Photo of Garrett Beaver, Cooper Romich, and Jaden Sherwood.
Press Release:
The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce their next five signings of the 2025 season.
Batavia will welcome back two returners, two western New Yorkers, & a new face this summer. 2024 Returners RHP – Garret Beaver and C/OF -Cooper Romich, Batavia Native, RHP – Jaden Sherwood, North Tonawanda Native, LHP – Jake Szlis & RHP -Cole Taylor join the Dogs this summer at Dwyer Stadium.
Garrett Beaver returns to the Muckdogs for his third season, bringing veteran leadership and a dominant presence on the mound. The 6’3 right-handed pitcher from Waynesboro PA, is currently a junior at Salisbury University. Over the past two summers with Batavia, Beaver posted an outstanding 1.075 ERA. During the 2024 season with the Sea Gulls, he earned All-C2C Honorable mention, finishing 3rd in saves, and ranking 10 th in both strikeouts and wins.
Cooper Romich returns for his second season with the Muckdogs after a strong summer showing in 2024. A versatile catcher and outfielder, the 5’10 sophomore from North Chili, is currently playing at Le Moyne. Last summer, Romich appeared in 40 games with Batavia, posting a solid .276 batting average and driving in 34 runs.
Jaden Sherwood is a 6’0 right-handed pitcher from Monroe Community College. A native of Batavia, Sherwood comes home for his first season with the Muckdogs this summer. Sherwood has struck out 15 batters in 14 innings this season with the Monroe Tribunes, showcasing his excellent abilities.
Jake Szlis is a 6’5 left-handed pitcher from Alfred State University. From North Tonawanda, Szlis was dominant for the North Tonawanda High School Lumberjacks, pitching to a minuscule 1.04 ERA over 67.1 innings, striking out 99 batters.
Cole Taylor is a 5’11 freshman right-handed pitcher from Spring Hill, TN. A student at Columbia State Community College, Taylor is yet to allow a run this season. He recorded his first career collegiate hit and RBI on February 25.
Opening Day is Saturday, May 31 at 6:30 p.m. vs the Elmira Pioneers with free post-game fireworks. If you know someone who has an interest in sponsoring the Muckdogs, season ticket information, hosting a group event, or picnic, please contact General Manager Marc Witt (mwitt.canusa@gmail.com). The Muckdogs full schedule is available online at www.canusamuckdogs.com.
The YWCA of Genesee County's Women of Inspiration for 2025 Photo by Howard Owens.
The YWCA of Genesee County honored its 2025 Women of Distinction on Saturday afternoon with a luncheon at Terry Hills.
This year's honorees, in photo from left:
Mary Kate Hoffman, recognized for her role in inspiration, superintendent of Pavilion Central School.
Lucy Sackett, recognized for her leadership in education, a community volunteer with a passion for teaching young people to swim, and currently a volunteer at Crossroads House.
Leadership Genesee Book Club, represented by Brenda Lee Heinemann, Laurie Mastin, Barb Shine, and Donna Morill
Karyn Winters, recognized for her role in leadership in education and business as director of the Genesee County Business Education Alliance
Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche (not pictured), recognized as an entrepreneur as owner and founder of Three Little Birds Pediatrics.
The awards are bestowed as a tribute to women who are "shaping the future with vision, strength, and purpose."
The keynote speaker was Linda Dynel, author of Leaving Dorian: A Memoir of Hope, which deals with intimate partner violence.
Jenna Redick, by Byron-Bergen, is out in front as she nears the finish line on Saturday at Van Detta Stadium of the Girls 400 Meter Dash in the Fourth Heath. There were eight heats. Redict finished 12th overall. Photo Howard Owens.
Batavia High School hosted its annual track and field invitation at Van Detta Stadium on Saturday, and 28 schools from throughout the region participated.
The Blue Devils won the meet in both Boys and Girls divisions.
Karizma Wescott won the 100m (12.57), won the 200m(26.05), and was on the winning 4x100m (49.50) and winning 4x400m (4:12.56) relays!!
Ella Shamp won the Long Jump with 17' 7" and won the High Jump with 4' 10" and was also on the winning 4x100m relay.
Adi O'Donnell was on the winning 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay, and placed 2nd in the 200m (26.58)
Campbell Riley placed 2nd in the 400m (61.43), 2nd in the 800m (2:26.43), was on the 4x800m team that placed 2nd (9:57.08) and anchored the winning 4x400m relay team
The relays mentioned above are 4x100m (Ady O'Donnell, Nevaeh Thomas, Ella Shamp, Karizma Wescott) 4x400m (Ava Anderson, Ady O'Donnell, Karizma Wescott, Campbell Riley), 4x800 (Mallory Boyce, Amelia Tripp, Jenna Higgins, Campbell Riley)
Batavia also won the freshman-sophomore sprint medley relay (Mallory Boyce, Natalie Battaglia, Nevaeh Thomas, Sophia Lawrence) with a time of 4:40.15.
Mady Smith placed 2nd in the 100m Hurdles (15.24)
Ava Wierda placed 2nd in the shot put (33' 9.5")
Top performers for the boys:
Sheldon Siverling won both the shot put(58'8") and the discus (170'1").
Karvel Martino 2nd shot (53'9") and 3rd in the discus (134'2").
Cameron Garofalo won the 1600m (4:30.23), placed 4th in the 800m (204.89), was on the 4x800m relay team that placed 2nd (8:23.19) with teammates En'hazje Carter, Grant Gahagan, and Jamari Irvin.
Justin Smith won the high jump (6'2"), Grant Gahagan placed 2nd in the high jump (5'10")
Isaic Varland won the 200m (23.46)
Greyson Betances placed 2nd in the pole vault (10'6")
The freshman-sophomore sprint medley team, consisting of Enhazje Carter, Jamere Reeves, Greyson Betances, and Keagan Calmes placed 2nd (4:00.25)
Genesee Community College hosted its 44th Annual Fashion Show on Saturday in the Richard C. Call Arena.
Presented by GCC’s Fashion Business Program, Masterpiece Unfolding, offers students an opportunity showcase their creativity, talent, and innovative spirit.
This year's show drew its inspiration from the world of fine art with each scene interpreting the elements and spirit of a specific art movement through fashion.
Fourteen seniors were presented one-thousand dollar scholarships at the annual Batavia Business and Professional Womens Club awards banquet at Batavia Country Club Thursday evening. Photo by Steve Ognibene
President Danielle Torcello, along with committee chair Vicki Wolak and her team of Susan Boyle, Brenda Bennion and Diane Fioentino, awarded 13 scholarships to Genesee County students from various high schools. Each student was presented with an award certificate and received a thousand-dollar scholarship. They are:
Allison Pullybank, LeRoy, Nursing
Ava Anderson, Batavia, Journalism/Marketing
Emily Yager, Pembroke, Music Education
Emily Pietrzykowski, Alexander, Nursing
Grace Nickerson, LeRoy, English / Psychology
Kaitlin Kratz, Notre Dame, Nursing
Kelsey Kirkwood, Batavia, Biology
Lillian Szymkowiak, Alexander, Biology
Molly Osterman, LeRoy, Law/Political Science
Norah Manurung, Pavilion, Social Media Marketing
Piper Hyde, Oakfield-Alabama, Nursing
Rose Wilson, Byron Bergen, Nursing
Anna Panepento, Notre-Dame, Biomedical Engineering
Sue Sherman, All Babies Cherished
Jennifer Schaffer, Crossroads House
Frances McNaulty, Genesee Senior Living and Office of the Aging
Susan Maniace, Liv Luv Breathe
Carl Hyde Jr., Western New York Cemetery Honor Guard
Alex Doty, LeRoy, Business Management, was presented the Jill Spence Memorial Scholarship Fund award.
Vicki Wolak, committee chair, and her team of Susan Boyle, Brenda Bennion and Diane Fioentino presented service awards to the following non-profit organizations in Genesee County. Each received a check for $400.
Joy Hume received the 2024 Woman of the Year award.
Tops Friendly Markets has promoted Stanley Alexander to the position of Grocery General Manager. He previously held the title of Grocery Supervisor, a role he held for four and a half years.
In his new role, Stanley will be responsible for all grocery department functions, including shipping, receiving, auditing, safety, sanitation and KPI metrics. He joined Tops in 2020 as a Grocery Supervisor.
Stanley resides in Batavia with his wife Katie and their five children.
Contest winner Malia Hillabush Photo by Lara Ezard.
Press Release:
Byron-Bergen second-grade students were invited to participate in the Arbor Day poster design contest in partnership with Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation. The purpose of the contest is to highlight the importance of trees and for students to gain an understanding of the effect trees have on the environment. This year's theme, "Trees are Superheroes", inspired participation from second-grade students throughout Genesee County.
The contest winner was Byron-Bergen student Malia Hillabush. The winning poster was announced on April 24 by special guests Laura Bestehorn and Jared Elliott from Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation. Malia was very happy to have her creative poster chosen.
"Arbor Day is a special day to reflect on trees and all they do for us and our environment. They truly are real-life superheroes." said Elementary Math Intervention Specialist Lara Ezard.
Malia’s poster will be on display at the Genesee County Fair and will be highlighted in the GCSWC newsletter. All Byron-Bergen posters entries are displayed at the Elementary's front foyer to show all the elementary students about trees’ superpowers. Each Byron-Bergen second-grade student who entered the poster contest received a sapling to plant at home.
Contest winner Malia Hillabush with Jared Elliott and Laura Bestehorn from Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation. Photo by Lara Ezard.
Beginning in October of this 24/25 school year, St. Paul Lutheran School, has had the privilege of partnering with Genesee Community College (GCC) Physical Education Department. G.C.C. students have worked with the St. Paul students to provide instruction for the Kindergarten through 6th Grades.
The freshman and sophomore students, under the direction of the Director/Professor of the Health and Physical Education Department, Rebecca Dzieken, and Krystal Forsyth, Instructor, Health and Physical Education Department, have planned the curriculum for the year.
Throughout the year they led classes in soccer, basketball, team building games, volleyball and exercise fundamentals. On Friday, May 2 they planned to lead the St. Paul students through the experience of a Field Day. The G.C.C. students had planned six different stations that will challenge the St. Paul students.
The G.C.C. students include Evan Frier, Cayden Lilleby, Cody Costello, Aaron Birkby, Ryan Winters, Saunders Mireault and Michael Hayes. The G.C.C. Physical Education class have done an amazing job interacting with the St. Paul students.
Veteran Buffalo sportscaster Paul Peck, a familiar face to the bowling community through his commentator role on the Beat the Champ television show, will be the guest speaker at the Genesee Region USBC Annual Banquet on May 10 at Batavia Downs Gaming.
The buffet dinner gets underway at 6 p.m. at the Genesee Banquet Room on the second floor of the Park Road facility.
Strikes and Spares. Touchdowns and Sacks. Slam Dunks and Three Pointers. They’ve all been a part of Peck’s 36 years in front of the camera.
For the last 25 years, he’s called University at Buffalo football and basketball on radio and TV as the “Voice of the Bulls.” In 2024, he reached a significant milestone, calling his 300th UB football game on the Bulls Radio Network.
Last fall, Peck joined Buffalo Bowling Hall of Famer Sue Nawojski in the revival of the long-running Beat the Champ bowling competition show. The show just finished recording its debut season on the MSG Network, with a second season coming in the fall of 2025.
For this past Buffalo Bills season, Peck was a part of ESPN Radio’s national coverage as sideline reporter for the broadcasts from Highmark Stadium.
He previously served as sports anchor, reporter, and producer at WIVB-TV (CBS) for 24 years. In that role, he covered all four Buffalo Bills Super Bowls, the Buffalo Sabres in the Stanley Cup Finals, the NCAA Basketball Tournament and the Daytona 500.
For 10 years, he served as the radio sideline reporter and host for the Buffalo Bills Football Network. Peck also has been the Master of Ceremonies for the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, one of the largest sports banquets in Western New York.
The GRUSBC previously announced that Scott Culp of Honeoye Falls and Darwin “Auggie” Dale of Piffard will be inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame.
Tickets for the dinner are $40 per person. Reservations close on Saturday (May 3). To purchase a ticket, email mikep@bowlgr.com or calling 585-861-0404. For more information, go to www.bowlgr.com.
As of May 3, 2025, Route 5 between Kelsey Road and Lewiston Road (Route 63) is reopened to public travel, and the surrounding area is considered safe. However, an investigation into the fire remains ongoing, and crews will continue work at the site in the days ahead.
Operations at the Genesee County Jail and Animal Shelter have returned to normal, and County Building Two will reopen to the public on Monday.
The Genesee County Office of Emergency Management sincerely thanks the community for their cooperation and patience, and extends deep appreciation to the fire departments, emergency responders, and law enforcement agencies involved in the response.
Protesters came with signs and bullhorns to the Buffalo Detention Facility on Friday evening in a hastily organized demonstration to raise their voices against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The protest was called, said Gabrilla Szpunt, an organization coordinator for the United Farm Workers, after 14 migrant workers the union claims to represent were picked up en masse early Friday morning by agents of ICE.
All 14 were on a bus owned by Lynn-Ette & Sons Farms in Kent, where they worked, Szpunt said.
"They were on their way to work," said Szpunt. These are workers we've been organizing with for at least a year. An entire family was picked up in this raid, and other workers have been here for decades, some for several years. We're here to support them and let them know they're not alone in this process."
She said the union doesn't inquire about the legal status of migrants they organize with, but given the longevity of several of the workers, they likely had visas to work in the U.S., though she couldn't say with certainty that they all were documented.
Szpunt said the UFW is in the process of securing legal counsel for the farm workers.
The protesters chanted a revolving set of messages, many of them demanding an end to deportation and for the protection of workers, but a few of them were laced with profanity, such as "eff ICE" and "eff Fasicist America."
When asked about the tone of some of the chants, Szpunt said she understood the concern, but she wasn't there to censor what the people who participated wanted to chant.
Asked what message the UFW wanted to send, she said, "Our message is that we believe these workers have been here for decades. They deserve to a process if they're going to be facing these kinds of immigration proceedings. That hasn't been the case under the Trump administration. People with green cards have been picked up, citizens have been picked up and detained, and disappeared."
At one point during the protest, a stream of cars exited the detention facility. A passenger in one car held a mobile phone in one hand, apparently shooting video as the car drove past, while simultaneously extending the middle finger on his other hand.
According to the UFW website, the UFW has been involved in disputes with Lynn-Ette farms. The union filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the farm for allegedly requiring a UFW representative to leave the farm while meeting with workers. The Public Employees Relations Board in October required Lynn-Ette Farms and two other farms to engage in binding arbitration with the union, according to the UFW website.
Batavia topped Spencerport on Friday night, which was senior night, 24-6.
Senior quarterback Jaimin Macdonald had a big night with 95 yards and two touchdowns on 8 of 16 passing. Macdonald connected with senior wide receiver Alyssa Turner for touchdowns of 16 and 17 yards in the second half. Macdonald also rushed for 36 yards and a score on six carries. Turner finished the night with five receptions for 64 yards.
Senior running back Kylee Brennan led the team in rushing with 44 yards and a TD on five carries, while sophomore receiver Leilah Manuel chipped in 4 catches for 31 yards.
The Batavia defense kept the pressure on all night, forcing three turnovers and keeping Spencerport off the scoreboard until the game's final two minutes.
Alyssa Turner returned an interception deep into Spencerport territory to set up Batavia's first TD. Kylee Brennan led the team with 10 flag pulls (2 for loss) and an interception off a tipped ball by Jaimin Macdonald. Macdonald registered eight flag pulls (2 for loss) and an interception of her own. Leilah Manuel secured five flag pulls, and senior Nicole Doeringer added 4.
Batavia moves to 4-3 with the win and will face Gates-Chili on the road on Monday.
A fire that was updated to possible magnesium on fire at Hodgins Engraving Friday morning caused the evacuation of people and animals and calls for a hazmat team, law enforcement and several fire companies to the scene.
What began as an automatic alarm at 11:18 a.m. at 3817 W. Main St., Batavia, was then updated to the possible chemical fire, followed by a working structure fire, said Chief Chris Strathearn, of Town of Batavia Fire Department. A second alarm was then called.
“When we arrived, there was heavy smoke blowing out the back corner, which we will call the Charlie Delta corner. Initially, we tried an interior attack, and we had to pull back because of the heat and smoke. At this point in time, we've upgraded to multiple departments here. At this point we're drafting out of the creek across the street,” Strathearn said later Friday. “At this point in time, we have 20 departments that have been called, 15 that are on scene in conjunction with New York State Police, DEC, Office of Emergency Management for Genesee County. We're operating at a building approximately 200 by 400 at this point.”
The chemicals of magnesium, nitric acid and ferric chloride were known to be involved, he said, with the challenge that “magnesium doesn’t mix well with water.”
“So we’ve had several explosions at the beginning of this call, which there’s none at this point,” he said. “The environmental hazards are being monitored by town of Batavia water, City of Batavia water, DEC and Office of the Emergency Management.”
They were working to mitigate water run-off and watching wind direction, as it could be a hazard as well “because it’s blowing smoke to the west,” he said. Several businesses in the area were being monitored, with some having been evacuated or told to shelter in place.
Water, or the lack thereof, was an issue for firefighters.
“We started at the hydrants, which is not enough water to support what we're doing at this point in time. So there's four engines at this point at the creek flowing water to the aerials and the hand lines that we're using,” Strathearn said, explaining the need for more water. “It's just the size of the building. Trying to get everything coordinated at that point, and then having a plan B and a Plan C after that. When water hits (magnesium), it explodes, essentially, so that's a hazard to the firefighters, obviously, that was mitigated by the crews in the back.
Ask if with the magnesium, “You gotta wait it out? You gotta let it burn itself out?”
Strathearn said, “Well, the building was on fire, so we had to put water in the building.”
Genesee County Animal Shelter was evacuated, with the animals going to Perry Pet in Batavia. Genesee County Jail and the adjacent government buildings were being monitored by Emergency Management as the HVAC systems were shut down immediately.
Sgt. Michael Lute gave an update on the jail and said “everything is set to move if need be, but right now it’s sheltering in place.”
“Emergency Management has consulted with Superintendent (Diana) Prinzi and the air quality and wind direction is sufficient and they’re confident it’s going to be knocked down in the next couple of hours and it’s not posing grave risk to anyone in any of the county buildings, town buildings, or the jail and the inmates,” Lute said. “I don’t know who’s in or out, if they left, they left, or they’re sheltering in place.”
By late afternoon Strathearn estimated that it would be at least another six hours of fighting the fire and keeping Route 5 closed during that time (from Lewiston to Kelsey roads). Some of the building’s firewalls were holding back fire growth and at least a third of the building had been “consumed” by the fire. He believed it may have begun in some type of maintenance area, but an investigation has not yet been conducted.
“So this is something that's going to be ongoing, because … it's tough to estimate this as far as how to gain access to the fire and get water on the fire, but, I think it's at least about another six hours that we think that we're going to be combating the fire and obviously disruption, and it's unfortunate, but West Main Street is closed and is going to have to stay closed for that time frame. “It makes it difficult, the size of the commercial building, and then the chemicals that are involved. So obviously, the firefighter safety is the most paramount. So gaining access to that type of fire, I think it had a pretty good growth pattern to it, so it was already well involved. They did make an initial attempt to get in and combat the fire, but it was unsuccessful. Just because of the size of the fire and the type of chemicals that were inside, they chose to withdraw for safety.”
There had been no civilian or firefighter injuries reported at that time, he said. And weather helped the situation due to the wind direction blowing the smoke away from the public, he said. The wind was at “such a speed” that it was moving all the smoke away, though it was not helping the firefighting effort, “because it’s feeding oxygen to the fire.”
“But we're able to at least get this smoke on its way and away from here and away from the public, and that's our biggest concern, just West Main at this point. So there is some information out to avoid the area of downwind from the smoke. There's smoke all the way out to the New York State Thruway. It's drivable, but you just don't want to be in this smoke shouldn't be driving through it,” he said. “Shouldn't be breathing, and that's with any fire not just this one. Because I would still say that there's a small amount of chemicals, considering the size of the building. So you know, 150 gallons of chemicals. By now, those chemicals have been consumed by the fire, so that hazard is gone. But now it's just a commercial building fire with hazard to the components or the combustion byproducts.”
Emergency Management Services Director Tim Yaeger said that the business has had “some small magnesium fires” in the past, but not anything recently, and has done a really good job safety wise.
“But I think some of the processes, they end up having a small magnesium fire, which the town of Batavia Fire Department’s handled. Over the last 15, 20 years, they've handled it very well. But apparently, again, our investigation hasn't started yet, so we really have to get more information to find out what actually started the fire, and that's going to be ongoing over the next couple days,” he said, explaining about shelter in place. “So that's basically shut down your heating or air conditioning system, close your windows, bring your animals indoors and just stay inside. It's the safest place to be. Don't go out and get in your car and breathe it. You stay in your house for the next few hours until this smoke can dissipate.”
There were 20 fire departments called, and at least 15 at the scene, with several standby units, from Genesee, Erie, Livingston, Monroe and Wyoming counties.
Town of Batavia Chief Christopher Strathearn and City Fire Chief Josh Graham. Photo by Howard Owens.
Richmond Memorial Library district residents approved this year’s budget — including a tax levy increase of $27,905 — by an overwhelming vote of 179 yes to 49 no in Thursday’s annual vote for the 2025-26 budget and trustee positions.
The vote was to authorize “the Board of Education of the City School District of Batavia to raise by tax $27,905 to increase the annual appropriation from $1,395,283 to $1,423,188 for the benefit of the Richmond Memorial Library.”
The 2% tax levy increase would mean adding 2 cents more per $1,000 assessed property valuation, or $3 total for a property assessed at $150,000.
Assistant Director Samantha Stryker gave a comment in the absence of former Director Beth Paine who recently resigned.
“We are grateful for the continued support of our patrons and Community,” Stryker said.
There were three candidates for three trustee vacancies, and they each received votes of:
Trustee Leslie Moma was reelected with 198; and Rebecca Oshlag and Marcia Bohn were each elected to three-year terms with 209 and 207, respectively.
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Genesee County Office of Emergency Management has issued a request that, due to an active fire in the area on Friday, the public is asked to avoid the vicinity of the Batavia Towne Plaza and surrounding businesses.
Emergency crews are actively fighting the fire on West Main Street —please steer clear to ensure their safety and yours, county officials said. Updates to follow.
Heavy smoke can be seen as part of a working industrial fire at Hodgins Engraving Friday, as reported by The Batavian at the scene. There have been two explosions in the building, and everyone has been evacuated as of noon.
A hazmat team was called in and a residence next to the business, at 3817 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, was also being evacuated.
Town of Batavia Fire and City of Batavia Fire departments responded to the scene, and East Pembroke, Elba, Alexander and Stafford fire companies are also responding to the scene. Bennington and Albion responded a short time later.
Genesee County Jail is being used as shelter in place mode for now, officials said. Route 5 is being closed in both directions, at Lewiston and Kelsey roads.
Tankers from Darien, Corfu and Attica are at the scene. Extra water is needed, and a five-inch line was run across the road from the creek, since Route 5 was shut down.
Animals from Genesee County Animal Shelter are being moved to the fairgrounds Perry Pet in Batavia.
Update 2:25 p.m.: Oakfield, Alabama and Pavilion fire companies are on scene, Mercy EMS is on standby, and a ladder truck from Clarence has been requested. State fire, Genesee County Sheriff's Office and State Police are all on scene.
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