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With a name like Aidan A. Anderson, there was little doubt that the Batavia High School senior would not be first up to receive his diploma during Friday evening’s commencement ceremony at Van Detta Stadium. 

And his mom, school board member Korinne Anderson was going to be right there ready and waiting, maybe with some tissues in hand, for the big moment.

"As I hand my son his diploma tonight,  I am sure I will shed some tears.  He leaves Sunday for West Point Military Academy and is quickly onto his next adventure,” his proud mom said earlier Friday. “I will most certainly give out hugs, as being a parent in the district and a board member offers me this unique glimpse into their education experience. And I am most excited to see what they will go and do in this world.”

Anderson is a 1995 graduate of Le Roy High School. She recalled her own experience and “being so excited for the next step,” she said, which was going to college.

“Le Roy was small, which I loved,  but was definitely ready for the next step,” she said. 

Fellow board member Alice Ann Benedict is a Blue Devil alum, BHS Class of 1972. Her walk down memory lane was at the former Mancuso Theater on Main Street in downtown Batavia.

“Our commencement speaker was William H. Updike, a freelance artist. I remember walking down the aisle to the stage to receive my diploma and celebrating with my friends in the audience,” she said. “Our class of ‘72 celebrated its 50th class graduation last summer. Loads of laughs and remembrances. Of course, graduating brings a big change in seniors' lives. Friends move on to new adventures, many going to college, some going into military service and many getting jobs. I remember being sad that I wouldn’t be seeing many of my classmates after our graduation ceremony.

“My advice to the Class of 2023 is to pursue your passions. If you choose a path that feeds that passion, then you’ll always look forward to each day,” Benedict said. “Remember to save for your future, travel as much as possible, and keep your good friends a part of your lives.”

School Board President John Marucci’s graduation ceremony — “way back in 1983 from Maple Grove Jr/Sr. High School in Bemus Point” — was quick and painless, he said, of just 90 kids. They had some “great after-grad activities as well,” he added.

He wanted to wish the Class of 2023 all the best in their future endeavors, whether they were headed to college, the military or jumping head first into the workforce.

“I know you will ALL be successful with whatever you decide to do,” he said. “So always keep reaching for the stars, and never look back because your very bright future is straight ahead. Congratulations and best wishes!”

For board member Barbara Bowman, these Class of 2023 members have already dealt with surprise obstacles with aplomb, which has fortified them for the future, she said.

“The class of 2023 has displayed amazing resiliency as they have coped with the unexpected challenges the pandemic presented.  I would encourage them to never lose sight of their ability to be resilient, to roll with life’s punches, to set goals that are meaningful to them and along the way, to just enjoy life,” Bowman said. “I am incredibly proud, both of the Batavia School District and of the Class of 2023!”

There was a contingency plan for Batavia City School District’s commencement ceremony Friday evening, just in case the clouds — which threatened all day long in grumpy gray masses — gave way to thunderstorms.

But by later afternoon, it was all systems go as the school of blue and white opted to move forward, not long before a short blip of rain came down to tempt the Blue Devils’ steadfastness. The Class members of 2023 lived up to a word repeatedly attributed to them in the evening’s speeches: they were resilient.

With clear umbrellas in hand and some rags to wipe off the makeshift stage and nearby awards and diplomas, school officials and students strolled through graduation with every bit of pomp and circumstance, albeit with a few raindrops here and there out at Van Detta Stadium field.

It seemed only natural for how they began as ninth-graders.

“I want to congratulate you on your graduation this year. As freshmen, you experienced the beginning of the pandemic and have shown resilience to get to where you are today. I am very proud of all this class has accomplished,” High School Principal Paul Kesler said.

He listed several of those accomplishments, including the band’s “outstanding” ratings in several categories during a recent competition, the Mr. Batavia event that raised more than $5,000 for multiple charities, the musical “Les Miserables” and its stellar reviews at Stars of Tomorrow, plus the myriad sports championships and academic feats for the 148 graduates.

There were 29 National Honor Society students, six Genesee Valley BOCES National Tech Honor Society members, seven Tri-M Honor Society, and five National Art Honor Society members, he said, and 62 percent of the class earned more than $2 million in scholarships for higher education. 

Of those students, 42 are planning to attend four-year schools, while 46 are geared toward two-year schools and six toward post-secondary schools. Another 39 are headed to the workforce with offers for employment, and four are on the road to military service, he said. A hefty 141 students earned a Regents diploma.

So with all of those accolades, what was left for him to say? Especially given that this will be Kesler’s last year as high school principal before he moves back to John Kennedy. 

After mulling the possibilities for a speech, he landed on three key takeaways from significant people who have impacted his life, Kesler said.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

A 90-year-old veteran who often checked on how Kesler was doing in his school leadership role taught him lesson number one: to “encourage people.” His father doled out one of life’s greatest gifts, and that taught Kesler about lesson number two: “Be kind.” 

And Kesler couldn’t help but include those oft-repeated words of the late city school district substitute teacher, mentor and friend Jim Owen about not accepting setbacks. So that’s lesson number three: “When you have a setback, you can come back and recover from obstacles,” Kesler said.

“I am so thankful to have had a front-row seat to see many of you recover from obstacles to get where you are today,” he said. “So today, I want to let all of you know how proud I am of you. But most of all, continue to be young people who come back when you have a setback, encourage others, and be kind. It has been a great honor to be your principal. Congratulations, Class of 2023.”

Guest speaker and English teacher Kim Przybysz encouraged this group of anxious, soon-to-be academically free young adults not to be defined by one aspect of their life, warning against the “danger of a single story.”

“It might be easy to allow the whirlwind that was lockdown, or hybrid learning, or the mayhem that is all of those years combined, to dominate your narrative. But that would be a woefully incomplete story. I want to challenge you to rewrite the story right now. What have you worked hard to overcome? What have you been proud of? What have you shared? How can you change that narrative, that single story?” she said.

“Let me help you. Class of 2023, I can tell you, you have lots to be proud of. When I think of you, I think of your resilience. Your perseverance. Your ability to overcome adversity. Your sitting here tonight is evidence of that.

“When I think of you, I think of your compassion and heart. I think of your altruism; so many of you have given back to your school community and the Batavia community at large. I think of the ways you’ve gone out of your way to help others -- be it underclassmen, each other -- I think of your honest care and concern. 

"I, personally, have often been on the receiving end of that kindness, and I am so grateful for it. When I think of you, I think of your passion. You are fierce advocates, for causes dear to your heart, for your peers, for yourselves," she said. "Continue to harness your voice to demand action, to seek to make the world around you a better place. You are powerful change agents. Believe that.”

The words of advice were plentiful, including from students Jack and Noah Pickard, who ended their jointly given speech with a quote from ultra-marathoner David Goggins, that “most wars are won or lost in our own heads,” capped off with their own: “you are the only person that can make your success happen.”

And from student Clara Wood, who acknowledged that change can be absolutely terrifying, and moving on from high school “is certainly a monumental change.”

“But as a class, we experienced more insanity, hardship, and unpredictability compared to what is usual, and we have to somehow use this to our advantage. We need to somehow realize that we are more than the worst things we have ever been through. We need to somehow recognize that every day is an opportunity to rise above the challenges we are forced to grapple with, and somehow we need to allow ourselves to be proud of everything we have accomplished despite those challenges,” she said. “In the future, when we look back on our high school years, our view will be very different than most. My hope is that we will be able to look back and not have sadness by the feeling that arises.

“My hope is that we will reflect on our time in high school and remember the fact that no matter what, there will always be struggle and uncertainty, but that sometimes hardship is essential for us to realize all that we are capable of,” she said. “Struggle allows us to realize how good the happiness that follows truly is.”

School Superintendent Jason Smith’s message came from a fictional tale, “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse.” It weaves through various lessons from each character while on a journey, including the value of compassion, the way in which we react to things, and honesty.

It ends with Smith’s favorite part, he said, and a lesson for graduates and audience members alike. That is, to take the next step.

“That is my final message to you, members of the Class of 2023: take the next step when challenges come your way. Keep moving forward,” he said.

Friday night skate nights came to the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena at the right time for new Batavia resident Deborah Deegan. 

And she likes it better than the open skate options she had in Rochester.

"There's not that many places, even in Rochester," Deegan said. "There's only Horizon, and there is a place called Skate Lovers. It's very similar to what you guys are doing here, but it's not an actual rink. It's like a warehouse. And I think they built the flooring, so it's not quite as good as the floor in here. And I don't like the music that much. It's not my music. I like the music here."

And at The McCarthy, she said, you can't beat the price.

"Five dollars is like a quarter of the costs of going to Horizon in Rochester and half the cost of going to Skate Lovers," she said.

The 32-year-old Deegan said she is pretty new to Batavia and is working at Copperhead Creek.  She loves to skate and is happy the operators of The McCarthy have started Friday night skate nights. She said she loves figure skating and enjoys getting the extra practice time.  She is also involved in roller derby.

She started ice skating when she was little but could never do much except go forward. Roller skating, she said, has improved her ice skating.

"Two years ago, when the rinks opened back up after COVID, I found myself sitting there going, 'Why, when have I been skating since I was four years old, I can't do anything cool?' From there, I decided I was going to teach myself how to go backward. And here we are, two years later, and skating at the skate park on these (roller rinks), is what has gotten me so much progress. When I got back on the ice rink, I could do jumps and all types of stuff that I could never do before."

Deegan said Batavia residents who haven't been to skate night yet should come out on a Friday night. The floor is good, the price is right, the music makes it fun, and it's also a great workout. She said too many people spend way too much time on their phones. They need to be more active.

"I also do this to get fit," she said. "I read that professional skaters burn up to 800 calories an hour, which is, like, unheard of. So it's a great way to get physical activity and a workout in without actually working out."

The McCarthy now has shelves of new skates available for kids and adults. See our previous story: GC Youth Bureau bets on fun for youth with purchase of skates at The McCarthy.

The regular Friday night skate is from 7 to 9 p.m., with the exception of July 7, when there will be an 80s and 90s skate night party from 8 to 11 p.m.  The entry fee for that event is $10 with $5 rentals and includes a DJ. It's a 21-and-over event with beer and cider served. 

Photos by Howard Owens.

The Rockin' the Downs concert series at Batavia Downs in Batavia opened with another big crowd for the Queen tribute act, Almost Queen.

Photos by Nick Serrata.

A single truck rollover accident, unknown injuries, is reported at York Road and South Street in Pavilion.

The caller was not involved.

Pavilion Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

No matter what you may think about online sports betting venues, they are being put to good use locally by funding youth development initiatives, Genesee County Youth Bureau Director Daniel Calkins says.

The Youth Sports Education Fund, garnered from portions of online sports betting proceeds, has so far meant $16,787 for youth-related activities, with about $5,000 of that going for the purchase of 71 pairs of funky 80s-themed rollerskates, Calkins said.

“I was talking to (ice rink operator) Matt Gray and he said they were having trouble getting skates for the ice rink,” Calkins said Friday. “So we set up a program that if a youth goes there, they pay the $5 admission and can use the skates for free.”

The neon-colored skates, meant to be low-maintenance and long-lasting, were purchased from RC Sports out of Kansas, in a range of children’s and adult sizes. They will be available for rent or free for youth at the David M. McCarthy Ice Arena on Evans Street in Batavia.

“We promote that to give kids greater access to recreational activities,” Calkins said. “We will be having events throughout the summer. And during ice season, it will be the same. If a kid comes in to ice skate, they’ll get to use the ice skates for free. The ice rink has been wonderful, our family game night was the kick-off to the skates being there.

“It’s about making Genesee County more accessible to having fun things to do,” he said. “We want to be an active part in the change here.”

That total funding also went toward kayaks to be used at DeWitt Recreational Area on Cedar Street and to help restore the financial loss suffered by the Athletic Youth Soccer Organization in Oakfield during the pandemic, Calkins said.

Genesee County receives a nine-month allocation, and “hopefully, we get the same funding next year,” Calkins said.

The Youth Sports Education Fund goes to the county’s general fund and is then disbursed to the Youth Bureau, County Manager Matt Landers said.

“The intent is definitely to be as impactful to county youth and families as possible,” Landers said  “Daniel is continually looking for positive activities for families in Genesee County.” 

Answering The Batavian about whether he has tried out the new skates. “I have not tried them because I don't want to embarrass my kids!”

If you’re interested in trying them out, the McCarthy has an open family skate night from 7 to 9 p.m. every Friday.

A two-year-old reportedly ingested chocolate containing marijuana on Thursday and was taken unconscious to the UMMC Emergency Room, according to the Sheriff's Office.

James Zackary Gray, 32, of Park Road, Batavia, has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly leaving an edible within the reach of a child.

According to the arrest report, the child was found unconscious multiple hours after the edible was ingested.

Gray was released on an appearance ticket by Deputy Morgan Ewert.

The current condition of the child was not included in the arrest report.

A car has reportedly struck a tree in the area of 100 Hidden Meadow Drive, Bergen.

There was reportedly airbag deployment, and the elderly driver is not alert.

Bergen Fire and ambulance dispatched.

Jeremy Ives is going to have 15 years, in the words of Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini, to contemplate the kind of person he is.

Is he the kind, intelligent, and articulate person of his letters to the court and his appearances in County Court, or is he the man a jury of Genesee County residents said committed a horrible act on Aug. 12, 2022? 

Ives was convicted on May 12 at the end of a jury trial of two counts of attempted assault in the first degree and menacing. The jury found that Ives had threatened two people with a shotgun.  

In the incident, one person was reportedly injured as a result of Ives firing one shot in the area of 2 Elm St., Batavia.

Since his arrest, through the trial, and into Friday's court appearance, Ives has maintained his innocence. 

Assistant District Attorney Will Zickl, who prosecuted Ives, said that one reason Ives deserved the maximum possible sentence on his conviction was his failure to express remorse for his actions on Aug. 12, 2022.

"He's demonstrated he's a danger to the community," Zickl said. "He's expressed no remorse. He's taken no responsibility for his frankly brutal actions."

Zickl said Ives has only spoken in general terms about his conduct, saying he's sorry -- primarily expressed to his family -- in a letter to the court for his behavior.

Joseph Lobosco, the defense attorney, said it wasn't exactly fair to expect Ives to say he is sorry while he is planning an appeal on what he believes is a wrongful conviction.

"He shouldn't be put in a position of needing to express remorse for something he believes he didn't do," Lobosco said.

Zickl said the maximum sentence available, 15 years, wasn't enough. Lobosco asked for the minimum term for his client.

Then Lobosco read a letter from Ives to the court dated June 6.  

He expressed his "absolute love" for his family, and said his family extended beyond his blood relations to anybody who had ever helped him in life.

"My family are the people that hold the strongest pieces of my heart that help me focus on my relationship with the gods and the other members of my bloodline and family. My honor is loyalty, and that is my oath, and that is my pride. Concentrating on my family and my faith is what helps me daily in my strive to find inner peace," Ives wrote.

He mentioned his mental health issues, struggles with addiction, and a traumatic brain injury and said he thought he had been doing well with the help of his doctors and medication. 

"The issues that I have written about have affected some of the people in my life in negative ways, in different degrees," he wrote. "I have to write these words to these people instead of speaking the words to them and looking into their eyes because of self-inflected situations, but I want each and every one of you to know and believe in your hearths that I am sorry. I apologize for the wrongs I have done."

"I'm a good man, and I love you all with all of my heart," he added.

He promised to return from prison with a greater determination to be good to his family.

"I pray to Odin and all the gods above us to help make me the best man I can be, the best father I can be, the best son I can be, the best brother I can be, and hopefully, the best husband I can be," he wrote. "Over the years, and in the past, I have fallen short of being those things.

"To all the people involved in my life, I swear on my honor I will not allow my addictions or my afflictions to negatively affect my life or my decisions ever again. I will return to my life after this situation more focused than ever before."

After Lobosco finished reading the letter, Ives spoke up for himself.  He wanted to address something he saw as a bit of misinformation from Zickl. Zickl criticized Ives for claiming to love his children when, during the pre-sentence investigation, he told an interviewer he didn't know where two of his children currently live.

Ives said he has children aged two to age 25.  His two oldest children graduated from college while he has been in custody and he hasn't been able to stay in regular contact with them. That's the only reason, he said, he doesn't know where they are living at the moment. 

During the discussion about long-term orders of protection, Ives asked that he be allowed to contact a woman who has children that he considers to also be his children, though he is not the biological father. Cianfrini said if the woman wants to contact the court to modify the order of protection, she could, but Cianfrini said she was issuing a full stay-away order of protection. 

Ives also asked for no order of protection for a friend who has helped him during the legal process, but Zickl spoke with the victim's advocate, who was in court for sentencing, and that person reportedly asked for a temporary order of protection to become long-term.

Cianfrini did modify one order of protection to allow Ives' parents to contact a person in order for them to retrieve Ives' personal belongings.

The order of protection will be in place for the length of the sentence imposed by Cianfrini plus eight years. The sentence is for 15 years plus five years post-release supervision.

Cianfrini told Ives his was a perplexing case.  He's obviously well-spoken and intelligent, able to advocate for himself, and he has a reputation, which came out at trial, for doing unbidden kind acts for others, such as installing handrails on a stairway that had no handrails.

And though he is mindful that he maintains his innocence and is planning an appeal, he was convicted of a horrific act.  He also has five prior DWI convictions and a weapons conviction in Florida.

Those two versions of Jeremy Ives don't fit together, she said.

"You're going to have to reconcile which Jeremy Ives you are going to be when you get out of prison," Cianfrini said. "It's completely up to you as to who you are going to be. You can be the person who does good deeds or you can be the person who commits these kinds of crimes. Only you can make that decision."

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) slammed the Majority’s recently passed legislation that would make it illegal to organize, sponsor, conduct, promote, or participate in any contest, competition, or derby where the objective is to take wildlife (A.2917). This would include bans on hunting competitions for coyotes, rabbits, and other animals. 

The legislation, which passed the state Assembly this (Wednesday) afternoon, had a Senate sponsor from Buffalo and an Assembly sponsor from Manhattan, which provided a further example of legislators from city regions exercising power over New Yorkers in rural areas such as Western New York. 

Hawley is frustrated that rural communities are once again having their voices silenced.

“This anti-hunting bill is yet another example of out-of-touch, big city legislators imposing their will on our constituents,” said Hawley. “This is the same tactic that was used by big city lawmakers on the mandate of overtime pay on our farm workers. This proposal would not only be damaging to our rights as New Yorkers, but its effects on our local agriculture and animal population control will have negative consequences. The Majority needs to start considering the needs of ALL New Yorkers, not just those in the cities.”

Press Release:

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) on the Extended End of Session:

“Albany Democrats have once again shown their inability to address New York state’s most pressing issues. Not only did they needlessly extend this year's legislative session, forcing us to spend more time away from our home districts, but they also did nothing to address the current migrant crisis in our state, the growing unaffordability we see all around us, and the increased public safety risks in our communities. The Majority instead focused on passing extreme bills such as the pro-criminal Clean Slate Act and making it easier for hardened criminals to overturn their convictions. The Majority's agenda has done little to help our state and shows just how out of touch they are with the needs of New Yorkers.”

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Senator Joni Ernst introduced a bicameral resolution to designate the week including June 23, as National Women’s Sports Week. 

The resolution marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX on June 23, 1972, and celebrates the growth and success of women’s sports.

Additional co-sponsors of the legislation include Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), James Lankford (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Katie Britt (R-AL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Representatives Ralph Norman (R-SC), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Scott Franklin (R-FL), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Randy Weber (R-TX), Mary Miller (R-IL).

National Women’s Sports Week recognizes female athletes — past, present, and future — for their participation and achievement in sports. It celebrates the contributions of individual female athletes in the United States, especially since the passage of Title IX in 1972, and honors the coaches and parents who support female athletes. 

The resolution also calls on Congress to protect equal access to athletic opportunities for female athletes.

June 23, marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX, federal legislation that prohibits recipients of federal funding from discriminating based on sex. Title IX opened athletic opportunities for women and girls, guaranteeing them the right to equal athletic opportunities. 

Since the adoption of Title IX, there has been a 545-percent increase in the percentage of women playing college sports and a 990-percent increase in the percentage of women playing high school sports.

“At a time when women’s sports are under attack, we must celebrate the remarkable progress we have made since the passage of Title IX and stand united to protect the future ability of women and girls to compete fairly in sports,” said Congresswoman Tenney. 

“I am honored to join Senator Joni Ernst in introducing a bicameral resolution that supports the designation of an official 'National Women's Sports Week.' As we celebrate this week, we reaffirm the importance of protecting Title IX and recognize the countless benefits that come from women’s active participation in sports. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and join us in celebrating National Women's Sports Week. Together, we can continue to uplift and inspire the next generation of female athletes, ensuring a bright future for women's sports across our great nation.”

“We cannot and will not allow our daughters to be erased,” said Senator Ernst. “Doors that were opened over 50 years ago are being slammed in the faces of girls across the country because of the progressive left’s radical gender ideology. I’m proud to work with Rep. Tenney to recognize the achievements of female athletes during National Women’s Sports Week and will continue standing arm in arm with Riley Gaines, Paula Scanlan, Payton McNabb, and countless others in their fight to safeguard life-changing opportunities for women and girls.” 

"Independent Women's Forum conceived of National Women's Sports Week because we see how the importance of female athletics is being denigrated in our culture. During a recent Senate Judiciary hearing, Senator Durbin scoffed at the idea that anyone should be concerned that something as trivial as "women's field hockey" would be sacrificed. He may not think so, but we know that female athletes matter. That opportunities for women to strive and succeed matter. We know that women's sports are worth fighting to preserve. Thank you Senator Joni Ernst and Representative Claudia Tenney for being such leaders in standing up on behalf of the women and girls competing today, and future generations of female athletes," said Carrie Lukas, Independent Women's Forum President.

Press Release:

Oxbo is expanding its presence and product portfolio in the hay and forage industry, through acquiring H&S Manufacturing in Marshfield and Clintonville, Wisconsin. The acquisition is designed to foster high-quality, customer-focused product innovation, to ensure customer service, and to strengthen the Oxbo and H&S position in the global hay and forage market.

“H&S products complement Oxbo’s industry-leading hay and forage merger product line; adding H&S to Oxbo’s hay and forage business allows us to better serve our mutual customers now, and in the future,” commented Joe Perzia, COO of Oxbo.

“The H&S high quality products, dealer network, manufacturing facilities, and dedicated management and employees supplement our existing hay and forage business and will help us grow in this critical market
segment,” stated Roel Zeevat, Oxbo’s CEO.

“We knew an acquisition by Oxbo would deliver enhanced value for our customers. Oxbo’s commitment to reliability, innovation, and customer service are a perfect fit for H&S products and customers,” commented Chris Heikenen, former owner of H&S Manufacturing.

Over the last 30 years, Oxbo has continued to grow through acquiring manufacturers in specialty agricultural markets. With each acquisition comes Oxbo’s commitment to drive customer value through innovative products and industry-leading customer service. 

“The acquisition by Oxbo is an exciting next step for the H&S brand; I’m confident Oxbo’s customer-focused mindset will benefit our customers as we grow the business together,” said Craig Harthoorn, president of
H&S, who will remain onboard and manage the newly expanded hay and forage business unit for Oxbo.

With the addition of H&S, Oxbo continues to Optimize farming together and aims to be the clear customer choice in the hay and forage market.

H&S will continue operating at its existing facilities. Customers will continue to purchase products and parts from their existing H&S or Oxbo dealer.

Going forward, and in partnership with its dealer network, Oxbo will further optimize the offering for its customers in all regions served. “We are committed to serving our valued customers,” said Zeevat.

Oxbo operates seven additional manufacturing facilities around the globe including its global headquarters in Roosendaal, the Netherlands, and operates 13 sales and service locations.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is holding his Annual New York State Assembly Summer Reading Challenge to help encourage good reading habits and continued learning this summer. 

This year's theme is "All Together Now," in cooperation with Summer Reading at New York Libraries. All students in grades K through 5 living in the 139th Assembly District during the 2022-2023 school year are eligible. 

Students who pledge and complete reading for at least 15 minutes each day for at least 40 days during the months of July and August will be presented with a New York State Excellence in Reading Certificate from Hawley.

“I’m excited to announce this challenge for the kids in our communities,” Hawley said. “Reading is an incredibly important part of any child’s education and I hope this challenge will instill the value of learning in them. I know this is a great opportunity for our kids, and it will be a great way to kick off the summer.”

This year, Summer Reading Calendars were sent to students at all schools and libraries throughout the 139th Assembly District. Track your child's progress on the Summer Reading Challenge with the calendar. Once your child has completed the challenge you can mail your summer reading calendar to my District Office and receive a certificate for your child's achievement. 

Mail to:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley

121 N. Main St.

Suite 100

Albion, NY 14411 

For any parents and guardians who would like a copy of the 2023 Summer Reading Challenge Calendar, you can download a copy and print one out by visiting https://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Stephen-Hawley/story/106139

A “significant bridge replacement project” to the tune of six figures is about to shut down a portion of Wortendyke Road for up to two months beginning Monday, Genesee County Highway officials say.

The project, funded by a grant agreement to accept $50,000 of county Soil and Water Conservation District grant funds matched by existing county funds, will replace Culvert 8G on Wortendyke Road in the Town of Batavia.

Classified as a large span culvert — metal culvert structures that span in excess of 40 feet — the project will require a temporary closure of approximately six to eight weeks between South Main Street Road and State Route 33, county officials said.

County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens had recently recommended that the county Legislature — via the Public Service and Ways & Means committees — execute the grant agreement and modify the capital project, making the appropriate budget amendment to allow for the matching funds.

The county Soil and Water Conservation District offered the grant to implement Best Management Practices with the installation of large-span culverts, and, per the resolution, “the grant agreement provides $50,000 to be matched by existing county funds allocated to the large-span culvert capital project."

Two young men were seriously injured on Thursday evening when their respective pickup trucks collided head-on in the area of 232 Main Road, Town of Pembroke at about 5:31 p.m.

Zachary Miller-Barillari, 19, of Williamsville, was airlifted by Mercy Flight to ECMC and Jacob Brainard, 25, of Browmansville, was transported by Mercy EMS to ECMC.  

According to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the preliminary investigation indicates that Brainard was driving a 2019 Dodge Ram eastbound on Route 5, and Miller-Barillari was traveling west in a 2002 Ford F-350.

Brainard's vehicle was apparently in the middle of the roadway and took corrective action to get back into the eastbound lane of travel. Miller-Barillari directed his pickup truck into the eastbound lane of travel. 

The two trucks collided head-on in the eastbound lane and then continued off the south shoulder of the road where they came to rest in a ditch.

Both operators required extrication from their vehicles.

Pembroke Fire and Indian Falls Fire responded to the scene along with Mercy EMS.  Corfu Fire assisted with traffic control and a landing zone for Mercy Flight.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the Crash Management Team.  Patrol officers assisted at the scene.

Previously: Accident reported on Main Road, Pembroke

Photos by Howard Owens.

A mail carrier whose route includes South Main Street in Batavia is "the hero of our office right now," said a local manager of the Post Office in Batavia.

The name of the carrier has not yet been released by the U.S. Postal Service, but the manager said this isn't the first time the carrier has stepped up in an emergency. This winter, she called 9-1-1 after a man on her route stuck his hand in a running snowblower.

At about 2:45 p.m., the carrier was outside 152 South  Main St., Batavia, when she heard a woman inside screaming, according to a witness. The carrier entered the house where a pitbull mix was attacking a home health care aide and its owner.  The carrier deployed her pepper spray and stopped the attack.

A female occupant of the house was not injured.

The dog was secured in a bedroom of the residence, and 9-1-1 was called.

Both the health care worker and the male occupant of the home were seriously injured, but Sgt. Mitch Cowen, Batavia PD, said the injuries are not considered life-threatening. One patient was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment, and the other to Erie County Medical Center.

The dog, Steve, was removed from the home by animal control officers while being restrained by poles and taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Cowen said the fate of the dog depends on the outcome of a police investigation. They will check records to determine if there have been prior reports of the dog acting in a vicious manner. Officers will also conduct interviews to determine if the dog has exhibited vicious behavior previously. 

An area resident who passes the house frequently said he's often heard a dog inside barking.

Nearby neighbors said they've seen the dog outside but have never seen it act in a vicious manner.  They said they've seen other visitors to the house, including health aide workers, and they weren't aware of any issue with the dog on prior visits.

As commander of the Le Roy Botts-Fiorito American Legion Post, grandpa to two grandchildren, an avid golfer, and Kiwanis Club president and race chairman, Dave Rumsey’s retirement hasn’t exactly been idle.

But leaving his post as commissioner of the Wyoming County Social Services for 17.5 years, followed by commissioner at Genesee County for another five years, has given him plenty of opportunity to “catch up doing things I didn’t have time to do,” he says.

Add to the list his role as race director for Batavia Kiwanis Club's annual Independence Day 5K. He looks forward to increasing participation to at least last year's numbers for the event on July 4. 

"We hope to get at least 117, as of today we're up to 35. They keep going up by about 10," he said to The Batavian Thursday.

The Stafford native and Le Roy High School grad went to serve in the U.S. Navy for 20 years before returning to this area, where he has remained to build his career. 

Carla Mindler filled the vacancy, and faces the same challenges that Rumsey did for those two decades: a shortage of affordable housing, healthcare issues, “they just keep continuing on,” he said.

“Nothing really major, the same stuff, a different day,” he said to The Batavian. “The staff is wonderful, they provide a valuable service to the county.”

Once he was in as president of Batavia Kiwanis Club, serving as race director last year wasn’t that much of a stretch, he said. “It’s a two-fer.”

The club struggled during COVID’s pandemic protocols, offering a virtual 5K in place of its regular in-person race throughout the city on the Fourth of July. That didn’t go so well, he said. But members rallied, and last year they secured 117 participants for the annual  race.

“And we’re off and running,” he said, no pun intended.

People are trickling in to register for this year’s event, with about 35 signed up so far. However, Rumsey and former race director Dave Chua know that’s always par for the race course, they said: runners often wait til the last moments to decide, check out the weather, feel that runner’s energy, and go for it.

Are you ready? A gun start is at 9 a.m. July 4 on Richmond Avenue, at the top of Centennial Park in front of the state School for the Blind. Prizes will go to the top first and second male and female runners, while proceeds are going to worthy causes.

As usual, the proceeds will be divvied into thirds, and this year’s recipients are the Books For Babies program, Batavia City School District’s Foundation, and Kiwanis Club’s various children’s organizations.

The city school Foundation's donation "directly impacts our Batavia Community Schools' Heart of Kindness Center," Community Schools Coordinator Julia Rogers said.

"The Center (formerly Community Closet) is supported through donations to the BCSD Foundation, Inc. The portion of proceeds we receive from the Kiwanis 5K will go towards food items and paper products which we order for our food pantry through FoodLink NY in Rochester," Rogers said.

For the price of $25, you can get some early exercise, a race T-shirt, fresh air, camaraderie, help benefit at least three charities, and then enjoy the rest of the holiday. The 5K is for runners and walkers alike. 

As for Rumsey, he used to be a runner, but his knees have given way to walking at this stage in life, he said.

After the race, he will enjoy some time with family at a lake get-together. As a veteran, he is well aware that the Fourth of July is about “Independence Day.”

“It’s a day that the way we live and how we live is because of what our forefathers did,” he said. “We’re an independent country.”

To register and for more details, go to Kiwanis Independence Day 5K. 

A possible three-car accident is reported in the area of 249 Main Road, Pembroke.

It may be blocking.

Unknown injuries.

The caller was a passerby and not involved.

Pembroke Fire and Indian Falls Fire along with Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 5:18 p.m.: A chief on scene reports, not blocking. Three vehicles. Debris in the roadway. Checking on injuries.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: Heavy extrication required with two vehicles. Corfu requested to the scene to set up a landing zone for Mercy Flight.

A woman was reportedly attacked by a dog on South Main Street, Batavia, and sustained multiple injuries.

The dog is secured at this time.

City Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: A second person may also have been bitten.

UPDATE 3:48 p.m. by Joanne Beck: Two people were bitten. A home health care aide had entered 152 South Main St., Batavia and was attacked by a pit bull mix. A male resident attempted to intervene and was also bitten. A mail carrier heard screams, according to a witness, and entered the residence and maced the dog to stop the attack.

One patient was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital and another patient taken to Erie County Medical Center. They had serious but non life-threatening injuries.