Press release:

Congressmen Chris Collins (NY-27) applauded the House passage of a package of bills that take action to fight the opioid epidemic, including the passage of H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act.

The SUPPORT Act includes dozens of bills that passed the House over the past two weeks, in addition to the base text which includes provisions that previously passed the Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committees.

“Throughout the past two weeks, the House has been devoted to the thousands of Americans struggling with addiction, their families, and our communities in our work to end this deadly crisis,” Collins said.

“Serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee, we have put an enormous amount of time and effort into studying addiction, listening to struggling families, reviewing the supply chain, and immersing ourselves into the communities that have been ravaged by this crisis. It was a heart-wrenching process, but we came up with common-sense, bipartisan solutions that will save lives.”

The opioid epidemic is claiming more than 115 lives each day, destroying families in communities across the nation. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Collins helped craft a legislative package that would address the many issues that have led to this crisis and would implement solutions to end this epidemic.

Starting in October, the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee pursued an aggressive timeline to produce this legislation prior to Memorial Day. In May, 57 bills were advanced to the House of Representatives, which have passed the House throughout the past two weeks. Collins worked with colleagues across-the-aisle to co-author several pieces of legislation.

Collins joined fellow New Yorker, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries in introducing the Synthetic Drug Awareness Act of 2017 that would require the Surgeon General to report to Congress the public health effects of the rise of synthetic drug use by 12- to 18-year-olds. Currently, Congress does not have sufficient information to craft the unique types of public health and law enforcement approaches that could save our nation’s children from these dangerous substances.

Collins also introduced the Eliminating Opioid Related Infectious Diseases Act of 2018 with Congressman Leonard Lance, Congressman Joseph Kennedy, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Congressman Joe Barton, and Congresswoman Doris Matsui that focuses specifically on how the opioid epidemic has contributed to an increase in infectious diseases like Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS. Increased monitoring and education will lead to a better understanding of the impacts that this crisis is having on public health.

Building on the efforts of the Medicaid DRUG Improvement Act, Collins introduced an amendment with Congressman Scott Peters and Congressman Peter Welch that would require states to identify and address inappropriate prescribing and billing practices under Medicaid. States are currently authorized to implement prescription drug monitoring activities through their prescription drug monitoring programs and claims data, but not all states have adopted such activities.

In addition to working with the Energy and Commerce Committee, Collins worked with the Committee on Ways and Means and Congressman Tom MacArthur on introducing the Stop Excessive Narcotics in Our Retirement (SENIOR) Communities Protection Act. The SENIOR Communities Protection Act allows Medicare Advantage Part D plans to suspend payments to a provider or supplier pending an investigation of a credible allegation of fraud or abuse, as determined by the Inspector General. This legislation will help in preventing future “pill mills” from occurring.

Finally, Collins introduced legislation with Congressman Eric Paulson, Congressman Ron Kind, and Congressman Connor Lamb that would require Medicare to send an annual notice to Part D patients about the adverse effects associated with prolonged opioid use. By improving awareness and education, the Medicare Clear Health Options in Care for Enrollees (CHOICE) Act will help patients be more inclined to watch for the warning signs of addiction and be more informed to talk with their doctors on their options for pain management.

Collins added: “In every community across our nation we have brokenhearted families, which is why we need immediate action. I’m thankful for President Trump’s dedication to this issue and urge the Senate to get these important bills on his desk.”

Batavia won their first back-to-back games of the season in a pitcher’s duel at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, and they did not see any runs cross the plate until the eighth inning.

Logan Boyd had a masterful start in his five innings pitched but did not get a decision in the outing. He only gave up a total of two hits, which did not yield runs, nor did he issue any walks. He struck out four batters to keep State College scoreless through five.

Humberto Mejia came out of the bullpen in Monday’s game after Boyd. Mejia was scheduled to start but worked from the bullpen to put the pitching rotation back on track after Saturday’s game was rained out. Mejia’s outing went three innings and kept the Batavia lead in tact in the eighth by only giving in two runs over the three innings he pitched. He did pick up the win to move to 1-1 on the season. 

The Muckdogs’ offense came to life in the top of the eighth after Harrison White worked a two-out walk. Demetrius Sims smoked a ball to third base that got past the third basemen Edwin Figuera and put runners on the corners with one out. Sims broke early for second and had an easy stolen base.

Two runners were in scoring position for Michael Donadio, who slipped a ball past the Spikes’ infield; while they were playing in, Donadio picked up his second hit of his 2-4 day. That brought two runs around to score for the first of the game in the top of the eighth. Donadio tried to advance on the relay, but was thrown out at second base.

After a JD Osborne walk, Reynolds crushed a ball to the right-center gap that brought another run to the plate to make it 3-0. Immediately following that, Albert Guaimaro singled into center field to bring Reynolds in to finish the hit party in the eighth.

Two runs would cross for the Spikes in the bottom of the frame. One run would come to score on a Justin Toerner triple, and that would cut the Batavia lead in half.

In the ninth, the Muckdogs get one hit, but could not produce any runs from it. The bottom end of the frame would see one more run cross the plate. Jameson McGrane came on to pick up his first save of the season. However, it would take three walks and one run to get the job done.

Batavia looks to get their first sweep of the season with their final matchup of the series against State College. First pitch from Happy Valley is at 7:05 p.m., Batavia returns home to an off day on Wednesday before a home-and-home with Auburn this coming weekend.

From the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

On Thursday, June 28th, Trumbull Parkway (between East Main Street and East Avenue) in the City of Batavia will be closed to all through traffic. This closure is expected to be between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. in order to perform cold milling of the roadway surface.

All motorists who regularly use Trumbull Parkway are asked to seek alternative routes while the closures are in place. Businesses and Residents within the area of the closure should anticipate delays, but we will do our best to accommodate getting you to and from you residence or place of business.

This work is weather dependent and subject to rescheduling if it rains.

Contact the Bureau of Maintenance and ask to speak to the Streets Supervisor or Superintendent at 345-6400, opt. 1, if you have any questions.

Submitted photo and press release:

Genesee Community College is proud to announce the appointment of Judith M. Littlejohn to the State University of New York (SUNY) Faculty Advisory Council on Teaching and Technology (FACT2). SUNY FACT2 is a collaborative advisory body to the Interim SUNY Provost, Grace Wang, Ph.D.

Littlejohn, GCC's instructional designer, will begin her three-year term on the FACT2 Council next month and will represent the community college perspectives in advising the SUNY Provost office. The purpose of the FACT2 Council is to:

• Improve the learning environment and expertise of faculty and instructional support staff;
• Enhance the teaching and learning process through the use of technologies;
• Increase networking, collaboration and sharing of best practices; and
• Advocate for appropriately equipped and designed learning spaces.

"The entire leadership team at GCC is very proud to have Judie representing community colleges on the FACT2 Council," said Craig R. Lamb, Ph.D., GCC's dean for distributed learning. "Throughout her service to the College, she has continually shown a deep interest and dedication to staying abreast of new developments within teaching and learning technology.

"She also helps ensure our institution as well as the SUNY system overall maintains the highest quality in the online teaching and learning environment."

Littlejohn's career at GCC began as a testing center associate in 2000. She quickly advanced to the department of online learning where she worked for 10 years developing online curriculum, coordinating online learning functions and acted as an advocate for inclusion of opportunities for diverse student populations. In 2015, Littlejohn became an instructional designer.

Honored for "Outstanding Peer Support" by participants in the Emerging Technologies Massive Open Online Course (#EmTechMOOC) in 2018, Littlejohn has also been the recipient of the SUNY FACT2 Award for Excellence in Instruction at Community Colleges in 2016, and a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service in 2014.

She earned two A.A.S. degrees in Instructional Model Making and Commercial Art -- Graphic Design from GCC in 1993, a B.S. in History in 2010, and her M.A. in American History and World History in 2013, both from SUNY College at Brockport. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Wisconsin Stout, which she earned in 2015.

Littlejohn resides in Elba with her husband, Martin, and daughter, Amanda Littlejohn. Judith Littlejohn, her daughter Amanda, and daughter Laura (Littlejohn) Hare of Lockport are all GCC graduates.

The announcement of Littlejohn's FACT2 appointment kicks off a new series of GCC news and information entitled "Recognition Matters," which will highlight the ongoing accomplishments of the College's faculty, staff and students.

The new program intentionally plays on the dual meaning of the word "matters." College officials are excited to feature the wide body of employees whose daily dedication to their jobs continues to foster the institution's "beyond expectations" brand identity.

Press release:

The 15U Girls Fastpitch Softball season gets underway on Tuesday, June 26, with a matchup at Lions Park between Batavia Stingers Black and Lyndonville at 6:30 p.m.

Lions Park is located at 11 Wallace St. in Batavia.

The Batavia Stingers Yellow team starts their season with a game at Le Roy at 6:15 p.m. on Friday, June 29^th. Yellow’s home opener is scheduled for Thursday, July 5^th, at 6 p.m. at Lions Park against Lyndonville.

The Stingers 15U Black team will be coached by Stan Kaus, Matt Landers and Chuck Richmond, while the 15U Stingers Yellow team will be coached by Jim Fazio, Jamie Masters and Brian Mruczek.

Press release:

Batavia  – The Genesee County 4-H Program is seeking volunteer judges for the following events at this year’s Genesee County Fair:

• Kennedy Building Exhibits, Sunday July 15 from noon until 5 p.m. Help us judge youth exhibits in following categories: Horticulture, Creative Writing, Baked Goods, Sewing and more!
• 4-H Livestock Costume Contest -- Friday, July 20 at 10 a.m. 4-H’ers will be dressing their project animals up in fun costumes & accessories; help us decide who is the most creative, most humorous, has the best craftsmanship, the best team, and overall champion!

Interested in helping? Contact Brandie or Jessica for more details, 343-3040 or email genesee4h@cornell.edu

The T.F. Brown's and Viele Construction Dodgers beat the Graham Manufacturing Pirates for the Batavia Little League championship Friday in extra innings, 10-8.

Cole Grazioplene hit a three-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh to win the game for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers are coached by Samuel Antinore and Jeffrey Grazioplene

The players: Jaden Firmstone, Cole Grazioplene, Dane Dombrowski, Jay Antinore, Bronx Buchholz, Benny Pontillo, Maggio Buchholz, Chase Antinore, Owen Helpin, Alex Merica and Darius Wahl. 

Adam Michael Brennan Sabadasz, 33, of an undisclosed street, Buffalo, is charged with criminal mischief. Sabadasz allegedly damaged property at Darien Lake Theme Park at 11:20 p.m. Sunday.

Stanley D. Wilson, 58, of Lockport, is charged with DWI and crossing hazard road markings. Wilson was arrested by State Police after his vehicle was found crashed in a ditch on Lewiston Road, Alabama, at 4:41 a.m. Sunday. Wilson reportedly failed a field sobriety test.

Samantha J. Wade, 19, address not disclosed, is charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident, unsafe tire, and unsafe lane change. Other charges are pending. Wade was reportedly involved in a property damage accident on Route 20, Alexander, where two street signs and a utility pole were struck by a four-door sedan Sunday.

Richard Dean Mckague, 28, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, aggravated family offense, attempted assault, 2nd, and acting in a manner injurious to a child. At 3:19 p.m., Saturday, Mckague allegedly violated an order of protection. He allegedly threw a beer bottle causing physical injury to a victim. He was jailed on $25,000 bail.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Zac Brown Band Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday:

Anna L. Demeter, 20, of 35th Court SW, Vero Beach, Fla., arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Demeter was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Catherine M. Mulligan, 20, of Everett Street, Kensington, Md., arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Mulligan was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Christopher E. Berger, 20, of Farmington Road, Williamsville, arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, after allegedly being found in possession of cocaine.

Noah M. Wheeler, 18, of Bean Hill Road, Honeoye Falls, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, and trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return multiple times.

Ethan S. Kaiser, 20, of Portage Circle, Fairport, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. 

Kelsey L. Fkermedal, 20, of Landmark Drive, Rochester, arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Rachel E. Nanna, 19, of Burbank Drive, Orchard Park, arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Julia N. Gaglio, 20, of Ashford Court, East Amherst, arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Miranda R. Lawley, 20, of High Park Boulevard, Amherst, arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Joel M. Rudnick, 26 of Mount Hope Boulevard, Rochester, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. 

Lucas F. Zelasko, 20, of Beregford Court, Williamsville, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Samuel C. Aebli, 22 of Oatsfield Circle, Penfield, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, and trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return multiple times. 

Olivia I. Flink, 20, of Marlbank Drive, Rochester, arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Edmund R. Zimmerman, 19 of Helmsford Way, Penfield, arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Daniel J. Schultz, 20, of Rockledge Drive, Clarence, arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

John B. Collins, 19, of Rollin Drive, Boston, arrested for trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. 

Adam M. B. Sabadasz, 33, of Van Ressealaer Street, Buffalo, arrested for criminal mischief, 4th, after allegedly damaging a Darien Lake camp gate.

Alyssa R. Dibiase, 22, of Sharon Court, Webster, arrested for DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more after allegedly operating a motor vehicle in the parking lot while intoxicated. 

Camryn R. Vogt, 19, of Pine View, Walworth, arrested for criminal trespass, 3rd, and criminal Impersonation, 2nd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return and then providing her sister’s name as identification. Additional charges are pending.

The Elba Youth Baseball Lancers won a U-12 Division Championship by beating Hamlin 9-3 on Saturday. They beat out eight other teams in the tournament to take the 018 Westside House Baseball Majors League Title.

Back row: Tyler Bedard, Coach Trevor Horzempa, Elijah Horzempa, Hunter Gaylord, Ashton Beazon, Alex Marks, Angelo Penna. Front row: Aydn Horzempa, Brendan Wyder, Coy Betts, Isaac Volpe.

Photo and info submitted by Lauren Zuber.

Press release:

Victor Roberts, veterans benefits advisor, NYS Division of Veterans' Affairs, will be at the Downtown Batavia Public Market (Bank Street & Alva Place) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 6^th, to distribute NYS FreshConnect Checks to local veterans.

FreshConnect Veterans Checks are a component of Governor Cuomo's "New York Fresh Connect Farmers' Markets" (FreshConnect) program. The program is designed to assist New York farmers by increasing the sale of locally grown food in communities.

FreshConnect checks will be issued as a one-time annual benefit: 10 -- $2 checks ($20) -- one packet per household, per season.

Checks will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 100 veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, current members of the Armed Forces, members of their immediate families, or un-remarried surviving spouses.

"Recipients will not require ID," Roberts says, "but they will need to sign a form accepting the program's rules and regulations."

"The checks can be used to purchase fresh produce from participating vendors at the Market," says Market Manager Mike Bakos. "The Market is excited to, once again, be a distribution point for FreshConnect Veterans Checks and we thank all veterans for their service."

Batavia High School's 136th commencement, for the Class of 2018, was yesterday at Genesee Community College at the Richard C. Call Arena.

Valedictorian Lauren Leone classified the Class of 2018 as iconic, with a legacy that will linger in every corner of the school.

Her message to her class:

“Dare to defy, dare to challenge. Challenge yourself and your counterparts to break with accepted standards and set your own precedent, even if that means challenging your superiors as well. Don’t settle for what has been done, struggle for what should be done. Seek social justice wherever it is absent.

"Take to social media and peaceful protest as avenues to effect change. Make a statement and don’t be afraid to stand behind it. Be passionate. Be activists. Don’t be satisfied until you’ve made a change. So far, the Class of 2018 has been very successful in doing just that.” 

Salutatorian Claire Zickl remarked:

“If there is one similarity shared by every member of my class, is that not one of our paths was a straight line from where we stayed as freshman to where we are today. We all experienced winding road filled with bumps, downed trees, and traffic with plenty of detours."

Commencement speaker Dan Hartnett who will retire after the ceremony after 20 years at BHS said: “always look outside the box. Move in different directions. You never know someone special is waiting out there to meet you."

Many tributes were recognized during the ceremony of student Lorne R. Brudz who had passed during homecoming week last fall. Presentation of awards and diplomas was given by Paul Kesler, principal of BHS, Christopher Dailey, superintendent of schools, and Patrick Burk, president of the Board of Education.

To view or purchase photos go to steveognibenephotography.com or click here.

Valedictorian Lauren Leone

Salutatorian Claire Zickl

Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey hands the first diploma to Sophia Alkhouri-Stuart.

Julie Wasilewski, a counselor​ a Jackson School, hugs daughter Paige before presenting her diploma.

The Batavia Muckdogs continued their trend of putting up big offensive numbers in an 8-6 victory over the State College Spikes on Sunday evening.

Batavia enjoyed the comfort of scoring seven runs between the sixth and seventh innings. Denis Karas ripped a bases-clearing double, and Sean Reynolds belted his second home run of the season in the win. RJ Peace got the nod on the mound on his 21st birthday, and went 4.2 IP and holding State College scoreless until the fifth inning.

The Muckdogs were able to manufacture a run in the second inning by stringing together three straight two-out singles to bring in Albert Guaimaro. Igor Baez nabbed his first RBI of the season to put Batavia in front 1-0 after two innings.

Four runs came across the plate for State College in the bottom of the fourth, one coming in on a wild pitch, one coming from a bases-loaded walk to Nick Dunn, and then Wadye Ynfante smacked a two-run single to put the Spikes in front 4-1 after five.

Batavia was able to answer right back in the top of the sixth with a bases-loaded walk from Reynolds, that would set up Denis Karas to clear the bases with a double to the right-center gap. After grabbing four in the sixth, the Muckdogs get two runners on for Sean Reynolds who hits his second home run in as many games to push three more runs across the plate.

Batavia would then go into the eighth inning with an 8-4 lead. Jerar Encarnacion extended his hit streak with a single in the sixth to push the streak to nine games. During the streak, he is hitting 20-40 for a .500 average. Meanwhile, JD Osborne continued a streak of his own, going 3-4 to get a fourth straight multi-hit game, and continue his five-game hit streak. Osborne has now bumped his average up to .407.

The ninth inning would not go down smoothly for Batavia, however. Chad Martin would retire two batters in the ninth, but allowed two runs in doing so. Doug Domnarski would come out of the bullpen to seal the deal by getting Wood Myers to ground into a 6-5-2-5-6 fielder’s choice to end the game, and give Batavia the 8-6 win.

The Muckdogs improve to a 4-5 record, while the Spikes drop to 3-7. The Muckdogs look to win back-to-back games for the first time this season with their 7:05 matchup tomorrow at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

A two-vehicle accident with one vehicle on its side is reported on Route 20 at Colby Road, Darien.

One person appears to have a leg injury.

Darien fire and Darien ambulance dispatched.

Law enforcement on scene.

UPDATE 8:11 a.m.: Darien is back in service.

Volunteers are needed to assist with cat cage and dog kennel cleaning at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

The Volunteers for Animals are looking for a few good people -- not necessrarily Marine Corps candidates -- but nonetheless folks with a sense of mission and purpose.

They ask for a commitment of at least twice a month.

Assistance is needed any day of the week (Sunday through Saturday) from about 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The work involves either cleaning cat cages and feeding the cats or cleaning dog kennels.

If you would like more information, please email them at  info@vol4animals.org  or stop by the shelter during adoption hours.

Genesee County Animal Shelter

3841 W. Main Street Road, Batavia

Adoption Hours

Sun., Mon., Tues., Fri.: 1-3 p.m.

Wednesday: 1-3 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Closed Thursdays

Saturday: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

In the main event at the "Throwdown at the Downs" mixed martial arts event, with 24 fighters on the card, Tom Shelby, of Le Roy, who came into the fight 2-0, was KO'd in the second round by Yuri Panferov.

Panferov, now 3-0, claimed the Ground Force Fights Cruiser Heavyweight title.

Shelby was hurt early in the second round when Panferov wrestled him to the mat against a cage wall and landed a couple of punches to Shelby's head (see two pictures below). Shelby got up and continued to fight but with less energy.

Panfervo landed a punch (above) that sent Shelby down and the referee immediately waved off the fight. Shelby was attended to by a ringside doctor and Mercy EMS personnel but walked from the ring on his own, bloodied but alert.

Paid attendance was 700.

UPDATE: The official results of the fights:

• Gray Hendershott wins over Zak Sucharski by armbar in the Submission grappling match;
• Jason Pilkenton over John Gear Gart via Round 1 TKO, 1:11 kickboxing match; 
• Eric Bonner over Maxeron Dorn via unanimous decision;
• Anthony Gugino over Kenny Hale via Round 1 Submission 1:17;
• Brendan Kennedy over Steven Kleckler via Round 1 Submission 1:03;
• Marcus Dunn over John Doyle via unanimous decision;
• John Piersma over Benjamin Horton via Round 1 TKO 2:10;
• Tim Cronk over Alex Carroll via Round 1 Knock Out :15 Heavyweight title fight;
• Mark Murray over Bert Forney via Round 2 TKO 2:53 Lightweight title fight;
• Jon Marconi over Travis Streeter via Round 1 Knock Out  :14 Super Heavyweight title fight;
• Brad Vargasson over Matt Norstrand via Round 2 Submission 1:11 Middleweight title fight;
• Yuri Panferov over Tom Shelby via Round 2 Knock Out 2:59 Cruiser Heavyweight title fight. 

Local favorite Matt Norstrand, who entered the ring at 3-1, before his Middleweight title fight against Brad Vargasson (5-4). Norstrand, who seemed in control of the fight during the first round, tapped out early in the second after Vargasson got him in a stranglehold (third photo below).

Mark Murray and Bert Forney. Murray claimed the Lightweight title.

John Marconi celebrates with his fans his KO victory seconds into the first round over Travis Streeter. Marconi is now 3-4 and the Ground Force Fights' Super Heavyweight champion. Streeter is 1-1.