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Man from Alexander shot in Pennsylvania

By Traci Turner

Nicholas Mruczek, 20, from Alexander, is in critical condition after he was shot in his apartment in Pottstown, Pa., Wednesday morning.

According to an article from The Mercury, North Coventry Police responded to the scene at Highland Manor Apartments around 2 a.m. and found Mruczek in his apartment with a serious gunshot wound to the chest.

Mruczek was transported to Pottstown Memorial Medical Center and transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital's trauma unit. Hospital staff confirmed he had a collapsed lung.

Mruczek identified the shooter as his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend, Zachary Ludwig, 22, of Spring City, Pa. Ludwig allegedly went to Mruczek's apartment Tuesday night and found his ex-girlfriend's car parked outside. Then Ludwig allegedly drove to his home and loaded the barrel of his .410 shotgun and returned to Mruczeck's apartment. Ludwig admitted to police that he had his finger on the trigger when Mruczek grabbed the barrel and the gun discharged. 

Ludwig is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, possessing instruments of crime, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. He was put in the Chester County Prison on $500,000 bail.

Mruczek is a graduate of Alexander Middle-High School. He is studying to be an auto mechanic at the Universal Technical Institute in Exton, Pa.

Law and Order: arrests for petit larceny and possession of marijuana

By Traci Turner

Lauren L. Heale, 26, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with petit larceny. Heale allegedly stole a video game system from a residence. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Ashley M. Morgan, 24, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. The incident happened on Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia.

Tyler J. Cutajar, 19, of 80th Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana following a traffic stop by Deputy Joseph Corona on Alleghany Road in Darien.

As city heads into comprehensive plan process, new zoning law concept could be part of the discussion

By Howard B. Owens

The City of Batavia is just beginning what will be a nearly two-year process to review and rewrite its comprehensive plan, and one topic of discussion that will certainly come up is whether -- or to what degree -- should the city adopt what's known as "form-based codes."

Form-based codes move community planning and development away from complex regulatory zoning codes and into a planning document that sets the parameters of what a community wants to be. A community is still divided into zones -- commercial, residential, industrial, for example -- but the form-based code sets the vision for the kind of structures that should be encouraged and what the outcome of new construction or remodeling should be.

An increasing number of communities throughout the United States are going to a form-based code process and Felipe A. Oltramari, director of planning for Genesee County, and Derik Kane, a senior planner with the county, presented a seminar Wednesday night for a handful of community planners on form-based codes.

City Manager Jason Molino attended, as did Matt Gray, a member of the city's Planning Board.

"This is one direction we could go in," Molino said. "It may not be, but that's a discussion you need to have to see if there is a consensus in the community."

The comprehensive plan process is built around the idea of gathering input and feedback from members of the community who care enough and engage enough to ensure their voices are heard. Consultants will be hired -- the city has a $100,000 budget for the comprehensive plan process -- and many meetings will be held, where views and visions will be aired.

The city's current comprehensive plan was drafted in 1997. The city is currently collecting bids from consultants to help with drafting a new plan. Soon, the planning board will review those bids and make a recommendation to the City Council. Meetings, hearings and reviews will begin once the contract is awarded.

Molino expects the city will hear concerns about how difficult the current planning process is. It's already a common complaint, that it's too hard to develop either commercial or residential real estate, that the regulatory process is cumbersome, arbitrary and too much is left open to interpretation.

Form-based codes are designed to fix those issues, which are so common to traditional zoning regulations.

Gray, owner of Alex's Restaurant as well as three restaurants in Raleigh, N.C., has some experience dealing with Byzantine planning methods. He's also been on the other side now for a few months, trying to make decisions about development applications.

"Form-based codes will help developers and the inspection department administer new building," Gray said. "From that angle, I think it will facilitate a much quicker and better-understood design. Period."

One outcome that has been consistent for communities that have implemented form-based codes is developers are more attracted to those communities. It's economically beneficial for them to build where the planning process is clear, concise and simplified. 

A form-based code could help increase interest in the city's Brownfield Opportunity Area sites, all of which are already drawing some degree of developer interest, Molino said.

"Everything we've done and tried to begin (regarding) redevelopment of the BOA sites is about making it easier for the developer to come in and start redevelopment," Molino said. "This may dovetail right into that. This may be our perfect transition into what else we can do."

Form-based codes are a favorite planning tool of new urbanism's acolytes.

New urbanism promotes more mixed-use communities with a density of structures that is less car-oriented and tailored more toward pedestrians and bicyclists.

A form-based code does not necessarily have to lead to a community vision that follows the goals of new urbanism, but it can help in that process.

A key concept of form-based codes is something called the "transect," a word borrowed from the world of natural environment planning. A transect is a gradient between the lowest land -- sea level, up to the mountains, and all of the changes in environment and microenvironments in between. 

In a form-based code environment that takes on a large geographical area, a transect is planned between the very rural to the very urban.

The idea is to find the right form base for each point on the continuum of the transect. Those zoning areas are written into the code, based on what the community wants. The process that uncovers these wants, dreams and desires and concerns is known as the charrette.

Gray thinks a form-based code could help the City of Batavia.

He's seen firsthand what sprawl does to a community, which is why he and his family returned to his hometown after living in Raleigh for a while.

"We couldn't take the commute anymore," Gray said. "It took 40 minutes to get to work and it really wasn't that far."

If a form-based code implemented along new urbanism's lines helps spur greater commercial and residential development Downtown, that could help alleviate the traffic congestion building up on the west side of the town, Gray said.

Whether Batavia adopts a form-based code, either for the whole city, or just a portion, such as Downtown, will really be up to the community members who participate in the comprehensive plan process, Molino said.

As it proceeds, there may be no demand for form-based code, or people may decide that the current code is good enough even as complicated as it is, or perhaps some new idea pops out.

"A form-based code isn't the only option," Molino said.

Youth Community Service Day is Tuesday -- cans & bottles wanted for Michael Napoleone Foundation

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Summer Recreation Program is well under way and is entering the third week of the six-week program. Each year the program sponsors a Community Service Day for all of the children to volunteer and give something back to their community.

This year’s Community Service Day project is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, with all of the parks participating. There will be a community-wide can/bottle drive to raise money for the Michael Napoleone Foundation.

If anyone would like to contribute to this worthy cause, please feel free to deliver your cans or bottles to any of the parks (Farrall, John Kennedy, Lambert, Williams, Lions) on or before July 21 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or at the Batavia Youth Bureau located at 12 MacArthur Drive. Program sponsors will make sure the donations are delivered to the parks.

The kids and the Rec Leaders from each park will also visit homes in their park’s neighborhoods on July 21 to solicit donations of cans and bottles.

If you have any questions or would like to help in any way, please call the Youth Bureau at 345-6420. Thank you for your anticipated assistance and support!

American Legion Post 576 seeks nominees for 2015 Le Royan of the Year

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The American Legion Post 576 Le Roy is asking that each club, church, society, organization or individual submit a nominee to be considered for the 2015 Le Royan of the Year Award. Deadline is Aug 17th.

The award recognizes people who demonstrate the following qualities:

- A man or woman who exemplifies the true spirit of Americanism, its ideals, love of flag and country, regardless of race, color or creed.
- Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected.

- Good citizenship by carrying out these principles, often beyond what is expected.

- Service to the community signified by excellence in life of purpose and accomplishments.

Applications can be obtained from the Legion Post.

Mail applications to:

American Legion Post 576
Attn:  Jerry Diskin

53 W. Main St., Le Roy 14482

Genesee County AmeriCorps looking for host site agencies

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau has been notified that our AmeriCorps application has been approved for another year of funding by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

As a result of this good news, we have begun planning for year 12 of our program, which will begin October 1. As part of this process, nonprofit and government agencies are invited to attend an information session to receive details about AmeriCorps.

Presentations are being held at Wyoming County Cooperative Extension in Warsaw and the Hoag Library in Albion on July 27 as well as at the Genesee County Senior Center on July 28.

Organizations have used AmeriCorps members for a variety of projects. Assignments include activities that fall under one or more of these focus areas: healthy futures fitness and nutrition education for youth; environmental stewardship education; and agency capacity building. Host sites complete a proposal that outlines the duties for each position. Members can create new programs or enhance existing services, and their work can benefit different parts of your agency.

Proposals requesting members to begin serving this fall are due by Aug. 10. Member recruitment and selection will begin after that date.

Please contact Kathy Frank at 585-344-3960 or Kathy.Frank@co.genesee.ny.us for more details about the information sessions or to discuss options for your organization further.

Transformation of p.w. minor attracts new employees

By Traci Turner

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There are big changes afoot at p.w. minor.

Owners Andrew Young and Pete Zeliff are working to quickly transform and grow the once nearly moribund Batavia-based shoemaker they rescued last year

As a part of the transformation,Young and Zeliff came up with a new visionary statement to "dream big, get shit done and know how to have fun." They believe the three goals capture their approach to business and what they need to achieve to be successful. 

Before Young and Zeliff purchased p.w. minor, the company's main goal was to stay open. Now the goals are growth and expansion. 

"We came in with a positive attitude, bold ideas and a huge vision," Young said. "It's a different way of doing things and employees really like it."

To fulfill their vision, Young and Zeliff plan on bringing back production from China and creating more jobs. In April, the company received a $900,000 state-backed aid package to help move jobs from China back to Batavia with the goal of creating at least 100 jobs locally. They have already expanded the local staff by 25 new employees.

Two recent hires bring big-time experience to the rejuvenated company. One is a Batavia native who was eager to return home but continue her career in fashion product development; the other has made the West Coast to East Coast migration because she's excited by the opportunity and fresh energy at the new p.w. minor. Both fit into the shift of culture Young and Zeliff are trying to inoculate into the 148-year-old shoe company.

Kristine McCarthy, a 1999 graduate of Batavia High School, arrived at p.w. minor last month with 12 years experience in accessories with two top name fashion companies in New York City.

McCarthy moved to NYC after graduating from the fashion program at Buffalo State College in 2003; she landed a job with a catalog company. In addition to working for the catalog company, McCarthy has worked in the accessories department for Ann Taylor in material sourcing and Coach in product development. McCarthy and her husband, Brian, who also grew up Batavia, enjoyed living in the city but decided to return to their hometown to raise their son, Jack, and be closer to family.

She began searching for jobs in Batavia last winter and came across all the media coverage about the changes at p.w. minor. She reached out to Zeliff and Young via e-mail and expressed her interest in working for the company. Young, intrigued by her career experience and local background, offered her a position. Hiring a product developer was also a big hole they needed to fill.

During her first month on the job, McCarthy has started working with the purchasing team to source new materials and the design team to execute product samples. She is currently overseeing the production of eight new shoe designs for next Spring. Her goal is to make the products both comfortable and fashionable.

One of the aspects of her job at p.w. minor that is different from her other jobs is the ability to watch the shoe designs come to life at the factory.

"It's different being at the factory," McCarthy said. "This job is a lot more hands-on and I'm gaining more knowledge because of it. I want to learn as much as I can about the manufacturing of a shoe and every detail that goes into it."

She is eager to learn from Young and Zeliff and be a part of the company's growth.

"It's such an exciting thing to be a part of," McCarthy said. "They are both intelligent and there is so much I can learn from them. They are great leaders and have great energy."

Erika Williamson, a pattern maker for a Nike development center in Beaverton, Ore., decided to accept a job at p.w. minor and relocate to Batavia to obtain experience working in a factory. 

"If I wanted to work in a factory for Nike, I would have needed to relocate to China or Sri Lanka," Williamson said. "To me p.w. minor was a great opportunity to not have to relocate overseas."

Williamson never heard of p.w. minor until she randomly received a call from a recruiter a month and a half ago about an opening for a pattern engineer. After learning more about the company and having three phone interviews, she was flown out to Batavia and offered a job on the spot.

She has been designing shoes since she was 12 years old and has 10 years worth of professional experience in fashion. She earned a degree in Arts and Apparel Sciences from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. After college, she worked on the fashion segment for KUSI news in San Diego and then moved back to Oregon to do various contract jobs in the apparel industry. 

At Nike she worked on the production floor. She spent two years sewing shoes in production and three years in footwear development. Although she liked designing sports performance shoes at Nike, her passion lies within fashion and developing more high-end style shoes.

Williamson has already started working at p.w. minor drawing and drafting patterns for new shoe designs. One of her goals is to design a comfortable high heel for women who are always on the go. She plans to design a 2- to 3-inch leather heel that is dressy but doesn't leave behind painful blisters after a long day at work.

"I really like working in a factory," Williamson said. "Coming from working on the production floor at Nike, I have found people are more down to earth here. I enjoy working on the equipment and interacting with people. It's a very hands-on job which I love."

Williamson also plans to use her skill in commercialization and full product testing she gained at Nike to get the factory running efficiently after all the production is brought back from China. When she first started working at the development center at Nike, the business unit was small and only three employees worked there. However, in three years the unit grew and became the most sought after group in the company, which led to the creation of 30 jobs. From her experience, she predicts p.w. minor will significantly expand in the next few years.

"With what p.w. minor wants to accomplish and the resources they have, I think within the next three to five years we are going to be seeing a huge growth within the company," Williamson said.

In the near future, Young will be hiring more new employees. 

"We also have some heavy growth plans that will require more hiring," Young said.

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Reminder: North Street repairs get under way Monday

By Billie Owens

Press release from the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

On Monday, July 20, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. North Street from Ross Street to Naramore Drive will experience traffic delays. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane for cold milling operations. Then on Wednesday, July 22, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., the same area can expect traffic delays because of paving operations.

The following streets that intersect with North Street will see temporary traffic closures preventing access to North Street while cold milling and paving operations are ongoing:

  • Manhatten Avenue
  • Columbia Avenue
  • Vine Street
  • Trumbull Parkway
  • North Spruce Street
  • Allenview Drive
  • Naramore Drive

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

Residents and businesses of North Street, from Ross Street to Naramore Drive, will have access to their properties, but should expect delays when cold milling and paving operations are in front of their properties. If work is postponed by weather, work will be rescheduled for the next calendar day.

All other traffic is asked to avoid this area and seek alternate routes. Thank you for your cooperation.

Holland Avenue to close Tuesday for repairs

By Billie Owens

Press release from the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

Holland Avenue will be closed on Tuesday, July 21, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for cold milling operations.

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

Residents and businesses will have limited access to their properties and should expect delays when milling operations are ongoing. All other traffic is asked to avoid this area and seek alternate routes.

If work is postponed by weather work will be rescheduled for the next calendar day.

Anderson, Fernandez lead Muckdogs over Crosscutters

By Kurtis Dunlap

You wouldn’t know it by their record, but the Batavia Muckdogs (7-16) have been playing much better baseball as of late.

Throughout the season, the Muckdogs have failed to show any sort of consistency. Weather it be poor fielding, pitching or the inability to score runs, the lack of consistency has been the Muckdogs' downfall.

Thursday afternoon, Batavia looked to turn the page and begin a streak of consistent, solid baseball.

Things looked rocky to start the game as Jordan Holloway started where he left off his last start by walking two of the first four batters he faced.

Holloway got out of the jam by getting Jose Pujols to ground into an inning-ending double play.

The 19-year-old again walked the first two batters he saw in the second inning. Unlike in his last start where he allowed those runners to score, Holloway was again able to get out of trouble by getting the next three batters to fly-out to center.

Holloway’s day was over after just the two innings of work. He didn’t allow a hit but walked four and threw 40 pitches.

Ryan Hafner came in relief of Holloway and allowed two runs on three hits. Both batters that scored were either walked or hit by a pitch.

The Muckdogs would cut the Crosscutter lead in half in the fifth inning when Alexander Fernandez belted a towering fly ball over the left-center fence for his first home run of the year.

Batavia tied the game in the seventh when Fernandez would reach on a fielder’s choice. He would steal second and then advance to third on a passed ball. Giovanny Alfonzo walked, which prompted a pitching change for the Crosscutters.

Anfernee Seymour then hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Fernandez and tying the game at 2-2.

Coming into the season much was expected from young catcher Blake Anderson. With a modest batting average of .259, nine RBIs and only one home run, Anderson came into Thursday’s game in a funk.

In the eighth inning all seemed to be forgotten.

Eric Fisher singled to set up Anderson. With two outs and a 0-2 count, Anderson took a healthy swing at the next pitch and drove the Juan Figueroa pitch over the left-field fence for a two-run home run.

“Just do what I needed to do to get the win and get us ahead,” Anderson said about his approach to the crucial eighth inning at-bat.

Steve Farnworth would come into the game in the eighth and pitch two innings of shutout ball, only allowing two hits while collecting the win on the mound.

“Yeah, we started off slow but who says we can’t come back and win 10 or 15 of the next 20,” Anderson said.

Although many might look at their record and think they are a horrible team, over the last couple weeks the Muckdogs have been competitive in almost every game.

The first two games of this series against Williamsport back that up. The Muckdogs are one bad inning away from having taken both games of the series so far.

“We get this thing turned around and play to win every day,” Anderson said.

Batavia travels to Williamsport for a doubleheader tomorrow and then will be in State College for a three-game series before returning to Dwyer Stadium on Tuesday July 21. 

Intersection at South Main and River streets to close Tuesday for repairs

By Billie Owens

Press release from the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

The intersection at South Main Street and River Street will be closed on Tuesday, July 21, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for cold milling operations.

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

Residents and businesses will have limited access to their properties and should expect delays when milling operations are ongoing. All other traffic is asked to avoid this area and seek alternate routes.

If work is postponed by weather work will be rescheduled for the next calendar day.

Photos: Live fire training for newest volunteer firefighting recruits

By Howard B. Owens

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This Saturday, a new group of volunteer firefighters graduates from a tri-county fire training program conducted at the Genesee County Fire Training Center.  

This morning, they completed their second morning of live fire training under the teaching of Chuck Dodson.

Here's the graduating class:

  • Leah Thompson, Alabama
  • Zachariah Conlin, Attica
  • Gunner Schedel, Brockport
  • Jay Pallister, Elba
  • A.J. Wright, Holley
  • Chris DeFelice, Le Roy
  • Mason Hinsken, Perry
  • Zach Petry, Shelby
  • Caleb Bailey, Silver Springs
  • Nathan Wesche, Silver Springs
  • Chris Penkszyk, South Byron
  • David Moore, Town of Batavia

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Genesee ARC hosts 39th tournament outing at Stafford Country Club

By Howard B. Owens

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Press release:

Stafford Country Club hosted Genesee ARC’s 39th annual Lullo Memorial Tournament Monday, the longest-running charity event at the local private club. The tournament features golf, tennis and bocce and raises funds for disability services ARC provides to more than 450 children and adults and their families throughout Genesee County. 

The event chair is Ed Carney; Peggy Lamb and Deb Fischer are the tennis and bocce chairs. 

Coming out on top in the golf was Rod Hamilton who shot a 72, followed by Steve Harrison, 73. Low gross honors for women went to Tina Lambert with an 86.

In the low net category, Paul Barton came in with a 62, and Travis West was a close second with a 63. Maria Woodward had a low net score of 71 for women. Joan DeCarlo is also being recognized with low net honors.  

In the blind bogey competition, Mark Yost matched the blind bogey number drawn of 74.

There were several contests on the course. In the longest drive on 7, John Houseknecht was the winner and winning closest to the line on 15 was Sheila Laird. Rod Hamilton won a Coor’s Lite golf bag, courtesy of C.H. Wright, in closest to the pin on 8 (9’11”). Hamilton also won a Schwinn bicycle, donated by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, in the same contest on 14 (4’ 11”). The top winners in the closest to the pin on 12 were Greg Strauss, Chip Braaten, Joe Lestorti and Craig Rinefierd.  

The hole-in-one contest on 8 was sponsored by Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Unfortunately, no one shot an ace to drive away with a 2015 Jeep Renegade.

In bocce, the first place team was Donna Hummel, Bryan Falitico, Joe Teresi and JoAnne McInerney. 

Top score in tennis went to Steve Rumery. First-place team honors went to Steve Rumery and Phil McNulty and second-place team went to Steve Clemm and Len Jasinski.

Gold sponsors of the event were: Turnbull Heating & Air-Conditioning, The Bank of Castile/Tompkins Insurance Agencies, The Bonadio Group, Graham Corporation, and Tom & Lynn and John Houseknecht. Silver sponsors were: The Batavia Daily News, Oakfield Family Medical Care, Alpina Foods, Erie Niagara Insurance Association, Ralph & Agnes Houseknecht, Ed Arnold Scrap Processors, Inc., Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Tops Friendly Markets, Bessey Tools, Parkview Health Services, Genesee Valley PennySaver, United Memorial Medical Center and The Insurance Center.

Also supporting the event were 19 golf sponsors, four tennis sponsors, six bocce sponsors and nine Friend of ARC Tournament Sponsors. Door Prizes, silent and Chinese auction items were donated by dozens of area businesses. The 2015 cart sponsor was Manning Napier.

A total of 110 golfers, 14 tennis players and 36 bocce players participated in the annual event that raises money to benefit programs and service for people with disabilities served by Genesee ARC. The winner of the $1,000 cash drawing was Susan Spiotta, of Batavia, with ticket number 19210. Florence Lullo picked the winning ticket.

The tournament is named in memory of Florence’s late husband Danny Lullo. Mr. Lullo was a local businessman who came up with the idea to hold a tournament to benefit Genesee ARC programs and services for people with disabilities in our community.

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Muckdogs drop close one to league-leading Crosscutters

By Kurtis Dunlap

When you play with fire, you will get burned and that is exactly what the Muckdogs (7-15) did Wednesday night against the league-leading Williamsport Crosscutters (17-6).

Brad Haynal got the Muckdogs on the board in the second when he doubled, moved to third on a bloop single by Eric Fisher and then scored on a Roy Morales RBI single.

The Crosscutters, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, responded in the third with two runs of their own.

Austin Bossart, who came into the game hitting .310, punched a single off Batavia starter Justin Jacome. Grenny Cumana then doubled down the left-field line, setting up second and third for lead-off man Zach Coppola.

Coppola would double, scoring both Bossart and Cumana, making it 2-1.

Batavia added two runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning when Anfernee Seymour singled and then moved to third on a beautifully called and executed hit-and-run with Travis Brewster.

Seymour would score on a Stone Garrett groundout and Brewster would later score on a Haynal double.

The lead was short lived for the Muckdogs when in the fourth, Josh Tobias connected on an infield single; Jesus Posso walked followed by a Bossart two-out single scoring Tobias, and tying the game at 3-3.

Jacome walked the next batter to load the bases, ending his night. Nestor Bautsita came in and got Coppola to groundout into a fielder’s choice to end the threat.

The sixth inning is where it all fell apart for the Muckdogs.

William Cuicas tripled to lead off the inning and then scored on a Cumana pop-up just past first base that should have been caught. Cumana was able to move to second on the throw from the outfield to home trying to get Cuicas. 

Coppola then executed a perfect bunt that had the pitcher, second baseman and first baseman for the Muckdogs all converging on it. The ball went under Alfonzo’s glove and Cumana was able to score making it 5-3.

“It’s part of this level and it hurts you,” Manager Angel Espada said. “You can’t hurt yourself defensively, not at anytime and not against the best team in the league right now.”

Although Batavia shot themselves in the foot in the sixth inning, they were still able to tie the game up in seventh, giving themselves a chance to win the game.

A Blake Anderson singled that just got over the outstretched hands of Crosscutter second baseman, Cuicas started off the inning.

Ryan Cranmer then doubled, putting runners in scoring position with no outs. Seymour then got hit by a pitch to load the bases.

Galvi Moscat, who replaced Brewster in sixth, hit a ground ball to third. The third baseman easily got Anderson out at home but in an attempt to double off Moscat at first, the catcher hit Moscat in the leg, allowing Cranmer to score.

Garrett then doubled home Seymour and the game was tied at 5-5.

“The way we have been playing is pretty well, we had that one bad inning there and it cost us the game,” Espada said. “You give a team like this opportunities and they are going to hurt you.”

The Crosscutters would get the deciding run in the top of the ninth inning by way of a solo home run by Jan Hernandez off of Batavia reliever Jordan Hillyer. Hernandez, who had previously struck out in all three of his previous at-bats, launched the 2-1 pitch over the left field fence.

“He threw a slider that caught too much of the plate and you have to give it to Hernandez who put up a good swing with two strikes,” Espada said.

The Muckdogs were set down in order in the bottom of the ninth.

Haynal finished the game 2-for-4 with two doubles and a RBI. Seymour went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Garrett also contributed with two RBIs.

“It’s a little bit hard when you have your best guys going out there and probably one of the best chances to win ball games and you don’t come out on top,” Espada said.

The Muckdogs will have a chance to regroup quickly as they have a unique starting time of 11:05 a.m. on Thursday.

“I think they are young enough that they will bounce back,” Espada said. “Even if you win or lose you have to forget about it, there is nothing you can do about past games.”

Batavia remains in last place with a record of 7-16 while the Crosscutters continue their league dominance with an overall 18-6 record.

Queens assemblyman gets afternoon tour of Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

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Assemblyman Michael DenDekker was in Batavia today as part of a tour of Steve Hawley's district, with stops at the state's Veterans' Hospital and the VA Center as well as Lamb Farms. DenDekker, a Democrat, is chairman of the Assembly's Veterans' Affairs Committee. Hawley is the ranking minority member of the committee. The tour was aimed at helping DenDekker increase his knowledge of veterans issues across the state as well as introduce him to rural Western New York.  

One of the stops was the A Ward in the VA hospital that is being remodeled into private and semi-private rooms. Conducting the tour were contractor Martin Brothers, left, and Royce Calhoun, assistant director of the Batavia VA Center.

Booklets now available for self-guided walking tour of Downtown Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Booklets for a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Batavia are now available. The tour identifies 16 sites of historic interest between the Holland Land Office Museum on the west and the site of the former Cary Mansion on the east.

The tour was developed by City Historian Larry Barnes in conjunction with the Centennial Committee of Vibrant Batavia. Rob Dumo provided caricatures, and most of the photographs were obtained from the Genesee County History Department.

The booklets include pictures of the 16 sites and text providing historic background of each location. For individuals with smartphones, QR codes provide access to additional audio descriptions and pictures that complement the information in the printed copies of the booklets. Most people will be able to complete the tour in an hour to 90 minutes or less.

Booklets are available free of charge at the following locations: the tourist information booth on West Main Street, the Holland Land Office Museum, City Hall, the Office for the Aging, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, and the Richmond Memorial Library.

The Centennial Committee is a part of Vibrant Batavia, a community network organized to celebrate the past, build on the present and to create a more vibrant future. The volunteers work side-by-side with the City of Batavia, NeighborWorks® Rochester, and the business community to strategically improve the City's neighborhoods and to promote a livable community of choice.

Batavia city manager appointed to NYCOM Executive Committee

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Jason R. Molino, city manager of the City of Batavia, has been appointed to a one-year term on the 16-member Executive Committee of the New York State Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials.

Mayor Richard Milne of the Village of Honeoye Falls, president of the Conference of Mayors, made the selection. Molino will represent NYCOM's affiliate organizations and is the only member of the Committee who is not a mayor.

In announcing the appointment, Mayor Milne said "Jason Molino is a recognized leader and innovator in the field of local government administration, and NYCOM will clearly benefit from his energy and ideas."

Molino was the recipient of the 2014 Local Government Excellence Award for Strategic Leadership and Governance from the International City and County Management Association. Prior to coming to Batavia, he served as the assistant to the village manager for the Village of Port Chester. He also spent seven years in the Coast Guard Reserve where he earned the rank of Boatswain's Mate Second Class.

Molino has his bacherlor's degree in Political Science from Norwich University and went on to earn his master's degree in Public Administration from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs.

The Conference of Mayors is the statewide association representing New York's cities and villages. Since 1910, NYCOM has united local government officials in an active network of legislative advocacy, technical assistance and municipal training.

Photos: Bicycle safety course at Williams Park

By Howard B. Owens

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Six-year-old Jaedyn listens to instructions from Officer Kevin DeFelice during a bike safety course this morning at Williams Park.

The course is the second of five conducted by the city at Batavia's five municipal parks as part of the summer rec programs.

The children participating learn the rules of the road, proper hand signals and the importance of wearing bike safety helmets.

At the end of the course, they receive a certificate that makes them eligible for a free helmet, courtesy of the Batavia Lions Club, which they can pick up at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle.

The course today was conducted by DeFelice, Det. Rich Schauf and Toni Funke, program coordinator for the Youth Bureau.

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The Batavian's 2015 T-Shirt: Batavia Proud

By Howard B. Owens

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Say it loud: Batavia Proud.​

Order your shirt today and wear it to Summer in the City on Aug. 15 for a chance to win prizes.

Shirts are $9.95 each, plus tax and shipping and handling. 

Or join The Batavian Club by July 20 and get a free T-shirt plus more than $300 in gift certificates to local businesses. Obviously, a great way to support your community.

Use the PayPal buttons below, or click here for an order form (pdf).

Join The Batavian Club and receive a T-shirt for FREE:

 

Order T-shirts:

 

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Buying just one shirt: This button might be easier to use:

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Top Items on Batavia's List

Tourism Marketing Assistant Position The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, serving as the official tourism promotion agency for Genesee County, NY is seeking an experienced marketing professional to assist in the overall Chamber tourism and marketing initiatives for Genesee County. https://visitgeneseeny.com/about/join-our-team
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Town of Batavia Court Department is seeking a part time as needed Court Officer. Court Officers are responsible for maintaining order in the court room and court facility during proceedings. Please send resume to Town of Batavia, Attention Hiedi Librock, 3833 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. Complete job description is available on the Town web site or at the Town Hall Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
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