Skip to main content

Photos: The 2013 Genesee County Fair opened today

By Howard B. Owens

Dalton King, of East Bethany, sings a country tune during the annual talent show on the first day of the Genesee County Fair.

The fair runs through Saturday.

Here's a list of tomorrow's featured events:

  • 4 to 8 p.m. --  Mr. Scribbles and various children events
  • 5 to 10 p.m. -- Rides by Mainevent Amusements
  • 5 p.m. -- Classic car show
  • 6:30 p.m. -- Grand Parade in the fairgrounds
  • 7 p.m. -- Karaoke
  • 8 to 11 p.m. -- Barnstorm Band

The Masons have a booth set up to provide parents with child IDs. Here, Ellie gets her fingerprints with the help of her father, Noah Summers, of Attica.

Muckers bracing for disappointing onion harvest

By Howard B. Owens

We've been tracking this year's onion crop and we checked in on the mucklands today, and from the road, the fields looked pretty good, but looks can be deceiving, said Paul Mortellaro, of G Mortellaro And Sons in Elba.

From the air, Mortellaro said, you can see a lot of open patches and thin spots.

"You'll probably see averages of 500 to 600 bags (50-pound bags) per acre," Mortellaro said. "Some less, some maybe 1,000. That's pretty disappointing."

Right now onions are trading at $13 per bag, but with transportation costs for Elba onions, that brings the crop yield down to about $6 per bag.

"At $6 per bag, you cannot make a living like that, not in Elba," Mortellaro said. "You can do that out west, but you can't do it here."

He said he and his brother are in no hurry to harvest their onions -- but will do so at the end of the month -- unlike last year when onions were going for $20 per bag.

The onions that were transplants -- such as the one pictured above from a Torrey field -- are developing bulbs and some have already been harvested, Mortellaro said. Those fields are generally in better shape than those planted with seeds, which have not yet started to bulb.

The problem this year: too much rain and not enough warm, dry days between storms.

Two volunteers from special needs camp in Batavia are dead after crash in Wheatland

By Howard B. Owens

Two people were killed and three seriously injured in Wheatland today when the SUV they were in collided with a tractor-trailer at North Road and Riga Mumford Road.

The five people were returning home in a 1995 Jeep Wrangler after working as volunteers at a camp in Batavia for children with special needs.

The two people who died are identified by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office as Taylor Binnert, 21, and Christopher Peterson, 20.

The three rear seat passengers were seriously injured and transported to Strong. They are Emily Peterson, 17, Michaela Murphy, 17, and Joanne Krutchen, 20.

For more on this developing story, visit WHAM13.com.

CORRECTION: The information provided by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office was incorrect in one regard. The individuals involved were volunteers at a BOCES summer school program, not a camp.

Help sought to find people who drove golf carts recklessly at Meadow Brook

By Howard B. Owens

Three golf carts at Meadow Brook Golf Course, 4022 S. Main Street Road, Batavia, along with a portion of the golf course were damaged sometime around 3 a.m., July 10 and the Sheriff's Office is looking for leads that might help identify the culprits.

Two golf carts were driven into ponds and one was overturned on the course.

There was damage caused to the course by the reckless operation of the carts.

If you have information to share about the incident, contact John Dehm at the Sheriff's Office, 345-3000, ext. 3575.

Batavia 16 year olds take District 3 Little League championship

By Howard B. Owens

Photo and infomration submitted by Jim Fazio:

The Batavia 16-year-old Sr. League baseball team defeated Dansville in a double-header by scores of 10-5 and 10-0 to capture the District 3 championship and will face the District 2 champion this Saturday in Cuba , NY, at 3 p.m. The winner of this round will advance to Long Island the following weekend.

Team members include front row: James Fazio, Luke McComb, Tommy Demmer, Tyler Hale, Cameron Slaven, and Manager Jim Fazio.

Second row: Coach Dan McComb, Zeke Lynn, Joe Saraceni, Frank Bellucci, and Ryan Mullen. Back row Coach Dave Demmer, Zach Gayton, and Jacob Hale. Missing from photo is Nate Cornell.

Sponsored Post: Genesee County Fair starts tonight and runs through July 20th!

By Lisa Ace

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Tuesday 7/16

  • 9am - 4-H Swine Show
  • 12 pm -  4-H Goat Show
  • 2:30 pm - 4-H Sheep Show
  • 6 pm - 4-H Beef Show
  • 6:30 pm - "Genesee's Got Talent" -Talent Show
 
Wednesday 7/17
  • 4 - 8pm -  Mr. Scribbles and various children events
  • 5 - 10pm - Rides by Mainevent Amusements
  • 5 pm - Classic car show
  • 6:30 pm - Grand Parade in the fairgrounds
  • 7 pm - Karaoke
  • 8 - 11pm - Barnstorm Band
 
Thursday 7/18
  • 5 - 10pm - Rides by Mainevent Amusements
  • 6 pm - Raceway 5 Stock Car Racing
  • 7 pm - 4-H Livestock Auction
  • 8 pm - Patrick Johnson - Elvis impersonator
  • 8 pm - Karaoke Finals
 
Friday 7/19
  • 5 - 10pm - Rides by Mainevent Amusements
  • 7 pm - Genesee County Fair Queen and Princess Pageant
  • 7 pm - Demolition Derby
  • 8 pm - Julie Dunlap Band
 
Saturday 7/20
  • 11 am - Farm Stock Tractor Pull - Bring your tractor
  • 1 pm - 10pm Rides by Mainevent Amusements
  • 4 pm - WNY Garden Tractor Pull
  • 6 pm - WNY Pro Farm Tractor and Truck Pull
  • 8 pm - Monster Johnson Band

For more information, please visit us online at: http://gcfair.com

Elderly driver allegedly drove eastbound on westbound 490

By Billie Owens

About 20 minutes ago, an elderly female driving a black sedan was reported to be headed eastbound on westbound I-490 around the time she passed the Bergen exit. Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center notified Monroe County law enforcement. Then it was reported that she turned around and starting heading in the correct direction, exited and got on Route 33.

A caller reported that this car was going slow -- 25 mph -- and was partially driving on the shoulder and was otherwise "all over the roadway." Sheriff's deputies located her and are speaking with her now.

Cats pounce on 'Dogs pitching for 8-4 victory

By Howard B. Owens

Avery Romero added two more notches to his league-leading RBI total Monday night, but it wasn't enough to overcome some erratic pitching as the Muckdogs dropped to 13-14 with a 8-4 loss to the Tri-City Wildcats.

Romero is the best hitting player in the league so far, with a .361 average, 35 hits, 18 RBI, 10 doubles and 51 total bases (all league-leading stats), but the Wildcats are so far the best team in the NYPL with a record of 20-9.

Drafted in the third round of last year's amatuer draft, Romero is considered one of the Marlin's top 15 prospects.

After falling behind 3-0 in the second inning on back-to-back home runs by on Jon Kemmer and Thomas Lindauer, the eight and nine hitters in the line up, Batavia battled back in the fourth on consecutive doubles by Austin Dean, Felix Munoz and Romero followed by a single driving in Romero by Coco Johnson.

The rally was snuffed when Johnson tried to stretch his single into a double (top photo) and was called out on a close play at second by umpire Joe George. George's raised thumb brought manager Angel Espada charging over from the third base coaching, yelling a string of expletives. The call didn't change, but Espada was out of the game.

The Muckdogs took a 4-3 lead in the fifth, but Casey McCarthy (2-2) couldn't hold the lead and was charged with a blown save and took the loss, giving up three runs in the 7th to move his ERA to 6.00.

The starter for Batavia was Jarlin Garcia, who gave up three runs in five innings of work.

The attendance was 1,100. Next home game is at 7:05 p.m. June 23 against the Jamestown Jammers.

It was Mormon Night and former Cy Young winner Vern Law threw out the first pitch, a Mormon choir sang the National Anthemn, a Native American dancer was featured and white-shirted missionaries tossed prizes to the crowd.

Law and Order: Men accused of unreasonable noise on State Street

By Howard B. Owens

Willie J. Thomas, 37, of 5 Raymond Ave., Batavia, and Maurice G. Leach, 37, of 212 State St., Batavia, are charged with unnecessary/unreasonable noise under the Batavia Municipal Code, Section 120-3(1). Thomas and Leach were allegedly disturbing the neighborhood on State Street at 10:20 p.m. Saturday by yelling.

Kenneth M. Gray Jr., 21, of 77 Myrtle St., Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Gray was arrested at 2:22 p.m. Sunday at 112 W. Main St., Batavia, by Sgt. Jason Davis. No further details released.

Brian R. Orbaker, 40, of 14 Oak St., #2, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Orbaker is accused of punching another person in the face while they passed each other on bicycles in the area of 1 W. Main St., Batavia, at 10:05 p.m. Friday.

Miguel Angel Dejesus, 66, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Dejesus is accused of hitting a woman in the face with a trash can lid and threatening her with a machete.

Police searching for alleged shoplifter of Tops in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A suspected shoplifter at Tops Market in Le Roy is being sought by police after allegedly leaving the store with a cart chock full of stuff. He is described as a skinny white male about 6-feet tall with bad teeth wearing blue shorts and a blue shirt. A witness at the store said he saw the man flee on foot down a trail by the store.

Man in striped shirt and shorts being sought after accident in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Police are looking for a man that allegedly left the scene of an accident on Harris Road in Le Roy. He is walking and described as a heavy-set white male, 6-feet tall, wearing a striped shirt and shorts.

UPDATE 7:01 p.m.: The roadway had been closed, but is now reopened. Law enforcement is waiting for National Grid because wires were torn down.

Trailer piled with hay catches fire

By Billie Owens

A trailer stacked with hay is reportedly on fire at 7328 Seldon Road. Le Roy Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 6:06 p.m.: Bergen fire is requested to stand by in its hall.

UPDATE 6:18 p.m.: Bergen is called to the scene.

UPDATE 7 p.m.: The fire is out.

Sponsored Post: Get your City of Batavia Republican Committee Shop Batavia Basket Raffle ticket at the Yngodess today!

By Lisa Ace

Get your City of Batavia Republican Committee Shop Batavia Basket Raffle ticket at the Yngodess Today! Over $600 in donated gift certificates and items from Batavia businesses.

Tickets are available at the Yngodess, for a limited time, hurry in today!
Ticket prices are: 3 tickets/$2 or 10 tickets for $5.

Drawing to be held: Sept. 12, at the City Republican Committee's Annual Cocktail Party.

Basket Prize Listing:

  • Batavia Downs -- $50 Free play, $50 dining gift certificate, and more goodies -- Donated by the Batavia Downs Casino;
  • Clor's Meat Market gift certificate -- Donated by Clor's Meat Market;
  • Mark's Pizzeria -- 7 Free pizza coupons -- Donated by Mark's Pizzeria;
  • The Enchanted Florist gift certificate -- Donated by The Enchanted Florist;
  • Larry's Steakhouse gift certificate -- Donated by Larry's Steakhouse;
  • Sweet Pea's Cupcakery Cafe gift certificate -- Donated by Sweet Pea's Cupcakery Cafe;
  • Salvania's Restaurant gift certificate -- Donated by Salvania's Restaurant;
  • Charles Men's Shop gift certificate -- Donated by Charles Men's Shop;
  • Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles gift certificate -- Donated by Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles;
  • Batavia Tailors & Cleaners gift certificate -- Donated by Laura Landers;
  • City Slickers Restaurant gift certificate -- Donated by City Slickers Bar & Grill;
  • Batavia Showtime Movies gift certificate -- Donated by Batavia Showtime Movies;
  • Coffee Culture gift certificate -- Donated by Laura Landers;
  • Pair of Calvin Klein sunglasses -- Donated by Optique;
  • Pair of sterling silver earrings -- Donated by Valle Jewelers.
  • Mommy & Me Cookie Co. gift certificate -- Donated by Mommy & Me Cookie Co.;
  • 2 Bottles of Wine, exclusive to The Yngodess -- Donated by the Yngodess;
  • Cash gift card -- Donated by Gaines Kriner Elliott, LLP;
  • Gerace's Hair Care gift certificate & 2 bottles of shampoo -- Donated by Joe Gerace;
  • Wine wlass and bottle of wine -- Donated by the B.I.D.;
  • 3lb. can of coffee -- Donated by Tim Horton's.
The Yngodess is located at 73 Main St. in Batavia. 585-343-3170. Stay up to date with shop specials by liking Yngodess on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/TheYngodessShop

Premiere Credit says its Mill Street location will employ 200 after latest round of hiring

By Howard B. Owens

Previously, we published a press release from GCEDC that announced an expansion for Premiere Credit. Here is a press release from Premiere Credit with more information.

Premiere Credit of North America, LLC, a leading national accounts receivable management company headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., announced today the addition of 50 jobs to its Batavia call center operation on Mill Street.

Premiere Credit will be hiring managers and collection cpecialists. Interested applicants can apply online at www.premierecredit.com and click on the Employment tab. These are solid jobs with good benefits and great earning potential for top performers.

“Premiere Credit opened an office in Batavia 17 months ago and we have been so impressed with the workforce in this location. We are excited to have the opportunity to expand our business here,” said President and CEO Rob Meck. “I am also proud to be part of a team that so willingly gives of their time and resources to this community through their involvement in local charities.”

“Premiere Credit’s expansion of its Batavia office is a testament to a high quality, productive and home-grown workforce,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center. “This announcement builds on the positive economic development continuing to gain traction in Batavia and throughout the county.”

The Mill Street location started with 50 employees in March 2012 and will employ nearly 200 people after this expansion is complete.

GCC announces new administrators and directors

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

From as far away as Connecticut and as close as Monroe County, Genesee Community College welcomes a class of new administrators and directors to its main campus in Batavia. These leaders bring fresh ideas and extensive experience to help GCC continue to meet the needs of students and the community.

Kathleen (Kate) Schiefen, Ph.D., joined the College July 1 as provost/executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Schiefen will oversee all academic programs. She has more than 20 years experience in higher education and comes to GCC from Monroe Community College in Rochester where she served as dean of Academic Services at the Damon City Campus for the past four years. Previously, she was a department chair, tenured teaching faculty member and adjunct instructor at MCC and dean at Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz. She earned an A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology from Trocaire College, a bachelor of science degree in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan College, a master's in Adult Education from the University at Buffalo and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Capella University.

GCC is pleased to welcome back to campus Kristen Clark Schuth, who became director of Athletics May 1. Schuth was head softball coach at GCC from 2005-2010. She returns to Batavia after serving as assistant director of Athletics at Finger Lakes Community College. A native of Hilton, Schuth starred in basketball and softball at SUNY Brockport where she was named female athlete of the year and earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She earned a master's in Sport Management from California University of Pennsylvania. She resides in Spencerport with husband, David, and sons, Gavynn and Austynn.

Michelle Slawiak joined the GCC family July 8 as the new director of the Campaign for the Genesee Community College Foundation. Slawiak, of Buffalo, comes to GCC from the Botanical Gardens of Buffalo and Erie County where she served as an event and wedding coordinator. She previously served as the annual giving director for the Buffalo Niagara YMCA and as a development associate for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Canisius College.

Reid Smalley began his position as executive director of Workforce Development in The BEST (Business Employee Skills Training) Center April 15. Prior to GCC, he served as dean of Workforce Development, Continuing Education and Community Services at Middlesex Community College in Middletown, Conn. He has also worked at community colleges in Harrisburg, Pa. and Johnstown, NY. He holds a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Resources from Michigan State University and a M.Ed. in Training and Development from Penn State University.

A graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, Stephen Wise took over as director of Public Safety at GCC May 1. Wise served as director of Safety and Security for the Churchville-Chili Central School District for the last three years. He retired in 2009 from the Greece police department. A resident of Rochester, Wise holds a bachelor's degree, from SUNY Brockport and a master's degree from Keuka College.

Finally, the new Dean of Distributed Learning, Craig Lamb joins the College Aug. 12 from SUNY Empire State College's Center for Distance Learning (CDL) in Saratoga Springs. Lamb has worked as an assessment specialist in CDL's Office of Academic Review and, for the past six years, as director of Academic Support Services. He will continue to build the dynamic online learning program at GCC, where online enrollment now accounts for 15 percent of total enrollment. Lamb is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. He holds a bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University, master's from SUNY Plattsburgh and is completing a Ph.D. from SUNY Albany.

If you read The Batavian, please support our efforts by joining The Batavian Club

By Howard B. Owens

During the Oatka Festival, we had a booth set up and were signing up new members for The Batavian Club. Thanks to all who joined. It's a big help.

Six people told us they wanted to join, but didn't have money or a credit card with them and a couple of people said explicitly they would rather join through PayPal. This post, as much as anything, is for them.

To be clear about why we're doing The Batavian Club. This isn't about selling discounts to businesses, though we do that, it's about reaching out to the people who read The Batavian every day and appreciate what we do, to make a small contribution to help us build a sustainable business. Advertising alone is not enough. We need reader support. Think of this as a voluntary subscription for all the great news you get online from The Batavian.

So, please use the options below and join today.

TO JOIN: Use PayPal buttons below, or to pay by check (annual only) or credit card, click here to download form. Or call (585) 250-4118 to pay by credit card.

We've set up four membership tiers -- Subscribe to the club monthly as one person or as a household, or annually at either of those levels. 

Members receive a membership card, bumper sticker and a package of gift certificates to local businesses. 

It's important to note, this isn't a subscription to read the site. Our stories remain free to read. This is a voluntary subscription with benefits (and we'll add benefits as it grows).

Join via PayPal below, or for annual and one-time memberships paid by check, click here to download this form (monthly, recurring payment memberships must be via PayPal or credit card.) To pay by credit card, use the form, or call (585) 250-4118.

Monthly Single Membership - $5 per month
Includes membership card and bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Monthly Household Membership - $10 per month
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Single Membership - $50 per year
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual Household Membership - $100 per year
Includes two membership cards and two bumper stickers, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

Annual membership, one payment of $60
Includes membership card, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

Annual household membership, one payment of $120
Includes two membership cards, bumper sticker, one package of gift certificates to local businesses.

 

GCEDC announces new projects with promise of 60 more jobs

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) reviewed and approved four items at the organization’s July 11 board meeting. The projects would create approximately 60 new jobs, including 50 new jobs at Premiere Credit in downtown Batavia while retaining approximately 50 jobs at Leroy Plastics.

The board also approved the sale of 10 acres of land to Alpina for a future use as yet not unveiled by the company. Alpina has already surpassed its commitment to create 50 new jobs to receive benefits from the GCEDC as 55 new jobs have already been created.

Le Roy Plastics received approval for a $100,000 loan fund from the GCEDC in order to purchase a building at 59 Lake St. in Le Roy. The company is seeking to consolidate its processes from current facilities located at 15 Lent Ave. and 7835 E. Main St. The loan would have a term of seven years.

Premiere Credit, which opened operations in the city of Batavia in 2012, received a sales tax exemption of approximately $26,000 in return for an investment of $325,000 to expand the footprint of the company’s existing call center at 1 Mill St. The expansion will create an additional 50 new employees for a total workforce of 135.

Imagination Industries is constructing a 7,015-square-foot facility at 8240 Buffalo Road in the Town of Bergen. The multiuse facility will house an indoor firing range, training center, gunsmith services and a laser engraving business. The company is investing nearly $400,000 and will create 10 new jobs. 

Since this is a retail business, a public hearing was conducted on July 9 for community feedback to the project as part of the passage of new state legislation to determine if the project makes available services which would not be, but for the project, reasonably accessible to residents of the municipality where the project is located. After it was determined that the project fulfilled the new criteria, Imagination Industries received approval for sales tax and mortgage tax exemptions and a property tax abatement.

“These are all very high-quality projects that we believe will have a positive economic impact in the region,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “While the main function of our organization is to create new jobs, it’s also important to remember that we are here to help existing companies such as Le Roy Plastics retain jobs and keep them here for the long term.”

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
Tags: Jobs offered
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.
Tags: Jobs offered

Authentically Local