A group of runners, including several members of the local law enforcement community, carried the Special Olympic Torch from Elba to the Genesee ARC building on Walnut Street, Batavia, this morning. Along the way, they stopped at the Batavia School District's fourth-grade track meet on Woodward Field.

Above, Garrett Schmidt and Avelin Tomidy get ready to assist Deputy Joseph Corona in carrying the torch for a lap around the track.

Carl talks about what Special Olympics means to him and how he won three medals at a recent competition.

Dave Chua

The runners approaching Van Detta Stadium.

Completing the lap around the track.

Shane Zimblis, 44, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th, and unlawful imprisonment. Zimblis allegedly broke several items belonging to another person and refused to let the person leave the location. The domestic incident happened on Hutchins Street, Batavia. He was put in Genesee County Jail.

Jeffrey J. Cervone, 46, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of menacing, 3rd, and one count of petit larceny. The incident occurred at 202 N. Spruce St., City of Batavia. Cervone is accused of threatening two subjects and brandished what the two subjects thought was a knife. He was held on $2,500.

Bilal A. Aljabbouri, 21, of Austin Street, Buffalo, is charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes, possession of cigars with unpaid tax, aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, speeding and unlicensed operator. Aljabbouri was pulled over for a traffic stop on Alleghany Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Joseph Corona. Aljabbouri was allegedly in possession of more than 400 untaxed cigarettes and more than 750 cigars. 

James A. Mckenzie, 61, of River Road, Rome, is charged with attempt to evade taxes on cigarettes, criminal tax fraud and following too closely. Mckenzie is accused of possessing 406 cartons of untaxed cigarettes after being pulled over for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Lonnie Nati on Alleghany Road, Pembroke.

Robert D. Griffin, 36, of East Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and criminal tampering, 3rd. Griffin allegedly became intoxicated to the point where he was unable to care for three children at a residence on Columbia Avenue, Batavia. He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Tylee D. Gaines, 36, of Brown Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant on Overlook Drive, Batavia, for a previous charge. Gaines is originally charged with allegedly intimidating a witness, 3rd, in the Town of Batavia in August 2014. She was held without bail.

Chercal A. Smith, 19, of Bank Street, Batavia, was arrested on a Batavia City Court bench warrant on State Street, Batavia. Smith was originally arrested on an assault charge, 3rd, following an incident in January 2015. 

Melissa C. Cicatello, 23, of Webber Avenue, Oakfield, was arrested on a Batavia City Court bench warrant on West Main Street, Batavia. Cicatello allegedly failed to appear on charges of operating a motor vehicle without wearing a seat belt and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration.

A 17-year-old youth offender of Batavia is charged with disorderly conduct. The youth was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with another student at Batavia High School. The youth's name was withheld by Batavia PD.

Photos from last night's Batavia High School Talent Showcase.

Above, Ross Chua performs with three volunteers from the audience, Cara Ranalli, Malik Vascianne and Lindsey Hill.

Ross Chua

Tyzonah Reese

Madison Hoerbelt and Andrea Gilebarto with Mr. Dan Grillo playing the piano. 

Kelli Dumuhosky

Rachel Flint

Kesa Janes and Hannah Bluhm

McKenna Dzieman

Alex Hansen

Laura Guiste

Jerrett Laskett

This is a what Mohawk Pool looked like when Claudia and I took our first hike at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge this year. It was April and cattails were brown and trees devoid of foliage. 

Later in the day the surface of Mohawk Pool reflected less sky while the early evening sun cast a glow on surrounding flora.

A pair of Canada geese swim slowly past.

Dusk along Feeder Road.  

A towering sycamore stands out in contrast against a blue sky.

A classic mallard photo....irridescent green head as vivid as could be, and a leg band to boot. Bands provide valuable data for wildlife biologists. Nice photo, Claudia!

A great blue heron stalking its next meal.

Companions for life.

Batavia High School track state qualifiers will participate this Friday and Saturday at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association track meet at Albany State College.  The state meet consists of two classifications, with large schools in Class A, AA, and small schools, including Batavia, in classes B, CC, C and D schools. 

I interviewed Coach Dan Geiger, head coach of the girls team, and spoke about this weekend’s itinerary.

“The kids will board for Albany after school Thursday representing section five and arrive for a practice late that evening," Geiger said. "The kids will compete on Friday and then return again on Saturday, and if they qualify they will do what’s called a federation championship in which they combine large, small schools and the public athletic association from NYC area. Every school in New York State will have a chance with that one, but only the top eight schools in the state will compete in those races on Saturday. Depending on how Friday goes we are looking to have all the kids participate Saturday and the goal is to arrive back at BHS Saturday night will lots of medals.

"Just about every year we have sent a couple of each from boys and girls to the state meet. This year we have a much larger group than in the past and it’s always great to get relays in and it’s a lot of fun for the kids. A lot of individuals over the years make it in for various races. This is the first time in history that we will have both boys and girls relay racers go, which is an outstanding accomplishment as a program. Our program has been very strong the last eight years consistently that we have sent a few kids to participate.

"We have had some really strong individuals on our relay teams and had a very difficult choice as to who to pick for our relays and have eight strong 400-meter runners. We can only bring six to the meet, four to participate and two listed as alternates. Two girls I want to recognize -- Reagan Henrici and Aimee Freeman -- who were right there with these girls but unfortunately we could only bring six and not all eight to the meet. We got have some really great depth that have showed it in sectional time on both girls and boys side that will compete with them and hopefully make it on the podium.“

Pictured above from left, first row: freshman Sophie Dinehart (4x4), senior Missa Dispenza (4x4), 100m & 400m hurdles, freshman Kiaya Franklin (4x4), eighth-grader Bri Wormley (4x4), freshman Claire Zickl (4x4), not pictured -- senior Becca Canale (4x4).

Second row, from left: junior Cal Jantzi (4x8), junior Louie Leone (4x8), sophomore Campbell Andersen (4x8), senior Devon Keopp (disc thrower), junior Nick Callisher (4x8), senior Jerrett Laskett (4x8) & 400m hurdles. 

For more information go to: nysphsaa.org

The Town of Bethany wants residents to voice their opinion on what they think should be done with the old Town Hall property.

Carl Hyde Jr., Bethany town supervisor, will be having an informational meeting at 6 :30 p.m. on Friday, July 10, at the Bethany Community Center. At the meeting, Hyde will be sharing with the community the costs needed to repair and maintain the property.

"I want the community's input to help decide whether to sell it, auction it or take it down," Hyde said.

The town is struggling financially and doesn't have the funds to maintain the property anymore. To continue trying to sell the property, the town would have to spend $15,000 for engineer reports and renew the contract they have with the Landmark Society of WNY by July 31. 

Maintenance repairs are a major setback for potential buyers. Hyde had several people interested in turning the property into a rental hall but the cost of $100,00 worth of repairs deterred them. Due to the building being vacant for almost 10 years, it's starting to deteriorate. The septic system only has a holding tank and the quality of the well water is poor.

The building has been a centerpiece of the town since it was built in 1836. Historical features of the building include an auditorium, stage and meeting hall. 

"It's tough to let an old building go," Hyde said. "I would love to see it sold and turned into a professional office or reused in some way."

After the meeting is held and residents have spoken, the town board will make a final decision on how to move forward with the property.

Photo: File photo from 2011 when Bethany attempted to sell the building through an area real estate agent.

Members of The Batavian Club receive more than $300 in gift certificates. These are gift certificates that be used in the same local businesses we all patronize every day.

An annual membership is a mere $60. So think about it, use your first $60 in gift certificates and the rest of your membership package is like getting free money. Who doesn't like free stuff?

Sign up with an annual recurring payment instead of a one-time payment, and save another $10 off your membership fee. More free stuff!

You're helping to support The Batavian's mission to bring you the best local coverage and supporting local businesses at the same time. Everybody wins.

Here's what you get:

• Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, $3
• Alex's Place, $5
• Alli's Cones & Dogs, $3
• Batavia Country Club, $5
• Batavia Muckdogs, Two free GA tickets
• Beds-N-Bones Pet Lodge, $5
• Blue Pearl Yoga, $10
• Center Street Smoke House,$5
• City Slickers, $4
• Dan's Tire, $5
• The Detail Shop, $2
• En Garde, $5
• Floral Fantasies, $3
• Great Kutz, $3 on haircuts
• Hardcor Audio, $20
• Jagged Edges Salon, $5
• The Mane Attraction, $5
• Main St. Pizza Company, $3
• Max Pies Furniture, $100 on $500 or more retail value
• Millennium Computer, $20 on $100 or more purchase
• R&D Outlet Center, $5
• R.W. Vapors, $5
• Santino's Pizza, $5
• Settler's Restaurant, $5
• Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, $5
• Sweet Pea's Cupcakery Cafe, $2
• Valle Jewelers, $25 on $100 or more retail value
• Vinyl Sticks
• West Main Wine and Spirits, $3

There are three ways to join: Use Paypal (buttons below), call us with your credit card information, or mail us a check.

Call us at (585) 250-4118 during regular business hours.

Download this form and mail it to us with a check.

Village of Corfu residents will not get the chance to participate in a public hearing on whether to dissolve their local government after the board of trustees voted 3 to 2 against holding a hearing Monday night.

Board trustees Al Graham, Ken Lauer and Jenny McMartin-Eck did not approve moving forward with the dissolution public hearing because they felt residents would be losing out -- on police protection, maintenance services, as well as village office, court and board services. Their main concern is that the needs of 700 Village residents would not be met by the Town of Pembroke.

Mayor Dave Bielec and Board Trustee Art Ianni were in favor of the motion to hold a public hearing because they wanted to give residents a chance to voice their opinion in an open forum.

The issue of whether to dissolve the village and combine with the Town of Pembroke has been going on for approximately a year. Then Pembroke Town Board met in March to discuss the nitty-gritty issues of dissolution.

The town board agreed to cover the cost for the village's streetlights but special districts would have to be created to address sidewalk repair and lawn waste pickup. Village repairs in the past have been completed by private contractors. For police coverage, board members discussed contracting with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Regarding the village's fund balance of $500,000, the board sought opinion from the state Comptroller's Office.

Next, a Dissolution Committee Meeting was held May 12th to discuss the requirements of the final plan. The committee is composed of village board trustees, town board members, and residents from Corfu and Pembroke. A representative from the New York State Department of State answered questions regarding the Dissolution Law.

As things stand, that's all moot now. (SEE BELOW)

Other topics discussed at yesterday's meeting included sewer plant updates, grant applications to fund redevelopment and a proposal for a village yard sale day.

Board Trustee Graham presented requirements that would allow the sewer pretreatment plant to move forward with the proposal to hook up two truck stops -- Travel Centers of America and Flying J. The plant requires smoke testing, dye testing, inspections, meetings, lab work and a permit to have the companies hook up to the plant. Graham also mentioned a grant proposal to make the sewer pretreatment plant larger by building another plant next to the existing one.

Lauer discussed applying for New York State grant funds to improve community development. Historical structures including the Union Hotel and Bowling Alley, recent tattoo parlor and the former Odd Fellows building are in need of repair. The government could take over the buildings or support private development. The revitalization effort would open up the possibility of creating parks, activities for youth and seniors and more downtown parking. The board approved a motion to have a grant writer work on the grant application that is due at the end of July.

Village residents proposed a community yard sale to the board of trustees. The board approved the yard sale days and will be asking private business owners to support the event as well. The yard sale will take place this summer on a weekend in August. Final details will be advertised in the Village of Corfu summer newsletter.

CORRECTION: (By Billie) I added the sentence "As things stand, that's all moot now." Village Board Trustee Al Graham pointed out in comments that that is not right. Citizens have recourse. They can petition to force a vote on village dissolution. I stand corrected and apologize for the error, which the writer of the story, our intern Traci Turner, had nothing to do with whatsoever.

An accident involving a FedEx tractor-trailer and Toyota Tundra pickup truck happened on the corner of Main and Center. The FedEx tractor-trailer was making a wide right turn and collided with the pickup turning right. There were no injuries.

"What I know so far is the semi hit the truck so were investigating," Officer Jason Davis said.

"It looked like he made a left second turn," said Azem Dobrodoli, driver of the Toyota Tundra, "I didn't notice he was turning right until the last second. I slammed on my brakes and there it was."

Dobrodoli didn't notice if the truck had a left-turn signal on.

A FedEx semi-truck vs. car accident is reported at Main and Center Streets. Unknown injuries. City fire and Mercy medics responding.

Press release:

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra is having a full-orchestra concert this Friday, June 12, 7 p.m. at Jackson Square. The GSO musicians are reaching out to our Batavia audience in hopes of having an entertaining concert for all ages. The program will be conducted and led by GSO concertmaster Gregory Docenko. Greg is a phenomenal violinist and will be playing his electric violin while conducting the orchestra through the program.

Greg has designed the program with musical arrangements that will get the audience whistling and clapping. There is a portion of the program that will feature the GSO Jazzers, and Blue Grass Fiddles. Howard Owens will be featured on his typewriter during the "Typewriter" by LeRoy Anderson. State Assemblyman Steve Hawley will read the narrative/story of "The Frog Prince" with orchestra accompaniment. "Stars and Stripes Forever" and a brass rendition of "America the Beautiful" will fill our patriotic hearts.

Though Jackson Square concerts are free, the GSO will be accepting donations to support our orchestra for the upcoming 69th season. So, bring your chairs and enjoy our very entertaining hour-long concert. The GSO is proud to continue and support our area's cultural traditions.

Photos by Howard Owens, rehearsal Monday evening in the band room at Batavia HS.

Press release:

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) announces that Western New York native Ricky Palermo is the recipient of the New York State Senate Liberty Medal for his contributions to the treatment of spinal cord injuries. The Batavia resident has helped raise more than $1 million for research and awareness.

“Ricky is a lifelong friend and a true inspiration to all New Yorkers,” Gallivan said. “He has dedicated himself to helping others and brings hope to those impacted by spinal cord injuries. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of the Liberty Medal.”

Palermo grew up in the Byron-Bergen Central School District where he was a star athlete, earning MVP honors in three separate sports. In 1981, he was injured in an automobile accident, which left him paralyzed from the chest down.

Over the past 18 years, Palermo’s annual golf tournament has helped raise funds for research, awareness and treatment of paralysis. He also works closely with The Miami Project in its ongoing effort to treat and ultimately cure paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries.

In 1985, Barth A. Green, M.D., and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti helped found The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis after Nick’s son, Marc, sustained a spinal cord injury during a college football game. Today, The Miami Project is the world’s most comprehensive spinal cord injury (SCI) research center, and a designated Center of Excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

“Ricky is very deserving of this great honor,” Marc Buoniconti said. “He and the entire Palermo family have been such an integral part of The Miami Project team for so many years, and what they have done in order to advance our research is nothing short of remarkable. The contributions of Ricky and the entire Batavia community are directly changing the course of medical history, and are helping to facilitate cures for paralysis that will someday soon hopefully get me, Ricky and the millions worldwide who are living with paralysis out of their wheelchairs."

Palermo is also active with the YMCA of Genesee County.

“There is no one more deserving of the Liberty Medal than Ricky Palermo,” said Greg Watson, chief financial officer GLOW YMCA in Batavia. “Because of Ricky’s passion for helping others, he led the efforts to bring a specialized bike to the Genesee County YMCA allowing individuals with spinal injuries to exercise. It is the only bike of its kind in the area and is a blessing to the many individuals that have benefited from it. Ricky’s positive attitude is an inspiration to everyone he comes into contact with and we are honored that he is part of our YMCA family.”

“I would like to dedicate this Liberty Award to my incredibly supportive family because none of this would be possible without them,” Palermo said. “I also have a close group of friends, like Senator Gallivan, that I would refer to as family.”

The Liberty Medal is one of the highest civilian honors that a New York resident can receive and it is awarded to individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic or humanitarian acts and achievements on behalf of their fellow New Yorkers.

Photo: Ricky Palermo with (L-R) Sam Pontillo, Jackie Janes, Jim Palermo and Senator Patrick Gallivan. 

NPR Planet Money: Why Preschool Can Save The World

The New p.w. minor 4-Hour-Only MEGA SALE! Saturday June 13th • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
At our retail & outlet store located at 3 Treadeasy Ave. in Batavia. (in the Industrial Park, off Route 33)

• Shoes starting at $10
• Discounted 2nd-quality merchandise -- buy 1, get 1 half off. 
• First Time EVER -- 20% off full-priced shoes and boots
• Free hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

These prices and promotions are valid Saturday, June 13th, 2015 from 9am-1pm ONLY. All discounted 2nd-quality merchandise sold on a "as is" basis and all sales are FINAL!

An aging and leaky roof on the Victorian home that houses the Oakfield Historical Society's Museum and Research Center is jeopardizing the collection of artifacts and documents in the society's care. Water and old things usually don't mix well and members of the society are concerned about the current condition of the roof, which they've been unable to repair.

The society is planning a series of fundraisers, including an upcoming golf tournament, but they're also making a direct appeal for donations through GoFundMe.com.

The cost of a new roof and needed repairs are expected to be at least $25,000.

Ross Chua and Chelsea Jensen rehearse Monday afternoon on the Batavia High School stage for tomorrow night's talent showcase.

The show goes on at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $3 each.

Leslie DeLooze, Community Services Librarian

Now you can carry a whole library of magazine titles in your hand, wherever you or wherever you go, for free.

In a program set up for the Richmond Memorial Library by the Nioga Library System and the digital magazine clearinghouse Zinio, your library card gives you free digital access to all 65 magazine titles in the reading room of the library.

You just don't have to go to the reading room at library to read the magazines.

You can read your favorite magazines from the collection on your desktop or through the Zinio app on your mobile device.

Zinio also offers paid subscriptions to hundreds of other titles.

To sign up, go to batavialibrary.org Click on the Zinio logo at the bottom of the page and click "create account" in the upper right and complete the registration. Then go to zinio.com and complete the registration there. After you download the app (if you haven't already), all you need to do is log in. You need your library member number at the time of registration.

Here's a list of titles available for free to library members:

100 Best Cookies
100 Decorating Ideas
30 Minute Dinners
Allrecipes
ARTNews
The Atlantic
Better Homes & Gardens
Billboard Magazine
Brides
Car & Driver
Container Gardening
Country Living
Digital Camera World
Do It Yourself
Easy Meals
Eating Light
Eating Well
ESPN
Essential Slowcooker
Everyday with Rachel Ray
Family Fun
Family Handyman
Food Network Magazine
Good Housekeeping
Handcrafted Jewelry
Health & Fitness-Tone Up in 10 Minutes
Health & Fitness Woman’s Guide to Running
HGTV
Hockey News
House Beautiful
Interweave Crochet
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
Kitchen & Bath Scene
Knit Scene

Ladies’ Home Journal
Marie Claire
Martha Stewart Living
Men’s Health
Mother Earth News
Mother Jones
National Geographic
National Geographic Traveler
Newsweek
O: Oprah Magazine
OK Magazine
Old House Journal
Outside
Parents
PC World
Popular Photography
Popular Science
Prevention
Quilter’s Companion
Reader’s Digest
Redbook
Rolling Stone
Runner’s World
Scholastic Parent & Child
Seventeen
Slow Cooker
Taste of Home
Taste of Home Holiday
Time
US Weekly
Vanity Fair
Vegetarian Times
Weight Watchers
Woman’s Day
Wood Magazine

We’re having an Open House! Join us on June 13th from 10 a.­m - 3 p.m. for a tour of the hospital and to meet our staff. We’ll have ice cream and will feature baby farm animals. Our vendors will be in attendance with information about their products and we will be highlighting some of our new services. Take a tour of the surgery suite, watch a live ultrasound, look at some interesting X­-Rays, and much more! We invite you to spend a fun day learning more about veterinary medicine and State Street Animal Hospital. Gift bags, door prizes and more! We look forward to seeing you there!