(Photo by Howard Owens; Bill Fox walking in yesterday's Labor Day parade in Oakfield.)

Press release:

The Le Roy American Legion, Botts-Fiorito Post #576, is proud to announce this year's selection for "LeRoyan of the Year" -- Mr. Bill Fox, a well-known local contractor, having maintained his business, "Bill Fox & Son, Construction and Remodeling, LLC" in the area for over 25 years.

Bill is married. He and his wife of 34 years, Anne, have three children, sons Bill Jr. "Billy," and his wife, Mady; Andrew, and daughter Marisa. Billy and Mady have two children, Farrah and Easton. 

An integral part of the community, Bill has devoted countless hours in support of local sports programs, participating when and where he could as his kids progressed through soccer, baseball and football.  He has lent his hand in contributing time and effort to school sports projects including such things as a new trophy case, after a  Section V championship.

He has been instrumental in organizing support groups to meet and "Welcome Back” veterans returning from "Honor Flights" from Washington, D.C., at the Rochester Airport. In addition, he has organized Christmas visits at the Veterans Administration Facility in Batavia and has sponsored ice cream socials there as well.

Bill has a strong interest in community awareness projects and leading educational programs involving hunting, hunter safety and animal awareness. He continues to instruct the DEC Hunter Safety program for youth; and has conducted numerous animal education programs for nursery schools and preschool children in the area.

One of Bill's strongest endeavors involves the "Shooters Committee on Political Education" or SCOPE. Bill has served as the Chapter chairperson for Genesee County for two years and was previously the secretary for three years. He continues to serve as the second vice-president of the New York State SCOPE organization.

Bill strongly believes in several essential principles, the Constitution and our God-given rights and his local community. In his own words: "Being an area businessman myself, I firmly believe that we should shop and do business locally. I am all for helping to keep businesses alive in Le Roy."

For these reasons, and many more we feel very pleased to present Mr. Bill Fox as the 2015 “LeRoyan of the Year," the 47th recipient of this prestigious Award.

Tickets for this year’s Award Dinner are available at the American Legion. Cost is $20 per person.

Batavia PD, the Sheriff's Office and State Police are coordinating a commercial vehicle enforcement detail today at two locations -- Oak Street and Ellicott Street. All vehicles must pass through the checkpoints, but officers are specifically looking for enforcement issues related to commercial vehicles. Vehicles that need a more detailed inspection are directed either to a location near the Thruway toll booths or behind Falleti Ice Arena.

Layla and Elizabeth, both 4 years old, dance to the music of the Old Hippies as their float passes by on Main Street in Oakfield during the community's annual Labor Day parade.

Remember Rocky? He's the dog whom authorities say was scaled by hot water. His owner surrendered ownership in court. He's living at the Animal Shelter still. He's one of several dogs Volunteers for Animals walked through the parade, all in need of adoption. Rocky is a sweet, loving canine. Hopefully, he finds a new forever home soon.

Willie Brooks, center with sash, was the Grand Marshall. Brooks is a former county legislator and longtime volunteer and leader in the Oakfield community.

The start of the parade, which tradition preserved as Sheriff Gary Maha leads the way.

Vietnam Veterans of America Color Guard.

The longest line yet of classic cars in the parade.

Legislator Ray Cianfrini tosses candy from the GOP float.

Oakfield-Alabama Hornets football team.

To purchase prints of these photos or those in the slideshow, click here.

 Corey Reigle shared this photo of a unique cloud formation he spotted in Darien.

Darryl Worley will Jam At The Ridge, Saturday, Sept. 12th, a benefit concert event in support of volunteer firefighters and to honor our hometown heroes who have, and continue to give, so much in our community. "Do You Remember?", the title of Darryl's #1 hit for seven weeks, recalls the tragedy of 9/11 and helps call all Americans to honor the lives lost and the lives on the front line protecting freedom.

Camping available, but not required, by calling 585-768-4883 or by click here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1795839
Tickets available by calling 585-768-4883 or directly at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1795739

Saturday night at Byron-Bergen, the Elba Byron-Bergen Lancers beat the Pembroke Dragons, 28-6.

For the Lancers, John Hochmuth was nine for 14 passing for 74 yards, and had a 10-yard carry for a TD. Richard Flores rushed for 226 yards on 17 carries, scored one TD through the air and one on the ground. Tucker Bezon had nine carries for 57 yards and a TD. Robert Stevens, three carries, 24 yards and a TD. Dakota Dillon hauled in three receptions for 41 yards and was 4-4 for point after attempts.

On defense, Flores had nine tackles, a fumble recover and blocked punt. Andrew Gottler had 12 tackles. Rider Farnsworth, eight tackles and Brendon Marsocci, six with a fumble recover.

On offense for Pembroke, Reid Miano, 12-29 passing for 195 yards and a TD. Zach Von Kramer, four receptions for 83 yards, Dakota Dieter, four catches for 53 yards and a TD, Zack Swant, four receptions for 60 yards and Jake Jasinksi, 18 carries for 61 yards.

Defensive stats for Pembroke are not available.

Smoke is showing from a train car that is stopped in the Upton Road area, Batavia.

East Pembroke fire is responding.

Here's a sampling of what there was to see and do and eat at Labor Days in Oakfield today. Festivities continue tomorrow, with the parade at 10 a.m.

Mercy Flight has been dispatched to Area 51 for an injured motorcycle rider.

At the time of the dispatch the rider was unconscious.

East Pembroke fire is on scene.

UPDATE: Patient was airlifted to ECMC. 

(Photos by Howard Owens.)

A tractor-trailer flipped over and landed on its roof at the S curve on Route 63 at Fargo Road in Little Canada. The driver is trapped inside but reports only minor injuries. A Sheriff's deputy is on scene. Bethany and Stafford fire and Mercy medics are responding. There are wires down in the roadway.

UPDATE 2:58 a.m.: The driver somehow managed to extricate himself and was sitting on the guard rail when the first firefighters arrived. He was loaded into an ambulance and is not seriously hurt. He was hauling Chiquita bananas.

UPDATE 3:17 a.m.: A deputy was first on scene, coming across the accident while on patrol. He and a passerby helped the driver crawl from the cab of the truck. The driver was conscious and alert.

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported at 7586 Reuben Road, possible trapping two occupants. Some type of wire may also be down. Unknown injuries. Alabama fire is called along with Mercy medics.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Luke Bryan Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sept. 4.

Casey W. Ault, 25, of South Main Street, Holley, is charged with trespass, resisting arrest and criminal mischief after allegedly refusing to leave the venue area after being told to leave several times. Ault resisted arrest and damaged a fence. Casey was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Daniel S. Furner, 43, of Mill Hill Road, North Brookfield, is charged with second-degree criminal impersonation after allegedly identifying himself as a police officer when in fact he is not.

Bryan P. Haude, 24, of Jade Drive, Hilton, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Tyler C. Deets, 21, of Route 21, Williamson, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Julie A. Margolycz, 40, of McGuire Road, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the concert venue exit area.

Grace M. Simmons, 17, of Hemlock Road, Eden, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Aaron P. Santoro, 20, of Albano Drive, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) will once again hosts its 6th annual Batavia Wine Walk from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3rd.

Tickets are now available for purchase at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle (8 Center St.; 343-0584), T-Shirts, Etc. (37 Center St.; 345-1997), Valle Jewelers (21 Jackson St.; 343-3372), and The YNGodess Shop (73 Main St. 343-3170).

Tickets are $20/person which includes wine tastings at local businesses and a commemorative glass. VIP tickets are $30/person and include early admission at 3 p.m., wine tastings at local businesses and a commemorative glass and wine holder tote. Designated driver tickets are $5/person, which includes admission to the event with complimentary drinks and snacks at different participating businesses.

The event is a great way to bring people Downtown, enjoy the fall season, and get to know your local business persons. You must be 21 to participate and show proof of age at registration. Check Facebook for updates, wines, and businesses!

If anyone would like to help decorate the Downtown with fall decorations the weekend before, on Sept. 26th at 8 a.m., please contact Laurie at (585) 344-0900, e-mail LOltramari@DowntownBataviaNY.com, or LIKE us on Facebook at DowntownBataviaBusinessImprovementDistrict.

Apparently, Le Roy hasn't missed a beat. With a new head coach, new defensive cooordinator, first-time starter at QB, the Oatkan Knights started off 2015 in familiar territory -- by winning.

Le Roy beat Letchworth/Warsaw, in the first game for the two merged programs, 42-7.

The bulk of the offense came on the legs of Nick Eggling, who rushed for 255 yards and four TDs on 20 carries.

Josh Laurie, in his debut as the varsity starter, was 3-4 passing for 19 yards. He rushed 12 times for 43 yards and two touchdowns.

Dom Filio carried the ball seven times for 60 yards and Nate Flint nine times for 51 yards. Single receptions were recorded by Jason Doemling and Ryan Boyce.

On defense, Reed Kacur had nine tackles, Egeling, six and Filio five.

Also in Genesee County's Friday Night Football action:

Alexander beat Finney 47-14. Senior running back Jake Wozniak rushed for 290 yards on 19 carries. He scored four TDs. Dane Heberlein gained 80 yards on 13 carries, with two TDs, and QB Jared Brown had a TD pass of 15 yards to Derrick Bushe and had a two-point conversion through to Dustin Schmeider. 

Notre Dame beat Oakfield-Alabama 26-12. For Notre Dame, Connor Logsdon was three for six for 54 yards passing. Allen Chatt, QB for the Hornets, was 18-33 for 305 yards and a TD. For the Irish, Jack Sutherland ran 29 times for 185 yards with three touchdowns. Peter Daversa ran 12 times for 93 yards with one touchdown. For the Hornets, Sal Schwable had five receiptions for 73 yards, Austin Fisher, one for 71 yards, Jon Harris, three for 66 yards and a TD, Reice Woodward, four for 57 yards and Josia Yantz, four for 34 yards.  Defensively for Notre Dame, C.J. Souzzi had seven tackles as did Casey Midwick. For O-A, Gage Dieterie, seven-and-a-half tackes. Jon Harris, Cameron Smith had seven each, Sal Schwable, six and a half, and six for Josiah Yantz.

NOTE: Section V had an error on the schedule for today's games. Elba/Byron-Bergen hosts Pembroke at 7 p.m. at Byron-Bergen.

Photos by David Boyce.

University Prep walked onto Woodward Field on Friday night with a reputation for being big, fast and athletic, and as a Class A team, the Griffins were expected to give the Batavia Blue Devils all they could handle.

Instead, the tables were turned. UPrep was a tough challenge for the defending Section V Class B champions, but even after giving up a couple of big plays, Batavia seemed to be in charge and never really surrendered that all-important intangible, momentum. 

Even so, this wasn't a statement game for the varsity squad, said running back Dom Mogavero.

"Every game is important to us," Mogavero said. "We work so hard, all the way from two-a-days, we've been working out since winter; we've all been together, doing the off-season work, and all of that just leads up to this game and then the next one. We just wanted to play as hard as we can, get a W and start the season right."

Mogavero once again proved to be a key part of the Blue Devils' effort on offense and defense, helping the Blue Devisl to a 33-26 victory. Offensively, he had 23 carries for 135 yards and two TDs. He had eight tackles.

QB Greg Mruczek was 13 for 18 for 124 yards and one touchdown.

Newcomer Ray Leach opened the game with a kick return for a TD and 110 total return yards.

Danny Williams, back on defense this year, had eight tackles.

Even for all the success on opening night, Head Coach Brennan Briggs wasn't entirely satisfied. The defense exposed a couple of weaknesses and missed some assignments. That left the fourth-year coach a little frustrated after the game, a fact he shared with his team.

“Obviously a win is a win, but we talk about improving ourselves every single week and I guess this is the baseline right here," Briggs said. "If we can improve our mistakes and tighten up some things we didn’t do right, I think we can get to where we need to be."

Picked as the preseason #1 small school team in Section V in a coaches' poll, Batavia has a schedule full of strong teams looking to knock down the top team, so Briggs said he expects the hard work to continue.

“It was great having to defend athletes like this because there is no doubt that they are very athletic and a very good football team,” Briggs said. “I’m proud of these guys because the next three weeks we play against teams that are very much like this.”

To purchase prints of these photos. click here.

You would have needed to get to out to Herb Neal's yard sale on Harvester Avenue this morning pretty early to buy this nice white casket. Neal said he sold it within 10 minutes, and a few minutes later he sold the military casket (below) he also had out.

He said he acquired the caskets in a trade.

His son Matthew is in the top picture.

The 2015 football season kicks off this evening. It should be an interesting year. Batavia High School starts the season ranked #1 in the region. Le Roy, always a powerhouse, has a new coach. And the Genesee Region league is stacked with talent and experienced, quality coaches.

The Batavian will cover games every week, doing our best to cover each team at least once.

This year's schedule for local teams is below. Head out to a field near you and catch a game. It should be interesting and exciting.

Tonight:

• University Prep at Batavia, 7:30
• Notre Dame/Batavia at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 o'clock
• Le Roy at Letchworth/Warsaw, 7:30

Tomorrow:

• Pembroke at Elba/Byron Bergen, 1:30 p.m. (CORRECTION: Section V listed this game on the schedule incorrectly. It's at 7 p.m. at Byron-Bergen's field)

Friday, Sept. 11

• Cardinal O'Hara at Batavia, 7:30 p.m.
• Pembroke at Attica, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 12

• Alexander at Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m.
• Elba/Byron-Bergen at Holley, 1:30 p.m.
• Dansville at Le Roy, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 18

• Batavia vs. Wilson, at Sahlen's Stadium, 7 p.m.
• Oakfield-Alabama at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
• Attica at Alexander, 7 p.m.
• Le Roy at Wayland-Cohocton, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19

• Notre Dame at Elba/Byron-Bergen, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25

• Edison Tech at Batavia, 7:30 p.m.
• Elba/Byron-Bergen at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
• Bath-Haverling at Le Roy, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26

• Alexander at Holley, 1:30 p.m
• Pembroke at Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2

• Batavia at Penn Yan, 7 p.m.
• Notre Dame at Bishop Kearney, 7:30 p.m.
• Holley at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
• Oakfield-Alabama at Alexander (TBD)
• Le Roy at Hornell, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3

• Attica at Elba/Byron-Bergen, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 9

• Wayne Central at Batavia, 7:30 p.m.
• Le Roy at Cal-Mum, 7:30 p.m.
• Alexander at Pembroke, 7 p.m.
• Notre Dame at Attica, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10

• Oakfield-Alabama at Holley, 1:30 p.m.
• C.G. Finney at Elba/Byron-Bergen, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 16

• Batavia at Geneva, 7 p.m.
• Attica at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
• Elba/Byron-Bergen at Alexander, 7 p.m.
• Livonia at Le Roy, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 17

• Holley at Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m.

Here's a recap of our football preview stories:

• Football Preview: Call it swag, if you will, but Blue Devils out to prove they can repeat Section V title
• Football Preview: Oatkan Knights begin new era with all the same expectations
• Football Preview: In Alexander, the dream season would be a GR and Section V title
• Football Preview: Pembroke will present a challenge for GR rivals
• Football Preview: Lancers bring experience to gridiron in 2015
• Football Preview: Chatt, Schwable and Woodward ready to lead Hornets in 2015

Here's a slide show of all of our pre-season photos, including some that weren't published with the original stories. Prints of photos may be purchased through this link to my photography Web site.

The Batavia High School Blue Devils want to spray chalk designs on your dirveway, your lawn, your parking lot -- wherever you choose -- to raise money for the Batavia Cheerleading Program and boost pride.

Each design is $10 and can be done once, or weekly, to suit your budget. All designs are to be completed each week by Thursday. They feature a giant capital letter B with the well-known Blue Devil logo superimposed over it. Size is 3 feet by 55 inches.

All spray chalk is temporary and can be removed with water. The designs fade in one to three days and/or in water. All design completions are final.

"The community will be full of pride and Devil Spirit -- Show yours!"

To get your chalk-spray design, provide your name, the address, details of what/where, phone number, and e-mail and send cash or check to Batavia Cheerleading Boosters c/o:

Batavia High School

Attn: Athletic Department

260 State St.

Batavia NY 14020

If you have questions, please e-mail:

bataviacheerleading@gmail.com

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today wished his constituents a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend. The holiday, falling on Sept. 7 this year, is regarded as a day of rest for America’s workforce and signifies the ceremonial end of summer.

“I would like to wish all of my constituents and residents across New York State a restful and safe Labor Day Weekend,” Hawley said. “Labor Day is a time of rest and relaxation for America’s workforce.

"We are the hardest-working country on Earth, and that is evident as we pave the way with technological advances and create brands used all across the world. Please remember to be responsible during the long weekend and take time to enjoy the company of family and friends.”

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Labor Day Weekend is the last hurrah for summer fun and Batavia Downs is taking full advantage of the great weather Western New York is in the midst of by presenting a full slate of giveaway’s and activities to help its racing fans ease into fall.

It all starts on Saturday (Sept. 5) when the Downs presents Drew Monti bobblehead night.

Monti is one of the rising stars at Batavia Downs and has quickly become a fan favorite. So much so the fans themselves asked for this promotion featuring “Driving Drew." So starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, fans can pick up a ticket at the Players Club desk and redeem it for a Drew Monti bobblehead after the seventh race in the Paddock Room. Distribution is limited while supplies last. You must be a Players Club member for this promotion.

You are encouraged to bring your bobblehead back to the track on Labor Day, Monday afternoon (Sept. 7) to get it autographed by Monti trackside, prior to the first race.

The Drew Monti bobbleheads are sponsored by TAG Jewelers and Gold Brokers (www.tagjewelers.com), of Cheektowaga.

Saturday the Downs will also be honoring longtime local horseman, Anthony “Tony” Strollo with a memorial race in the seventh. Strollo died this past April after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The Labor Day matinee card also features a list of promotions that offer something for everyone in the family.

The feature event of the day is the annual Batavia Downs driver’s bike race. This “friendly” competition between the horsemen has been going on at the Downs since 1979 and the tradition will continue this year. Eight local drivers will line up at the quarter pole and make their way around the far turn and head for the wire.

Last year’s winner was “Driving Drew” Monti in a photo over Mickey Holliday. Monti will be back to defend his title against Holliday and face new challenges from Shawn McDonough, Dave McNeight III, Lee Dahn, Rock Vinci, Denny Bucceri and Bradley Jackson.

But the best part is the fans get to win the actual brand new bikes used in the race.

Each patron can put their entry in one of eight boxes; each coinciding with a driver in the race. Then from the winning driver’s box, eight winners will be randomly drawn and each will be given one of the bikes. The bike race will be held after the seventh harness race and the drawing, after the bike race has been declared official.

There is no purchase necessary but you must be at least 18 years old to enter and present to win.

The bike race is sponsored by Crazy Cheap Cars (www.crazycheapcars.com), of Oakfield.

And what would Labor Day be without a cookout? Batavia Downs has that covered, too, and for any size appetite.

Charcoal grilled Sahlen’s hot dogs for $1 along with $1 beer and soda will be available on the apron from noon until the last race.

In the clubhouse, there will be a $10.95 chicken barbeque with all the fixings. And for every barbeque purchased you will receive $10 back in free-play on the gaming floor. So you can enjoy a holiday cook-out without the work or mess for only $0.95 net! This food special will only be available from noon to 3:30 p.m.

Chicken barbeques will be prepared by the Center Street Smoke House (www.centerstreetsmokehouse.com), of Batavia.

Post time for Saturday (Sept. 5) is 6:35 p.m. Monday (Labor Day, Sept. 7) is a matinee with first post set at 1:15.