For nearly a decade, local journalist and bowling expert Mike Pettinella has produced a bi-weekly bowling column for the local print newspaper, but on Sept. 1, Pettinella’s column moves into the 21st Century, going all digital.

Pettinella has agreed to move the column, Pin Points, to the region’s most popular source for online news, The Batavian.

With the reach of The Batavian, the Wyoming County Free Press and promotional help from WBTA AM/FM and the online-only news sites in Orleans and Livingston counties, Pettinella’s Pin Points will reach a bigger audience than ever.

“We’re honored that Mike has chosen The Batavian for his column’s new home,” said Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian. “Mike has a large and loyal following of bowling enthusiasts, so combine that with the popularity of The Batavian and it’s a move that is great for bowlers in the area and the sponsors who have long supported Pin Points.”

Pettinella is a Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame bowler and writer who has written professionally about the sport of bowling continuously since 1977, when he began employment as Sports Editor of The Batavia Daily News.

Bowling has been a major part of Pettinella’s career since 1992, when he took the managerial position at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia. After an 11-year stint there, he was hired by the Empire State USBC Association as its manager in 2010, and continues to serve as association manager of the New York State USBC, a position he has held since 2011.

Earlier this month, Pettinella accepted the position as association manager of the Genesee Region USBC, which services league and tournament bowlers in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. He also covers local government in Genesee County and other local news for The Batavian.

His bowling columns have appeared in the Daily News and the Genesee Valley PennySaver, and he has also had articles published in several bowling publications, including Spares & Strikes and the CNY Striker. For the past nine years, his Pin Points column on The Bowling Page was a regular feature of The Batavia Daily News.

Pettinella has been involved in bowling since the late 1960s, and rolled a certified 300 game as a high school junior in 1971.

A former collegiate standout bowler, he has a high series of 816, has four Batavia Bowling Association/GRUSBC Senior Masters titles, and anchored the Turnbull Heating team to the NYS Open Championships title in 2010. Last season, he rolled two 300 games at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

Mike and his wife, Wendy, have four grown daughters and five grandchildren.

Police are investigating the discovery yesterday afternoon of two bodies in the St. Joseph Batavia Cemetery in Batavia.

Sources say the bodies of a man and a woman were found in the cemetery and they had apparently died of a drug overdose.

The police are expected to release more details later today.

UPDATE 11:05 a.m.: While the investigation is ongoing, a lightning strike has not been ruled out as the cause of death. There was evidence at the scene to suggest that as a possibility. Investigators are waiting for more information from the medical examiner. 

UPDATE: Batavia has released information. New story here.

Press release:

In a rally yesterday in Wilmington, N.C., Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump insinuated that “Second Amendment people,” take violent action against Hillary Clinton if they disliked her Supreme Court nomination. This remark came after Trump made claims that Clinton believes in abolishing the Second Amendment and would nominate a judge who would do so.

This isn’t the only time Trump and his supporters have advocated violence against Secretary Clinton as chants of “lock her up” pervade at all of his rallies.

Diana Kastenbaum, the Democratic candidate for NY­27, says, “The amount of violence Mr. Trump incites seems to know no bounds. Trump’s remarks were not only hateful, but insulting as he reduced gun owners to no better than murderers.

"I'm sure Chris Collins is waiting in the wings for his next appearance on the networks and cable today to tell us how the liberal media and Democrats have once again misconstrued Mr. Trump’s statements. However, this is no joking matter and blatant threats, such as this, should be taken seriously.”

(Submitted photo of Lucas Clemm.)

The premiere of the "Love for Lucas Garage Sale" will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19-20, at St. Maximillian Kolbe RC Church.

It is located at 8656 Church St. in East Pembroke.

This is a fundraiser to help offset the financial burden that has beset the family of Lucas Clemm, due to all his medical conditions and surgeries.

Lucas turned 1 on June 27 and had undergone his third major brain surgery by Aug. 5. The family is consulting with a doctor in NYC soon for a second opinion.

The past eight months have been very difficult for his family. Their child's health is all their friends and family want them to have to worry about. 

You are asked to donate garage-sale-type items for the sale later this month.

The people who are holding the sale will add your items to the things they have already received.

Each year, they intend to help a family with a child who suffers from Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia, just as they are striving to help Lucas Clemm and his family this year.

NOTHING WILL BE PRICED. Whatever you give is considered a donation, so you make the price based on what you feel is acceptable for the item(s) and this worthy cause.

Any questions or to donate items for the garage sale, contact Melanie at 409-1802, or Lindsay at 297-7140, or Sherry at 297-7139.

You are invited to attend the grand opening & ribbon cutting ceremony at River Spring Lodge on Friday, Aug. 12, at 5:30 p.m. followed by a grand opening reception and tours lasting until 9 p.m.

The Genesee and Wyoming Chambers of Commerce will celebrate with the new owners Chef Dave and Carolyn Hamer, invited guests, elected officials, and friends. The grand opening celebrations will continue on Saturday, Aug. 13th, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a complementary reception and tours of the boutique hotel and dining destination.

The full-service hotel and corporate retreat is nestled on 20 tranquil acres, provides luxurious guest rooms that include a three-course breakfast. The inn offers seven beautifully appointed guest rooms that are smart, modern, comfortable and luxurious. The inn also hosts dining options at both The Bistro at River Spring Lodge and the Chef’s Table.

Guests attending the Grand Opening receptions will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win complementary dinners for two at The Bistro at River Spring Lodge or a five-course dinner for two at the Chef’s Table. Take advantage of deep discounts and reserve rooms at exceptionally low rates for a future stay. Each evening a 15-percent discount will be given to the first two groups to reserve the entire lodge for a private event!
The public and media are encouraged to attend.

• Who: River Spring Lodge
• What: Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting and Reception
• When: Friday, Aug. 12 -- Ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m.
• Open House from 6 to 9 p.m. & Saturday Aug. 13 • 6 – 9 p.m.
• Where: River Spring Lodge, 1961 A Church Road, Darien Center, NY 14040

Business Contact: Dave Hamer (585) 708-4212. For more information visit: www.riverspringlodge.com

The August Cat Sale is going on now at your friendly, local Animal Shelter.

That's right, folks, the Genesee County Animal Shelter has a special all this month only on the adoption of adult cats for a low, low fee of 20 bucks -- a whopping 50-percent off!

For only $20, you'll get one guaranteed-to-be adorable cat over the age of 1 year. This bargain comes complete with:

• Rabies vaccine
• Distemper combo vaccine
• FIV/FeLV testing
• Deworming treatment
• Flea treatment
• Spaying or neutering, if done prior to adoption. (For unspayed or unneutered cats, there is a $35 refundable deposit upon proof of surgery.)

Did you know that, according to the ASPCA, about 4,000,000 cats and kittens enter animal shelters every year?

Have a heart. Give at least ONE a good home. It's as certain as Mopsus that cats are very bemusing, and they will probably deign to be amused by you. Mutual amusement...more or less.

The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia. Phone is 343-6410.

Nicole Brill says she loves Batavia, she loves City Church and she loves color, so as part of the City Canvas art trail project, she's painting a mural of a stained-glass window on the side of the Generation Center.

Brill is a graphic designer for City Church, so she often works with Brian Kemp, co-owner of T-Shirts Etc. on projects and Brill said it was Kemp who approached her about participating in the mural project.

There are four murals planned for downtown this summer. Two of the three on the side of the Mancuso Bowling Center are already completed, Brill is working on hers and another one is planned for the northeast corner of Main St. Pizza Co.'s building.

"Pastor Marty (Macdonald) didn't ask what I was doing," Brill said. "He said do it and do it big."

Macdonald, pictured below with Brill, happened by while we were talking with Brill and said he couldn't be prouder of Brill's participation in the project.

The art trail project will create a trail map for downtown visitors and it will include existing murals, such as those in Jackson Square by Vinny DelPlato, and the fire hydrants painted by artists two summers ago.

Kemp said he was able to reach out to artists in the community whose work isn't as often seen locally and get them to participate this year. The project is funded through a grant from GO ART!.

"I want to see creativity and color really shine here," Brill said. "And I love that I get to use it as part of my ministry at City Church."

The Genesee County Republican Party Committee on Tuesday recommended Batavian Kevin Earl for the position of Genesee County Attorney, replacing Charles Zambito, who will be taking over as Genesee County Court Judge on Jan. 1.

Earl, a lawyer for 38 years and former mayor of the Village of Le Roy, was selected over Mark Boylan of Le Roy at a meeting of the County GOP at the Old County Courthouse.

"Both were impressive and qualified candidates," said Richard Siebert, County GOP chairman, noting that Earl's willingness to relinquish his private practice and responsibilities for the towns of Batavia, Elba, Stafford and Oakfield likely swung the vote in his direction.

The Genesee County Legislature made the position a full-time one last year, setting the annual salary at $124,000. According to Legislature Chairman Raymond Cianfrini, the panel is expected to take action on the recommendation at its Sept. 14th meeting.

Earl, 64, said he has done a lot of work for the Republican Party over the years.

"I am grateful for the support of the Republican Party Committee, and am looking forward to working for the Legislature," he said.

A Batavia High School graduate, Earl went on to receive degrees from Cornell University and the University of Buffalo. He and his wife, Cathleen, are lifelong Batavians.

In another development, Siebert said the GOP appointed Genesee County Clerk Michael Cianfrini to serve the remaining year of the New York State Committee term vacated by LeRoyan John Rizzo. Barbara Eddy, of Alexander, is the other GOP representative from the 139th Assembly District on the NYS Committee.

A 66-page updated Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Le Roy has been completed and is available for public review.

That's the word from Le Roy Town Supervisor Stephen Barbeau, who said he is hoping the Town Board -- at its meeting on Thursday night -- sets a Sept. 8 date for a public hearing on the document.

The Comprehensive Plan provides a framework for future public and private investment into a municipality.

Le Roy's strategy focuses on land use in the context of seven policy areas -- taking into consideration the community's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and obstacles to its quality of life. Those policy areas are residential living, local commerce, agriculture, community resources, leisure and culture, natural resources and regional cooperation.

"We're comfortable putting this out to the public," said Barbeau, noting that the plan, which hadn't been revised since 2001, has been posted on the Town's website -- www.leroyny.org. "We've put a lot of work into this."

The plan was developed by members of the Le Roy Town Board, Le Roy Town Planning Board, Town of Le Roy staff, Genesee County Planning Department and County Legislator Rochelle Stein, with technical assistance from the firm of Clark Patterson Lee.

Barbeau also reported that he plans to present the Town's tentative 2017 budget at the Sept. 8 meeting.

"I am requesting information from the department heads," he said.

Barbeau mentioned that the Town will need to override the tax cap levy for 2017 due to the creation of a new southwest water district.

"We'll have to override it even though it (the water district) will be paid for by district residents," he said. "The cap is less than 1 percent this year."

He said that a recent audit of the Town's books showed "no significant issues" and that the Town is in "good shape financially." The Town has four major accounts -- Town and Village, Town outside of the Village, and two Highway Department funds (one for winter expenses and the other for summer expenses).

The Batavia Society of Artists sponsored a Sketch Out/Paint Out event in Jackson Square on Wednesday evening, featuring cast members from the Batavia Players upcoming presentation of "Guys and Dolls."

The event gave local artists a chance to paint or draw characters from the famous musical.

A lot of house for the money and priced below assessment. These owners are serious and priced it to sell! Must see inside to appreciate. Updated roof, siding and windows. Extra family room, gas stove in living room. Galley style kitchen. Laminate floors plus some with carpeting. Nice back yard, recently landscaped front yard with new porch-just a great Village home! Call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today at 585-344-4663 or click here to view the full listing.

Press release:

Genesee County CASA for Children will host a Royal Tea Party on Saturday Aug. 20^th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Genesee County Senior Center, 2 Bank St. in Batavia.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet, take pictures and receive autographs from Queen Elsa, Princess Belle and Princess Ariel. Tea and light refreshments will be served and guests will be able to decorate their very own crowns! A performance by Queen Elsa herself will take place at 2 o'clock.

Tickets cost $10 per person and can be purchased at the door or in advance by contacting Genesee County CASA for Children at 585-815-7809.

All proceeds benefit Genesee County CASA for Children, a nonprofit agency that works to advocate for the abused and neglected children in our community.

A three-car accident with minor injuries is reported at 200 Ellicott St., Batavia. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 6:05 p.m.: One person is complaining of chest pain.

UPDATE 6:21 p.m.: Two people are being taken to UMMC -- one with chest pain, the other with neck and back pain after the vehicle(s) they were in were rear-ended.

Law enforcement is responding to two complaints of harassment against women at local stores.

One caller in the parking lot at K-Mart is waiting to speak with officers about a white male wearing a camouflage hat and black shirt who she says was verbally harassing women in the parking lot.

Another complaint was made at Target where a woman claims that, about a half hour ago, a white male carrying a backpack was staring at her and her children in the clothing department.

It is not yet known whether it's the same suspect.

Bowler is a white male, about 5'8" and weighing 173 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue plaid shirt and camouflage-colored crocs (footwear).

He may be operating a 2002 Jeep Liberty color red bearing NY Pass plate GFA7188.

Bowler is known to frequent the Batavia and Oakfield areas.

Anyone with information can contact Genesee County Dispatch at (585) 343-5000.

UPDATE: Mr. Bowler has been located. Mr. Bowler was identified by State Police during an investigation of a motor-vehicle accident in Oswego. He was transported to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse for treatment of minor injuries.

Press release:

The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that $2 million in funding is available to help low- and middle-income households get their heating equipment inspected and cleaned prior to the start of the heating season.

The program is federally funded through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

The Genesee County Department of Social Services is ready to accept applications for furnace or boiler tune-ups, which can help improve energy efficiency while helping New Yorkers save on heating costs this winter. The local DSS office has a list of vendors who will do the work. The applicant must be HEAP eligible and the owner of the home.

“Households that get their heating equipment cleaned now will benefit come wintertime when they save on heating costs due to the improved efficiency,” said Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts. “We also expect that fewer households that receive heating assistance through HEAP will face emergencies this winter, as a result of having a furnace or boiler operating at peak performance.”

Eligible households can receive up to $400, which includes cleaning of the primary heating equipment, but may also include chimney cleaning, minor repairs, installation of carbon monoxide detectors or programmable thermostats, if needed, to allow for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the heating equipment.

To qualify, households must not exceed the program’s income guidelines, which vary by household size. For example, a family of four can earn up to $4,316 a month and still qualify. Additionally, the household must have heating equipment that is more than 12 months old, and the furnace, boiler or chimney must not have been cleaned within the past 12 months.

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 4, or until funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. New Yorkers can find contact information for their county Department of Social Services at http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/HEAP-contacts.pdf.

Press release:

Residents of the City of Batavia and surrounding region are invited to the Genesee County Fairgrounds for a meal and Christian concert, no charge!

Aug. 24^th -26^th, a dozen area churches along with 13 ministries and community organizations will be joining together to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of “Batavia’s Great Tabernacle Revival."

Wednesday, Aug. 24^th the night will kick off with local worship band Salt Of Earth along with internationally known worship leader Robin Mark from Belfast Ireland. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and event will begin at 6 p.m. There will be short messages of hope throughout. 

Thursday, Aug. 25^th will follow suit opening at 4 p.m. and commencing at 6 p.m. with Jim Drew and band out of Rochester followed by singer/songwriter Jason Upton and team. Jason does his best to carry the heart of our Heavenly Father. His songs and his messages reflect a life fully lived in relationship with God, family and friends. Come out and enjoy a time with great artists and a meal on us! 

Friday, Aug. 26^th Join us for a concert night of worship and celebration with Elmwood Drive, Selah and All Sons & Daughters. 

Doors will open at 4 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 5 p.m. for General Admission. There will be 1,000 chairs available and then lawn seating. You can bring fold-up chairs, blankets and plastic bottled drinks, no glass or alcohol. 

Concessions will be available for purchase all three nights.

You are welcome to bring friends and take part in worship, evangelism and Christian entertainment without denominational walls.

For more info call 585-297-3155 or 585-993-1888

Tickets for Friday available at www.effchurch.com or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/great-tabernacle-campaign-tickets-21233686528?ref=elink  

Tickets also available at Roxy’s Music Store, located at 228 W. Main St., Batavia.

Press release:

The 2016 New York-Penn League All-Star roster will include two players from Batavia. They will send infielder J.J. Gould and pitcher Shane Sawczak to the game to be held Tuesday, Aug. 16^th at Dutchess Stadium, home of the Hudson Valley Renegades.

Gould, a 24^th round pick in the 2016 draft, has played in 39 games for the Muckdogs this year and has been among the team leaders in hitting all season. Gould has 11 doubles, which is tied for fourth in the NY-Penn League, to go along with a .252 batting average, three home runs and 15 RBIs. Gould has been dominant versus left-handed pitching with a .386 batting average and .636 slugging percentage.

Shane Sawczak was selected in the 19^th round of the 2016 draft out of Palm Beach State University. Appearing out of the bullpen in 12 games, the left-hander has a record of 1-1 and has racked up 20 strikeouts in 21.1 innings pitched. On the year, Sawczak has compiled an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP 1.27.

Batavia currently holds the sixth place spot in the Pinckney Division with a record of 12-38. The Muckdogs sent five players to the 2012 All-Star game, four in 2013, four in 2014, and six players in 2015.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced $184,871 in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration for the Genesee County Airport, located in Batavia. The grant will assist the Genesee County Airport in funding the full reconstruction and rehabilitation of 3,400 feet of existing runway.

“Utilizing grant funding to support our local governments is a smart investment and a responsible use of federal tax dollars,” said Congressman Collins. “Investing in infrastructure projects like the Genesee County Airport’s runway rehabilitation will significantly improve the quality, efficiency and safety of its daily operations. These efforts will allow the Genesee County Airport to continue to grow and positively impact our local economy for years to come.”

“This important federal funding will help ensure the future of the Genesee County Airport,” said Ray Cianfrini, chairman of the Genesee County Legislature. “The grant will fund the full depth reconstruction of 3,400 feet of the existing runway 10/28 pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Collins to improve local transportation infrastructure and support job growth throughout Genesee County.”

The Congressman’s office remains available to assist any local government pursuing a federal grant.