Photo by Jeff Strollo. Photo and information submitted by Kim Yauchzee.
Le Roy Junior Youth Football won their division's championship yesterday beating Livonia 18-12 in double overtime.
Daniel C. Dilaura, 39, of Brooklyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with felony criminal contempt, unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, criminal mischief, 4th, felony DWI, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, refusal to submit to breath test, obstructing government administration, 2nd, and resisting arrest. Dilaura was reportedly in a vehicle on State Route 39 at Chapman Avenue, Town of Castile, when he was observed in an alleged domestic dispute. Dilaura allegedly held a female in his car against her will. Once Dilaura pulled the vehicle to the side of the roadway, she reportedly attempted to call for help, at which time Dilaura allegedly took her phone away. She was able to get the phone back a short time later and phone 9-1-1. The first officer on scene was Aaron Chase, Perry PD. He reported observing Dilaura exit the driver's seat of his car and begin running away on foot. Chase pursued Dilaura into a nearby field and was able to apprehend Dilaura after an alleged brief struggle. Dilaura was turned over to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Office when deputies arrived. Dilaura allegedly violated an order of protection barring offensive conduct toward the female. He was allegedly found to be driving drunk and has a prior DWI conviction from 2007. Dilaura's vehicle was towed from the scene. He was jailed without bail.
Jerald E. Bliemeister, 43, of Gibson Street, Oakfield, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol and failure to keep right. Bliemeister was stopped at 3:37 a.m. Sunday on Route 354 at Schad Road, Town of Bennington, by Deputy Colin Reagan, Wyoming County Sheriff's Office, for an alleged traffic violation.
Three 17-year-old Batavia residents are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youths were allegedly found in possession of marijuana by Batavia PD at 2:15 a.m. Saturday on Walker Place, Batavia (behind Batavia Middle School).
Richard A. Brink, 32, of 1625 Culver Road, Rochester, is charged with disobeying mandate. Brink allegedly violated a court order by contacting a protected person.
Anthony Daniel Micucci, 19, of Bonnie Brea Drive, Darien, is charged with petit larceny. Micucci allegedly entered the vehicle of another person without permission and stole personal property. Micucci was jailed on $2,500 bail. Micucci was also charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and possession or consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Amara Michele Dahn, 23, of Royce Road, Varysburg, is charged with petit larceny. Dahn is accused of stealing merchandise from Kmart.
Jorden Mackenzie Charcholla, 23, of Fairgrounds Road, Byron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right, speeding and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a public highway. Charcholla was stopped at 11:12 p.m. Friday on Townline Road, Byron, by Deputy Joseph Corona.
Amy S. Hofert, 40, of 67 Mechanic St., Elba, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Hofert allegedly punched another person in the nose.
Mark Anthony Antinore, 35, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Antinore allegedly threatened another person with physical injury during an argument.
Shadow S. Jonathan, 18, of Basom, is charged with assault, 2nd, and criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Jonathan was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident Sept. 13. No further details released.
Kyle A. Arne, 19, of North Tonawanda, is charged with petit larceny. Arne is accused of stealing from a location on Veterans Memorial Drive.
Photos and information submitted by Aaron Brown.
Last week, the Pembroke Intermediate School celebrated Red Ribbon Week. Throughout the week, students and staff participated in Spirit Days, celebrating choosing a life that does not include drugs. The week concluded with a school-wide assembly and balloon launch.
One car has hit another vehicle, knocking that vehicle into the garage at 79 Clay St., Le Roy.
The garage is partially collapsed.
There are no injuries reported.
Le Roy fire is responding.
UPDATE 11:50 p.m.: A patient is being transported to UMMC.
Submitted by Jen and Jackie Witt.
Ken and Jackie Witt took their 1922 Model T Ford out for a Sunday drive today and thought the mural on the back of Center Street Smoke House in Jackson Square was the perfect backdrop for a picture.
Submitted by Lisa Rapone.
Pictured are some of the participants at a Breast Cancer Workout held yesterday at Batavia Cross Training.
Submitted by Jodi Wolfley.
Austin Wolfley with his nine-point buck he shot in Alexander.
We live in an interesting time and place. Our county (Genesee, NY) consists of about 60,000 residents scattered around 13 towns, six villages, and the City of Batavia across about 500 square miles of largely agricultural space. Those 20 municipalities each have their own government structures with their own elections (surprisingly not all managed by the Genesee County Board of Elections) and their own net costs to taxpayers.
The City of Batavia consists of about 15,500 people (which is essentially a quarter of the total Genesee County population) who are represented by three elected County Legislators at the county level as well as nine elected representatives (one for each of the City's six wards and three additional at-large officials) on City Council. Genesee County Government alone employs more than 700 people -- those are government employees!
According to statistics published by Zoom Prospector, the government sector in all of Genesee County employs more than 6,000 people (those are all public-sector jobs and include teachers, law enforcement, et.al.)! That's a lot of government for the 15,500 people in the City and the 60,000 people in the County. That also translates to a lot of non-wealth-generating expense for Genesee County taxpayers.
Contrast that with the City of Weston, Fla. Weston consists of about 67,700 people with an elected government of five people and a whopping nine additional employees. That's right, a total of 14 government employees manage the entire government for 67,700 people!
Now I realize this is an apples-to-oranges comparison on some levels, but even if county-provided services (e.g., Weston contracts the Broward County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services -- yes, a county-run police force can effectively cover a city, in fact, multiple cities of substantial size) are included, Weston does not come anywhere near the County's 700 (more like 800-plus if you count all the municipalities in Genesee County) and certainly not 6,000 government employees for its 67,700 people. Yet Weston has streets, parks, sidewalks, businesses, homes, services, and everything else (except the same weather and state income taxes) we have in Genesee County.
It's time we look closely at the way we have been running government in Genesee County. Justifying three paid county legislators because Batavia is a third (or more accurately a quarter) the Genesee County population is not logical.
Are the needs of the citizens in the three legislative districts for the City of Batavia any different at the County level? Couldn't a single county legislator effectively represent the City? However many paid county legislators makes sense -- how about they retain an attorney as necessary and hire a county manager who then hires a clerk, treasurer, and a handful of department heads. Then contract the rest of the work out to the public sector and augment with part-time employees when necessary.
I realize it's not that simple to implement in a snap, but why can't we envision the optimum solution and put a plan in place to make it a reality? Why do we allow ourselves to perpetuate inefficiency? Do we really need nine elected officials on Batavia City Council? We elect multiple highway superintendents, clerks, judges, attorneys, coroners, treasurers, et.al., across the County and our various municipalities. Then an army of government-hired employees is assembled to perform everything government decides to undertake.
Why? How are the citizens of Genesee County benefiting from it all? Do we really need 6,000-plus government employees in Genesee County? Can we prosper with that proportion of government employment? Can we even survive? Should government even be in the business of providing services that are already available in the private sector, especially when the government-provided services are not fiscally responsible to all taxpayers?
If you believe government as a whole in the country is bloated, consider that about 15 percent of our active national workforce is employed in the public sector. That IS substantial and unsustainable. Meanwhile, here in Genesee County, about 20 percent of our active workforce is employed by the government! And on average, those public employees are paid as well as or better than most of the remaining 80 percent of the workforce in the County!
Genesee County has become a microcosm of all the problems we see at the state and federal levels: attempting to do too much with too many fingers in the pie. Let's get back to basics. We don't need to reinvent the wheel, we just need to strive for efficiency. Nay, we need to excel at efficiency! We need to stop expecting government to fill every role in our community and instead give citizens back the power, resources, and freedom to invest in solutions that work best for them.
We're on the verge of electing a new County Legislature -- let's elect the candidates who are unafraid to relinquish control and advocate an efficient, streamlined government.
For reference, here's a blog (sorry, it's 18 months old) on how Weston does it:
GO ART! presented its annual Community Arts Awards Saturday at Terry Hills.
Above, The Humans, presented with a Community Arts Award for "making an indelible mark on music history in Orleans County and Western New York."
Here's a video of their song "Warning."
[videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-4qHr-9MXI]
Barb Toal receives a Community Arts Award from Diana Kasten on behalf of the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden. The award was for "dedication, drive and leadership in developing a unique cultural asset in the community."
Laura Gardner, owner of A lily & A Sparrow in Medina, with her award for "opening up new avenues of personal expression and creating a unique cultural experience in Medina."
Carol "Kay" McMahon, with Bill McDonald, who presented her award for "sharing musical and performing arts talent and encouraging the love of music in others." McMahon and McDonald then performed a song with their band The Old Hippies, which was also the house band for the night.
Mary Pat Hancock, chair of the County Legislature, was presented with a Special Recognition Award for her patronage and recognition of art and culture in Genesee County.
New this year is the Linda L. Blanchet Award, which consists of an award and a $500 scholarship for an artist from Orleans or Genesee county to assist the artist in the ongoing pursuit in art as a profession. The first winner was Joe Waszak, a fine art photographer from Orleans County. Examples of Waszak's work can be found on the Oak Orchard Review.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley was the emcee for the evening.
Not pictured, Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian, who was presented with a Community Arts Award for "promoting the arts and cultural life in Batavia and integrating artistic visual imagery in reporting."
NEW TODAY! Casa Del Taco, 234 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Mexican food lovers will delight in this new eatery that makes tacos and burritos "the way you want 'em" plus it offers other items like taco salads, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, churros, and chili. Choose from a variety of toppings, including jalapenos, black beans, cilantro and guacamole. There are also several varieties of salsa to select from, such as corn, mango, verde, and sweet Thai ranch. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Saturday; closed Sunday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.
Sweetland Pines Golf Course, 5795 Sweetland Road, Stafford, NY: Sweetland Pines is a par 3 golf course, great for beginners and experienced golfers working on the short game. Relaxed golf game, average play is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, leaving the golfer time to enjoy the rest of the day. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.
Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.
Dave's Ice Cream, 3872 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY: Dave's offers only locally purchased products, including Perry's hard ice cream in a wide variety of yummy flavors, with a wonderful assortment of toppings and homemade waffle cones. Different soft-serve flavors are offered weekly. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.
Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.
T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." Stop in and check out our Jumbo Chicken Wings, Roast Beef on Weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from Super Salads, butcher cut Strip Loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.
Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl, 21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.
Daphne's Restaurant, 241 Swan St., (Off Rt. 63/Ellicott St.) Batavia, NY. Daphne's is destined to become a favorite for any who enjoy something special in a dining experience. Formerly the old St. Nick's Social Club, now unrecognizable to those who used to frequent the club, Daphne's provides you with a warm, inviting atmosphere and decor, which complements the array of wonderful dishes. We offer homemade seafood and pasta dishes, meatballs that are addicting as well as large salads, hot sandwiches & homemade potato chips. Fresh desserts are prepared in our own kitchen (tiramisu has been the top seller so far). We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.
Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, 9 Main St., Le Roy, NY. The kind of downhome, laid-back and comfortable place that just feels right. Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, this eatery and bar features a variety of eats and drinks that are outstanding. Specializing in smoked meats -- each meat is dry rubbed with a proprietary mix of seasonings, then smoked slowly in their on-site smoker for maximum flavor and tenderness. With a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, combo platters and entrées, there's always plenty of choice for even picky eaters. Great food, frosty brews and some of the best folk around call the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew their favorite -- make it your favorite today! Don't forget to ask about our catering! We have a $20 gift card for $12.
Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.
The Color Salon, 35 Center St., Batavia, NY: Our attention to detail, combined with the focus on precision haircutting techniques will ensure that your hair will be your best accessory when you leave The Color Salon. We offer all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, up-dos, as well as waxing services. We carry products such as KMS and Paul Mitchell. Now available: Bella Taylor purses! We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.
Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12. (Good only at the Batavia location.)
Sweet Ecstasy Bakery & Cafe, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, NY. A retail and special-order bakery and cafe located in Downtown Batavia inside Seymour Place. Offering a wide variety of items such as cookies, filled cupcakes, quick breads, pies, breakfast pastries, daily. On Fridays, Sweet Ecstasy Bakery offers fresh artisan bread like baguettes, sourdough and rye starting at noon. The custom cakes are out of this world with 3D characters or gorgeous wedding cakes to suit any budget. For all your sweet treats, we have a $10 gift certificate for $6.
Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.
Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.
Santino's Pizza, 2 Main St., Oakfield, NY: We're pizza and a whole lot more! Voted #1 pizza in Genesee County in blind taste test! Santino's features pizza, wings, subs, wraps, ice cream, and more! We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.
Scooter's Restaurant in Le Roy, 140 W. Main Street Road (Route 5), Le Roy, NY: Come see us at Scooter's family restaurant with our friendly atmosphere and homestyle cooking! We offer classic American food with breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. We also offer a full take-out menu anytime. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.
Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Stretch your body and soul with yoga. This offer is for $40 off an unlimited pass for classes during an eight-week session, a retail value of $225. We have a gift certificate for $40 off (so your price would be $185). Not valid with any other discounts or specials.
Greg'ry's Bakery, 13 N. Lake Road, Bergen, NY: The bakery offers a variety of the finest cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, breads, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and so much more. Each treat is made the same as it has been for decades and baked right here. Come in and sample some for yourself! We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.
Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $12.
SOLD OUT
A motor-vehicle accident is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 399. There are said to be three pople with injuries; none are believed to be life threatening. Two Mercy medic units are responding along with the East Pembroke Fire Department.
UPDATE 6:47 a.m.: A third ambulance is called in for a patient with a back injury. No other Mercy rigs are available so a Darien ambulance is requested, mutual aid.
UPDATE 6:53 a.m.: Mercy medic #2 is taking a patient to Erie County Medical Center.
UPDATE 7:04 a.m.: Mercy medic #3 is also taking a patient to ECMC. Darien's ambulance has arrived. State Troopers are on scene.
UPDATE 7:16 p.m.: Darien is taking the patient with the back injury to ECMC, too. The East Pembroke assignment is back in service.
A possibly intoxicated female in her 20s and dressed as a mummy is reportedly going door-to-door on Hilltop Drive in Le Roy and showing people a picture of a dog on her mobile phone asking people if they lost a dog.
Le Roy PD dispatched to see if there are any mummies in the neighborhood.
UPDATE 11:48 p.m.: The mummy was DOA GOA (gone on arrival). The Le Roy patrol is back in service.
Alexander will play for their first sectional championship in school history after defeating Notre Dame, 28-0.
When these teams met in September, it was Notre Dame who dominated the game from start to finish, but this time it was Alexander.
Alexander held Notre Dame to 25 yards of total offense and two first downs for the entire game while controlling the ball for over 36 minutes.
“I think defensively we were rock solid -- all 48 minutes,” said Alexander Head Coach Tim Sawyer. “We looked at how Attica beat them a week ago, and we played our defense but we did take some things from them.”
The two teams that tied for the Genesee Region League title played to a scoreless draw in the first quarter, but in the second the Trojans' offense started clicking.
Alexander notched the first touchdown of the game after the two squads traded fumbles at midfield after Tyler Laird punched it in from a yard out five minutes into the second quarter.
Notre Dame struggled to move the ball with any consistency in the first half, but then disaster struck as star quarterback Tim McCulley was forced to leave the game with an injury that would sideline him for the remainder of the game.
The Irish did come up with a big defensive stand as time ran out in the first half, stopping Alexander on fourth down to keep the score 6-0 heading into halftime.
The second half was all Alexander though.
The Trojans took the first drive of the half and finished it off on a one-yard touchdown plunge from Dylan Scharlau.
Disaster would strike again for Notre Dame on the ensuing possession after the ball was snapped over backup quarterback Joe Zickl’s head, giving Alexander the ball deep in Irish territory.
It wouldn’t take long for the Trojans to capitalize as Nelson Burke found freshman Derrick Busch on a 13-yard touchdown as Alexander scored for the second time in 20 seconds to go up 19-0.
After McCulley’s departure from the game, Notre Dame had difficulty with the quarterback-center exchange for the entire second half, fumbling the ball five times.
Meanwhile, the G-R League’s leading rusher had another huge game for the Trojans, as Scharlau carried the ball 30 times for 161 yards and a touchdown. The senior has rushed for more than 100 yards in all eight games this season.
“I knew they were keying on me,” Scharlau said. “I think we have the best line in the G-R League. I can’t gain yards without having them push people out of the way.”
Alexander would put the finishing touch on the game, sacking Zickl in the end zone for a safety early in the fourth quarter.
Tristan Aldinger would score the final touchdown of the game for the Trojans on a seven-yard run to make the score 28-0.
Before leaving what would be his final high school game, McCulley only managed to complete 3-of-11 passes for 41 yards after a record-setting season, and it was clear that the complexion of the game changed after his departure.
“I thought our defense played fantastic all game,” said Notre Dame Head Coach Rick Mancuso. “If you told me we had to play Alexander without Timmy, I would have thought it would have 60 or 70 (to nothing). We really played very well, we got caught with a few missed exchanges with the change at quarterback but I really thought we played very well.”
Alexander (7-1) will play top-seeded Clyde Savannah next Sunday at Sahlen’s Stadium for the Class D sectional championship.
“It’s big, but I think our kids are really grounded,” Sawyer said. “The most important game in our philosophy is the next one. We really don’t want them looking ahead too far and we really had a good week of preparation.”
After winning the Class D title a year ago, Notre Dame will end their season 6-2.
“We had a great run and a great group of guys,” Mancuso said. “We are thankful for the seniors and the effort that they gave. It was a great ride and we look forward to getting ready for next season.”
McCulley finishes his final season 83-for-165 passing, 1,388 yards and 25 touchdown passes.
Top photo: Scharlau breaks free on a long run in the first half.
McCulley was sacked four times during the first half. Here he's swamped before he could even look for a receiver shortly before the end of the half. It was McCulley's last series in the game. He was apparently injured a couple of plays before this sack.
Laird broke off a few long runs as the Trojans' secondary back.
Derrick Busch hauling in a third-quarter TD reception.
To purchase photos, click here.
A fight with combatants using baseball bats is reported at 8719 Lake St. Road in, or near the north end of, the Village of Le Roy. Cars of possible participants are parked roadside, and a male allegedly involved, walking northbound, is now being spoken to by an officer. Other officers are speaking with other alleged participants as well.
A driver struck a house garage at 4982 Route 63, south of Shepard Road. The driver is out and "okay" but there's heavy and "significant" structural damage to the garage. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding and Mercy medic #1 is on scene.
UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: The house is for sale and unoccupied. The driver did not require transport to a hospital and Mercy medics are back in service. A tow truck will be responding to haul away the vehicle.
About 10 people were reportedly fighting on North Pearl Street near Forest Avenue in Oakfield, but they'd left the scene when Sheriff's deputies arrived. Some people walked by a house where about 10 people live and words were exchanged, allegedly prompting a fight. One of the suspects is said to be wearing blue and has a broken nose. Officers are investigating.
Le Roy Christian Community Project hosted a three-on-three basketball tournament today at Le Roy Physical Therapy. Here are some shots from one of the games.
There were nine teams and about 30 players participating.
New location, new recipe, but same big success this year for the annual Pancake Days breakfast put on the by Kiwanis Club of Batavia.
Because of remodeling at the First Presbyterian Church, the event was moved to Daphne's on Swan Street this year.
Top photo, Sheriff Gary Maha pours out another batch of pancakes.
Andre Dunlap pauses from serving to enjoy his own breakfast.
Matt Landers, Anita Strollo (who chaired the event this year) and Dunlap.
Travis Sick serves breakfast.
Ben Falker, a 16-year-old who was seriously injured in an ATV accident in Corfu in August, is the focus of a fundraiser Sunday (Oct. 27) at Holy Name of Mary Church in East Pembroke.
"Ben's Brigade" will hold a chicken BBQ, Chinese auction, 50/50 raffles, and bake sale to help his family offset the medical expenses. It all begins at 11 a.m.
He is the son of Kenny Falker and Cheryl Kelso Falker-Spencer, and a student at Pembroke High School.
There will also be other food items for sale and music. The East Pembroke Fire Department is preparing the BBQ, which costs $10. The Chinese auction will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and T-shirts will also be for sale.
The church is located at 8656 Church Street, which is between Main Road (Route 5) and Angling Road.
For more information, contact Brian Fix at 815-9512 or Don Newton at 813-4033.
"Ben is working miracles but still has a long road to recovery," organizers say. "Please help Ben and his family in their time of need."
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