Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) commented on the annual Police Memorial in Albany to honor the officers across the state who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their communities last year. The event was attended by lawmakers in both the state Assembly and Senate, as well as Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

Hawley, who has been a staunch supporter of law enforcement, was grateful this event took place for another year and is proud of the hard work and dedication our law enforcement officers put in every day to keep our communities safe.

“Every day, law enforcement officers across our state leave their families and put on their uniforms, not knowing if they will make it home at the end of the day. These are husbands, wives, parents and siblings who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. My heart breaks for families like that of Sergeant Thomas A. Sanfratello, who lost their loved one in the line of duty. We are eternally grateful for their service, and we will never forget their sacrifice,” said Hawley.

Submitted photos.

There were a lot of runs scored on Wednesday when Oakfield-Alabama and Alexander met for a sun-drenched baseball game in Oakfield.

The Hornets scored 12 runs to 11 for the Trojans.

OA also out-hit Alexander, 13-12.

Avery Watterson got the win, going six innings and giving up 11 hits and 10 runs, seven earned, while walking five and recording 10 strikeouts.

Oakfield-Alabama offense:

• Avery Watterson, 2-5, 2 RBIs, 2 runs, 2 stolen bases
• Jackson Gilbert, 1-4, run, stolen base
• Jack Cianfrini, 3-5, double, 3 RBIs, 3 runs , stolen base
• David Schnaufer, 3-4, double, 5 RBIs, stolen base
• Levi Kabel, 3-4, 2 runs, stolen base

Alexander offense:

• Leo Marzolf, 3-4, 3 RBIs, run, walk
• Alexander Bartholomew, 2-, 2 RBIs, run
• Leo Egloff, 1-4, double, 2 RBIs, run, walk, stolen base
• Sean Pietrzykowski, 3-4, double, home run, 2 RBIs, 2 runs, walk, stolen base
• Duke Snyder, 1-3, run, 2 walks, stolen base

Oakfield-Alabama beat Kendall 14-2 in softball on Wednesday.

The game was called by Mercy Rule after the top of the fifth inning

Allison Harkness went five innings to get the win, giving up four hits and no earned runs. She struck out five.

Offense:

• Allison Harkness. 3-3, triple, 3 RBIs
• Rylee Denny, 2-2, 3 RBIs, 3 runs scored
• Savannah Durham, 2-3, double, 2 RBIs
• Jessica Sosnowski, 2-3
• Piper Hyde, 1-2 RBI
• Emma Moeller, 1-4 2 RBIs
• Ysa Schruager, 1-2
• Raine Denny, 1-4 RBI

"I was pleased with how we responded defensively today," said Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf.  "Allison was very good and in command on the mound, and we hit the ball well and capitalized on our opportunities early."

Press Release:

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Principal Paul Hazard is proud to announce the third quarter Honor Roll and High Honor Roll students. Hazard and the Byron-Bergen Central School District staff offer their congratulations to these students.

2024-2025 QUARTER 3 HONOR ROLL 

GRADE 7:

HIGH HONOR ROLL – Jayda Amesbury, Ian Bannister, Teagan Burch, Lillian Czachorowski, McKenna Diehl, Leonard Dykstra, Katelyn Gay, Nina Hammerl, Aaliyah Hawley, Hannah Hunt, Lacie Ivison, Jason Ivison, Jr., Grant Kuipers, Anastasia Kuszlyk, Ella Maher, Liam McAlister, Amelia Meier, Elizabeth Merrick, Lawrence Moore III, Christian Perkins, Jaelynn Reynolds, Dylan Riedmiller, Collin Starowitz, Devin Stranc-Holmwood, Emma Tanner, Kylee Tirrell, Payton White 

HONOR ROLL - Addison Alejandro, Amelia Baker, Diamond Dykstra-Culver, Claire Fogg, Harlow Galves, Brooklyn Louis, Gabriel Peebles, Hanna Richardson, Lincoln Senf, Jackson Senf, Monica Tobin, Brynn Weaver

GRADE 8: 

HIGH HONOR ROLL - Faith Apley, Charlotte Bloom, Riley Boland, Evelyn Borycki, Madison Carson, Alyssa Chupp, Emily Cubas Canizales, Addyson Day, June Dorman, Olivia Galdun, Hunter Jarosinski, Isabella Kessler, Sophia Matthews, Lia Ray, Miranda Stanton, Contessa Vander Wyst, Benjamin Vargas, Kaylanah White, Dahlia Wolff

HONOR ROLL - Ayden Day, Katherine Erion, Cruz Gilbert, Ce'Andre Johnson, Delilah Malin, Emmarose Michaels, Jack Miller, Riley Norman, Trevor O'Brien, Caleb Rassel, William Scharvogel, Landon Starkweather, Gunner Starowitz, Aiden Thurston, Sierra Vandenbosch, Teagan Williams 

GRADE 9:

HIGH HONOR ROLL - Evan Bannister, Eala Coniglio, Samantha Copani, Emily Diehl, William Duell, Zachary Gay, Cambria Goodenbery, Lila Graff, Ruth Kuipers, Alexander Kuszlyk, Isabella Lewis, Levi McGrath, Timothy Michaels Jr., Liliana Moore, Evan Phillips, Alexandra Pocock, Natalie Randall, Lucy Rea, Jenna Redick, Michael Rogoyski, Genevieve Smith, Xavier Vargas, Jillian Weaver, Paige Winkler 

HONOR ROLL - Mason Farner, Ainsley Kent, Taylor Louis, Lillian Meier, Laney Niedzwiecki, Brook Pagels, Audrey Rimmerman, Lila Sharp-Robinson, Madeline Smith, Miley Stalica 

GRADE 10:

HIGH HONOR ROLL - Nataly Barrera Zuniga, Rylee Burch, Emalyn Canfield, Cody Carlson, Lauren Gartz, Gavin Kinkelaar, Taylor Lundfelt, Ian MacMillen, Logan Marou, Emma Matthews, Hannah Riedmiller, Theodore Schelemanow, Elliana Tanner, Rena Wilson 

HONOR ROLL - Joseph Brumsted, Gianna Cicatelli, Brayden Gelsomino, Isabella Gifford, Kai Gilbert, Wyatt Lewis, Seth Prefontaine, Brandon Schuck, Kyle Smith, Paul Szalay III, Bradley Tatar, Kylee Thurston, Jack Walker

GRADE 11: 

HIGH HONOR ROLL - Katelyn Ball, Liam Boyle, Adam Cardenas, Gianna Clark, Connor Copani, Justin Deleo, Gary Donofrio, Gianna Graff, Megan Jarkiewicz, Pearl Jolliff, Carter Kuipers, Malacai McGrath, Maryn Meier, Grace Mundell, Paige O'Brien, Evan Orto, Bradley Pocock, Katherine Rogoyski, Julia Sanso Maya, Simone Scharvogel, Rayne Sheard, Hayden Starkweather, Elizabeth Starowitz, Aubrey Stein, Emma Wolfe 

HONOR ROLL - Sara Bishop, Addison Cummings, Grace DiQuattro, Estelle Dumuhosky, Ava Goff, Mia Gray, Nial Johnson, Giovanny Navarro Cruz, Colin Rea, Allison Rimmerman, Solomon Smith, Andre'a White, Evan Williams

GRADE 12: 

HIGH HONOR ROLL - Ryan Benstead, Sarah Campbell, Deborah Catalino, Kendall Chase, Noah Clare, Abigail Cook, Laura Curts, Isabella Davidson, Lea Donofrio, Annabelle Erion, Haylee Gartz, Peyton Goodenbery, Ava Gray, Rachel Hanel, Eli Kupfer, Ella Lewis, Draven Liles, Jackson Lundfelt, Martin MacConnell, Anna McLaughlin, Meghan Muscarella, Kasey Pagels, Ian Pulcini, Sydney Salmonds, Ashley Schlenker-Stephens, Olivia Senf, Roman Smith, Lily Stalica, James Starowitz, Ruger Starowitz, Rose Wilson, Hannah Wittman, Jade Wolff, Mikayla Yohon

HONOR ROLL - Jake Carlson, Craig DiQuattro, Jack Farner, Logan Fregoe, Landon Kent, Connor Moran, Adam Piper, Natalie Prinzi, Rayden Robinson, Jeremiah Romero, Victoria Santiago, Trent Sheard

Press Release:

As students, you have a lot on your plate - from classes to extracurricular activities, social events, and more. But amidst all the excitement, it's essential to remember one crucial thing: your safety. And that's where we come in. 

The Batavia Police Department is committed to ensuring your safety, especially when it comes to one of the most critical issues affecting young people today: drunk driving. As a student, you have a responsibility not only to yourself but also to your friends, family, and community to make smart choices. 

Here are some sobering facts: 

• Drunk driving is a leading cause of accidents and fatalities among young people.
• Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting you and others at risk.
• Drunk driving is a crime that can result in serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. 

So, what can you do to stay safe and responsible? 

• Plan ahead: If you're going to drink, designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the night to avoid dehydration.
• Look out for each other: If you see a friend who's had too much to drink, encourage them to call a ride or stay overnight.
• Make smart choices: Avoid getting into a car with someone who's been drinking. 

Remember, your safety is our top priority. By making responsible choices, you can help prevent drunk driving accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable night out with friends. 

Stay safe, stay sober, and let's work together to create a safer community for everyone! Stay informed, stay safe, and let's make a difference.

Wednesday was more than a typical hump day for about 15 volunteers measuring, cutting and assembling new galvanized steel beds, filling them with fresh soil, lifting out the old wood-framed beds, spreading mulch and installing new artwork at Batavia Community Garden.

It was more like getting over the hump of the past while moving onto more efficient and long-lasting solutions as resident gardeners prepare to get their own hands dirty this weekend.

“We’re doing a lot of weeding. We have to have the garden ready to plant this Saturday,” Cooperative Extension Executive Director Jocelyn Sikorski said at the garden property on MacArthur Drive. “We sold out at the end of March. We always sell out, but this is the first time it’s so early. It was phenomenal.”

What used to be a city-owned community garden operation transitioned to Cornell Cooperative Extension three years ago. Many dots connected since the nonprofit has a master gardeners program, enthusiastic volunteers, and a strong focus on agriculture.

RaeAnn Engler helped put together steel garden beds while other volunteers pulled weeds, raked soil, moved materials in a wheelbarrow and kept busy during the sunny day.

“We had these feed trough beds for ADA compliance, but they're really not that good because they dry out. So this year, we've gotten a three-foot deep, two-foot-by-eight-foot galvanized steel. I think that's going to work out really well,” Engler said. “It's a garden for everybody. We have flowers, vegetables, and fruit. People do melons, beans, tomatoes, eggplants.”

She has been chair of the garden committee since the idea took root in 2011 with help from Leadership Genesee. This is another dot connecting this effort to Cooperative Extension.

“They organized it, and the city was overseeing it at that point. And Jocelyn was working for the county and commissioned with the city at the Youth Bureau, so she’s been involved also from the start,” Engler said. “(Some members of the Class of 2011) started it, and then three years ago, I believe the city handed it over to Cooperative Extension to be the head agency. And that worked out well because Leadership Genesee is with Cooperative Extension, and master gardeners are with Cooperative Extension.

“Now that it is under that umbrella of Cooperative Extension, we accept membership from the county, any resident; it used to be limited to city residents, but no longer.”

Although membership has expanded to the county, people with a plot get first dibs on renting it the following year, she said, so “it does kind of limit it.”

“We have room for expansion. We’ve talked about that area,” she said, pointing to a parcel of grass nearby. “It’s a matter of having more people involved in helping to organize to be able to expand that much. We have some space available here, and we also have the additional panels, four-by-fours to make more beds if we get that option. 

"Whether we change that, I’m not sure, but this is the first year that we sold out before the garden opened," she said. "Something to really think more about going forward.”

Only once in its 26-year history has Plow Days had to be canceled because of rain.

Saturday morning, May 3, founders Louis Esten, his brother Chuck Esten, and Bob Newton watched and waited for the rain to stop.

Plow Days has taken place every year for the past 25 years, except for two years during Covid, on the farm of John Torrey, an avid tractor collector and farmer on Route 98, just south of Elba.

Esten said 25 years ago, he, his brother Chuck, the late Ron Komar, and Bob Newton (all of whom had an interest in antique tractors) got the idea for Plow Days and asked John Torrey if they could use his land. Louis said he and Newton had met at the Steam Show in Alexander, and during a conversation, the idea was born.

“We want people to understand what these old tractors are all about,” Louis said. “People actually used to plow with these.”

One of the antique tractor owners hoping to demonstrate plowing was Alexandria Smith of Attica. She brought her John Deere 630 with a three-bottom plow, which was built from 1958 to 1960, making it at least 65 years old.

Smith said her grandfather used to restore antique tractors, which piqued her interest, and she has been collecting them since she was 14.

She has a lot of respect for the old equipment and farming.

“Working on a farm is not like looking at a computer all day,” Smith said. “When you’re out on a farm, you put in a hard day’s work. You get tired, but it is a good tired.”

Plow Days is not just about plowing. Dozens of tractors from the 1930s to 1972 are on display. The giant barn is heated and has tables and chairs, a food counter, hot coffee, and vendors.

Photos by Virginia Kropf

Press Release:

To All Traffic Utilizing the Following Roadways:

• Stegman Road – Miller Road to Powers Road
• Barrett Road – Route 5 to END (Kistner Concrete)
• Access Road to Town Hall and Genesee County Bldg. 2 – From the turn off to the Animal Shelter to END (at Town Hall) and access to the Highway garage

Resurfacing operations will occur on the listed roads on Monday, May 12, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Traffic should expect delays and short-term closures while resurfacing operations occur. 

EMERGENCY SERVICE PERMITTED THROUGH.

All through traffic should seek alternative routes.

Residents and businesses on the listed roads will be permitted access to their property, but they may experience minor delays.

This work is weather dependent; if delayed for rain, the work will occur the next available day.

If you have any questions about this work, please contact the Town of Batavia's Highway Department at 585-343-1729 Extension 218.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Batavia lost to Honeoye Falls/Lima in softball on Wednesday, 16-4.

With multiple rainouts recently, the Lady Devils have a daunting six-game schedule this week so 7th-grader Gabby Smith got her first varsity start. She fanned two HFL hitters.

Hannah Carney went 2-3 with a double and an RBI.

Libby Grazioplene, Adeline Dewitt and Kyleigh Kabel also had hits. 

Batavia's record is 3-9.

Blue Devils go on the road Friday at Canandaigua and Saturday at Honeoye Falls-Lima.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Notre Dame beat Byron-Bergen in tennis on Wednesday, 4-1.

• 1st singles Chance King(ND) over Riley Shellenberger(BB) 7-5,7-5
• 2nd singles Nate Mlyniec(ND) over Erron Kimble(BB) 6-4,6-3
• 3rd singles Riley Yunker(ND) over Levi McGrath(BB) 6-2,6-3
• 1st doubles Gabe Mileham/Lylii Miller(ND) over Sara Bishop/Addy Cummings(BB) 6-0,6-1
• 2nd doubles Noah Clare/Craig DiQuattro(BB) over Jordan Dwyer/Alex Wyder(ND) 6-3,6-1

Notre Dame is now 7-2, and Byron-Bergen is 2-6.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

Mason Vigiano and Ryan Marsceill combined for a no-hitter after a two-hour ride to Jasper-Troupsburg for the game.

The Lancers beat the home team 6-1.

Vigiano went six innings and fanned 10 while walking one. Marsceill came on in the seventh to get the final three outs.

Offense:

• Mark Caparco,  3-3, 3 runs, walk, 2 stolen bases, double
• Fletcher Norton, 3-4, 3 RBIs, run, double
• Nicholas Scott, 3-3, home run, 2 RBIs, 2 stolen bases

"In a game that we had to travel two hours to play, I am proud of my team for getting off the bus, as the coaches say, and putting it on them early," said Coach Andrew Boyce. "Nicky had a moon shot in the top of the first, 350+ over the fence. Glad to see our boys having fun and getting us to 7-2. Mason gave us a start most coaches can’t dream up, working corners. His breaking ball had a great snap, and the fastball popped the glove. Keep stacking days, boys."

Submitted photos

Akron beat Oakfield-Alabama in baseball on Tuesday, 10-8.

Hunter Tobolski took the loss, going eight innings while surrendering 10 hits and four earned runs. He struck out six.

Offense: 

• Hunter Tobolski, 1-4, run
• Jack Cianfrini, 2-4, 2 stolen bases
• Avery Watterson, 1-5, run, 2 stolen bases
• Jackson Gilbert, 2-4, double, RBI
• Levi Kabel, 3-4, double, RBI, run

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

Oakfield-Alexander got a game-shortening Mercy Rule win on Tuesday, beating Holley 21-1.

Emma Moeller picked all five innings for the victory, giving up one hit and no earned runs while striking out five batters.

Offense:

• Chloe Lamb, 4-4, 4 RBIs, double and triple
• Piper Hyde, 2-3, 3 RBIs. 3 runs scored
• Olivia Wescott, 2-2,  RBI
• Allie Williams, 1-2, HR, 2 RBIs
• Tori Davis, 2-2, 3 runs scored
• Alea Groff, 1-1, triple
• Raine Denny, Rylee Denny and Emma Moeller each had a hit and an RBI

"It was nice to get a game in after a long stretch," Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf said. "We have an incredibly busy schedule over the next two weeks with 10 games. It was great to get contributions from a bunch of players today. Emma was great on the mound. She had fantastic command of her pitches."

Byron-Bergen defeated Holley on Tuesday in tennis, 5-0.

• 1st singles Riley Shallenberger (BB) defeated Arthur Boggs (Holley) 6-1, 6-0
• 2nd singles Erron Kimble (BB) defeated Josmar Hernandez (Holley) 6-3, 6-3
• 3rd singles Levi McGrath (BB) defeated Adyn Felock (Holley) 6-3, 6-1
• 1st doubles Sara Bishop, Addy Cummings (BB) defeated Carissa Klossner, Kai Kennedy (Holley) 4-6, 6-3, 1-0 (10-7) 
• 2nd doubles Noah Clare, Craig DiQuattro (BB) defeated Broooke Waldron, Mariska VanLogten (Holley) 6-0, 6-0

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

Press release:

Emily Pietrzykowski led the Trojans to a hard-fought 6-5 victory over the Fighting Irish on Tuesday, going 3-for-4 at the plate. The senior tripled in the second inning, singled in both the first and fifth innings, drove in three runs, scored twice, and added two stolen bases.

Ava Yax also had a strong showing for Alexander, collecting two hits in three at-bats, scoring two runs, and stealing four bases. Seniors Lilly Szymkowiak and Faith Goodenbury matched each other’s performance, each tallying a hit, a walk, and a run scored.

The game’s biggest hit came in the second inning when Pietrzykowski tripled to center field, driving in two runs and extending Alexander’s lead to 4-1.

Despite trailing by five runs, Notre Dame mounted a late comeback, scoring two runs in both the sixth and seventh innings to narrow the gap. However, Alexander’s defense held strong behind Pietrzykowski's pitching in the final inning to secure the win.

Pietrzykowski earned the win in the circle, pitching a complete game. She allowed four hits and five runs (four earned), striking out five and walking five.

Mia Treleaven took the loss for the Fighting Irish, striking out 11 and walking two over five innings while giving up six runs (four earned) on six hits.

Notre Dame’s offense was led by Amelia Sorochty, Sofia Falleti, Gianna Falleti, and Riley Hare, who each contributed a hit. Falleti finished 1-for-2 with two RBIs to pace the Irish.

"We really needed this win," said Coach John Goodenbury. "This game came down to the wire today, and Otis does a great job, so we knew it would be tough. We've faced some tough competition this spring and had stretches of sloppy play against other teams we have played that we felt we could have beaten, but tonight we did a better job focusing on the little things. With all the weather challenges, we’re just trying to stay consistent, survive the spring monsoon season, and get ourselves ready for sectionals. We’re heading in the right direction, but there’s still work to be done. One final note, hats off to Otis and the Notre Dame crew for busting their tails to get the field playable today."

Alexander returns to action Thursday at home against Byron-Bergen.

Photos by Makenna Boyce

Everyone is positive about the growth and direction of GLOW YMCA as a search to replace CEO Rob Walker nears completion, Board President Dean Bellack says.

Walker retired on Jan. 31, and a search committee was formed shortly after to sift through an initial 40 applicants from throughout the country, Bellack said this week. Those were carved down a couple of times for the three finalists.

“We did a very large search. We had a large number of initial applicants, which we whittled down to a smaller number of applicants. Then we whittled it down again in terms of the people that we wanted to do preliminary interviews with, and a lot of those happened this week,” he said to The Batavian Wednesday. “And then we've narrowed that down to, again, a very small group of applicants that we're going to be doing personal interviews with here in about a week and a half, and then we'll be making an announcement.”

Applicants were from New York State and other areas, including Virginia, Indiana and Florida, he said. Two of the finalists are local, and one is from out of state. YMCA national assisted with the process and advertising the position, and Bellack is “confident in the candidates that we have,” he said

Membership at the Genesee YMCA began at 1,100 and is now around 2,400 to 2,500.

“It’s significant growth, but we still have growth to do,” he said. We’re planning to be at 3,000. We have some ways to go, and we’re confident we’re going to be there. Typically in the summer season, the amount of people searching for new memberships at YMCAs tend to level off a little bit. We're not predicting any decline in terms of where we are. The growth could slow a little bit during the summertime, and then I'm sure we'll be at the numbers that we need to be at once we get back into the fall.”

He acknowledged that “obviously, Rob was CEO during that time” of fundraising and planning for the new downtown Batavia facility, which was completed for a New Year’s opening. He also credited the strength and dedication of “a lot of volunteers” who supported the cause.

John Riter and Paul Battaglia were integral project leaders, he said. There are also high levels of expertise on staff, including treasurer Mike Grover and Chief Financial Officer Greg Watson, who is serving as interim CEO, he said.

“It was a tremendous effort; they deserve tremendous congratulations,” Bellack said. “We’re very positive on the growth of the new facility and where we’re going to be with the association. We’re planning big things ahead.”

Walker declined to comment. An email announcing his retirement was sent out to members in the GLOW region at the time, Bellack said.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is accepting registrations for this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from September 18 to 21 and is open to local veterans and their families and friends. Participants will get a tour of the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served. 

This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery. There will also be the potential for a White House visit on the trip. Those who are interested in the potential tour will need to register no later than June 10 to secure a background check.

“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”

Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, we are expecting the cost to be $450-$500 per person with everything included. A noncommittal registration is required by June 10 for those interested in a potential White House tour for the purpose of a background check. To register, contact Hawley’s office at 585-589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details.

For those who wish to donate to support this event, please make your donation out to Patriot Trip and send it to PO Box 171, Albion.