From Caryn Leigh Wood, IT support aide, BHS Musical & Drama director:

Per several requests this morning -- VIDEO RENTAL HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR VIEWING "SISTER ACT"!

Rent the streamed video HERE!

Also be sure to check out the SHOW PROGRAM by clicking the button in the lower left corner of the online rental portal.

The steps for rental include clicking the purple bar in the middle of the page that says rent video, then click on the Current Events tab on the next page that opens, and finally click the Rent Video button under the poster image. You have the option to do single or multiple devices as well. An access code will be emailed to you. 

Once you have begun viewing it, you will have 48 hours to complete the video. RENTAL IS NOW AVAILABLE UNTIL WEDNESDAY NIGHT!

Help support this AMAZING group of students by watching their show in the comfort of your own home! You won't be disappointed!

THANK YOU!

Caryn

Previously: For BHS Production Club, the show must go on with 'Sister Act'

Matthew Jacob Zon, 39, of East Main Street, Byron, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and third-degree assault. At 7:30 p.m. on April 23 Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a residence on East Main Street in Byron for a domestic incident. Zon was arrested and arraigned in Genesee County Court, where an order of protection was issued to the victim. Zon was released on his own recognizance and is due in Byron Town Court on June 16.

Olivia Carolan Delorme, 18, of Cockram Road, Byron, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. She was arrested at 4:25 p.m. on April 23 on Cockram Road following a domestic incident. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Byron Town Court on June 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig.

Joseph Michael Augastino, 31, of Mann Road, Akron, is charged with trespassing. At 5:37 p.m. on May 18 Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to an address in the Town of Batavia for a domestic incident. Augastino allegedly remained in the property after being told multiple times to leave. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on May 18. The case was handled by Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Adam Bart Thomas, no age provided, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree and disorderly conduct. At 12:11 a.m. on April 24, Thomas was arrested after he allegedly damaged property in a reckless manner at a hotel on Federal Drive in Batavia. He was released with an appearance ticket to be in Town of Batavia Court on May 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer David Moore, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

Richard Burdick, 43, no address provided, was arrested at 10:13 a.m. April 14 on East Avenue in Batavia during a traffic stop in which drug narcotics were allegedly located in his vehicle. He is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Burdick was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Christopher Weigman, 32, no address provided, was arrested at 10:13 a.m. April 14 on East Avenue in Batavia during a traffic stop in which he was allegedly found to possess a controlled substance. He is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Lisa Fox, 49, no address provided, was arrested at 10:13 a.m. April 14 on East Avenue in Batavia during a traffic stop in which she was allegedly found to possess a controlled substance and a hypodermic instrument. She is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Dawn Lockwood, 51, no address provided, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. April 15 on Main Street in Batavia after she allegedly took money from another person under false pretenses and refused to return it. She is charged with petit larceny. Lockwood was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia City Court on May 4.

Michael Lytle, no age or address provided, was arrested at 8:45 p.m. April 18 in Batavia after it was reported that "he was kicked out of a local bar, then began being demonstrative in the parking lot, briefly leaving in a vehicle then returning." During an investigation, it was determined that Lytle was allegedly operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He is charged with driving while intoxicated and driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more. Lytle was issued traffic tickets then released. He is due in Batavia City Court on July 20.

Andrew William Taylor, 33, of Oak Orchard Road, Medina, is charged with petit larceny and criminal mischief. At 5 p.m. on April 21, Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Walmart for a larceny complaint. It is alleged that Taylor stole and damaged merchandise belonging to Walmart. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia Town Court on June 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Tower, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Press release:

New additions to the 2021 Batavia Muckdog roster all attended NCAA Division 2 and 3 institutions that find themselves in the Top 25 rankings. They are pitcher Nathan Novia, corner infielder Joe Georger, and outfielder Trevor Dean.

Novia is a right-handed pitcher from Leicester, Mass., and is listed at 6’0” 205 lbs. In his senior year at Worchester Academy, Novia underwent Tommy John surgery in April of 2019. After not playing a game in nearly two calendar years, Nate accepted a scholarship at NCAA Division 2 program, St. Thomas Aquinas College, in January 2020.

This year the Spartans have a 16-2 record, with a five-game winning streak snapped this past Sunday in a 13-12 loss to Molloy College. Last week St. Thomas Aquinas found themselves at No. 20 in the NCAA Divison 2 national rankings. Novia is still waiting for the first appearance of his collegiate career as a freshman at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Joe Georger is a sophomore at Divison 3 powerhouse Washington University at St. Louis, Mo., as a first and third baseman. The Appleton, Wis., native is listed at 6’3”, 215 lbs., and is in his sophomore season at Washington University at St. Louis. Per d3baseball.com, the Bears are ranked No. 1 in the country for the past two weeks after starting No. 8 in the preseason polls. Washington U. currently has a 22-3 record, winning one out of three games this weekend against Buena Vista University in Iowa.

Georger has seen limited action so far in his career with the Bears, getting three at-bats in the shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19 and playing in six games in 2021. In eight plate appearances, Georger has tallied one hit, two walks, a run scored, and a stolen base.

Trevor Dean is a 6’0” 185 lbs. freshman outfielder at fellow D3 school, Washington and Jefferson College located in Washington, Pa. Dean is from San Diego and attended Rancho Bernardo High School before heading to the East Coast to further his baseball career.

In his first season with the Presidents, Dean has started four of 21 games, five hits, five RBIs, and seven runs scored. Washington and Jefferson found themselves ranked No. 7 in the country on d3baseball.com, with a 27-1 record so far in 2021. Their next two series are against the Thiel Tomcats and St. Vincent Bearcats before the PAC conference tournament starting May 15th.

The Muckdogs are coming home to Dwyer Stadium on June 4th for their home opener after opening the season on the road in Elmira on June 3rd, which you can catch on Youtube Live on the Muckdogs Youtube page!

Make sure to call (607) 734-7825 and get your season tickets now before the 2021 season kicks off on June 4th. Be sure to like our Facebook page and subscribe to our Youtube channel, “Batavia Muckdogs Baseball.”

Welcome Nate, Joe, and Trevor, Go Dogs!

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.89, up 2 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $1.78. The New York State average is $2.92 – up 3 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.19.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.88 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.86 (up 4 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.87 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.88 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.95 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.88 (up 1 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.95 (no change since last week)

Last week’s demand estimate is one of the highest since March 2020. A year ago, social distancing restrictions were established that dramatically reduced gas demand.

Now, the demand for fuel is in line with the typical spring driving season rates seen pre-pandemic. Continued growth in total domestic supply will likely help to keep pump prices from spiking dramatically.

From GasBuddy:

"Last week saw limited upward movement in gas prices, tying the previous high water mark we last saw in March, signaling that perhaps we may see additional upside as most states in the nation have finished the transition to EPA-mandated summer gasoline," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.

"While gasoline demand did dip last week for the third straight week according to GasBuddy data, it was yet another small decline, and as temperatures continue to warm ahead of summer, it wouldn't surprise me that demand will rebound in the weeks ahead and we could continue to see gas prices push higher.

"For now, however, it doesn't appear that any rise in price would be significant, so motorists shouldn't be too concerned at this point, but may see see average prices inch higher."

From Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer:

Upton Road between Route 33 and Rose Road in the Town of Batavia will be closed beginning May 3 through approximately Sept. 15^th for a bridge replacement project.

The road will not be passable to regular traffic or emergency vehicles. A detour will be posted.

From Kate Edwards, Advancement coordinator, DECA co-adviser, Notre Dame High School:

Notre Dame High School is pleased to announce a generous donation of $2,500 from Gerry and Carm Reinhart. This donation is given in the name of Scott D. "Fletch" Hale and will benefit Notre Dame's hockey and football programs.

Hale was a 1991 graduate of Batavia High School who excelled at hockey and football. He went on to Brockport State College graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. He will be remembered for his larger than life personality and his kind heart.

For Hale's full obituary, click here.

For much of the first quarter the Pembroke Dragons were in for a long, tough night, falling behind quickly 30-8 in their eight-man semifinal playoff game against the Perry Hornets.

It was a long evening but an exciting one with the Dragons battling all night to regain the lead and then hold on for the win 74-68.

Garrett Totten had nine carries for 175 yards and three touch downs, plus three receptions for 68 yards and two TDs.

QB Connor Peterson rushed 13 times for 93 yds and a TD and was 4 for 7 passing for 142 yards and three TDs.

Tyson Totten ran for 59 yards on three carries and scored a touchdown. He had one reception for 74 yds and a TD. 

On special teams, Avery Ferreira returned kickoff 45 yards for a touchdown.

On defense, Connor Peterson had 12 tackles a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Tyson Totten, 10 tackles and one interception. Keith Neureuter, three tackles, and two interceptions, with one returned for a 98 yard pick-six. Brandon Florian, four tackles and four sacks. Peter Farrington, five tackles a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Chase Guzdek, seven tackles, and a sack. 

"I am so proud of how our young men responded to adversity tonight," said Head Coach Jamie Johnson. "We were down 30-8 at the end of the first quarter and they could have just thrown in the towel. But they kept their faith in each other and kept playing hard.

"Perry had a great game plan and came ready to play but our guys just stuck with it and believed they could win this game. I couldn’t be more proud of them."

Photos by Elizabeth Gabbey.

Owners of Quicklee’s Convenience Stores have their eyes on the former site of the Bob Evans Restaurant at 204 Oak St. for a convenience store with a retail fuel station.

The City of Batavia Planning & Development Committee last week reviewed the sketch plan submitted by Patricia Bittar, director of land development projects for Quicklee’s, which has about two dozen stores/retail fuel locations – mostly in Livingston and Monroe counties.

“Right now, the site plan looks favorable. It fits really nice there, you know, with the Thruway exiting,” PDC Chair Duane Preston said.

According to a letter from Bittar to City Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall, the proposed project involves converting the existing 3,771 square-foot building into two sections: 2,700-plus square feet for the convenience store and the remaining 1,000-plus square feet for a “quick service restaurant partner with a drive-thru window.”

Additional aspects of the site modification plan are as follows:

• The 12-foot wide drive-thru lane will be situated along the east and north building walls, with a 13-foot wide escape lane adjacent to it;

• The fueling area will be placed south of the existing structure, and will feature four fuel pumps under a 48-foot by 48-foot canopy;

• Some of the existing concrete curb and asphalt pavement will be removed, and will be relocated on the site;

• The existing curb cut onto Noonan Drive and the access drive along the east edge of the site will be maintained, while a right-out only curb cut, 12 feet in width, is proposed along the west edge of the site, connecting to Oak Street (Route 98);

• Parking spaces would be reduced from 57 to 40, with sections of the existing parking area to be converted to green space. The company would need an area variance due to the fact that 68 parking spaces are required in that amount of space.

• The existing site lighting on the building and in the parking area will be maintained, and lights will be added to the fuel pumps’ canopy.

Preston said the PDC is not thrilled about the right turn only idea onto Oak Street, so close to the Thruway on-ramp.

“We had a couple concerns about an exit onto the (New York State) DOT (Department of Transportation) area going into the Thruway,” he said. “Obviously, we’re not in favor of that because if a car … gets in the wrong lane and exits to the right, they’re right in the Thruway entrance and then, you would foresee a situation where someone might turn to do a U-turn and get into an accident.”

He said he did like that the location has only four gas pumps and a drive-thru “for some fast food for people (coming) off the Thruway.”

A second area variance would be required since the store is located within 500 feet of a public entrance to a church (Emmanuel Baptist at 190 Oak St.).

The district is zoned Commercial, so the convenience store/gas station would be an acceptable use.

According to Quicklee’s website, the corporation has been owned and operated by the Bruckel family of Avon since 1995, with its business plan focused on combination stores featuring fast food, car washes and fuel stations.

One of its most recent stores is a travel center off of I-390 South, featuring a fully stocked convenience store, car wash, Dunkin’ Donuts and Calabresella's New York Style Deli, along with a truck stop equipped with a diesel mechanic shop, overnight parking, showers and laundry.

Livestream via Section V Athletics; audio, WBTA.

Holly Sharpe delivers two dinners to a customer Saturday evening during the annual Joe Gerace Spaghetti Dinner sale at Ascension Parish, an annual fundraiser for Genesee Cancer Assistance. 

An accident is reportedly blocking traffic and there are injuries at East Main and Summit streets in Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 6:24 p.m. It appears one vehicle rear-ended another on Summit. The damage to the vehicles was minimal.  

In order to comply with COVID-19 social distancing requirements, GCC held a drive-thru open house on Saturday for prospective students.

Officer Wesley Rissinger, Batavia PD, collects a bag of no-longer-needed medication from a Batavia resident yesterday during the semiannual Drug Take-Back Day, this time located in the city parking lot off of Alva Place. The Sheriff's Office and Le Roy PD also participated with their own locations.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) honored student artists and announced the winners of the NY-27 Congressional Art Competition at a reception this morning in Batavia.

“Students from around the district submitted pieces of artwork for this competition; we clearly have some incredibly talented young adults in Western New York,” Jacobs said.

“I want to thank all of our teachers and parents who helped our participants create and submit their work, and most importantly, I want to congratulate all of our contestants for their hard work, dedication, and impressive pieces. I look forward to this becoming a tradition we celebrate every year.”

The Congressional Art Competition was first created under a different name in 1982 and is sponsored by the Congressional Institute. In NY-27, three winners were selected, their pieces will be displayed as follows:

• The First Place piece will be hung in the U.S. Capitol for all representatives and staff, and the winner will also be flown down to Washington, D.C.
• The Second Place piece will be hung in Rep. Jacobs’ Washington, D.C., Office.
• The Third Place piece will be hung in Rep. Jacobs’ Clarence District Office.

Pieces are judged and given their awards by an independent panel of judges. The winners for the 2021 NY-27 Congressional Art Competition are:

• First Place: "A New Chapter" by Isabella Houseknecht from Batavia (colored pencil).
• Second Place: Self Portrait by Molly Regan from Holland (charcoal).
• Third Place: "Creation of Bee-dam" by Madison Dugan from Albion (acrylic paint).
• Honorable Mention: Self-Portrait by Amaya Cleveland from Medina (handpainted negative-digitalized and painted on photo paper).

“Congratulations to our winners. I look forward to hanging these pieces in each of my offices and having a constant reminder of the exceptional talent in our district,” Jacobs said.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Molly Regan, second place, with Jacobs. First-place winner Isabella Houseknecht and her family were unable to attend the event.

Isabella Houseknecht's first-place drawing.

Second Place

Third Place

Volunteers turned out in droves yesterday for two big Earth-Day-related cleanups of public spaces in Batavia.

First was an effort to pickup litter along the Ellicott Trail. Also, County Parks officials hosted an Earth Day event at DeWitt Recreation Area that included not just a cleanup but Scouts involved in projects and games and information booths about taking care of our planet.

An open burn, a violation of the municipal code, is reported in the city at the corner of Swan and Ellicott streets. City fire and police are responding.

Forty-eight three-person teams gathered this afternoon over two shifts to participate in a no-tap (nine or 10 pins on the first ball equals a strike) handicap tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center.

And even before the last ball was thrown, tournament workers announced that $7,810 had been raised – money that will go toward mounting medical expenses for Tanya Harmon, 41, who has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

“There’s not much to say other than a heartfelt, ‘Thank you,’ to everyone who participated and donated,” said Ed Doody, who along with Geoff Harloff organized the fundraiser for Harmon, a mother of two teenage sons who is on disability from her job at Angelica Textile Services Inc.

Doody was in charge of soliciting donations from local businesses and some outside of Genesee County -- close to 100 baskets, gift certificates and other prizes were spread across several tables – while Harloff, Mark and Penny Brown, Kim Starken, Heather Johnson, Dan Cone, Rich Underhill Sr., Mady Underhill and Susan Harloff helped out with various aspects of the event. Doody also said he accepted individual cash donations as well.

Doody and Harloff are good friends with Harmon and her boyfriend, Dan Campbell.

When the monetary figure was announced, Harmon broke down in tears as she received hugs from her friends and her mother, Sheila Meyer (photo above left).

The $7,810 later increased to $8,110 after Doody reported that one of the teams donated its winnings.

On the lanes, the team of Chase Cone, Phil Young and Rich Wagner captured the $750 first prize with a score of 2,623 with handicap.

Seven other teams earned prize money:

Second Place – Sam Oddo, Matt Baker, Alex Morris / 2,454, $400;

Third Place – Josh Elliott, Carley King, Tom Baker / 2,429, $300;

Fourth Place – Kyle Johnson, Gregg Wolff, Mike Johnson / 2,422, $230;

Fifth Place – Mark Brown, Traci Spanitz, Rob Gustke / 2,385, $220;

Sixth Place – Fred Gravanda, Rick Saunders, Mike Pettinella / 2,372, $210;

Seventh Place – Brady Weber, Brian Weber, Chris Bardol / 2,341, $200;

Eighth Place – Matt Nolan, Teagan Miller, Paul Baney / 2,311, $180.

From left, Devin Harmon, Tanya's son; Dan Campbell; Ed Doody, Tanya Harmon; Mark Brown and Geoff Harloff at today's benefit no-tap bowling tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Previously: Bowlers 'roll' up their sleeves to support Batavia woman diagnosed with cervical cancer

In the area of Prospect Avenue and Oak Street in the city, a controlled burn is reported -- a violation of the municipal code. City fire is responding. The Department of Environmental Conservation will be notified.

Press release:

National Infant Immunization Week is April 24-May 1. This is an annual observance highlighting the importance of protecting children 2 years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases.

It is also a week to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs and their partners in promoting health communities. 

Vaccinations play a key role in protecting our children and our community from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases. They are the most successful and cost-effective public health tool available for preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases as well as preventing death. 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some infants and children have missed or delayed routinely recommended vaccinations.

“Childhood vaccinations are one of the best ways to protect infants and children from vaccine-preventable diseases before the age of two,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health).

“Diseases like whooping cough (pertussis) and the measles can be serious for infants and children. That is why it is important to stay on track with well-child visits and the recommended vaccination schedule.

“Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your children are up to date on the recommended vaccination schedule, even during the pandemic. Doctor’s offices are taking the necessary precautions to keep you safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.” 

To learn more about vaccinations and to view the latest immunization schedule visit www.cdc.gov/vaccinesor speak with your healthcare provider.

Batavia resident Dan Crofts reading "The Dark Night" by John of the Cross for National Poetry Month.