Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“Memorial Day is one of those special times of year that allows us to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and selflessly served to protect our nation and its citizens. With our principles of freedom and security under attack, it is more important than ever to keep those who are valiantly serving at home or abroad in our thoughts and prayers as they strive to further preserve our freedom and the American way of life.

“For decades, young men and women, some of them lying about their age to enlist, have answered the call when their nation needed them most. Their efforts are linked with unimaginable selflessness. As a veteran myself and son of someone who served during World War II, I know firsthand the courage and strength of our veterans. This Memorial Day, I applaud and honor their service and memory.

“As you enjoy time with friends and family during the long weekend, please take time to thank a veteran in your life, reflect on those we have lost in the line of service and enjoy the festivities responsibly.”

Veterans, other volunteers, and family members were in cemeteries throughout the area today to replace worn flags and place new flags on the graves of the men and women who served in the U.S. military.

It's an annual tradition locally to honor military personnel on Memorial Day Weekend.

Emilio Rosales, 8, places a flag at Elmwood Cemetary. Also placing flags was his sister, Valentina, 5.

Daniel Tomaszewski and his family, from Freedonia, made their annual trip to the St. Joe's Cemetery in Batavia to plant flowers on the grave site of his parents, who grew up and were married in Batavia before moving to Freedonia. With Daniel are wife Kristin, daughter Josephine and son Mason.

Tim Burch places a flag at a marker in Elmwood Cemetery.

Don Morris at Elmwood.

Riley D'Alba, of Oakfield, completes her squats during a workout today at Batavia Cross Training known as the Memorial Murph.

The event is a scholarship fundraiser for students pursuing careers in law enforcement; the proceeds this year going to D'Alba, who plans to attend Hobart College.

Dozens of people completed The Murph today, which is named in honor of Lt. Micheal Murphy, a Navy Seal killed in action in 2005 in Afghanistan. The workout, which he called Body Armor, starts with a one-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and ends with another one-mile run. Those who have them and can endure it also wear a 20-pound vest.

Batavia Cross Training holds annual Memorial Murph over Memorial Day weekend to honor those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military. Several members of local law enforcement participate each year.

This just in...just in time for summer...a caller reports that their porch furniture has been stolen. Le Roy PD is responding to the complaint on Wolcott Street.

Joey Belladonna and his band Chief Big Way play the Paddock Room at Batavia Downs tonight.

The lead singer with Anthrax, nominated five times for Grammy awards, Belladonna is playing in Batavia for the second time this year. The show is free and starts at 9 p.m.

Pictured with Belladonna are his friend Tom Mazurkiewicz and band members Dave Michelson and Joe Precourt.

At about 7 a.m., a car was reported off the road and into the woods on Route 490 in the Le Roy - Bergen area.

The original caller reportedly spoke to the driver, a female, who said, "I'm in a lot of trouble if law enforcement shows up."

Le Roy fire and Bergen fire responded. By the time the chiefs were scene, the driver had left the area.

The car is registered to a female in Hamburg, born in '37. 

The driver may be injured from a side-impact collision.

Dispatchers have checked with UMMC and Strong for any patients who have come in for emergency care and a deputy checked the service area near the location for the woman.

Hamburg PD is responding to the residence of the registered owner to see who might have been driving the car.

No description is available of the driver.

Fire units and ambulance went back in service at about 7:30 a.m. A tow truck is responding to retrieve the car.

For the second year in a row, the Batavia Blue Devils boys outdoor track team captured the Section V title at the host school, Honeoye Falls Lima, yesterday evening. Batavia finished with 110 points over second place rival U-Prep, which scored 88 points.

Highlights of their success include junior Anthony Ray winning both the discus throw event at 43.81 meters and shot put at 16.54 meters, setting a new school shot put record. Senior Frederick Cunningham took third place in both the triple jump and high jump. Senior Andrew Mruczek took first in the long jump with 6.64 meters.

Boys relay teams placed third in both 4x100 and 4x400 and took second in the 4x8. Senior Campbell Anderson finished fourth in both the 800-meter run and pole vault and senior Sam Bartz took fifth in the pole vault. Julio Vazquez took second in the 110 meter hurdles and fourth in the 400-meter hurdles. Eric Davis took took in both the 400-meter hurdles and 100-meter dash. Andrew Mruczek took second in the 200-meter dash.

Last year sectional winners Batavia girls outdoor track team finished last night in third place overall with 63 points. Iaya Franklin finished second place in the 100- and 400-meter dash and first in the 200-meter dash. Claire Zickl finshed fourth in the 800-meter run. Batavia girls took first in the 4x400-meter relay. Sophomore Lizzie Cohen placed first in the pole vault. Senior Tanner Kolb finished third in the discus. Edmarie Calderon-Torres finished fifth in the pentathlon.

This marks Batavia track and field with their 29th Sectional Championship in program history.

Veterans Don Lewis and Roger Martin will serve as grand marshals for the annual Memorial Day parade in Batavia on May 29th.

Lewis will be driving in the parade and Martin will be riding with him. Lewis and Martin were both born and raised in Batavia.

“We’ve been good friends ever since high school,” Lewis said. “He and I have been in the parade every year since we could be.”

Lewis graduated high school in 1944 and shortly after, joined the military. He went overseas to the Philippines and when he returned to the United States, he was discharged.

Martin also graduated from high school in 1944 and joined the Navy in February of 1945.

The parade starts at 9:45 a.m. from the Eastown Plaza, proceed down Main Street, and end at the Alva Place parking lot. A Veterans Memorial Service will be held afterward at Jerome Center.

If any veterans wish to participate in the parade, they can just show up at 9:15 a.m. Any veterans needing a ride in the parade, should contact Bob Bialkowski at 409-3624.

Don Lewis

Roger Martin

Roberto James Echevarria, 19, of Laurelwood Drive, Rochester, is charged with assault, 3rd. Echevarria is accused of recklessly causing injury to another person while after a concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday. At about 11:10 p.m., Echevarria allegedly threw a glass bottle from a moving vehicle that struck another person, hitting the victim in the face resulting in a cut. Echevarria was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.

The Elba Lancers Golf Team is the Class C Section V champion after scoring a 172 on Thursday at the Livingston Country Club, beating out seven other teams, including second-place Honeoye, which carded a 187.

In the rain-shortened championship, Henry Pflaumer shot a 40, while Joe Lane, Ben Pflaumer, and CJ Gottler all had 44. The Lancers added to their Genesee Region Division II Championship along with Ben Pflaumer's Individual Class C Sectional Title. Only three other golfers in the field shot 44 or lower.

The team is coached by Mike Cintorino.

Submitted photo and information.

Neighborhood Art House, an art studio and shop offering classes, parties, workshops and ceramics located on 155 Walnut St. in Batavia, opened its doors a few weeks ago.

Jill Pettigrew, the owner, said she has been an artist all her life.

“I want people to be able to do art activities in a relaxed atmosphere and not feel intimidated,” Pettigrew said. “So many people feel like they’re not artistic or creative, but there is something here that everybody can do.”

Neighborhood Art House has open studio times for people of all ages to paint ceramics, make a wood sign or pottery. Anyone can also call to book a paint night party or a wood sign party. Pettigrew said she is already booking parties into September and October.

“In the fall, we will be adding more things when we see what people want to do,” Pettigrew said.

The building Neighborhood Art House is located in what was previously a TV repair shop, Pettigrew said.

“I’ve always had my eye on this building,” Pettigrew said. “I was driving by one day and there was a 'for rent' sign on it and I just thought I would go for it.”

Pettigrew said it did not take long to transform the building into an art studio.

“I didn’t really have to do anything,” Pettigrew said. “It’s still retro '70s, with the red Elvis carpet and the paneling but it worked. It was perfect.”

Pettigrew said her husband, Jeremy, does a lot of work behind the scenes.

“We want to make it a nice place where people come and be relaxed,” Pettigrew said. “I want people to come and enjoy the art process, whether it's painting ceramics, taking a class or learning something new.”

Neighborhood Art House is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will be hosting a homeownership workshop at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, at the Richmond Memorial Library for residents to learn about housing programs offered throughout Western New York.

Michael Grundel, an area specialist for USDA, said the workshop, titled Keys to Homeownership, will outline each program that is offered. Staff members will be there to answer any questions about eligibility and how to apply.

“It’s a nationwide program,” Grundel said. “We have this local area for Genesee, Erie, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.”

USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America, offering loans, grants and loan guarantees to support essential services, according to the USDA website. The loans, grants and loan guarantees support housing, economic development, healthcare, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric and communications infrastructure.

Grundel said anyone is welcome to come to the workshop.

“We are happy to have all people attend to get the word out, get recognition for the programs, (provide) an understanding of how it works and to answer questions,” Grundel said. “It’s a great resource for all in the area.”

Dawn Kuras, the lead loan specialist for USDA, said this is not the first workshop being held.

“June is our homeownership month,” Kuras said. “We always do a special event for each of our service centers.”

A couple workshops are held a year, Grundel said. Previous workshops have been held with various partners and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

Grundel said they partner with PathStone, a nonprofit community development, and human service organization, but are looking for more.

Depending on the need for a workshop, another one could be in the near future, Kuras said.

“Even people that don’t have acceptable credit should come to the workshop,” Kuras said. “We can go over the requirements and opportunities to improve their credit.”

For more information or questions before the workshop, residents should call 343-0442.

“Keep an open mind,” Kuras said. “A lot of people don’t think that they can qualify for a mortgage, but our program really has a lot of opportunities for people, whether they don’t have enough savings or make enough money.”

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel announced today they will be hosting a job fair on Wednesday, June 7^th in their Paddock Events Room.

There will be two sessions; one from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and another from 5 'til 7 p.m. Representatives from each department will be on hand to discuss current job openings within the facility.

“We’re gearing up for a busy summer season," said Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel President & CEO Henry Wojtaszek. “Batavia Downs has openings in not only Food and Beverage, but Security, Housekeeping, Marketing and positions related to our upcoming live racing season.

"We look forward to seeing area residents at either of the available times to speak with our staff about joining our team.”

Those who apply will also be entered into a drawing for a free hotel stay and gift certificate to a Batavia Downs Restaurant. Anyone with questions ahead of time can contact the Human Resources Department at Batavia Downs at 585-343-3750, ext. 6228.

About Batavia Downs/WROTB

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 19 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Regional OTB has generated over $215 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities.

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

Jessica Ross, 31, of Jasper Parrish Road, Buffalo, is charged with two counts of trespass, second-degree harassment and resisting arrest after allegedly attempting to entering the concert venue after being ejected twice and told not to return. Ross allegedly punched and kicked deputies while being taken into custody. Ross was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Alex M. Gonzalez, 20, of Premption Road, Geneva, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Joshua R. Dauer, 19, of Steven Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

(name redacted because of age), 16, of Marvin Hill Road, Springwater, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Noah J. Klumpp, 19, of Buffalo Street, Hamburg, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Jonothan S. Daley, 19, of Miles Allen Boulevard, Elkland, Pa., is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Rae M. Warner, 19, of Calm Lake Circle, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Roberto J. Echevarria, 19, of Laurel Wood Drive, Rochester, is charged with third-degree assault after allegedly throwing a bottle, striking another subject in the face, causing a laceration.

Alexander Labor, 21, of Peach Street, Buffalo, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Live Nation security officer.

Dewayne E. Johnson, 55, of Westside Drive, Chili, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Live Nation security officer.

Nathaniel T. Welnhofer, 18, of Colvin Boulevard, Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating in public while in the crowd at the concert venue entrance.

Zachary P. Liberatore, 20, of Stonehedge Drive, Orchard Park, is charged with trespass and criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue and then being found inside the concert venue.

(name redacted because of age), 17, of East Ravenside Lane, Webster, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly crawling under a fence to enter the concert venue.

Nadia M Jones, 20, of Magee Avenue, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Andrew JW Delles, 20, of Black Creek Drive, Niagara Falls, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Jake R Viza, 20, of Webster Road, Webster, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Olivia I. Flink, 19, of Marlbank Drive, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Jennifer M. Abbott, 20, of Bostwick Road, Phelps, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to re-enter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Press release:

Batavia Cross Training is hosting its second annual Memorial Day Murph fundraising event beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 27.

Local law enforcement, first responders, active military, and veterans are invited to train alongside members of Batavia Cross Training gym to complete the Murph Challenge. For those interested in joining in on the fun, sign up today!

The Murph will consist of a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, then another one-mile run.

A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior in Genesee County who will be pursuing law enforcement. If you or someone you know is interested, they can contact Batavia Cross Training or go to the scholarship department at their high school for more info.

Feel free to join us to cheer on the participating athletes!

All donations made during this event will be used for a scholarship for a Genesee County high school senior who is pursuing a law enforcement career.

At least 400 people entered the labor force in Genesee County from March to April, according to the latest data released by the New York State Department of Labor.

That puts the total size of the labor force at 29,400, with 1,300 people classified as unemployment, which puts the unemployment rate at 4.6 percent.

A year ago in April, the unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in the county.

Over the past year, the county's labor force has declined by approximately 500 people. It's difficult to pinpoint the reason for the decline, but Baby Boomers reaching retirement age could be a factor.

The total number of employed residents 28,100. A year ago in April, it was 28,600 and in March it was 27,500.

The unemployment rate in the GLOW region is 5.0, the same as a year ago. 

In Rochester, it's 4.6 percent. In Buffalo, it's 5.0. For the state, it's 4.2. For the nation, it's 4.1 percent.