Emily Tomczak is crowned Elba Onion Queen during the 2015 Elba Onion Festival on Saturday evening by outgoing queen Alexandra Lacey. Runners up, from left, are Cecilia Villanueva and Sierra Holland.
No word yet on who won the Mustang.
UPDATE: The Mustang raffle winner is Clyde Easton, of Oakfield. No word yet on whether Clyde is taking the car or the cash.
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A possible head-on collision is reported at 9741 Alexander Road, just south of Lang Road, Town of Alexander. Unknown injuries. Mercy Flight in on ground standby. Alexander fire and ambulance are responding along with Mercy medics. Dispatchers received several calls about this accident.
UPDATE 7:45 a.m.: One vehicle has heavy front-end damage; the other is about 150 feet off the roadway. There's a lot of debris in the roadway. No word yet on injuries.
UPDATE 8:20 a.m.: Howard at the scene reports one person was transported to UMMC for evaluation after complaining of head and neck pain. The victim was driving a Jeep and it was rear-ended and pushed into a field, striking a couple of trees before coming to rest. It was struck by a sedan driven by a young woman who was given and passed a field-sobriety test. The driver of the sedan is being charged with following too closely and speed not reasonable and prudent. The Alexander assignment is back in service.
Photos from the Saturday matinee at the Attica Rodeo.
The rodeo concludes with a final performance at 2 p.m., Sunday.
For more rodeo coverage, visit the Wyoming County Free Press. Julia Ferrini has done a great job with it.
Recommend viewing of the slideshow: Full-screen mode.
Brian Sandstorm and his son Luke pose for a picture with professional wrestler Eric Young today at the five-year anniversary celebration of Foxprowl Collectables on Ellicott Street.
In five years, owner Bill Hume has grown the inventory, the variety and the floor space of his store.
When I remarked, "you've come a long way," he said, "You know, passion and hard work. It's what I love."
In the seven-year history of The Batavian, this is the first time we've covered both the opening of a new business and its fifth anniversary.
Below, Hume with Young and Matt Troisi, owner of Limited Edition Collectables, who help Hume secure Young's appearance at Foxprowl today.
A two-car accident is reported on Park Road in front of Alex's Place restaurant. There is reportedly one person with a minor head injury. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.
Press release:
The Batavia Police Department is looking for assistance in identifying the male that was found in the Tonawanda Creek on Friday, Aug. 7.
The department has reached out to surrounding jurisdictions for information on any missing persons that have been reported. Originally reported as a white male, it appears that he may actually be of African-American descent.
The discrepancy in race is from the body being in the water for at least two days. He is approximately 6’00” tall with very short hair. The man had facial stubble and no scars, marks or tattoos anywhere on his body. The individual may be in his 30s or 40s.
Two, US size 12, “Nike” sandals were found in close proximity to the body. The sandals had a white strap across the top and black soles. He was wearing a brown “Zoo York” shirt with a white T-shirt underneath. Both were size XXL. He had red gym shorts on with a black stripe down both sides and a cell phone was in his pocket. The cell phone is being sent out for forensic examination.
The cause and manner of death is yet to be determined pending the results of the toxicology / DNA analysis. More information will be available at that time.
Citizens with any information are encouraged to contact the Batavia Police Department directly at (585) 345-6350 or via the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370. Photos are not being released at this time.
Press release:
The 2015 New York-Penn League All-Star roster will include six players from Batavia, which is the second highest in the league. They will send infielders Brad Haynal and Anfernee Seymour, outfielder Stone Garrett and pitchers Nestor Bautista, Steven Farnworth and Jordan Holloway to the game to be held Tuesday, Aug. 18th at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium, home of the Aberdeen Ironbirds.
Haynal, a 18th round pick in the 2014 draft, has played in 39 games for the Muckdogs this year and has been among the league leaders in hitting all season. Haynal currently ranks eighth in the league in hitting, with a .313 batting average, tenth in slugging percentage at .444 and his 13 doubles is tied for second in the league.
Anfernee Seymour was an undrafted free agent signing by the Marlins in 2014 and has started 35 games at shortstop for the Muckdogs this season. The speedster is currently second in the league in stolen bases with 17. He is currently batting .281 with 23 runs scored, six doubles and seven RBIs.
An 8th round pick in the 2014 draft, Garrett has started 44 games in centerfield for Muckdogs and is arguably the top power hitter in the league. Garrett ranks first in the league in home runs with eight, first in slugging percentage at .576, second in RBIs with 32, and first in the league in triples with six. Garrett also ranks first in extra base hits (25) and total bases (98).
Nestor Bautista was selected in the 32nd round of the 2014 draft out of Ball State University. The left-hander has compiled an ERA of just 1.86, which is tops in the league for qualifying pitchers. Bautista has a record of 3-1 and has racked up 29 strikeouts in 38.2 innings pitched.
Steven Farnworth is in his second year of professional baseball and was a 23rd round pick in the 2014 draft. The right-hander has been the Muckdogs closer this season and is currently tied for second in the league with nine saves. Farnworth has appeared in 15 games this year and has an ERA of just 0.36. He has also recorded 23 strikeouts in his 25.0 innings of work and opposing batters are hitting just .198 versus Farnworth this year.
Holloway was drafted in the 20th round of the 2014 draft and has started eight games for the Muckdogs this year. He has compiled a record of 3-3 with a 3.08 ERA. In his 38.0 innings of work, he has recorded 24 strikeouts and opposing batters are only hitting .203 against him this year.
Batavia currently holds the sixth place spot in the Pinckney Division with a record of 19-26 and are just four games out of the wild card spot. The Muckdogs sent six players to the 2011 All-Star game, five in 2012, four in 2013 and four players in 2014.
A Batavia couple who lives on Walnut Street in the city is facing multiple charges relating to animal cruelty, according to a press release this afternoon from Batavia PD.
Brandon M. Maldonado, 26, of 52 Walnut St., is charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal and offering a false written statement.
His live-in girlfirend, 36-year-old Melissa A. Broadbent, is charged with: "overdriving, torturing and injuring" an animal; endangering the welfare of a child; first-degree coercion; offering a false written statement; intimidating a witness or victim in the third degree; and owning/harboring an unlicensed dog.
Both were arraigned in front of City Court Judge Durin Rogers and put in Genesee County Jail without bail.
On Aug. 3, Batavia Police Officer Flanagan and Animal Control Officer Sheflin received a report that Maldonado poured scalding water on a young pit bull named "Rocky" sometime between July 20-21 at his residence. This resulted in second-degree burns on the dog's shoulders and rib cage, causing considerable pain.
Through the officers' investigation, it was determined that Broadbent lied to the police and instructed her children to do the same thing -- pour scalding water on the dog -- in an attempt to prevent Maldonado from being arrested.
The couple was subsequently arrested. Rocky was taken to a vet where he was treated for his injuries and is now in the care and custody of the GC Animal Shelter.
Press release:
Back-to-School season is here! It’s time for parents to gather school supplies and backpacks. Whether it’s a baby starting at a new daycare, a toddler heading to preschool, a student going back to elementary, middle or high school – or even a college freshman – parents should also check their child’s vaccine records.
“These settings are highly susceptible to outbreaks of infectious diseases,” said Dr. Gregory Collins, Wyoming County Health commissioner. “Children can easily transmit illnesses to one another due to poor hand washing, uncovered coughs, dense populations and other factors.”
To emphasize the importance of immunizations for people of all ages – and make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need – the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming county health departments are joining partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month.
“Getting children all of the vaccines recommended by CDC’s immunization schedule is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure a healthy future for their children,” said Paul Pettit, Genesee & Orleans Public Health director. "If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to check with your doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs.”
Vaccines protect against a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for diseases and can also spread diseases to others in their classrooms and community – including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions.
Talk to your child’s doctor to find out which vaccines are recommended for them before going back to school.
For more information about the recommended vaccines for each age group visit: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
Information on NYS Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance:
https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/schools/updated_school_imm_requirements.htm
For more information about Health Department services, use the contact information below.
Press release:
The HomeCare & Hospice Foundation has launched its 2015 Annual Appeal to increase support and awareness for its hospice care services in Genesee and Wyoming counties.
“Thanks to generous donations we receive every year, we are able to provide compassionate and quality care to patients in a way that enables them to make the most of their final days with friends and family close by,” said Kathleen Neeson, HomeCare & Hospice development manager.
As the need for hospice services continues to grow throughout rural Western New York, community support becomes increasingly important to HomeCare & Hospice.
To make a donation to HomeCare & Hospice, visit www.HomeCare-Hospice.org/appeal or call Neeson at 1-800-719-7129.
Contributions made to the agency help provide patients with necessary medications and medical equipment, the expertise of physicians, skilled nurses and aides, and the emotional support of social workers and spiritual care professionals.
“We at HomeCare & Hospice often proudly voice our mission of ‘Today, make a difference,’” said Carol L. Mahoney, HomeCare & Hospice CEO. “We are able to make meaningful differences in many lives because of the wonderful generosity of our community members.”
Gifts to the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation are tax deductible.
There is no new information available on the deceased white male whose body was found yesterday around 2 p.m. floating in the Tonawanda Creek behind Kibbe Park.
Chief Shawn Heubusch said the body is still with the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office.
Previously: Body of white male retrieved from Tonawanda Creek near Kibbe Park this afternoon
Photos by Jim Burns / Press release from Batavia Downs:
There is a small but select group of 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings entered to compete in the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) at Batavia Downs on Sunday (Aug. 9). Thirteen entrants will compete in two divisions (carded as race two and four) for their share of the $108,000 purse up for grabs.
The first $54,500 division features Autotune Hanover (Art Major-Anderosa Hanover) who has been on fire at Yonkers Raceway recently. Last week he won a division of the $76,512 NYSS wire to wire, and 12 days prior to that, was victorious in the $107,500 L.B. Sheppard Stake final in a lifetime best 1:54.3.
Autotune Hanover has earned over $95,000 in only four starts this year and the speed and versatility he has shown on a half-mile track over the past two weeks is evidence he is a serious contender for the major share again this week.
The track record for 2-year-old pacing colts at Batavia Downs in 1:54.2 set by Doctor Butch in 2012 and then tied by He’s Watching in 2013. Based on his effort in the Sheppard Stake at Yonkers, Autotune Hanover has a very good chance of setting a new standard at Batavia Downs on Sunday.
Autotune Hanover is trained by Mark Harder and will start from post three for driver Tyler Buter. He has been installed as the 8-5 morning line favorite.
Fine Diamond (Rock N Roll Heaven-Yellow Diamond), who hails from the stable of North America’s leading trainer, Ron Burke, looks to be his major competition. Although the colt is winless in four starts this year, he has not finished out of the money during that time. Fine Diamond can leave enough to gain early position in order to track Autotune Hanover, who will most certainly set the pace.
Fine Diamond starts from post five for local driving favorite John Cummings Jr. and has been designated as the early second choice at 5-2.
There is no clear-cut favorite in the second $53,500 division and the two main players should be in a battle to the wire.
Joe Larry N Curly (Roll With Joe-Life’s Image) is currently the top point-getter in NYSS competition for this sex and gait to date and Travel Playlist (Art Major-Village Madonna) sits third behind him. Whereas they both have two wins in NYSS competition, Travel Playlist is undefeated and one of his wins was over Joe Larry N Curly last week at Yonkers.
Both horses 2015 earnings are separated by only $845 (both in excess of $56,000) and their lifetime marks are only three-fifths of a second apart. They can both leave the gate and in this short field (only six horses entered) they will probably be looking to do just that, having drawn the outside posts.
Joe Larry N Curly will start from post five for NYSS leading driver Jim Morrill Jr. and is listed at 8-5 in the early line. Mark Harder conditions Joe Larry N Curly.
Trainer Erv Miller has appointed Mark Macdonald to steer Travel Playlist and he will wear number six behind the gate, rated second choice at 9-5.
There are also two divisions of the NYSS Excelsior Series “A” races on the card that will go for a total purse of $30,000.
Post time for the first of 12 races is set for 1:15 p.m.
Southern Tier Brewing Company's free beer tasting.
One dollar hot dogs all night.
Vibrant Batavia is sponsoring a communitywide garage/yard sale weekend and many of the sales have been posted to the Garage Sale Map on Batavia's List.
If your sale isn't posted, post it.
The body of an as-yet-unidentified white male was retrieved from Tonawanda Creek this afternoon, but police officials have little other information to provide the public at this point.
Around 2:30 p.m., authorities received a call about a possible body in the creek near Kibbe Park. City police and fire, Sheriff's deputies, a rep from the District Attorney's Office, and a county Coroner, converged at the scene, described as the embankment near where the creek curves by the park.
They confirmed a dead body, dressed in shorts, a T-shirt, no shoes. There was no canoe, boat, kayak or other vessel around, "but nothing's off the table at this point," said Batavia Police Det. Eric Hill.
"I couldn't even tell you an age," Hill said. "Looks like he may have been in there awhile, but we don't have an exact time on how long it was. ... We won't know until the autopsy comes back officially. ... We'll probably have more information on that tomorrow or Monday, depending on when the autopsy takes place -- possibly who he is or what the cause of death is."
Students in the WNY Aviation Adventure Camp completed their course work today and received their certicates of graduation at the Genesee County Airport.
The program gives students an opportunity at a variety of hands-on learning opportunities in the aviation field. Field trips included visits to FL Soaring Club in Dansville, the Niagara Aerospace Museum along the classes at Boshart Enterprises & Aircraft Services.
Photos by Jill Breslawski include some of the activities from throughout the camp.
Genesee Cancer Assistance held its annual golf outing today at the Batavia Country Club.
Above, Andy Squire, of Spencerport, hits a shot off the first tee.
Below, Debbie and Dan Fischer, of WBTA, flank Mary Blevins and Andrea Mazukiewicz, ESL Credit Union, while playing bocce ball.
The History's Heroes summer educational program at the Holland Land Office Museum culminated today in historical scenes and music performed by the students who took part in the day camp at the museum. They performed in the Legislature chambers at the Old Courthouse.
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