A man and a woman, who have not been identified by the Sheriff's Office, are suspected of perpetrating a scam involving jewelry outside businesses along Veterans Memorial Drive.

On June 3, deputies responded to the parking lot of Dick's Sporting Goods to investigate a complaint about a man soliciting people for money in exchange for a gold ring. 

During the investigation, the man was identified along with a woman in an associated vehicle.

A scam involving jewelry had previously been uncovered by the Sheriff's Office.

A description of the suspects was not provided.

The Sheriff's Office is asking residents who may have purchased jewelry from people outside businesses in the area to contact Investigator Ryan DeLong at (585) 345-3000 ext. 3572 or Investigator Erik Andre at (585) 345-3000 ext 3574.

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a two-vehicle accident that occurred on Rt.19 in the Town of LeRoy on Monday afternoon.

According to Sgt. Michael Lute, a white sedan was heading north on Rt. 19 and crossed over into the southbound lane, colliding with a red minivan that was traveling south at about 1:27 p.m.

The collision spun both vehicles around with the minivan going over the guard rail but staying upright.

The female driver of the white sedan suffered moderate injuries and was unconscious and breathing after the LeRoy and Pavilion Fire Departments responded to extricate the victim. She was transported to Strong Hospital by Mercy Flight Central. Her injuries are not life-threatening according to Sgt. Lute.

The driver of the minivan was also extricated and transported to Strong Hospital by ground ambulance. His injuries are not life-threatening. A female front seat passenger and two children in the van were signoffs and not injured.

At this time there are no charges as the accident is under investigation.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Le Roy Little League completed its 70th season last week with the Yankees winning the Scanlan Cup Trophy.

The Yankees won the best of three championship series two games to zero.

Team members are Jude Christ, Austyn Silvernail, Anthony Warner, Michael Warner, Ryan O’Geen, Blake Biracree, Wyatt Whipple, Lucas Miller, Blake Fetzer, and Aiden Weise. Coaches were Jeremy Warner, Barry Christ, Dan O’Geen, and Marty Biracree

Information and photo submitted by Jeremy Warner

A motor vehicle accident with entrapment is reported at Route 19 and North Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy Fire with automatic mutual aid from Pavilion dispatched to the scene.  Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: Bergen Fire requested to Route 19 and Griswold for traffic control.

UPDATE 1:43 p.m.: Mercy Flight requested to the scene.

Press release:

The Genesee County Board of Elections is seeking responsible individuals to work election days and early voting days.

Individuals must be at least 17 years old to be a poll worker and be a registered voter and resident of Genesee County.  Individuals also are required to attend a two-and-half-hour paid training session. Candidates are appointed to a one-year term. Positions include Election Day Coordinators and Inspectors and Early Voting Coordinators and Inspectors. Poll workers are paid a competitive daily rate.

“Due to a number of reasons, including in-person early voting, the COVID pandemic, poll workers who have retired, etc. Genesee County is in need of new poll workers to help set up polling places and to welcome and check-in voters,” said BOE Commissioner Lorie Longhany.  Commissioner Dick Siebert added, “Most importantly we need responsible workers who can ensure that voters are processed in a fair and efficient manner according to election law.”

Those interested in being a poll worker should call Genesee County Board of Elections at 585-815-7804 or email www.election.co.genesee.ny.us.

Press release:

All motorists please be aware that Columbia Avenue, Seneca Avenue, and Miller Avenue will experience traffic delays on Tuesday, June 21st and Friday, June 24th from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a two-course paving operation.

While work is being performed in this area, the roadway will be closed to all through traffic. Local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation.

This is weather-dependent work; if work is postponed it shall progress to the next workday.

Please contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400 Option 1 if there are any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Press release the Automobile Association of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.98, down 3 cents from last Monday. One year ago, the price was $3.07. The New York State average is $5.01 (5.008), down 3 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.13. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.89 (down 3 cents from last Monday)
• Buffalo - $4.89 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Elmira - $4.97 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Ithaca - $4.98 (up 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rochester - $4.97 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Rome - $4.98 (no change from last Monday)
• Syracuse - $4.96 (down 1 cent from last Monday)
• Watertown - $4.98 (up 2 cents from last Monday)

According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased while gasoline demand declined slightly, which limited pump price increases.

Crude prices dropped last week amid broad market concern regarding the potential for slower economic growth after the U.S. Federal Reserve raised the interest rate by 0.75 percent. Slower than expected economic growth could cause crude demand to decline, leading to lower oil prices. This morning oil prices are at about $109 to $113 per barrel. However, as crude oil prices remain volatile, the price per gallon for gasoline will likely remain elevated.

From Gas Buddy:

“Finally some relief! For the first time in nine weeks, gasoline prices have fallen, following a broad sell-off in oil markets last week, pushing the national average back under the $5 level with most states seeing relief at the pump," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "I'm hopeful the trend may continue this week, especially as concerns appear to be mounting that we may be on the cusp of an economic slowdown, putting downward pressure on oil. But the coast isn't yet entirely clear. We could see the national average fall another 15 to 30 cents, if we're lucky, by the time fireworks are flying, barring any unexpected shutdowns at a time when the market is extremely sensitive to such."

 Marsha Riggi chest bumps Oakfield-Alabama Superintendent John Fisgus during the high school's graduation ceremony on Saturday.  Riggi may have gotten the idea from Gaige Armbrewster, who chest bumped Fisgus when he accepted his diploma. 

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Last March, some of the regular campers at Jam at the Ridge Campground in Le Roy started talking about BBQ and smoking meat and thought they should have a friendly competition.

So they did.

And they turned it into a fundraiser for Golisano Children's Hospital.

It turns out that all of the cooks participating had children or grandchildren who had been treated at the pediatric hospital in Rochester.

They raised $750.

The cooks and campers brought their best recipes for brisket, pork, turkey, and chicken.

"And everybody came in for a fellowship," said Tim Hogle, one of the organizers.

The only prize was bragging rights and those went to Doug McDaniel (first), Tim McManus (second), and "Will the Barbequer" (third).

Photo: Shelia Kingston presents a mock check to Betsy Findlay, a senior director at Golisano.  Tim McManus holds a poster of the children and grandchild of the cooks who were treated at Golisano. Photo by Howard Owens.

Batavia's Just Kings Social Club hosted their third annual Juneteenth Celebration in Austin Park on Saturday.

Juneteenth commemorates the day -- June 19, 1865 -- that Federal troops forced the traitors in Texas to free the last of their still captive slaves, ending slavery as practiced in the United States up to that time. President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in the still rebellious, traitorous states with the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. Slavery would become unconstitutional with the passage of the 13th Amendment in December 1865, fulfilling the promise of the Declaration of Independence that all people are created equal with the unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

The first Juneteenth celebration by Black Americans was held on June 1, 1866.  It became a state in 2020 and a federal holiday in 2021.

Since Juneteenth this year falls on a Sunday and Father's Day, Just Kings held their celebration on Saturday.

Chris Thorpe, general manager of Six Flags Darien Lake, is a bit excited about the newest thrill ride in the park -- the Wahoo Wave.

Of course, he's already been on it. He wants you to try it, too.

"It's a wonderful experience where people will ride in a four-leaf clover to go with their friends and family and hit a 60-foot wave wall when they plunge down the slide," said Thorpe in an interview with The Batavian. "For me, the most thrilling part of the ride is when you hit the top of the wave wall and it turns you to go back down on the other side. You have such exhilaration and thrill coming down the slide when you get to the top. When you spin the other way, it's a little disorienting but a little thrilling at the same time. So it's great."

The Wahoo Wave part of the water park, which now called Hurricane Harbor.  The expansion of the park includes more seating and a parents' patio where parents and grandparents can rest and recharge -- not just themselves but their mobile devices, as well.

Jody Brege, public relations and marketing manager said prior to a ribbon-cutting with the Genesee Chamber of Commerce on Friday, said the park, entering its 41st season, has made a number of other improvements during the off-season, including new landscaping and more seating.

"We are excited to make New York's largest family-friendly destination bigger, better, and now wetter than ever," Brege said. "Hurricane Harbor will be the perfect place to beat the heat in Western New York this summer."

Photos by Howard Owens

Chris Thorpe in front other the "selfie-shark," where guests can take selfies or Tik-Toks as they enter Hurricane Harbor.  Thorpe is planning a contest for children to come up with a name for the shark.

Saturday's sunset in Pembroke.

Photo by Joanne Meiser.

A fence is reportedly on fire at 111 Liberty St., Batavia, about one foot from a garage.

The structure is not involved at this time.

City Fire dispatched.

UPDATE 6:24 p.m.: Fire appears to be out. Firefighters checking for extension.

A woman is reporting trouble breathing after an automobile accident at Broadway Road and Harlow Road, Darien.

There are also two possible neck injuries and a possible rib injury.

The accident is not blocking.

Darien Fire and Darien ambulance dispatched.

City Firefighters, members of Local 896, were out on city streets on Saturday as part of their annual Fill the Boot campaign on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

This year's campaign also included over the past several months placing boots in the lobbies and entrances of area businesses.

In all -- yesterday's fundraising and the in-store boot drive -- the firefighters have raised $8,725.50 for MDA.

Photos by Frank Capuano.

The walkway leading from Wolcott Street to the Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy may look like a mess now, but things will be a whole lot better in about a month, according to Le Roy Central Schools Superintendent Merritt Holly.

As part of a $12.1 million capital improvement plan approved by voters, the district is investing $186,349 in a new sidewalk for the library.

The old sidewalk was no longer up to safety standards.  The new sidewalk will not only be more attractive but its safety enhancements will include a snowmelt system.

"This (system) will eliminate the use of salts and/or other de-icing materials and physical damage from our tractors removing snow," Holly said. "Furthermore, when our maintenance crew leaves at the end of the school day, and the library remains open in the evening, the sidewalks will stay clear of snow and ice.  We have also added a small slope change to the sidewalk as you walk up to the library using the sidewalk."

 Holly said the district expects the sidewalk project to be completed before July 13.

Photos by Howard Owens

As part of the project, a main power line for Woodward Memorial Library and the Wolcott building was replaced, hence the big hole in front of the library during construction

When Steve Foster and Tim Adams, owners of the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford, come up with small ideas, they often grow into grand ideas.

In the spring of 2021, for example, the decision to clean up the area behind the restaurant -- move a dumpster to the back of the property and remove the wood structures from behind the building -- was supposed to be just as a clean-up project.  Once the area was clear, Foster thought maybe they could put some gravel down, install some tables and chairs and have a small outdoor dining area at a time when COVID protocols were still in place.

"A close local friend who was helping with the demo joked about a 'man cave' at the restaurant," Foster told The Batavian. "Tim and I agreed, but not so much a 'mancave' but an outdoor entertaining area that you would envision seeing in Florida -- an area that is not directly on a busy street, but a nice casual and inviting area to enjoy our country views.  We named the patio after our aunts, Valerie DiFalco and Lynda Bird. Both were very influential in our lives and loved the outdoors, and more importantly, loved to entertain."

So now what you will find out back isn't gravel and a few tables.  Rather, there is a full concrete patio, redwood cover, a couple of dozen tables, a bar with seating, and enough space for a small rock, country, pop, or jazz combo to keep the space hoppin'.

"As we built the patio, we had a mindset to have a big enough area where we could host live entertainment, something that is seen in a lot of patio bars in Florida," Foster said. "Our area is full of local talent and we wanted to have a nice space where they would be comfortable to play.  We wanted music that is not genre specific but goes with our casual fine dining feel."

The patio has seating for 65 patrons.  The seats are often all taken on Friday and Saturday evenings -- the nights when there is live entertainment on the patio.

"We offer a 'lighter eats' menu on the patio, which I believe has been valuable," Foster said. "We didn't want patrons to think they had to come out and get a prime and lobster dinner, although they can if they want to.  We wanted a salad and sandwich option.  There are already plans to add live entertainment to Sundays due to the overall success of the patio, along with hosting car cruises and tailgate parties throughout the patio season."

The Red Osier Landmark Restaurant is located at 6492 Main St., Stafford. Phone: (585) 343-6972 (the restaurant takes reservations). The restaurant is closed for dining on Mondays and opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Rochester-based Flower City Union, a professional soccer team, played its second game of the season at Van Detta Stadium on Thursday, losing to LA Force 3-0.

The team is now 3-11 on the season. The team is in fourth in the National Independent Soccer Association, Group A Division.

It travels the region, playing home games at different venues, in order to build a larger local fan base.

Top Photo: Midfielder Alex Ainscough.

Photos by Philip Casper.

Defender Andriy Demydiv

Midfielder Alex Ainscough

Midfielder Alex Ainscough

Midfielder Lukas Fernandes

 Forward Andre Deas

Tommy DeCarlo, lead singer of the legendary rock band Boston, played Friday evening at Batavia Downs as part of its annual summer concert series.

DeCarlo has performed on every Boston tour since 2007 playing to sold-out audiences all over the world.

This show closes with a full set of Boston classic hits from the 1970s and 80s. Touring professionals in DeCarlo's backing band include August Zadra on lead guitar/vocals (Dennis DeYoung Band), Walter Ino (Survivor/The Babys), Mike Morales on drums (Dennis DeYoung Band), Tommy DeCarlo Jr. on guitar/vocals, and Payton Velligan on bass/vocals.

The two-set show started with Rudy Cardenas of American Idol and a full set of Journey classic hits including the hits from both the Steve Perry and Gregg Rolie eras.

Cardenas has had a long relationship with Journey music starting in 2007 when he debuted on season 6 of American Idol singing "Open Arms" on national TV.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene