A rain postponement last night gives the Muckdogs an unexpected day off before their meeting against the Jamestown Tarp Skunks.

Brunstetter (BAT) v.s. Hough (JTS)

#GoDogs

Guest speakers and proclamations punctuated an evening filled with what Batavia Concert Band has been doing for the last century: entertaining local citizens with its live and toe-tapping music.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. presented the group -- representative of all those dedicated musicians that came before them since 1924 -- with a proclamation praising the concert band for being one of the region's oldest continuously performing concert bands. The ensemble is made up of more than 60 instrumentalists from the brass, woodwind and percussion sections. 

Musicians range from high school students to 60-year-old veterans, Jankowski said, and City Council proudly recognized the group's achievements  and supports its purpose of "serving the community by creating music that's made by the people for the people."

"Now, therefore, on behalf of City Council and the city of Batavia, we do hereby recognize the Batavia Concert Band of the city of Batavia and congratulate them on their 100 year anniversary and extend our appreciation for your service and commitment to our community," he said.

The band has been sustainable, in part, thanks to funding from GO Art!, and the time and efforts of those musicians, Conductor John Bailey and Manager Jason Smith.

The concert band performs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays in Centennial Park unless bad weather moves it over to GCC.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

In a regular monthly meeting on Thursday, the board of directors for Western Regional Off-Track Betting voted to buy out the contracts of CEO Henry Wojtaszek, CFO Jackie Leach, and VP of Operations William White.

The board called the buyout a "renegotiation." 

Board President Dennis Bassett issued a press release after the meeting stating, "We have mutually renegotiated these contracts in the best interest of each individual and our corporation."

The statement characterized it as an "amicable separation."

In a statement issued after the meeting,  Wojtaszek said:

I’ve enjoyed my 15 years here at Batavia Downs, and I want to thank the board and all of our 400 employees for their support.  My focus now will be on ensuring a seamless transition to new leadership.

I see a great future for this organization as they build upon many of our accomplishments that have made Batavia Downs a first-class entertainment venue.   

After the meeting, when asked if this change in job status didn't constitute a firing, Basset said, "It's at their request."

He also said there was no political pressure to status change.

"We don't run this organization based on politics," Bassett said. "This is a business. There's no political pressure here to do anything."

Wojtaszek started with the company in 2010 as general counsel and became CEO in 2016.  His salary is $264,898.

Under the terms of the agreement with Wojtaszek, the CEO will leave his job on Dec. 31. In exchange for foregoing the remaining time on his contract, he will receive a full year's salary.  He must also agree not to take a job or engage with any other entity in the gaming business through 2026.  Other benefits due to Wojtaszek will be resolved through negotiations.

Leach started working at Batavia Downs in 1989 as a staff accountant and earns $221,582 as the chief financial officer. She will leave her position after her sick, vacation, and compensation time, if any, in early spring 2025. She will remain on-premises through Jan. 31, 2025, and will split time between home and office in February. For the remaining time on her employment contract, she will be paid half her annual salary.

White was named VP of administration in 2012. His salary is $155,168.

He will continue working through April 30.   At that time, he will use up any remaining sick leave and vacation time. He will receive half of a full year's salary.

The resolution authorizing the "negotiations" authorizes Bassett to form a search committee for new executives.

The resolution passed 14-1, with Tim Callan, representing Erie County, casting the lone no vote. The seats for Seneca and Wayne counties are currently vacant. Genesee County's representative, Charles Zambito, voted yes.

After the vote, Board Member Vincent W. Horrigan, of Chautauqua County, said, "This cooperation, in my short time here, has achieved incredible results and performance for the counties for the state. That doesn't just happen. It's an incredible leadership team that made that happen. And I would just like to acknowledge the leadership team. They have done absolutely incredible work. Intentions are important, but results are to be congratulated."

Immediately after the meeting, Zambito declined a comment request.

While OTB's revenue and payments to the shareholder municipalities have grown significantly over the past decade, Batavia Downs has been the target of complaints about some of its business practices in recent years.

In November 2023, Western OTB protected $86.4 million in net revenue from racing and gaming operations for the year.  The 17 municipalities that own businesses were set to receive more than $10 million in distributions.

A decade and a half ago, the NYS Comptroller's Office issued a report that expressed concern that OTBs in the state, including Western OTB, were on the brink of failure. Since then, Batavia Downs has expanded gaming, added a concert series, remodeled its event space, started hosting more events, built a hotel, added two new bars, and remodeled its restaurant, with most of that business expansion coming in the past eight years.

The board came under fire for health insurance coverage members received based on a 2008 NYS Comptroller's report that seemingly contradicted previous comptroller's reports.  The report, which is no longer online, reportedly said Western Regional OTB wasn't permitted to provide free health care coverage to board members, even though two prior audits, state law, and case law supported the ability of government agencies that operated as businesses, such at Western Regional OTB, could in engage in standard business practices.

It's common in corporate America to provide health care, along with other compensation, to board members.

Attorneys for Western OTB said providing health insurance was legal, but an outside council hired to review the issue recommended that the board rescind the health insurance perk, which it did in 2021.

In another Comptroller's Audit, the agency found that OTB engaged in poor record keeping for how perks, such as tickets to Bills and Sabres games, along with other events, were distributed to Batavia Downs customers, implying that some tickets went to board members and family members. Contrary to some reporting on the report, there were no allegations of graft or illegal activity related to the perks.  The main issue was that Batavia Downs couldn't account for all of the tickets that were distributed.  At least nine percent of the tickets distributed by Batavia Downs went to non-players.  The facility has since improved its record keeping and tightened the rules around board members distributing and acting as hosts for gamers using the tickets.

The Comptroller also found that Wojtaszek did not properly record his use of a company-provided take-home vehicle.  Wojtaszek admitted that he did not file the proper paperwork and reimbursed OTB OTB $3,000 to resolve the issue.  At the time, the company was in the process of eliminating take-come vehicles and instead providing a vehicle allowance, which is now standard business practice in the United States.

Politicians and some reporters used the audits to misrepresent the issues raised as signs of "corruption." In May 2023, a Buffalo Democrat, Sen. Tim Kennedy, pushed through legislation to restructure the Western OTB board, establishing wasted votes based on county and city population, ending the equal distribution of board member votes among the counties and transferring control of the board to Buffalo and Rochester and Erie and Monroe counties.

The rural counties are suing the State of New York over the changes in voting structure.

"I can only say that I echo what Mr. Harrigan said," Bassett said after the meeting. "They have done a tremendous job. And they deserve, really, the time that they are going to move on and move forward with other endeavors. It's been a pleasure to work with all three of them."

If you haven’t heard or been paying attention, there's been increased focus on water in Genesee County, from drought in some areas causing residents to drive several miles to haul water to their homes and a $150 million Phase 3 water project being mapped out for funding and the physical work, to appeals for citizens to use water judiciously in the face of potential shortages.

The city fire department had to curtail its hydrant flushing this week due to hot temperatures to conserve water. 

City management is dealing with other issues as well, which have been dragging on for the last two years. Here are a few updates:

Seneca Power Partners sought to draw water from a city well, while both Seneca and city management argued their cases to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in 2022. City Manager Rachael Tabelski said the case is still ongoing.

After a more than four-month review process of paperwork and supporting documentation from the applicant, Seneca Power Partners, and from city, town and county management and legal sources, the DEC has opted to grant Seneca a permit to “add Well D at the Batavia Well Field as a new permanent source of water supply.”

The permit has been granted for five years, with the option for Seneca Power Partners to reapply when that time is up.

“We have the same concerns we had when we issued the letters of concern (in July),” Tabelski said. “We outlined our concerns to the DEC, and we will meet with DPW and our legal counsel to determine the next steps.”

At the time, Tabelski wasn't quite certain how the DEC arrived at its decision, given some confusing supporting information. 

“It is my understanding that Seneca Powers’ Application with the NYS DEC to draw water directly from the aquifer is still under review,” she said. “The city, county and town of Batavia continue to work together to prevent this draw of water because the aquifer is a historical low. The aquifer is the city’s primary drinking source of water, which must be protected. Depending on the demand of water and the termperatures we could see shortages in water for customers, and we encourage water users to continue conservation techniques.”

In short, the permit authorizes the withdrawal of up to 698,400 gallons per day, or a total of  26 million gallons per year of water for the purpose of system maintenance, boiler make-up water, and non-contact cooling to support the generation of electric power in accordance with the terms and conditions of this permit. Water will be withdrawn from a new groundwater supply, Well D, located at the Batavia Power Plant.

Given the tenuous condition of the city’s and county’s water supply — with the county issuing similar appeals to taper water usage each summer — The Batavian asked if the city has or is formulating a plan to counteract future potential water shortages.

“The City purchases water from the county but we see ourselves as a partner to the water issues that the county is facing.  We work constantly to assist the county with projects at the Water Treatment Plant to increase water production closer to the permitted level at the plant," Tabelski said. "Over $4 million has been invested in the last four years to make improvements at the Water Plant.

 “In 2022, a WIIA (water infrastructure improvement) grant was secured by the City and County to complete these projects.  At this time, the Batavia Water Plant produces water and services the entire center region of Genesee County."

The Batavian had also asked about the status of the lead survey, however, City Council approved another measure toward this goal during Monday’s business meeting to identify lead water lines in homes.

As a result of a recently passed Lead and Copper Rule, the city will inventory 400 water service lines throughout the city to determine where any lead lines are located. The city issued a request for a proposal to conduct the inventory and made water meter replacements were needed, Water and Wastewater Superintendent Tom Phelps said during Monday’s meeting.

Out of five company bids, a decision was made not to proceed with replacing the meters due to the cost of completing the project, he said. Electro Scan Inc. was the lowest bidder for the inventory portion, coming in at $375,000. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of September, he said. 

“We will not be using an intern for this project as the timeline for the Lead and Copper Rule Planning is due in October.  Once we have this data collected, the city will be able to use predictive modeling to gain more insight into the actual number of lead lines and prepare our plans for replacement,” Tabelski said.  “Currently, we have 28 public sector lines identified as lead, 4,054 unknown, and 0 residential/commercial lines identified as lead, with 5,645 unknown.  We need assistance from the community to help us identify lead lines and funding to start replacement.  

"A video was recently released to the school district, and we continue to encourage residents and building owners to fill out our survey online that feeds directly into the City’s GIS system for identification, which can be found here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/40d14e33590842a088144a45cb1eee6c .”

On a related note, a $120 million expansion project at HP Hood was temporarily halted by the city earlier this year because the town of Batavia had been exceeding its wastewater limits and related wastewater facility agreement. That remains on hold, Tabelski said.

“The City continues to remain hopeful regarding the finalization of the updated Wastewater Facility Agreement with the Town of Batavia.  Once the agreement is executed the city will rescind the SEQR challenge to the Hood project specific to the town’s sewer capacity,” she said.  “It’s vitally important, fair, and equitable for both city and town residents that the agreement reflects the town’s current usage of sewer and that the percent of town usage is purchased via a capacity purchase agreement. 

“Once the agreement is executed, both the town and city have agreed and look forward to moving forward with an expansion study of the Wastewater Treatment Plant for the potential for increased capacity,” she said. 

 Tabelski sent the town Planning Board a letter on March 13 notifying the group that the city had not been informed in a timely manner that the town had been established as lead agency for the proposed expansion of process lines at HP Hood on Feb. 13, 2024, and the city did not receive word of that until March 4. The city, therefore, objects to the town acting as the lead agency, Tabelski said.

In addition, ”due to violations of the town’s contracted wastewater capacity limit, the project cannot proceed,” Tabelski said in the letter. 

Anna Varland and  Casper Stewart were honored on Wednesday evening at the Athletes of the Year by the Batavia Coaches Association at Batavia High School's annual Athletic Awards program.

Varland was a standout in soccer, flag football, basketball and softball.

Stewart won the school's first-ever state championship in wrestling and has been accepted into West Point.

Athletic Director Ryan Winchip provided the following list of awards and winners:

Batavia Coaches Assoc. Outstanding Achievement Award: 
This award is presented to student-athletes who won an individual sectional championship, competed at states as an individual or were an all-greater Rochester selection.

Ava Anderson   Indoor Track & Field Sectional Champion; Outdoor Track & Field  Sectional Champion and State Competitor

Jadyn Boyce   Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion; Outdoor Track and Field State Competitor

Mallory Boyce  Outdoor Track and Field State Competitor

Kylee Brennan    Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion

Mekhi Fortes     All-Greater Rochester - Football

Grant Gahagan     Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion

Cameron Garofalo     Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion

Cole Grazioplene     All-Greater Rochester - Football; Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion

Jenna Higgins      Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion

Cooper Konieczny     Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champ; Outdoor Track and Field State Competitor

Jameson Motyka      All-Greater Rochester - Ice Hockey

Adyson O'Donnell     Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor

Parris Price     Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion

Ella Radley     Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor

Campbell Riley     All-Greater Rochester - Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field; Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor

Izzy Scott     Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion  

Ella Shamp    Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion; Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor  

Sheldon Siverling   All-Greater Rochester - Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field; Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor; Outdoor Track and Field State Champion - Shot put

Madeline Smith     Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion; All Greater Rochester - Outdoor Track and Field; Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor

Harrison Southall   Swimming and Diving Sectional Champion and State Competitor

Helaina Staley    Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion

Casper Stewart Sectional Champion and Wrestling State Champion 145 pound weight class

Jessa Stewart   States - Outdoor Track and Field

Nevaeh Thomas   States - Outdoor Track and field

Anna Varland   Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor

Isaac Varland   Outdoor Track and Field State Competitor

Karizma Wescott    Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion; Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor

Ava Wierda   Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor

The James Pacino Memorial Scholarship
Recognizing a graduating senior from Batavia High School carrying a minimal final average of 85 and who has had successful involvement with the Wrestling program at BHS.  ($500 & certificate)

Casper Stewart

Burk Family Scholarship for Excellence in Track and Community Service:
This award recognizes a graduating senior from Batavia High School who has a minimal final average of 85 and has had successful involvement with the track program at BHS. Furthermore, the applicant should be involved in serving their community through projects in school or outside of school. ($300 & certificate)

Donavin Solis

Burk Family Scholarship for Excellence in Football and Community Service
This award recognizes a graduating senior from Batavia High School who has a minimal final average of 85 and has had successful involvement with the football program at BHS. Furthermore, the applicant should be involved in serving their community through projects in school or outside of school. ($300 & certificate)

Brock Warren

Thomas Ricci Memorial Scholarship
This award is presented to a BHS graduate who, in the estimation of the nominating committee, best exemplifies the attributes of Coach Thomas J. Ricci, Sr., insofar as sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and dedication to excellence in the sports of cross country and track and field.  The recipient may not necessarily be the best athlete, but will have worked hard to improve and succeed.  The recipient must have a clear goal for the future.  ($500 & certificate)

Jadyn Boyce

Daniel VanDetta Memorial Scholarship
This award is presented to a BHS graduate participating in football and baseball and exemplifies qualities of dedication, leadership and team spirit  ($200 & certificate)

Mekhi Fortes

Outstanding Physical Education Student Award
This award is presented to one male and one female student from the senior class who demonstrates 100% effort all of the time, who demonstrates sportsmanship, understands the value of being active, is a leader in their environment and maintains an A average in Physical Education. These students are also active in the community through community service and/or club participation.   (Certificate)

Male – Hunter Mileham

Female – Prudence Favaloro

United States Air Force Scholar Athlete
This award is presented to one male and one female student who have excelled in both academics and athletics. (Certificate)

Male – Quintin Cummings

Female – Grace Parker

United States Army Reserve National Scholar-Athlete:
This award is presented to a senior girl and boy who have excelled in both academics and athletics.  (Certificate) 

Male – Owen Halpin

Female – Julia Preston

United States Navy Outstanding Athlete Award
This award is presented to male and female varsity-level athletes who demonstrate honor, courage, and commitment and are positive role models within their peer groups. Award recipients are the most inspirational and demonstrate these values both on and off the athletic field. (Certificate)

Male – Harrison Southall

Female – Giana Mruczek

United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award:
This award is given to a male and female 9th-12th grade student-athlete who participates in a varsity sport, are exemplary young citizens and role models for younger students, and best exhibit the personal traits of courage, poise, self-confidence and leadership.  They need not be your most outstanding athlete, but one who has exhibited this unique combination of qualities while performing in high school sports.  

Male – Noah Whitcombe

Female –Lily Jo Wagner

Varsity Club Award:  
This award is in recognition of Batavia High School senior athletes who have demonstrated a high level of athletic proficiency, sportsmanship and dedication.  Please hold your applause until all recipients have been called. (Certificate) 

Ethan Bradley, Josh Budzinack, Brian Calderon, Ryan Cox, Julia Clark, Dane Dombrowski, Caleb Henning, Aleeza Idrees, Orion Lama, Tymothey Murrell, Ryan Plath, Parris Price, Emmanuel Richardson, Anna Stevens, Quinn Woeller

The Maddy Bartz Memorial Cheer Scholarship  
This award is given to a graduating Varsity Cheerleader who best represents a passion for cheerleading and an exemplary care and dedication to fellow teammates. ($500 & plaque)

Sophia Antonucci

Jason “Joy-a” Gioia Memorial Scholarship
This award is given in memory of Jason Gioia. The recipient has been active and shown dedication to school activities and the community. ($500 & certificate)

Cole Grazioplene

Dr. Pierce Sportsmanship Award 
This award is presented to a deserving male and female senior student athlete who in the opinion of coaches best exemplifies the true spirit of good sportsmanship in competition.  (plaque)

Male –Patrick Suozzi

Female – Sophia Moore

Batavia Coaches Assoc. Scholar-Athlete Award: 
This award is presented to a senior boy and girl who has a 90 or above cumulative average, participates in one or more sports and who values outstanding achievement in academics and athletics. (plaque) 

Male - Nick Martinucci

Female – Aleeza Idrees

Batavia Lions Club Athletic Award
This award is presented to a deserving senior who has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability, citizenship and scholastic ability – (certificate)

Isabella Walsh

Project Play WNY Multisport Athletic Award
This award is given to a male and female senior who has demonstrated a commitment to their teams through a willingness to help, teach and assist their teammates and coaches and served as a positive and relatable role model through positive sportsmanship and great attitude on and off the court or field. Succeeded in the classroom by maintaining academic eligibility throughout their high school career. Made a positive difference to the lives of youth at their school or in the wider community. Showed resilience and determination during challenging situations.  (Certificate)

Male – Ben Stone

Female – Kaelee Kelso

1947 Club Athletics Award
This award is presented to a deserving male and female senior demonstrating outstanding participation, effort and ability in interscholastic athletics.  (plaques)

Male – Cole Grazioplene

Female - Ella Radley

Awards of Excellence:
Presented to seniors who have participated in a sport for the Fall, Winter and Spring sports seasons during the course of their senior school year.  Plaque  

Jadyn Boyce, Brian Calderon, Ryan Cox, Mekhi Fortes, Cole Grazioplene, Caleb Henning, Aleeza Idrees, Kaelee Kelso, Nicholas Martinucci, Sophia Moore, Tymothey Murrell, Ryan Plath, Julia Preston, Parris Price, Ella Radley, Emmanuel Richardson, Donavin Solis, Benjamin Stone, Patrick Suozzi, Anna Varland, Isabella Walsh, Brock Warren, Noah Whitcombe

Batavia Coaches Association Athlete of the Year
To a senior girl and boy for outstanding leadership, sportsmanship and athletic performance.  (Plaque and $50 from Coaches Association) 

Male –     Casper Stewart

Female – Anna Varland

The Indian Falls Global Methodist Church hosted its 80th Annual Strawberry Social on Wednesday, serving up not just strawberry shortcake, but also ice cream, brownies, hot dogs, and chicken dinners.

The fundraiser also included an auction and bake sale.

Photos by Howard Owens

Statement from Le Roy Superintendent Merritt Holly:

We are excited to announce that LeRoy Central School District has been approved to provide free summer meals to all kids 18 and under in our community.  Attached to the bottom of this email is the flyer that will be posted around town and in the Genesee Valley Pennysaver.  You can use the QR code on the flyer or the google form link https://forms.gle/rAjaSexjfiUUrBxi7 to pre-register for meal pick up.

Here are some important facts about our Summer Food Service Program:

1. Meal pick up will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30-12:30 at the Wolcott Street School Main Office Entrance from July 9 - August 15

       *Tuesday pick up will provide 2 days breakfast and 2 days lunch for each child

       *Thursday pick up will provide 3 days breakfast and 3 days lunch for each child

       *Children attending LeRoy Summer Academy may bring their food home with them at the end of their school day

       *Home delivery is not available

2. All children ages 0-18 are eligible to receive free meals this summer

        *School enrollment is not required

       *Children from surrounding communities are eligible to receive free meals if their town is not providing them

3. Enrollment is appreciated but not necessary

       *To enroll please use the google form link https://forms.gle/rAjaSexjfiUUrBxi7 or email Melissa Saunders at msaunders@leroycsd.org

       *Children may pick up meals for themselves, a parent/guardian may pick up meals for their children, or a parent/guardian designated adult may pick up for a child

       *Please do no pick up for multiple families in your neighborhood.  We are required to keep a roster with designated pick up information

4. Our summer meals will contain your child's school year favorites including fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, 100% fruit juice, and NY state dairy products

       *All meals will require no preparation and will be ready to eat or only need a short time in the microwave

       *Medically documented food allergies will be accommodated

       *Menus are available on Nutrislice.  Please use the menu link on the school website Quick Links or food service page.  https://leroycsd.nutrislice.com/

Please contact Melissa Saunders at 585-768-5509 or email msaunders@leroycsd.org with any questions or concerns.  We hope to see you this summer!

Press Release:

The opening concert of the Batavia Concert's Band Centennial Season has been moved to Stuart Steiner Theatre tonight (Wednesday evening) at 7 p.m. due to the forecasted weather conditions.

Please join us to celebrate our season with some special guests, awards, proclamations, and of course, some fantastic music!

 

Press Release:

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney once again decisively defeated perennial failed candidate Mario Fratto in tonight’s primary in NY-24.

“I am grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support from the voters of NY-24 tonight. This landslide victory proves that voters are united behind our aggressive advocacy on behalf of the hard working people of NY-24 and will not be fooled by desperate lies and baseless attacks from a perennial, failed candidate,” Tenney said. “Our strong work to secure both the northern and southern borders, our relentless fight to protect Second Amendment rights, and our leadership on key issues facing our constituents was heard resoundingly by the voters. Finally, we will now work tirelessly to deliver President Trump back to the White House to return the prosperity and strength to our region that is so badly needed to save our great nation from the disastrous Biden Administration," Tenney continued.

At the time of this release, Claudia Tenney held a commanding lead winning 2-1 with nearly 61% of the vote including winning 13 of 14 counties.

Across two primary elections, perennial failed candidate Mario Fratto spent well over $800,000 that we can account for, trying to divide the voters of NY-24, only have his chances for victory erased 18 minutes after the polls closed. Fratto even failed to win his home county. 

Press Release:

The New York State Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration, today advised motorists that State Route 63 through the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in the Town of Alabama, Genesee County, will close to accommodate a federal culvert replacement project beginning July 1. The closure is anticipated to be in place until September 1.

Motorists are encouraged to follow the posted detour that utilizes State Route 77, Gasport Road, and State Route 31. Local traffic will be able to access Route 63 up to the immediate work zone. Access to the refuge will remain open for the duration of the closure.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays and build extra travel time into their schedule. Construction activities are weather-dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

Press Release:

Tom and Marci Redband invite young athletes to hone their basketball skills this summer at the annual Redband Basketball Camps. The camps, known for their focus on offensive skills development, will offer separate sessions for girls and youth at two Batavia locations.

The Redband Girls Basketball Camp welcomes incoming 7th to 12th grade girls to Batavia Middle School on July 9-11 and 16-18, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Participants will receive specialized training in guard and forward positions, shooting techniques, ball handling, and competitive gameplay.

For Redband Youth Basketball Camp, open to boys and girls entering 3rd to 8th grade (7th and 8th grade girls as an alternative to the older camp), sessions will be held at Batavia High School on July 9-11 and 16-18, from and will run from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. The program emphasizes fundamental offensive skills, including dribbling, shooting, and passing drills, as well as structured gameplay scenarios.

Participants are encouraged to register early as space is limited.

To sign up for either camp, email player information to Tom Redband at tredband@gmail.com. For additional details, including a preview, visit Redband Basketball on YouTube and Facebook.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is hosting a string of town hall events in Genesee County on Saturday, June 29. Hawley will meet with constituents and discuss the issues that matter to them most. 

These events will give the community the opportunity to let their voices be heard and share their thoughts and concerns about where the state is headed.

“Speaking directly with my constituents is one of the most important parts of my job,” said Hawley. “I hope people show up to share their thoughts and opinions on how we can make New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Saturday, June 29:

• Town of Stafford - Stafford Town Hall, 3903 Route 237 Stafford from 10 - 10:45 a.m.
• Town of Bethany - Bethany Town Hall, 10510 Bethany Center Rd. East Bethany from 11 - 11:45 a.m.
• Village of Alexander/Town of Alexander - Alexander Town Hall, 3350 Church St. Alexander from 12 - 12:45 p.m.

Twenty-seven years ago, Third Eye Blind blasted onto the music scene with a self-titled album that went six times platinum and included the enduring alternative rock hits “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Graduate,” “How’s It Going To Be” and “Jumper.” A double-platinum second album, “Blue,” followed two years later.

Then the radio hits stopped coming, with 2000’s “Never Let You Go” marking the last top 10 single for the band. So it might seem surprising for Third Eye Blind to still be headlining amphitheaters this summer.

But Third Eye Blind’s popularity endures. And Stephen Jenkins, Third Eye Blind’s founding member, songwriter, and singer, noted that turnout for his band’s concerts is actually bigger than ever. 

So how does it feel to live in this kind of welcome reality 27 years after the blockbuster self-titled debut album was released?

“Implausible would be the word probably,” Jenkins said in an early May phone interview. “Really, it just feels like I'm just on this ride, and more than anything else it just reminds me about the basics. It reminds me of the things that I value, which is being musical, being authentic, being in a genuine exchange with the audience. All of those things are the things that remain the most important to me.”

The barrage of top-10 radio hits that launched the band’s career may have dried up after “Never Let You Go” (from “Blue”), but in other ways Third Eye Blind has actually been a resurgent band over the past decade. 

That span has seen Jenkins and drummer Brad Hargreaves -- the remaining members of the early Third Eye Blind lineup -- enjoying a period of stability, with guitarist Kryz Reid, bassist Alex LeCavalier each now in their second decade with the band and keyboardist/guitarist Colin Crev (a member since 2019) rounding out the current lineup. 

With this unit, the personalities and the priorities of the band members have aligned in a way that didn’t always happen with the original band.

“This band, just we love each other,” Jenkins said. “We like to be together and we're like a bunch of puppies. I think what makes this band jam is our sense of empathy, really, more than anything else with each other. We like to make space for each other on stage and that's what makes it jam.”

The current band members not only have the right chemistry, with Jenkins leading the way as songwriter, they’ve been quite prolific. After releasing only two albums over the 15 years that followed the release of “Blue” in 1999, Third Eye Blind has been releasing music at a steady clip, with three full-length studio albums -- 2015’s “Dopamine,” 2019’s “Screamer” and 2021’s “Our Band Aparte” -- and two EPs (2016’s
“We Are Drugs” and 2018’s “Thanks For Everything”), plus “Unplugged,” a 2022 album that featured acoustic versions of song from across the group’s catalog, joining the band’s catalog.

Jenkins feels that along the way, his attitude toward songwriting and recording loosened up, and that accounts for the increased musical output of Third Eye Blind. 

“I think it's really just a lack of judgment,” he said. “I think I was always being hard on myself in the past and I probably still am, but something has improved there. Something has gotten better in some ways and I'm less critical of myself and more able to just get into it, to make music. So I think that's the reason.”

Exactly what songs Third Eye Blind will play on tour this summer is an open question, as Jenkins said the band has plenty of options. 

“We have a lot of music and there's a lot of different stuff that fans want to hear. If you go on Reddit and ask what do you want to hear this summer, if you get 50 different responses, you'll get 50 different songs,” he said. “So we try to do things like almost like being DJs and we kind of try to mix ourselves as a live band and weave in different things back and forth is kind of the idea. So that's how I'm looking at making this set. There's also going to be an acoustic section where we get rid of all the amps and stuff and we play everything with acoustic guitars and (lighter) drums and reimage the songs like that.”

There may also be new tunes available to play, as Jenkins has been busy finishing lyrics and vocals for what could be an EP or album, depending on how things play out and whether Jenkins writes more songs for the project.

“For me it (inspiration) comes when it comes and I don't know how to do it differently than that,” Jenkins said. “I wish I did. But I do have a new album (happening). I’m about done. And so there’s pressure here at the end. It’s going to definitely help me finish it.”

Third Eye Blind will be performing at Darien Lake Amphitheater on Wednesday, July 3.

A financial game of tag (you're it) between city union and nonunion employees now means another raise for the nonunion sector as a way to catch up, according to City Manager Rachael Tabelski.

This past year’s budget included 2.5 percent nonunion raises, up to $8,000 from initial salary figures in 2022-23 for positions including assistant manager, police and fire chief, public works and Human Resources directors.

Negotiations this year reaped a 3.5 percent raise for union employees, which prompted Tabelski to request another 1 percent raise for nonunion employees.

“As part of an ongoing dialogue with council we've talked about the wage compression we see at the top levels of the union, sergeants, detective sergeants, captains, and the non-union counterparts, which are your department heads, you're seeing here today,” Tabelski said during Monday’s conference meeting at City Hall. “We're trying to work on that issue. And as part of doing that council said they would entertain looking at ensuring that nonunion has the same monetary percentage raise every year as the highest non-union contract to keep that wage compression instead of going like this at a stable level. 

"The goal is that we do hope internally that we can attract candidates from inside our departments moving forward. So this year, the nonunion this year, fiscal year 24-25, was awarded a 2.5% rate,” she said. “However, after the contract settled on April 1, the highest raise was 3.5%. So I'm asking for the additional 1% for the nonunion staff, as well as a floating holiday which would bring their holidays to 13 and a half in the near future.”

City Council agreed to bring the request of an additional 1% raise and a floating holiday for nonunion employees to vote at a future business meeting. 
 

James Taylor, the maker of such hits as Fire and Rain, You've Got a Friend, and Sweet Baby James, performed on Tuesday at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Press release:

The New York Lottery today announced one top-prize winning ticket was sold for the Jun 24 TAKE 5 EVENING drawing. 

The ticket was sold at: 

• CROSBY'S located at 64 SOUTH MAIN ST in ELBA, which sold one prize-winning ticket worth $32,520

TAKE 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39. The drawing is televised twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. A Lottery draw game prize of any amount may be claimed up to one year from the date of the drawing. 

The Muckdogs are back in action following a victory against the Niagara Falls Americans. They take on the Auburn Doubledays here at Dwyer Stadium

West (AUB) v.s. Chandler (BAT)

#GoDogs

Press Release:

On Thursday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the Veterans Benefits Advisor will be at the Genesee Country Farmers Market. Distribution of the 2024 Farmers Market coupons will be available for Veterans.  

Genesee Office for the Aging will be at the Genesee Country Farmers Market each Friday in July (5, 12, 19 and 26) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. distributing 2024 Farmers Market Coupons. Qualified seniors must be at least 60 years old and earn no more than $2322 a month for 1 person or $3152 a month for 2 people.

The market is now located in the parking lot across from O'Lacys on School Street between Center and Jackson Streets.