Cub Scout Pack 6067 and Troop 6067 from the Corfu/Pembroke area recently completed a flag replacement project at Hillside Cemetery on Angling Road in Pembroke.
The Scouts removed old flags and placed new ones at the gravesites of veterans who have passed away. The retired flags will be properly disposed of in a ceremonial burning conducted by Kevin Volk and his son, Walter Volk.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will be holding its sixth annual Teen Academy July 7 – 11, at Genesee Community College. Posters and flyers have been posted at Genesee County Schools, and the June 1 deadline to apply is less than a week away. There is no charge to attend the academy.
“Partnering with GCC allows Teen Academy participants to utilize the college’s criminal justice facilities, which includes a 9-1-1 dispatch console simulator and a firearms simulator. This one-week academy is a structured program that affords students the opportunity to gain insight into daily responsibilities of a Deputy Sheriff, law enforcement training and to learn what a career in law enforcement entails. It is our hope that teens will build confidence while learning good decision-making and leadership skills,” stated Sheriff Graff.
Academy instructors are experienced Deputy Sheriffs who will discuss day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.
Participants will also:
visit the County Jail, 911 Emergency Services Dispatch Center, and Sheriff’s Office
observe displays of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Hostage Negotiation, K-9 Unit, and Evidence Recovery
be provided insight into motor vehicle accident reconstruction
participate in daily physical fitness runs, defensive tactics, and team-building exercises
participate in a classroom setting and learn about the NYS Penal Laws and Vehicle & Traffic Laws
participate in mock traffic stops and DWI procedures
Qualified candidates will be selected for an interview screening process if they meet the following requirements:
must be entering grades 10-12 at the time of application submission
must be in good academic standing with little to no disciplinary issues
must be able to participate in physical fitness activities
must have a positive attitude
must have their parents’ permission
For more information, photos, or to obtain an application, contact Deputy Joshua Brabon at 585-345-3000, extension 3230.
Dr. Marlin Salmon Tuesday evening at City Hall. Photo by Joanne Beck
With the majority of five speakers being in favor of expanding the city’s downtown open container law, business owner Dr. Marlin Salmon stood alone, discouraging City Council’s future yes vote, as the proposed amendment brought out downtown merchants on both sides of the issue during a pubic hearing Tuesday evening.
Matt Gray, representing his downtown Eli Fish Brewing Company and fellow merchant Center Street Smokehouse, said he has never had a bad report from prior special events that involved open container privileges, while Salmon said he doesn’t think it sets “a good example for the youth in our community.”
To be fair, Salmon, who owns an orthodontics business in Batavia City Centre, said he knows that certain businesses are going to probably benefit and has heard that other municipalities have enacted similar open container laws, but he is not clear about all of the benefits and adverse effects.
“As a business owner, I have concerns in that I have a lot of young people coming in and out of my business on a weekly basis, and there have been some issues around my business. In the past, we used to have the benches out in front of our businesses in that area in the past, and we used to have people kind of in that area, and there were some issues with the drinking and we had that little bus stop there,” he said during the hearing at City Hall. “So that area of the mall just seems to get a lot of traffic, and I'm concerned how my patients and how my parents are going to perceive this, and then also I have concerns as far as how that's going to impact inside the mall itself. I know there's been some issues there, as far as the enforceability of the concourse.”
He’s not against having open containers during special events, such as the annual beer and wine walks — “I think there certainly is a time and place for it” — but overall on a day-to-day basis, he is “not if favor of it,” he said.
Gray reminded everyone that Jackson Square became “open container friendly” last year.
“And as Eli Fish, along with Center Street Smokehouse, we are the direct beneficiaries of that, but we're also the ones who have been able to see how it's gone. I'm happy to report that we have had no issues, reported no issues on our end, and what we had seen last year was a great season where we had a great Friday night concert series. We were able to add a Saturday night concert series with the help of Center Street, BID and GO ART!, and all of those went very well with the open container,” Gray said. “And while you know, to be honest, open container isn't the thing that makes that evening, it’s about great music and friends. And while you may not be thinking of it at the time, it does add to the evening, as far as opening up the container law for the entire downtown mid area.
“This summer, we should see the reopening of a great Italian steakhouse down here. We'll see our first tequila bar. We're going to see Carr’s Reborn finally become a reality … we're really excited for the momentum that we're seeing, and I think that the open container, ability to have festivals and have a downtown dining district only adds to that,” he said. “And when you start adding population that actually lives there too, you really do become the center of the county, and your destination for all to live, work and play.”
An initiative brought forth by the Business Improvement District to allow for open containers from noon to 10 p.m. on a daily basis in that downtown area, except for Court Street where government buildings are, and in Austin Park, expanding this local law is “a really good step forward for our downtown as part of the long-term revitalization towards encouraging more businesses downtown,” BID President Zach Korzelius said.
“There's a lot of communities in our local area and all over New York State moving forward with similar plans, and in a lot of these smaller towns, it really does help out with the downtown atmosphere, and that's the biggest thing. This focus isn't just about open container; it’s really about revitalizing our downtown atmosphere and culture. It makes us get that more modern look that a lot of small towns and villages are going for,” Korzelius said. “And as (Executive Director) Shannon said, in some of these small towns, Lancaster, for example, has done similar things in their downtown has really seen a good push, and especially with housing situations, it encourages a lot more younger people that have that most vibrant feel that they want to be able to be in that kind of, what we like to call social/downtown district.
“So I really appreciate the council taking this into consideration. Since I've been on the BID now as president going into my second year, this was one of my two big initiatives that I wanted to help accomplish,” he said. “This vote isn't just about the ordinance, but it's about the culture of our downtown, making people feel less regulated and feel more open to doing business downtown.”
City residents Sammy DiSalvo and John Roach also spoke up for the proposal. Roach believes it will alleviate excessive drinking by allowing people to take a drink with them rather than having to “chug it down if you want to leave,” he said. It just makes sense, he said.
“It’s always amazing that other areas can do things and people that say, well, geez, it won’t work here. Why not? What makes you think we’re different?” he said. “If it works at other places, why can it not work here? I think it’s a very good idea that the whole council votes up for it unanimously.”
Councilman Bob Bialkowski asked devil’s advocate questions about the city’s liability: what if you walk into City Hall, go into the clerk’s office to ask some questions, have a couple of beers and fall down the stairs.
“So now I’m going to sue the city. Whether they win or not, it’s immaterial at this point; it’s illegal. Costs are going up, and all the taxpayers have to pay,” he said. “So the risk is of the entire city for any litigations brought up. The city could be implicit for any of that versus the gain will only be for smaller (portions of the city), and these are one of the questions I had."
There are limited instances in which any municipal entity can be found liable for a public space, City Attorney George Van Nest said, and the addition of open containers in that public space is “not necessarily going to change that dynamic.”
“There are prerequisites to finding a municipal entity liable, notice of defects, negligence, things of that sort. So, without getting into the weeds in terms of hypotheticals, that doesn't necessarily create liability on behalf of the city, the point of being subject to a lawsuit. Anybody can be subject to a lawsuit in the U.S.,” he said. “That's the nature of our society. It doesn't mean there's a liability. It doesn't mean there's an actual exposure associated with a defendant being found liable. It just simply means we live in a litigious society.”
Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. raised a different concern about the mall, or Batavia City Centre. He asked if it would be included in the amended local law, and city management said yes, it would be. Just because it’s in a separate building does not make it exclusive to BID laws, or open container, just because the businesses are inside.
“I’d like a little more information on the mall component. I mean, you've explained it as far as the public space is concerned, but it might be something that I could foresee a problem, especially in the winter months. Someone might decide to come in and have mini parties in one section of the mall. I don't know if that's appropriate, but if it's allowed, then it could be a potential risk,” Jankowski said. “So I just think stuff like that should be kind of considered, maybe, because it's a separate group of individual businesses within a separate building. It's not the same as the downtown area. So there is that component to it. So I'd like a little more information on that, not necessarily against it. I just wanted some more clarity to make amendments.”
If any further amendments are made to the law, another public hearing would be required, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said. Council agreed to move the measure, as is, to a future business meeting for a vote.
Matt Gray Photo by Joanne Beck
Zach Korzelius responded to Dr. Marlin Salmon's concerns after Tuesday's meeting: "Just to be clear with this amendment to the law, every business, still has the right to decline anybody from entering their business just because there's an open container. Additionally, there are multiple businesses that are already in the mall that are and will be serving alcohol. So additionally, when I look at it collectively, based on all of the people that are on the BID and the BID board, we feel that it would be just as important in the mall, as outside the mall," he said. "Just because there's a open container, that doesn't mean you can enter anywhere, like, for example, City Hall, I would imagine, would not allow you to walk in and bring alcohol, just like you can't walk into a bank with alcohol. So this is about the socialization in common areas. The goal is long-term for the BID to be hosting bands, things like that, as well in the mall, just as we do in Jackson Square, because we are a weather inclement atmosphere. So in the wintertime, it's imperative that we have public space for people to gather as well as you would in the summertime, like you do in Jackson Square. "Additionally, I think that by allowing it in the mall, with the hopes that apartments come to the mall, that this would also encourage people to want to live downtown, because it makes it a social gathering area as well." Photo by Joanne Beck
NOTE: Members of Early Access Pass get first crack (four hours earlier access than non-members) at making Deals of the Day purchases. Join Early Access Pass today to ensure you don't miss any valuable deals.
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Muckdogs Owner, Robbie Nichols and staff are ready for the 2025 season. Photo by Steve Ognibene
The Batavia Muckdogs ushered in the 2025 baseball season with their annual Meet ’N Eat kickoff party Tuesday evening at Eli Fish Brewing Company in downtown Batavia.
More than 100 fans, sponsors, and season ticket holders gathered to meet the Muckdogs players and coaching staff, who took turns introducing themselves and sharing excitement for the upcoming season.
Attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and live entertainment as they mingled with the team. Season ticket holders and sponsors also received their welcome bags as part of the festivities. The event has become a tradition for the Batavia baseball community, offering fans a chance to connect with the team before the first pitch of the season.
The Muckdogs will open their home schedule at Dwyer Stadium on Friday, at 7 p.m. against the Elmira Pioneers.
Golfers had a long day Tuesday during Western New York's PGA Works fundraiser "Birdie Bash 2025" at Stafford Country Club, Fellow Abbie Kludt says.
The upside was that plenty of birdies were counted under the sunshine and $31,655 was raised for worthy causes, including Golisano Children's Hospital and Oishei Hospital in Rochester.
"And the event doesn't close for another two days, so that number might fluctuate a little bit," Kludt said later Tuesday night. "As a field, there were 458 birdies made from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break."
Birdie Rank:
1st Place: Rob Krajewski & Nick Palladino - 49
2nd Place: Anthony Schiro & Chris Kulinski - 43
3rd Place: Josh Wojtasczczyk & Steve Latimer - 40
Most money raised:
1st Place: Mike D'Agostino & Bob King - $5,880
2nd Place: Eric Haile & Sam Haile - $4,421
3rd Place: Holly Hubert & Steve Coulton - $2,813
Pictured are Genesee County golfers Eric Haile, Sam Haile, Joe Muscarella and Rick Henry.
City Council President and retired City Police Lieutenant Eugene Jankowski Jr. read a proclamation during Tuesday’s council meeting as a preview to Wednesday’s memorial police ceremony at who Cemetery on Clinton Street Road (Route 33).
The public is invited to attend the event at 1 p.m., at which time Batavia Police Department officers will place flags on the graves of officers who have died, and to remember those officers in other cemeteries in the area, Jankowski said.
City of Batavia proclamation, WHEREAS the officers of the city of Batavia Police Department are committed to the preservation of life and property, risking their lives to provide protection law and order in serving the cause of justice, and
WHEREAS the officers of the city of Batavia Police Department accept the profound responsibility and work to uphold our laws, safeguard our rights and freedoms and serve on the front lines in the fight against crime in an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe, and
WHEREAS many of the officers dedicated several years serving the residents of the city of Batavia, most serving longer than 20 years their service to the city meant time away from their families and loved ones in order to protect the community that they took an oath to safeguard.
And WHEREAS each year, the city of Batavia will recognize the dedicated and brave police officers who have been laid to rest since retiring from the police department by placing Memorial flags at each officer's grave site in remembrance of their service to the city.
Now therefore be it RESOLVED that I, City Council president and retired police lieutenant, Eugene Jankowski Jr., on behalf of the City Council of the City of Batavia, do hereby make this proclamation to honor our departed police officers who have retired from the city of Batavia Police Department, who, by their loyal and selfless devotion to their duties, have rendered dedicated service to our community and to declare May 28, 2025 as the city of Batavia Police Department Flag Commemoration Day.
“And I thank the community for their service to the officers, and to the officers for their service to our community,” Jankowski said, to applause from the audience.
Le Roy edges Haverling, 3-1, to reach Class B semifinals
Behind a dominant outing from Alex Spezzano and some highlight-reel defense, Le Roy advanced to the Section V Class B baseball semifinals Tuesday with a 3-1 win over Haverling.
Spezzano tossed a complete game two-hitter, striking out seven.
After Haverling’s Dylan Wenban reached on an error and scored in the first, Spezzano allowed just one hit the rest of the way.
Le Roy’s defense came up big, highlighted by left fielder Jude Sherman’s diving catch to end the fourth and strand a runner. At the plate, Adam Woodworth and Jake Higgins drew back-to-back walks in the fourth, pulled off a double steal, and both scored—Woodworth on a wild pitch and Higgins on a fielder’s choice by Holden Sullivan. Higgins later drove in Woodworth with an RBI single in the fifth.
Jude Christ and Jagger Smith added hits for Le Roy. Haverling’s Gage Thomas pitched well in the loss, allowing just four hits.
Le Roy moves on to face No. 3 seed Wayland-Cohocton in Thursday’s semifinal.
Oakfield-Alabama earned a spot in the Section V Class C2 semifinals Tuesday with an 8-2 win over Alexander.
Piper Hyde went 4-for-4 with a triple to lead the Lady Hornets at the plate. Raine Denny drove in four runs, including a triple, while Chloe Lamb added three hits and two RBIs. Allison Harkness finished 2-for-3 with an RBI, and Ysa Schrauger and Allie Williams each added a hit.
Savannah Durham pitched a complete game, allowing three hits and no earned runs while striking out five.
“We played well defensively and cashed in our runners when we got them into scoring position,” OA coach Jeff Schlagenhauf said. “This is a great opportunity for these girls to move on to the semifinals.”
After decades of exceptional service in family medicine, Mary Obear, MD, PhD is preparing to retire at the end of May, leaving behind a profound legacy of healing, leadership, and community commitment. Her patients will be seen by Shannon Bartlett, ANP, and Kevin Beuler, PA, at Oak Orchard Health’s Corfu office.
A retirement party will be held in her honor on June 14 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Pembroke Community Center. Family, friends, current and past staff and patients, and people in the community are welcome.
Dr. Obear has been a family physician in private practice since 2002 at Pembroke Family Medicine, which grew to three locations (Batavia, Alexander, and Corfu). On July 1, 2020, she combined her multi-location practice with Oak Orchard Health because of their common mission to provide high-quality primary care to everyone. At that time, we dedicated the health center to Dr. Obear.
“It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from Oak Orchard Health on May 30. I have cared for patients in Genesee County and beyond for over two and a half decades (that’s a quarter of a century!). It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and my time at Oak Orchard Health has been very important to me,” says Dr. Obear. “I feel it’s time for me to begin my next chapter of my life, traveling and seeing my family who live all over the country. I leave my patients in the care of Shannon Bartlett, ANP and Kevin Beuler, PA. I have supreme confidence in them. They are both skilled practitioners and are compassionate and caring with patients.”
Dr. Obear is well known in the community and serves in many volunteer roles. She is on the Board of Health for Genesee County and the Board of Directors at Crossroads House and Gateway House.
The Batavia Social Security office located at 571 East Main Street, Batavia, will be temporarily closed on Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30. The office will reopen to the public on Monday, June 2, at 9 a.m. Local telephone services at the Batavia Social Security office will remain available at 1-866-931-7103.
People who need to conduct their Social Security business in person may visit the following Social Security offices:
4050 West Ridge Road, 2nd Floor, Rochester
200 East Main Street, 2nd Floor, Rochester
Social Security office hours are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Social Security’s customers can now make appointments for all types of services instead of waiting in line, resulting in a better overall experience and reductions in wait times.
Customers can still wait in line if they cannot or do not want to make an appointment. Staff at local offices are being particularly mindful of vulnerable populations, people with disabilities, and other groups needing specialized or immediate attention when they walk in.
People can schedule an appointment by calling their local office (recommended) or 1-800-772-1213, which also has a call-back feature. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
Many Social Security services are conveniently available online at www.ssa.gov. People may create their my Social Security account, a personalized online service, at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. If they already receive Social Security benefits, they can start or change direct deposit online, request a replacement SSA-1099, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.
People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits. The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services.
Need a Social Security Number card?
Please note for many situations people only need their number and not the actual card. If they need a card, they should start the process online.
People can visit www.ssa.gov/number-card to submit a request for a replacement card, start an application for an updated card, or to request a Social Security number for the first time. Some people may not need to visit an office and, if they do need to visit an office to complete the application, they will save a lot of time by starting online.
Want to apply for benefits?
People can apply online for most benefits. In many cases, there are no forms to sign. The agency will review the application and reach out with questions or for more information. Visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare.
Need proof of benefits, want to check the status of an application or appeal, or curious what else people can do online?
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit #576 of Le Roy has selected two students to attend this year's Empire Girls State the week of June 30 at SUNY Brockport.
Teagan Falk Submitted photo.
Teagan Falk and Elise Fisher have been selected to attend. As part of the premier ALA program, “citizens” of the New York Girls State will study local, county, and state government processes during this five-day nonpartisan political learning experience.
Teagan is a high school junior from Oakfield-Alabama High School. She participates in many extracurriculars, including Chorus, Band, Varsity Football and Basketball Cheer, Mock Trial, NHS, and is the president of her class. She takes multiple AP classes and has a 4.0 GPA. She also participates in activities outside of her school, including as lead singer of a band, and modeling in the GCC fashion show.
Elise Fisher Submitted photo.
Elise Fisher is a high school junior from Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School. She is well-known for her passion for social justice and conservation, participating in various clubs such as Mosaic, Ecology, Feminist Club, and the National Honor Society.
ALA Girls State attendees, known as “citizens,” receive special instruction in parliamentary procedure and organize themselves into two mock political parties. The young women then campaign, hold rallies, debate, and vote to elect city, county, and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.
Every spring, approximately 25,000 young women across the country are selected to attend ALA Girls State programs in their respective states. Two outstanding citizens from each of the 50 ALA Girls State programs are then chosen to represent their state as “senators” at ALA Girls Nation held in Washington, D.C. in July.
Placing of flags honoring veterans at the memorial wall at UMMC, Jerome Center Photo by Steve Ognibene
Monday's Memorial Day ceremony at the War Memorial at the Jerome Center, Bank Street and
The ceremony featured an invocation, the National Anthem performed by the Batavia Concert Band, the GAR Order of the Day, a wreath-laying by Veteran Services with a Gold Star mother, and the reading of the honor roll. The program concluded with a 21-gun rifle salute, the playing of taps, a benediction, and the singing of “God Bless America.”
Town of Batavia - Lower 1 bedroom apartment for rent with all appliances and parking. Sun room with gas fireplace and patio. $1100/ Month; plus electric, includes heat and water. No pets and no smoking. Security and references required. Available June 15th. Call 585-344-3141 for appointment.
