Ava Wagoner, a student at Byron-Bergen, spent a week in Washington, D.C., for the 2017 Junior National Young Leaders Conference, sponsored by Envision.

It's a six-day conference for sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students from all over the nation, that includes workshops, simulations and visits to historically significant sites, such as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and memorials throughout the District of Columbia.

Here's what Ava wrote about her experience:

My name is Ava Wagoner and I just returned from attending Junior National Youth Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. I was nominated by my teacher at Byron-Bergen Central School. At the conference, I learned leadership skills through focus groups, simulations, hands-on field trips and conducting a group presentation at the end of the week. My experience was very rewarding, I made life- long friends and truly feel I gained more knowledge and leadership skills. One of the best parts was the key note speaker, Anthony Robles, who with only one leg became the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Champion in the 125lb weight class. I learned that he was proud to be different and that everyone has to "wrestle" in life in some way and anything is possible if you try hard enough.

About myself: I am going into 7th grade at Byron-Bergen Central School. I was recently accepted into GCC's ACE program. I play travel soccer, travel basketball, am in All-County band and am in chorus. My love of science pushed me to obtain 151, 2nd or 3rd place in the Science Fair every year since it started when I was in 2nd grade. 

Photos and info submitted by Yvonne Ace-Wagoner.

A harassment complaint is pending in the Southeast quadrant of the city, at 514 E. Main St. to be exact.

A caller says occupants of a vehicle in the parking lot of the 7-11 store were "calling her names out the window," of their vehicle, which is no longer on location. City police are responding.

A Sheriff's deputy is responding to the Town of Pembroke for a complaint about the possible burning of trash. The address is 2473 Genesee St., near Read Road.

A neighbor suspects garbage is being burned, and has been smoldering for the entire weekend, "based on the odor and the ashes that are scattered all over the properties."

A head-on collision is reported on Ledge Road, just west of Maple Road, Alabama, with a possible serious injury.

Mercy Flight on ground standby.

One person believed injured.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: Two vehicles involved. One blocking, the other in the woods. Possible medical condition. 

UPDATE 1:20 p.m.: Mercy Flight requested to scene.

A minor-injury accident is reported at Walnut and Law streets in the city. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee currently has three vacancies that represent the south side of the City and are seeking City residents who would be interested in serving.

The requirements include being a registered Republican and residing in the City of Batavia.

If you are interested in getting involved in making the City of Batavia a better place to live and work we want to hear from you!

Anyone who is interested can e-mail City Republican Chairman David Saleh at salehdavej@gmail.com.

The Genesee County Women's Republican Club will host a "Lucky Numbers" event at T.F. Brown's Restaurant beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21. Keynote speaker is Brian Kolb, NYS Assembly Republican leader.

Cost is $30 per person and includes hearty hors d' oeuvres.

Attendees are asked to please bring an item for Eagle Star Housing. Needed items include: board games, playing cards, movies, books, toiletries, toothpaste, toothbrushes, first aid supplies, bath products and nonperishable foods.

The event will be held on T.F. Brown's patio, located at 412 Main St., Batavia. RSVP by Aug. 11.

Pay by credit card or check, payable to GCWRC c/o Michele Smith, 20 Canterbury Lane, Bergen, NY 14416.

To donate in advance or to donate a basket, contact Melissa Haacke at (585) 314-4501 or email her at:   mhaacke5@gmail.com

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Dierks Bentley concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday:

Johnathan D. Haw, 18, of Domenic Crescent, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Haw was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $150 bail.

Michael T. Smith, 20, of Lake Glenn Drive, Livonia, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly re-entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Nicholas D. Pszczolkowski, 21, of French Lea, West Seneca, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Evan M. Dunham, 23, of Glendale Road, Brockport, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking a Live Nation security officer in the face and chest.

Kimberly A. Stanton, 24, of Seneca Street, Baldwinsville, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Taylor E. Grenier, 18, of Cabrie Circle, Pittsford, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

A 17-year-old of Wildberry Lane, Pittsford, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Robert J. Moore, 20, of Greenway Blvd., Churchville, is charged with trespass after allegedly re-entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

The Ricky Palermo Spinal Injury Golf Tournament is today at Terry Hills.

As part of today's event, there was a golf ball drop in honor of Joe Fragnito, who passed away this past year.

Tonight, there's a dinner, a silent auction, and regular auction.

Info and photos submitted by Darcy Catino.

Joe's daughter Jamie Peskor and Ricky's sister Patty.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) poses with veterans and their family members in front of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., during a previous year’s Patriot Trip.  

Submitted photo and press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) would like to remind veterans of his upcoming 10^thAnnual Patriot Trip to Washington D.C., which will take place from Sept. 21 -24. In 2016, more than 100 veterans and their family members attended the trip.

The Patriot Trip provides these heroes with a great opportunity to connect with fellow veterans and honor the memory of their fallen brothers and sisters.

All veterans, even those who have attended the trip previously or live outside of the 139^thAssembly District, can still sign up. The approximate cost of the trip is $375, which includes meals, transportation and admission to the memorials.

“Having the opportunity to meet and spend time with so many local veterans truly is a blessing and I can honestly say I look forward to this trip every year,” Hawley said.

“There is still plenty of room for veterans to sign up, even those who have been on a previous year’s trip, and I encourage all veterans and their family members who are interested to look into joining us on this spectacular journey.”

Attractions Hawley plans to visit this year on the trip include:

• Gettysburg
• World War II Memorial
• Korean Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Vietnam Memorial
• Naval Academy at Annapolis
• Arlington National Cemetery with wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns

Dinner at the Spates Community Club on Fort Meyer

**Staying at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, Md.**

*Early registrants will be visiting the White House, others will visit an Embassy and/or the U.S. Capitol*

If you or a veteran you know want more information about this year’s Patriot Trip X, please call 585-589-5780 or email carneyj@nyassembly.gov. To view photos from previous years, use the following link: http://vetsdctrip2008.shutterfly.com/.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 384.5. Four or five vehicles are involved. Le Roy fire and ambulance service are responding.

UPDATE 12:49 p.m.: Mercy medics are also called to the scene.

*NEW PRICE* -- YOU ARE NOT GOING TO FIND A MORE UPDATED HOUSE AT THIS PRICE THAN THIS ONE!! CHECK IT OUT TODAY!! Super solid classic Batavia home in superb condition! This home has been lovingly taken care of for many years and recently went through major upgrades within last five years which include siding, windows, tear-off roof, electrical and insulation and hardwired smoke detectors! Literally all the major components!

Spacious room sizes, which include nice kitchen with cute breakfast nook and formal dining room and large enclosed front porch -- plenty of entertaining space. The woodwork in this home is untouched and beautiful and bonus hardwood floors under carpeting thru out home! This is a lot of bang for the buck and should be seen-call for easy viewing! Call Lynn Bezon today to see this listing or click here for more information.

Students at Byron-Bergen Junior-Senior High School now have the opportunity to take a Driver’s Education course through the school, to save money.

Patrick McGee, the principal of the Junior-Senior High School, said the program costs a couple hundred dollars less than other programs.

“We’re glad we could bring a program like this to our schools,” McGee said. “Parents have already said that they are very happy that we can provide the students with this opportunity.”

The program was capped at 12 students. Four kids can fit in the car with the instructor, Keith Akres, at a time.

“Being the first year, we wanted to make sure it would be manageable,” said Mickey Edwards, the superintendent. “We wanted to cap it at a manageable number. That is something that can expand as the program continues."

Each student is required to have 24 hours of drive time and 24 hours of class time in order to receive the certification.

The program runs Monday through Thursday, in one-and-a-half-hour sessions, for driving and class time.

Driver’s Education will be offered in the fall and spring, McGee said.

“We’ve already sent the letters out to students,” McGee said. “We’re already almost filled up for the fall.”

Students that are interested can fill out an application at the guidance office, but need to have their permit at the time of registration.

The Byron-Bergen Central School Board of Education approved the beginning phase of the nearly $18.4 million Capital Improvement project to the elementary and junior-senior high school on Thursday.

Jason Benfante, from Clark Patterson Lee, an architecture, engineering and planning firm from Rochester, presented the project that has been in the works since 2015.

“The improvements that we are proposing are much needed,” Benfante said. “I walk through the halls of the elementary school and they are well maintained, but the facilities aren’t equipped. Teaching philosophies have changed from 1968 to 2017. The way you teach has changed. We’re trying to get the building to adapt to that.”

The elementary school will get improved site circulation and parking, bus loop and parent drop-off, and a classroom addition. Inside the school, there will be envelope improvements (these include the foundation, floor systems, duct work, walls, and roof), mechanical improvements, classroom renovations and security, bathroom renovations, and kitchen equipment upgrades. 

The elementary renovations total $9,173,980.

Benfante said the last time the elementary school was renovated was the late 1960s.

Board members recalled when they attended the elementary school as students, saying that the building still looks the same.

“I can remember what it was like,” said Tammy Menzie, a board member. “I don’t think people realize that it is identical to what it used to look like.”

Debra List, the president of the board, said the elementary school needs attention that it has not received.

“After 60 years, things are old, things are worn and things need to be replaced,” List said.

The middle-high school will receive envelope improvements, mechanical improvements, theatrical upgrades, fire alarm upgrades, interior alterations, and a roof replacement. These renovations will cost $5,460,805.

The bus garage will also receive a new roof, costing $584,500. The roof blew off last spring, and they were able to get a temporary roof. Replacing the roof has now become a priority, Benfante said.

The track and stadium will also receive new bleachers that will be handicap accessible, costing $427,595. The natatorium -- the building which houses the swimming pool --will receive envelope improvements, mechanical improvements, interior alterations and roofing replacement over a storage section. Those renovations will cost $459,130.

“We looked at what we could do to better our schools, without impacting our taxes,” List said.

With each area that will be renovated, aid is available, with 85.7 percent coming from the state.

“We made a conservative effort to put as much of the projects as aidable,” Benfante said. “We want to maximize aid for this project. That was a goal of ours.”

In the fall, Benfante plans on holding public presentations to gain interest from residents. There will be a public vote from noon until 9 p.m. on Sept. 21 at the Elementary School auditorium. Provided the vote passes, construction will begin in the summer of 2018, with the hope of the project being completed in the fall of 2020.

Benfante said the construction schedule is aggressive, so it will be done in phases in order to finish on time.

“We’d be looking to get the most critical sites done as soon as possible,” Benfante said. “The bus garage would probably go first.”

Press release:

Today’s game between the Batavia Muckdogs and Lowell Spinners has been canceled due to wet and unsafe field conditions. As the two teams do not meet again this season, this game will not be made up at any time during the season. Any person with tickets to today’s game can exchange their tickets for any other regular season game, subject to availability.

The 60th annual Attica Rodeo kicked off Thursday evening to a small but mighty crowd.

Performances at the rodeo grounds, Exchange Street, Attica, begin at 8 tonight and Saturday – gates open at 6 p.m., with matinee performances Saturday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. – gates open at 11 a.m. and noon, respectively.

Contestants compete in more than eight rodeo events, including bareback and saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, cowgirls breakaway, barrel racking, bull riding and more. Although all performances contain the same events, participants are different.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $8 for children 6 to 12 years old, and free for kids 5 years old and younger.

For more information visit http://www.atticarodeo.us/index.html

A thunderstorm with 60-mph wind gusts is moving toward Genesee County at 45 mph and is expected to hit Batavia, Pembroke, Byron, Oakfield, Stafford, Alabama, Corfu and Elba.

The storm is currently over Clarence. 

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. 

The weather service says to expect damage to trees and powerlines.

The weather service urges people to seek protection in an interior room on the lowest floor of building.

Hail is also predicted.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved incentives for the $17.6 million Ellicott Station project by Savarino Companies in the City of Batavia at the agency’s Aug. 3 board meeting. The GCEDC Board also accepted an application for assistance from Gateway GS LLC, which is proposing to invest $2.625 million for a phase one development of a 25,000-square-foot spec structure in the Gateway II Corporate Park.

The $17.6 million development by Savarino is anticipated to create approximately 60 new jobs. It was recently announced that the first tenant for the site will be the Resurgence Brewing Company. This project would contribute to the Batavia Pathway to Prosperity (BP2) redevelopment fund and be eligible to draw funds out of the fund to support the project investment related to infrastructure and related improvements in and around the site which offers a “public benefit.”

As a part of the project, the Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) will submit a “certificate of consistency” and infrastructure development plan, which is a requirement to enable funding to flow from the BP2 redevelopment fund.

Savarino is receiving approximately $1.5 million in sales and mortgage tax and property tax exemptions. For every dollar of public benefit, the company is investing $21 into the local economy.​

A Rochester area developer has created an LLC and is planning to invest $2.625 million to build a 25,000-square-foot “shell” spec building at Gateway II in the Town of Batavia. The building allows potential customers the flexibility in final design while reducing construction lead time. The master plan will build out in four or five phases of 27,000-square-foot facilities, each on 10 acres.

The GCEDC receives several RFPs annually from companies looking for “ready to go” warehouse, distribution, light manufacturing, technology and office space tenants. This has been a market opportunity that the agency has been unable to pursue in the past.

The company is seeking sales and property tax exemptions of approximately $140,000. Since the incentives being sought are more than $100,000 a public hearing will be held at a date and time to be determined.

“We are anxious to see work get started at Ellicott Station as this is a major investment in the City of Batavia under the B2P program,” said GCEDC Board Chair Paul Battaglia. “The spec building being proposed at Gateway aligns with our success in taking the ‘build it and they will come approach’ at our various business parks which has proven to be a successful business model.”