on Saturday, July 27th, 1pm-5pm!

By Lisa Ace

Bradman Chiropractic will be hosting an anniversary party and open house event to celebrate 25 years of serving familes in the Genesee Region. A significant milestone, Dr. Bradman has helped thousands of people since his doors opened in 1988. We welcome everyone to bring your family down to celebrate with us this Saturday July 27th from 1 to 5 p.m.!

Visit us online at: http://bradmanchiropractic.com

 

Muckdogs announce youth baseball camp

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Join us at Dwyer Stadium Aug. 6th, 7th and 8th for our youth baseball camp!

Kids ages 6-14 will receive two days of on-field instruction from the Muckdogs players and coaches on Aug. 6th & 7th from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Children will learn from the pros in the areas of hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and bunting.

Then on Aug. 8th, campers will be able to come back to Dwyer for a private autograph signing with the team 30 minutes before the gates open (5:30 p.m.) and then be recognized on the field prior to the Muckdogs game vs. the Hudson Valley Renegades (Tampa Rays affiliate).

Campers will also receive a special T-shirt not available in the team store, a camp photo, two tickets to the Aug. 8th game, as well as daily lunch, all for only $70. Registration forms are available at Dwyer Stadium and online at muckdogs.com. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.

Chris Collins votes to continue NSA spying on Americans

By Howard B. Owens

An amendment to a defense bill that would have ended the NSA's spying on American citizens was defeated in the House earlier this week, and Rep. Chris Collins was among the members who voted against the amendment.

The amendment was introduced by Rep. Justin Amash, from Battle Creek, Mich., and would have de-funded the NSA program, which gathers data from phone companies on phone calls by U.S. citizens in the hope of uncovering terrorist plots.

The Batavian sent an e-mail to Grant Loomis, spokesman for Collins, and asked for a statement on the vote. Loomis said we could attribute the following statement to him:

“Congressman Collins voted to keep in place the same program that for nearly the last decade has saved countless American lives and thwarted terrorists at every turn.”

There is no evidence publicly available that a single terrorist plot has been prevented by the program, known as PRISM.

We asked Loomis what evidence the Congressman had that the program has prevented a terrorist attack, and he responded:

"He has participated in Congressional briefings on the matter. Chris believes the NSA program is in the best interest of our country’s national security and his vote on the matter reflects his position."

The vote was largely symbolic because even if the amendment would have passed in the House, according to a Washington Post story, it certainly would have been stripped from the bill in conference committee with the Senate, but if it didn't, it would have been vetoed by President Obama.

Law and Order: 77-year-old Corfu resident accused of damaging windows at the Log Cabin

By Howard B. Owens

Anthony L. Holohan, 77, of Gilmore Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal mischief, 2nd. On July 11, an employee of the Log Cabin Restaurant arrived at work and found a hole in a picture window in the dining room. Later he found another window was damaged. After an investigation, Holohan was arrested and accused of damaging the windows at about 3 a.m., July 11. The estimated damage is $2,260. There's no known motive for the alleged crime. Holohan posted $5,000 bail and was released.

Ryan C. Riggi, 18, no permanent address, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 4th. Riggi is accused of twice possessing and using a credit card of another person, stealing more than $3,000. Riggi was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Danielle Marie Stevens, 36, of Ford Road, Elba, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Stevens is accused of stealing a bottle of hydrocodone pills from the purse of another person.

Matthew Charles Olcott, 34, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, was arrested on warrants out of the Town of Pembroke and Town of Batavia, for criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, violation of probation, attempted unauthorized use of a vehicle, 3rd, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, 2nd. Olcott was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court on all charges and jailed on $500 bail on the Town of Pembroke charges.

Batavia Downs sets Sept. 27 for expansion opening

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Batavia Downs announced today that their highly anticipated expansion project will open on Sept. 27.

"Pushing back our opening date ensures that all facets of our new gaming facility will be finished and ready to accept customers,” said Michael D. Kane, president and CEO of Batavia Downs.

Batavia Downs will be open on Aug. 28th and 29th, days which the casino had planned to be closed. Promotions already scheduled around the weekend of Aug. 30th, including several large cash drawings, will go on as planned. 

"Customers should check our Twitter and Facebook pages for exciting promotions planned on days we were to be closed,” said Ryan Hasenauer, director of marketing.
 

Top Items on Batavia's List

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