UPDATE: Kathy Hochul at Picnic in the Park later in the day with Wayne Fuller. Photo sent to us by a third party, but originated with a member of Hochul's staff.

NOTE: You may be wondering why there are no pictures to go with Kathy Hochul's stop at the farmer's market. My camera was still set up for multiple exposures from last night's fireworks at the Muckdogs game. A fact I didn't discover until I got home. This also left me with no usable pictures from the Kiwanis 5K to benefit autism research.  

Genesee County's former congressional representative, Kathy Hochul, now running for Lieutenant Governor, said she's been craving some brownie-stuffed cookies from the Batavia Downs Farmer's Market, so Hochul said she decided to get an early start on her campaign day and drive out to Batavia.

Hochul also bought strawberries and hand-crafted chocolate.

"It's a big state and I've got to go to all four corners, but I love Genesee County and I'll be out here as often as I can," Hochul said.

After terms as Erie County County Clerk and in the House of Representatives, Hochul worked for about 18 months for M&T Bank. It was a job she said she loved and still got her out into the community, but when Gov. Andrew Cuomo called and asked her to replace Robert Duffy on the election ticket, Hochul said she was tugged by the lure of representing people in New York again.

"I realized when the call came, there was a little bit of an emptiness, that I really wanted to get back and serve people in a more direct way, so I could not have been more thrilled than to have received the call and accept this honor and start running," Hochul said.

This, she said, is what she was meant to do.

"It's not something I pushed for at all," Hochul said. "When I think it about it, it just feels right, to be back out there meeting people all over this amazing state. I love my congressional district and I love representing Upstate New York, but the opportunity to go all over the state and meet new people and see them in their environments and businesses, I just feel like this is a calling. I've always thought public service is a calling. I'm so delighted to be back in the game."

As a candidate for reelection to Congress, Hochul had won over pretty much all of the gun rights groups, campaigning as a strong advocate for the Second Amendment. Now she's working for a man who has become the most reviled politician in New York by gun rights advocates. Hochul said she doesn't believe there is a contradiction in her position then or now.

Here's her full response to that question:

I believe there is a middle ground. I know many, many gun owners. I have family members who are marksmen and who are hunters and this is part of a culture up here and people need to understand that. There's no effort to remove guns from legitimate gun owners. I think there is sometimes a hysteria that's created, but people have to understand we respect the Second Amendment, but also there are many people who understand the need for background checks. As a county clerk, I like the fact that there are background checks performed, because there are people you don't want to have guns in their hands. They could do harm to fellow citizens. I believe there is an accommodation and I believe there is a reasonable approach. The extremes on one side or the other aren't going to agree with that, but that's how I've been my entire life in public service. There's a pragmatic middle ground and if people are willing to listen to each other, we'll get to the right answer. That's where I stand.

The stop at a farmer's market reminded her a lot of her term in Congress, she said, especially representing farmers.

"It reminds me so many tours of the farms and the struggles they face, when the weather's bad and there's a flood or a drought or there's army worms," Hochul said. "They're such resilient people and to know that I'll be in a position to promote their work in a new capacity as Lieutenant Governor working with Gov. Cuomo, it's going to be great."

The bobolinks have returned from their South American wintering grounds and once again nearby meadows and fallow fields are filled with their bubbly serenade. They've come from as far away as Argentina, arriving in the northern U.S. and southern Canada to raise a single brood.

Their preferred habitat provides both nesting and foraging. Here they construct their nests on the ground, well concealed amid tall grasses. And it is in these same confines where they dine on seeds and insects.

Once the mating season is over the males will molt and, like the female pictured above, will take on a more sparrow-like appearance and will migrate south in such fashion. Unlike the spring migration, the bobolink's return flight to its wintering grounds is done in much larger flocks.

Back in the day the southward migration of the bobolink included a stopover on South Carolina rice plantations where the birds gorged themselves on grain until they became plump "little butterballs." Because the males had molted, folks thought they were seeing a different species of bird and the now drab-colored bobolinks were called "butterbirds" and were shot by the tens of thousands each fall as a food source.

The bobolink was all but eradicated then, but today most of the rice fields are gone and the bobolink, like all songbirds, is a protected species.

The following arrests were made during the Brad Paisley concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Thursday.

Nolin S. Jackson, 36, of Capen Boulevard, Amherst, charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly blocking vehicular traffic and causing a disturbance while exiting the concert parking lot.  

David S. Rosati, 24, of Fix Road, Grand Island, charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the south PAC entrance after being ejected from the venue and told not to return.

Rachel N. Brandt, 22, of Chelsea Park, Pittsford, charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the south PAC entrance after being ejected from the venue and told not to return, and disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance while being ejected the second time.

Michael J. Arcuri, 20, of Old Goodrich Road, Clarence, charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly shoving and slapping a deputy.

Adam P. Wilson, 18, of Blake Road, Brockport, charged with unlawful possession, of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Morgan K. Miller, 18, of Fairmont Street, Buffalo, charged with unlawful possession, of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Ryan David Adams, 20, of North Ellicott Creek Road, Amherst, charged with unlawful possession, of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana, and possession of a fictitious license. 

Juliana Bilodeau, 18, of Winona Boulevard, Rochester, issued an UTT for possession of a fictitious license.

Juliana M. Y. Tirone, 18, of Wadsworth Court, Tonawanda, issued an UTT for possession of a fictitious license.

Victoria A. Schlabig, 18, of Banko Drive, Depew, issued an UTT for possession of a fictitious license.

Paul N. Castricone, 17, of Nathans Trail, Lancaster, issued an UTT for possession of a fictitious license.

It was a take-me-out-to-the-ball-game kind of night at Dwyer Stadium. A nice night for a ball game and fireworks.

The hometown team, alas, didn't win. It's a shame.

As 1,782 fans watched, Batavia let first place in the Pinckney Division slip from its grasp, the mood in the stands was barely even dampened, even by a short rain delay in the eighth inning. There would be, after all, win or lose, an Independence Day fireworks show after the game.

Families were there with their children -- some seeing their first professional game -- and fans had the peanuts and Cracker Jacks (not to mention beer and sausage) to fall back on.

The evening started poorly for the home crew, and never really got better. The final, 7-1. The Muckdogs drop to 12-8 on the season. The Spikes are now 13-7.

In the first, starter Jorgan Cavanerio (1-1) sandwiched a walk between a pair of singles, giving up a run, and setting the tone for his fourth outing of the season.

Two singles and a walk in the second led to another run -- a run that scored an inning-ending double play, something you don't see often. The Spikes' Chase Raffield scored on a sacrafice fly to center, then a base running blunder led to Danny Diekroeger getting doubled up at second.

Cavanerio held the line in the third, but the Spikes blew the game open with four runs in the fourth. All four runs came with two outs. 

Jake Stone started the scoring procession with a home run, which could have been worse, if a lead-off walk hadn't been erased by a double play.

During Stone's at bat, there was a lot of griping on the home side about the inconsistant ball and strike calls of home plate umpire Anthony Perez. To partisan minds, Stone should have been out on strikes, and the inning over, on the pitch prior to the gopher ball.

After a team conference on the mound in which manager Angel Espada appeared to try and console his struggling hurler, Espada stood in front of home plate and jawed in the face of Perez for a good two minutes. Perez, stone-faced, just listened. Ejected, Espada walked to the dugout, handed his line-up card to his assistant, and trekked the 300 feet to the clubhouse cheered by fans along the third base line.

Cavanerio gave up 10 hits in four inning of work, walking four. The six earned runs raised his ERA through four starts to 7.71.

Offensively, the Muckdogs never really got anything going. Brian Anderson, Ryan Cranmer, Kevin Grove and Miles Williams each picked up singles for Batavia's only four hits on the night.

Anderson, a third-round draft choice out of Arkansas, has played 10 games at second and is hitting .317. 

Batavia's lone run came in the second, after first baseman Eric Fisher reached on a strikeout, eventually advancing to third and scoring on a double play. There were no hits in the inning.

The National Anthem and "God Bless America" during the seventh inning stretch were sung beautifully by Emily Helenbrook.

The Muckdogs are on the road tonight, traveling to Mahoning Valley. They return home Monday for a 7:05 p.m. game against the Jamestown Jammers.

Batavia and State College, who are battling for supremacy in the Pinckney Division, clash at Dwyer Stadium tonight.

The 7 p.m. game is followed by an Independence Day fireworks celebration.

The starters are Dan Poncedeleon (1-0, 2,25 ERA) for the Spikes and Jorgan Cavanerio (1-0, 6.65) for the Muckdogs.

The Batavia offense will be led by Mason Davis, who is among the league leaders with a .344 batting average.

The Muckdogs travel to Mahoning Valley tomorrow night.

Roadwork is scheduled during the week of July 14 for Union, South Jackson and Otis streets in the city.

Here are the details of street closings provided by the city Bureau of Maintenance:

UNION STREET

• From West Main Street to Richmond Avenue will be closed to all traffic on Monday July 14 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for roadway milling.
• The same section of roadway will be closed to all traffic on Thursday July 17 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for paving.
• Residents should not park on the roadway and are asked to park on neighboring streets during the closure. All motorists need to seek alternate routes.

OTIS STREET

• From Ellicott Street to South Jackson Street will be closed to all traffic on Tuesday July 15 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for roadway milling.
• The same section of roadway will be closed on Friday July 18th between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for roadway paving.
• Residents should not park on the roadway and are asked to park on neighboring streets during the closure. All motorists need to seek alternate routes.

SOUTH JACKSON STREET

• From Chestnut / Jackson Street to Otis Street motorists will experience lane reductions and traffic delays on Monday July 14 and Tuesday July 15 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. due to roadway milling.
• Along the same section of roadway motorists will experience lane reductions and traffic delays on Thursday July 17 and Friday July 18 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for roadway paving.
• Residents should not park on the roadway and are asked to park on neighboring streets during the closure. All motorists need to seek alternate routes.

***For all roadwork weather delay dates will be the next available business day.

For questions, call Raymond Tourt, superindendant of the Bureau of Maintenance, Department of Public Works, City of Batavia:

Phone:  345-6400, option #1

FAX: 343-6199

e-mail:  tourt@batavianewyork.com

Press release:

The United Way of Genesee County is happy to announce that Genesee County Chamber of Commerce President Tom Turnbull will chair the 2015 United Way Campaign. Tom is a lifelong Genesee County resident and former publisher of The Daily News. Tom has been a member of the United Way Board of Directors for a dozen years and has been a longtime advocate for the United Way.

“We are extremely pleased that Tom has agreed to chair our 2015 Campaign. His passion for United Way and our community is second to none. His leadership will be valuable as we continue to grow our impact in Genesee County,” said United Way Director Erik Fix.

The 2014 United Way Campaign raised more than $364,000. The organization is in the process of strategically redefining its funding structure to better meet the needs of the community. Currently the United Way funds 15 dynamic nonprofit agencies in Genesee County. In addition, it operates the Genesee County Backpack Program and recently completed its 7^th Annual Day of Caring.

Turnbull credits the direction of the agency as a reason for volunteering.

“The past success of the United Way coupled with our exciting future is what led to my decision to chair this year’s campaign," he said. "I am excited about the direction the organization is heading and look forward to helping make this year’s campaign a huge success.”

If you would like more information about the United Way or are interested in giving, volunteering or advocating for the agency, contact Regional Director Erik Fix at 585-343-8141 or go to www.uwgeneseecounty.org.

Christine Lamkin lost her pet tortoise last night in the area of Brooklyn Avenue and South Main Street.

"His name is Nikko," says Christine. "He has a girlfriend that looks just like him and her name is Shelby. They were getting ready to mate. For the last five years, we've put them out on our deck to get some exercise in the summer months. We are confident that he slipped off the deck and wandered away. He has such a huge personality...we are truly heartbroken."

The tortoise is about 8 inches long and 6 inches wide. The shell is black with yellow spots. Head and limbs have faint orange areas.

Christine says "the tortoise needs special and precise care in order to survive as it is a tropical tortoise." Offering reward for safe return.

If found, please call Christine at 585.409.0909 or e-mail her at <cplamkin@msn.com>

UPDATE: Christine says: "WE HAVE NIKKO BACK! A neighbor across the street spotted him in her back yard (Friday) walking around about 5:20 p.m. and immediately called me. Thank goodness in looking for him all last night we put the word out to neighbors on our street. Boy are we lucky! ...Thanks...BIG LESSON LEARNED!"

(We bet Shelby is pleased as well...)

Timothy Robert King, 23, of Otis Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. King is accused of stealing $361 from an employer in Le Roy.

Zachary Wayne Morlock, 22, of Gary Lane, Cheektowaga, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Morlock was stopped at 12:26 a.m. on Alleghany Road, Darien, by Deputy Joseph Corona.

Sherri Colleen Butler, 54, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Butler was arrested on a Town of Batavia Court bench warrant.

Jerald A. Shuler Jr., 52, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Shuler allegedly threatened to hit a roommate and threw a cup of coffee. Shuler was ordered to stay away from his roommate.

Lisa M. Sequerth, 44, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Sequerth is accused of sending an ex-boyfriend 34 unwanted text messages after previously being warned not to contact her ex-boyfriend.

The following people were arrested during the Fall Out Boy concert at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday.

Jemel Cannon, 36, of Crotona Park, Bronx, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Erica A. Price, 28, of Park Street, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being directed to do so several times. Price was remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Lily J. Walton, 20, of Maple Avenue, Elmira, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal trespass, 3rd. Walton allegedly punched a concert security officer while being escorted out of the concert. An appearance ticket was issued for the harassment, 2nd, and Walton was released. Walton then reentered the concert venue after being told she could not return. Walton was arraigned on the criminal trespass, 3rd, charge and remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $200 bail.

Jordan J. Ruday, 22, of Livingston Street, Elmira, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after he was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana cigarettes. Ruday was issued an appearance ticket and released. Ruday then reentered the concert venue after being told not to return. Ruday was arraigned on the charge of criminal trespass, 3rd, and remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $200 bail.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: The Sheriff's Office just released this list of alleged ABC violations at last night's concert.

Robert B. Dugan, 18, of Lake Road, North East, Pa.
Samantha D. Oriani, 19, of Broadway, Grand Island
Jordan J. H. Storch, 17, of Marlin Drive, West Seneca
Brandon R. Borzillire, 18, of Casum Court, Niagara Falls
Kelsey J. Wiskup, 18, of Matteson Corners, Holland
Kaylee A. Gutschow, 18, of Chatham Road, Medina, Ohio
Danielle N. Pinelli, 18, of French Road, Cheektowaga
Carly B. Polisoto, 20, of East Main Street, Fredonia
Erin E. Johnson, 18, of Sunset Creek Drive, West Seneca
Emily N. Kasprzyk, 18, of Sweet Road, East Aurora
Grace M. Wisner, 19, of Main Street, West Seneca

A man already in custody after allegedly trying to flee from a deputy following a traffic stop has been arrested on a trio of City Court warrants containing more than a dozen criminal charges.

On the first warrant, James T. Saddler III, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 1st, endangering the welfare of a child, assault, 3rd, menacing, 3rd, and menacing, 2nd. The charges stem from an alleged incident reported at 4 p.m. Nov. 21 on State St., Batavia. He is also charged with two counts of aggravated family offense.

Related to an alleged incident reported at 8:15 p.m. April 1 on Olyn Avenue, Batavia, Saddler is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. 

The third warrant covers endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of harassment second. The alleged incident was reported at 2:50 p.m. April 12 at a location on Olyn Avenue, Batavia.

Saddler was picked up just after midnight Wednesday following an attempted traffic stop by Deputy Joseph Corona on Park Road. Saddler allegedly tried to flee from Corona on foot. He is charged with criminal impersonation, 2nd, obstruction of governmental administration, 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and driving with a suspended registration.

The Sheriff's Office listed Saddler's residence in Rochester. Batavia PD lists Saddler as "no permanent address" in Batavia.

The defendant is being held in Genesee County Jail without bail.

Pew Poll Question Results

The Batavia Concert Band kicked off its 2014 summer season at Centennial Park this evening. 

The season has been dedicated to the late Wayne A. Burilson, conductor, who died March 26 at age 37.

The guest conductor tonight was John Kresse.

Shows this year are scheduled for 7 p.m. in the park on July 9, July 16, July 23 and July 30 (all Wednesdays).

The band will also play Friday, July 4, at GO ART!'s Picnic in the Park, which runs from noon to 5 p.m.

Speaking of Picnic in the Park and music, also performing are Stephanie Pietrzak, “America’s Polka Sweetheart,” at 1 p.m., and at 2:30 p.m. is “Trilogy,” a four-piece classic rock and roll band, followed at 4 p.m. by Gan Ainm, playing Irish and Irish American traditional music, led by John Ryan.

And speaking of live music in Batavia, the Ramble Music at Arts Festival is this Saturday in Jackson Square. The opening ceremony is at 11:15 a.m.

There was an open house this afternoon for the new mixed-use complex in Jackson Square.  

The former Carr's Department Store Warehouse is now four apartments and a downstairs office space.

One of the apartments is already rented. Thermory, a company that installs thermo-treated wood decks, has moved into the office space.

The building was purchased by developer Paul Thompson and partners, who invested more than $500,000 of their own money as well as leveraged $115,000 in state grants to complete the conversion project.

Features of the building include exposed original beams, industrial-grade wood floors and brick walls.

Some of the shelter volunteers call him "Boyfriend," which tells you something about how "Foxer" has won the hearts of the people who care for him every day.

The white and brown pit bull is sweet, kind and gentle and gets along well with the other dogs and people he meets.

The only serious issue for Foxer these days seems to be a question of how much longer he's going to be confined at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Officially, he's "evidence." 

Foxer, also known around the shelter as "Skully," is caught in a legal battle between his owner, Nina Kelso, and the government that is prosecuting her for allegedly mistreating him.

Kelso's case has been pending in Batavia City Court since Feb. 4 when she was charged with torturing or injuring an animal; failure to provide sustenance; and owning/harboring an unlicensed dog. 

The 29-year-old Batavia resident had another court appearance scheduled last week, but as with her previous court appearances, her case was continued, so Foxer's fate remains unresolved.

According to Batavia's Animal Control Officer James Sheflin, Kelso won't sign Foxer over to the shelter so he can be adopted, and since Kelso's case is still pending, the shelter has no choice but to keep him confined.

He can't even go to a foster home because he's considered evidence. Until his status changes he has to remain in the supervision and custody of the shelter.

And he's getting a little stir crazy.

During those hours he's confined to his cage, Foxer doesn't do much other than spin in circles. 

"In the kennel I think he gets a little bit of anxiety, but as you can see, as soon as he gets around humans he's happy and ready to go," Sheflin said. "I can't speak to how he was before we got him, whether he had a lot of human contact before, so I don't know if it's a separation-anxiety type thing."

Volunteer Brenda Cromwell said Foxer is walked daily and even gets a car ride from time to time, but still he spends about 23 hours a day in his cage.

Healthwise, he's doing much better. When he first came into the shelter (see picture below), he weighed 49 pounds. Today, he weighs 75 pounds.

He was treated by a vet for gastroenteritis. 

"He is food-obsessed and looks forward, anxiously, to his next meal," Cromwell said.

Another dog brought to the shelter a couple of weeks before Foxer was Nessa, owned by Lauren K. Pellegrino. Pellegrino's case, like Kelso's, is still pending, so Nessa remains confined to the shelter, but has adjusted to shelter life better than Foxer. Nessa displays no anxiety issues, but is as comfortable and happy around people as Foxer.

Photo of Foxer taken Feb. 4.

Nessa, above, today, and below, when she was first brought to the shelter.

A two-car accident is reported on East Main Street and the vehicles involved are now in the west parking lot of Oliver's Candies. A 12-year-old reportedly has a head injury. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:40 p.m.: This was a fender-bender. No one was transported. Responders clearing the scene. One person complained of pain, but waived medical treatment.

The Genesee County AmeriCorps Program, in collaboration with the Genesee County and Batavia youth bureaus, is planning the annual Safe Summer Children’s Carnival open to the public to take place on Thursday, July 31.

It will be from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Falleti Ice Arena, 22 Evans St. in the City Batavia. One dollar buys a ticket to play 10 games, and children can win “funny money” to redeem for prizes.

Entertainment by “Charlie and Checkers” is scheduled from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and the games will run from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. There will also be several community agency booths.

The grand prize for this event is sponsored by the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union, which are Beats by Dre Solo Headphones that can be won by visiting the booths.

For more information on the carnival please contact Chelsea at the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960.

Chelsea Dillon Program Assistant
Youth Court Coordinator
Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau
2 Bank St.
Batavia NY 14020
Phone: 585-344-3960
Fax: 585-345-3063

Photos and story by City Historian Larry D. Barnes.

This is the second in a series of articles about the other communities, located east of the Rocky Mountains, that are named “Batavia.” This one is about Batavia, Ohio, an incorporated village of around 1,500 people located east of nearby Cincinnati in Clermont County, Ohio. The village is governed by a mayor and six-member village council.

George Ely is regarded as the founder of Batavia, Ohio. The community was laid out in 1814 by David Bryan and George Ely on land owned by Ely. Bryan was County Clerk at the time. Ely was a founding Mason and also served in several other prominent roles including those of County Sheriff and newspaper editor.

Eight years earlier and prior to laying out the community, George Ely erected a cabin on the bank of the East Fork of the Little Miami River, a stream that flows on the western boundary of present-day Batavia. He also built a water mill there, the first of its kind in the county. Later, he added a tavern and store.

George Ely is credited with naming Batavia, Ohio, but the historical record provides no direct indication of how he came up with the name. However, an educated guess can be made. Ely and his wife emigrated from New Jersey to Ohio in 1804. Their New Jersey home was close to Philadelphia and both of them were from wealthy families in that area. It is quite possible, therefore, that they knew Paolo Busti, head of the Holland Land Company’s American headquarters in Philadelphia. It is also quite possible that they knew James Stevens, head clerk of the Holland Land Company office in Batavia, N.Y., given that he was from the same area of New Jersey as the Elys. Furthermore, it is conceivable that they knew Joseph Ellicott and many others who, by 1804, had come from the greater Philadelphia area to reside in Batavia, N.Y. Given these likely associations, the name “Batavia,” was probably well known to George Ely. Perhaps he simply found the name attractive and chose it for that reason alone.

A driver involved in an accident yesterday that sent one person to the hospital has been charged with driving under the influence of a drug.

Keith Allen Hackett, 48, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, was also cited for alleged failure to yield right of way.

Hackett was reportedly parked at 80 South Pearl St. in the greenway at 1:30 p.m. when he pulled left into traffic to initiate a U-turn.

His 2003 Ford sedan was struck by a car driven by Shelly G. Bucci, 53, of Knowsville Road, Oakfield.

Bucci was transported to UMMC with minor injuries.

Her passenger, 84-year-old Lorraine E. Balduf, was uninjured.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.

(Initial Report)