Dolce Panepinto works tirelessly to protect the rights of injured workers by making sure that those responsible are held accountable. If you or a family member are injured at work, or in your private life, contact us today for a free case evaluation at 585-815-9003. Below are some previous litigation highlights: 

• A $1.275 Million settlement was reached during trial for a plasterer/drywall finisher who was injured while working inside of a building. Our client suffered serious injuries to his back, neck, knee, and wrist as a result of a fall down a wet staircase, a condition that had been created by the building owner. 
• A $1.25 Million settlement was reached on behalf of a Satellite Dish Installer who suffered a herniated disc in his back. Our client was performing an installation when icy conditions at his work site caused him to fall. 
• A $1.2 Million verdict was reached on behalf of a Laborers’ Local 210 Laborer who suffered serious shoulder and neck injuries as a result of a fall at a job site. Our client was performing renovation work in an existing structure when the ceiling collapsed onto him, knocking him off his ladder and down onto the ground below. 
• A $950,000 Settlement was reach on behalf of a roofer who suffered back, shoulder, and knee injuries. Our client was removing an existing roof from a commercial structure when it collapsed beneath him sending him crashing through to the concrete below. 

Please call Kristin Allen at 585-815-9003 for any of your workers’ compensation needs. 

The Batavia Blue Devils hosted the Batavia Bull Dawgs at Van Detta Stadium on Monday night for its annual Blue Devils Experience.

That's when the young players get a chance to gather for a pre-game prep-talk in the Blue Devils' locker room, run through the tunnel onto Woodward Field, warm up with the varsity squad and then play a game against the defending Section V champions.

Batavia opens its season at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse on Sunday. For ticket information, click here.

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Program is looking to restart its 4-H Dog Program!

Youth ages 8 to 18 and their families are invited to an informational meeting to learn more about what the program has to offers as well as give leaders insight on what youth are interested in learning.  The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18, at Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

4-H Enrollment paperwork will be available at the meeting, the new 4-H year starts Oct. 1^st and the Dog Club will have its first meeting in October.

Interested in joining but unable to attend the meeting? Contact Brandie at the 4-H office  585-343-3040 ext. 101 or email bls238@cornell.edu

Press release:

Tompkins Bank of Castile has announced that Gilda’s Club Rochester is the winner of the fourth round of the quarterly Community Minute Challenge. Each quarterly winner is awarded $2,500, and through the program, a total of $10,000 has been provided in much-needed funds to local not-for-profit organizations.

Gilda’s Club Rochester was one of six organizations in the fourth and final round of the challenge. Gilda’s Club Rochester has been serving the Greater Rochester community since 1959, first as Cancer Action, Inc., and then in 2000 as Gilda’s Club. The organization’s mission is to create welcoming communities of no cost support to those living with cancer – men, women, teens and children – along with their families and friends. Gilda’s Club Rochester’s innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities.

The winning organization for each Community Minute Challenge is determined by public voting on the Tompkins Bank of Castile Facebook page, where visitors watch one-minute videos produced by participating non-profits and then vote for their favorite.

The other organizations that participated in round four included:

• Delphi Drug and Alcohol Council Inc. (Monroe County)
• Friends of Letchworth State Park (Wyoming County)
• Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library (Genesee County)
• Genesee Cancer Assistance (Genesee County)
• Geneseo Parish Outreach Center (Livingston County)

Launched in August 2016, the Community Minute Challenge has now awarded $10,000 to date.

“As proud members of the communities where we operate, we’re thankful for the important services that are provided by not-for-profit organizations in our area,” said John McKenna, Bank President and CEO. "We’re thrilled to be able to bring attention to their positive work.”

The program has helped organizations with much-needed funds, and has increased exposure within their communities. The first-round winner of the Community Minute Challenge was Going to the Dogs Rescue in Wyoming County, an organization dedicated to helping homeless pets find loving forever homes.

The second-round winner was Arc of Genesee Orleans, a resource of choice for people with disabilities and their families in both Genesee and Orleans counties.

“We used the proceeds to purchase new equipment for our family support group,” said Donna Saskowski, executive director, Arc of Genesee Orleans. “Our participation in the challenge was a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved in our organization to rally together, from our staff to the families of the individuals we support.”

A walk around the Genesee Country Farmer’s Market and a chat with the farmers provides a snapshot of what fruits and vegetables are currently available in our region.  Nearing the end of August, there is a huge variety of local produce available, including:  tomatoes, corn, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, lettuce, green beans, eggplant, onions, garlic, broccoli, beets, swiss chard, snap peas, peaches, plums, pears and early varieties of apples. 

Right now is the best time for canning or freezing.  I asked Sharon from Schwab Farm how long “canning season” lasts.  Sharon explained that, in her opinion, it depends on the weather.  Once the night time temperature begins to drop down into the 40’s, the flavor and quality of the fruits and vegetables isn’t quite as good as it is right now.  When we preserve foods for later use, we want to select fruits and veggies that are in their prime for maximum flavor later.  Weather permitting, we should have a few more weeks of prime canning season.  Cucumbers are available for pickling, tomatoes and peppers for salsa, and freestone peaches (where the pit is easily removed) are great for canning and freezing.  

Sharon also explained how she freezes corn.  She says the results are great and the process is easy.  

How To Freeze Corn:

Start with about 12-18 ears of corn.  Peel the corn, then use a large knife to slice the kernels off the cob.  In a large pot, add one cup of water and one stick of butter.  Heat it until the butter melts then add the corn.  Simmer the corn for a few minutes until the color has changed from looking raw to looking cooked.  Strain the corn, but reserve the cooking liquid.  Let the corn cool slightly then spoon it into freezer bags.  Add a few teaspoons of the cooking liquid to each bag, then seal and freeze.  Frozen corn can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

If you have a favorite use for local produce or a canning or freezing recipe, feel free to share it in the comments below.  

The Genesee Country Farmer’s Market is located at the corner of Bank St. and Alva Place (near JC Penney) in downtown Batavia, from 9am-4pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.  Fresh produce and baked goods are available every market day, but Friday has a larger variety of vendors and more craft and specialty items. 

SEASONED ENTREPRENEUR TO BE YOUR KITCHEN GUIDE - Proceeds benefit Batavia CTE Center Culinary Arts Club. 
The Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center is hosting the freshLAB Foodie Challenge competition on Saturday, Sept. 23 beginning at 8 a.m. Competitor registration fee of $25 will cover all-day kitchen access and chef mentoring by Chef Tracy Burgio. Chef Burgio is a French Culinary Institute graduate, successful bakery entrepreneur and now the certified Culinary Arts Instructor at the Batavia CTE Center. Proceeds from this challenge will benefit the Batavia CTE Center Culinary Arts Club.

The Batavia CTE Center added Chef Burgio to its teaching staff in 2016. Now, this upcoming community collaboration enables Chef Burgio to share her education, skills and storied travels with freshLAB Foodie Challenge participants. Upon decades of managing some of Rochester’s finest restaurants, Chef Tracy pursued a Pastry Arts degree from New York City’s French Culinary Institute. Upon graduation, Chef Tracy landed in Chicago to work at the famed Bleeding Heart Bakery but soon after followed her heart to Italy. Chef Tracy was selected for an internship to learn from the esteemed Chef Malu Simoes da Cunha.

"My career has taken me all around the world where I have studied with culinary masters. I'm so pleased to be able to share my knowledge with my students at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center. The freshLAB Foodie Challenge is an excellent opportunity for anyone who is a budding culinary artist who wishes to experience the world of food service,” said Chef Burgio. “I look forward to hosting the challenge and encourage people to enter this contest." 

Leaning on Chef Tracy’s expertise, Batavia is hosting its first creative cook challenge. This one-day contest is open to seasoned cooks to homemakers and is limited to 25 participants. Each contestant will navigate the Batavia CTE Center teaching kitchen with chef leadership and student porter assistance for the Foodie Challenge.

“Tracy is certainly vivacious. We are fortunate to have her leading this challenge,” said Mary Valle, Batavia Development Corporation Board member and freshLAB volunteer. “It’s worth $25 just to spend a day in the kitchen with her!”

Space is limited. Register online at www.freshLABBatavia.com. The deadline to enter is Sept. 9.

The run which the Batavia Football team has put together throughout the past three seasons has been nothing short of historic. After years of dormancy, the Blue Devils are now coming off of three-straight Section V Class B Titles, and are the favorite to win their fourth in a row in 2017.

Season Outlook

In an attempt to ramp-up their regular season schedule, Batavia has gone outside of the box and scheduled teams which they hope will provide them with a steeper challenge than their 2016 slate -- in order to better prepare themselves for the postseason, where they've fallen just short of the State Final Four in each of their three Championship seasons.

However, upon researching each of their 2017 opponents, it seems as if the Blue Devils effort to do so may be all for naught - as they are likely to be favored to win many, if not all 7 of their regular season games. 

Although they come into this year sporting a new quarterback under center, the experience which they possess at almost every other position on the field will help ease any growing pains their signal caller may experience. In addition, Batavia head coach Brennan Briggs has proven himself to be one of the top-coaches throughout Section V, and his ability to game plan, and make halftime adjustments has been what has put his team over the edge since his first year at the helm. 

When it's all said and done, I truly believe we will see Batavia win their fourth-straight Sectional Title. They remain as the best team in their classification, and from my perspective, it will take a miracle of sorts to knock them off as Champion. However, the real question is -- can this team get to the Carrier Dome for the State Final Four?

Time will tell.  

Key Matchups

Week 2 -- Aquinas 

Aquinas isn't necessarily the team who is a favorite to win a State Title every year, and enter 2017 under new leadership. With that being said, I expect the Lil' Irish to be one of the stronger teams on Batavia's schedule this year - and could push the Blue Devils to the brink of defeat. 

Week 5 -- Bishop Kearney

Also entering the season under a new head coach, the Kings lost a bunch from their 2016 Class C Championship squad. However, they do have an experienced quarterback under center and the new HC which they have brought in has a reputation for success. 

Week 6 -- Wilson

Wilson has given Batavia the most trouble of any of their opponents in recent seasons  - most recently pushing them in what finished as a 12-6 victory for the Blue Devils last season. This year, I expect they will give the Devils another tough game. 

Key Players

Ray Leach (RB/LB)

Ray finished as a first-team All-State selection last season and may be the best player in Section V this season. He will be tough for any opponent to stop this season. 

Butch Ray (OL/DL)

Butch was also a first-team All-State selection in 2016 and is the definition of an unstoppable force on the line of scrimmage. He, like Leach, is one of the top-players in Section V this season. 

Chandler Baker (QB)

Chandler comes equipped with elite arm strength and could provide the Devils' passing game with a boost this season. In addition, his athleticism is top-tier which makes him a dual threat in this offense. 

Coach's Quote

"We have a very young team this season," began Batavia HC Brennan Briggs upon our preseason discussion. "We should get better as the season progresses and the younger members become more comfortable with their role."

"It is always tough to replace your QB as well as other key members of a football team," continued Briggs. "But the 2017 football team is looking to put their stamp on the Batavia Football program. We have a lot of guys in new positions, but they are coming along. The goal is to go 1-0, and get better every day. We have some very difficult games along the journey, but our hope is it will prepare us for a solid post-season run."

Alex Brasky is Editor and Publisher of Batavia's Best.

A 10-year-old child from China who was struck by a car last night on Route 77 by the Flying-J is listed in critical condition at Women and Children's Hospital, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The child, whose name has not been released, remains in the Intensive Care Unit.

The accident was reported at 8:17 p.m. after the child reportedly failed to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

No charges were filed against the driver whose car struck the child.

The second annual Trevor Mathiesen Vendor Blender will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, at The Dibble Family Center in the City of Batavia. It is located at 4120 W. Main St.

Cost is $30 per vendor table.

Trevor was a 13-year-old boy who died suddenly Oct. 22 at Strong Memorial Hospital. He loved to play hockey and was a member of the Buffalo Stars. He enjoyed four-wheeling, riding dirt bikes and he spent many hours fishing at Godfrey's Pond in Bergen. Trevor loved the outdoors and all animals.

All proceeds from the Vendor Blender will go to Trevor's parents, Amy and John Mathiesen, to be donated to the organization of their choice. Last year, proceeds went to purchase two boats and a kayak for use at Godfrey's Pond.

Anyone who would like to donate a basket, gift card or an item, please contact Kellie Wade and she will come and pick it up.

If you are interested in being a vendor, please print the following information and mail it to Kellie Wade, 7250 Ivison Road, Byron, NY 14422.

For additional information, call Kellie at (585) 201-3489.

• Name
• Business
• Type of Merchandise
• Address
• City
• State
• Zip Code
• Telephone Number
• Email address

In photo above, Grand Master Showman -- Adam King, Reserve Master Showman -- Emily Mikel.

Submitted photos and press release:

Emily Mikel, representing the Genesee Co. 4-H Dairy Club, took home the title of 2017 Reserve Master Showman in the Youth Dairy Show.  

In photo above, Judge -- Evan Snyder, Overall Master Showman -- Benjamin Kron.

Benjamin Kron, representing the Genesee Co. 4-H Sheep Club, took home the title of Overall Master Showman in the Youth Sheep Show.

A two-car accident is reported at East Main and North streets, Le Roy.

Unknown injuries.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance dispatched.

A chief on scene says to hold the assignment to one engine.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: Intersection cleared. Le Roy fire back in service.

Hofford Lindsay Ian, 53, of Bluff Trail, Nobleton, Ontario, Canada, is charged with: DWI; unauthorized use of a vehicle; leaving scene of an accident; refusal to take breath test; and moving from lane unsafely. Ian allegedly drove a golf cart without the owner's permission while at Darien Lake. While operating the golf car, Ian allegedly struck another vehicle and left the scene of the accident. He was jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. 

Melissa R. Reinard, 24, of Pine Ridge Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and speeding. Reinard was stopped for allegedly driving 53 in a 35-mph zone in Corfu by Officer Richard Retzlaff.

Galen Bena Sundown, 24, of Council House Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with: DWI; driving with a BAC of .18 or greater; unreasonable speed; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle; and driving on public highway while using a mobile phone. Sundown was reportedly involved in a personal-injury accident at 2:34 a.m. Sunday on Council House Road, Alabama. The accident was investigated by Deputy Howard Wilson and Deputy Howard Carlson.

Sandra J. Kessler, 45, of Lewiston Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving while impaired by drugs. Kessler was arrested following an investigation of a reported suspicious condition on Ellicott Street, Batavia, by Deputy Howard Wilson, at 11:12 p.m. on Friday.

Anthony Professor Blackwell, 39, of George Urban Boulevard, Cheektowaga, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Blackwell turned himself in on a warrant. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

A 10-year-old boy from Kunming, China, was seriously injured last night after being hit by a car on Route 77 in front of the Flying J Travel Plaza in Pembroke.

Investigators say the child tried crossing the road without yielding the right of way to cross traffic at 8:17 p.m.

He was hit by 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by Kenneth R. Paulter, 62, of Lancaster.

The boy was taken by Mercy Flight to Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo.

Paulter was not injured and no charges have been filed as a result of the accident.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Rachel Diehl and members of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Assisting at the scene were the Pembroke Fire Department, Indian Falls Fire Department, Corfu Fire Department and Mercy EMS.

(Initial Post)

Press release:

Ruby, a 3-year-old dachshund making her first lifetime start, defeated nine other wiener dogs on Sunday (Aug. 27) en route to winning the 2017 Batavia Downs Dachshund Dash, sponsored by Genesee Feeds of Batavia.

History has shown that a dog racing for the first time normally doesn’t perform as well as dogs that have raced in previous years. But that wasn’t the case on Sunday when Ruby, who is owned by Patrick Gorman, of Buffalo, served notice with an electrifying heat victory believed to be the fastest win ever at Batavia.

In the final she took the lead soon after the start and cruised to victory.

“She stays fit by swimming,” said her owner Gorman. “She loves to fetch so that’s why we entered her.”

For her efforts her owner takes home $135 in Batavia Downs Gaming Free Play and two clubhouse buffet tickets.

Finishing second was Maximus for owner Carrie Marseglia while Martin for owner Christine Baker was third.

Getting the biggest roar of the crowd was former champion, also named Rudy. Now a 14-year-old, the legendary Dachshund who was unbeatable in 2005 and 2006 made the final but was unplaced.

“It was a remarkable afternoon,” Director of Marketing Ryan Hasenauer said. “Every year Family Fun day gets bigger and better and we look forward to doing it all again next year.”

With New York Sire Stakes, Family fun Day and the Wiener dog races, local racing fans and families came out in force on a perfect summer afternoon. Track officials estimated the live crowd to be 3,500.

A car vs. pedestrian accident is reported on Route 77 in front of the Flying J Travel Plaza, Pembroke. 

Pembroke fire and Indian Falls fire along with Mercy EMS are responding. 

Mercy Flight also dispatched. 

Corfu fire requested to shutdown all northbound traffic at Route 5.

UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: Southbound traffic shutdown at the interchange. 

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: ETA for Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia is six to eight minutes. Landing zone at the Town Hall. 

UPDATE 8:36 p.m.: Mercy Flight on the ground. 

UPDATE 8:58 p.m.: Mercy Flight in the air. Flying to Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo. Road reopened. Pembroke and Indian Falls back in service. 

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Green Day Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday:

Dustin R. Waldmiller, 23 of Harding Road, Williamsville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Thomas J. Pilarz, 27, of Appletree Courts, Cheektowaga, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the venue parking lot.

Dairy Challenge Team (from left): Jillian Brewer, Renee Uberty, Maggie Winsper, Amelia Brewer.

Submitted photos and press release:

Several youth from the Genesee County 4-H Dairy Club competed at two dairy events held at the New York State Fair in Syracuse.

The Dairy Challenge contest was held on Aug. 23 and is a contest in which youth are quizzed at stations on different dairy topics such as: nutrition, anatomy, physiology, and product/equipment knowledge.

Genesee County 4-H Junior Team participants were: Amelia Brewer, Jillian Brewer, Maggie Winspear and Renee Uberty.

The Dairy Judging Contest was held on Aug. 24 and allowed youth to be the judge; scoring animals on dairy character and functionality and structural correctness of the animals.

The following youth represented Genesee County 4-H:

Novice Teams 

Genesee Team 1: Caroline Luft, Maggie Winspear, Bing Zuber -- Second Place

Genesee Team 2: Adison Norton, Renee Uberty -- Fifth Place

Novice Individuals

Bing Zuber -- Fourth Place

Adison Norton -- Sixth Place

Caroline Luft -- Seventh Place

Maggie Winspear – 12th Place

Renee Uberty – 14th Place

Junior Team

Amelia Brewer, Georgia Luft, Mason Werth, Claire Mathes, Jillian Brewer) – Eighth Place

Junior Individuals

Amelia Brewer -- 21st Place

Georgia Luft -- 24th Place

Mason Werth -- 34th Place

Claire Mathes -- 41st Place

Jillian Brewer -- 49th Place

Senior Individual

Mary Sweeney -- Sixth Place -- Individual and Fourth Place -- Reasons.

Mary will return with the top 25 contestants, for a second round of the contest on Sept. 1. She will be competing for a spot on the New York State 4-H Dairy Judging team to represent New York at a National Competition in Madison, Wis., World Dairy Expo.

We are very proud of all the our youth for competing at the state level and look forward to going back for next year’s competition. Thank you to our 4-H Dairy Club Volunteers who helped make this opportunity possible.

Dairy Judging Team -- back row: Amelia Brewer, Maggie Winspear, Renee Uberty, Jillian Brewer, Mason Werth, Adison Norton; Front row -- Georgia Luft, Bing Zuber, Caroline Luft.

A 19-year-old Batavia man has been charged with arson and petit larceny after allegedly setting a box on fire that contained Apple ear buds in an attempt to steal them.

The suspect then disposed of the burnt box under a metal display rack and attempted to leave the store before being intercepted by store security officers.

Arrested was John Rai Delara, 19, of MacArthur Drive, Batavia. He was charged with petit larceny, fifth-degree arson, and criminal mischief, 4th.

He was released on an appearance ticket.