batavia

Assemblyman Steve Hawley has opened a new district office in Batavia, aiming to make state government more accessible for Genesee and Monroe county residents.

The office is located inside the Cornell Cooperative Extension building at 420 East Main St. in Batavia. Hawley said the move brings his staff closer to constituents who previously had to travel to Albion, the site of his official district office in Orleans County.

“We just decided that it was about time,” Hawley said. “I had talked to Jocelyn Sikorski, the coordinator and director here, about maybe having a space on the first floor for handicapped accessibility. She said, ‘We’ve got just the right space for you.’”

Hawley said his staff will be available at the Batavia office at least once a week, every Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m., with more hours added if needed.

“We need to be visible and accessible,” he said.

Hawley noted that his team has always offered outreach hours in Genesee County, previously operating out of Genesee Community College, and in all four Monroe County towns in his district. The new Batavia office, he said, is a practical step to better serve the community.

“It’ll also be a little closer for folks from Scottsville and Monroe County, up in Sweden too, rather than going over to Orleans County,” Hawley said.

He emphasized that the new location comes at no additional cost to taxpayers.

“No, none whatsoever,” Hawley said. “Spending taxpayer money to have an office -- one office is plenty to pay money for. But when they came forward and said, ‘We’ve got a spot for you,’ it just made sense.”

Hawley represents the 139th Assembly District, which covers parts of Genesee, Orleans, and Monroe counties.

   Batavia’s bats broke loose in the sixth inning, powering a 24-2 victory over Attica on Senior Night, Thursday night, at Dwyer Stadium.

The Blue Devils sent 19 batters to the plate in the sixth, racking up 15 runs on 13 hits. They finished with 24 runs on 23 hits overall, with every starter collecting at least one hit and scoring a run.

“We’ve been struggling to get big hits with runners in scoring position, but tonight it clicked,” Batavia coach Michael Sputore said. “We scored 12 runs with two outs and had 11 hits with two outs.”

Jameson Motyka led the charge, going 4-for-4 with four runs, a double and an RBI. Lakoda Mruczek finished 4-for-5 with three runs, two doubles and four RBI. Brady Mazur, who also earned the win on the mound, went 3-for-4 and drove in five runs.

“Brady threw very well for us tonight, keeping the Attica hitters off balance and challenging them,” Sputore said.

Maggio Buchholz added a triple among his three hits, scoring three times and driving in three. Carter Mullen and Bronx Buchholz each had two hits, combining for five runs and four RBI.

Attica scored in the top of the first, but Mazur settled in, tossing six innings and allowing just three hits, striking out four and giving up one earned run.

“Proud of the boys tonight,” Sputore said. “It was a nice way to bounce back after a challenging week for us.”

Batavia improved to 9-8 overall and 5-3 in league play. The Blue Devils close out the regular season at Brockport on Friday at 5 p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

A 33-year-old Batavia man who was on the Batavia PD wanted list for more than a year before being captured by U.S. Marshals in December appeared in Genesee County Court on Friday morning and turned down a plea offer.

The details of the plea offer were not discussed in court.

Nathan L. Royse was arrested in December and charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, stemming from an incident on April 15, 2023, in Williams Park, where he allegedly attempted to stab another person during a fight during a basketball game.

On June 2, 2023, Batavia City Court issued a warrant for his arrest on a criminal possession of a weapon charge. No information is available on the status of that charge. The police issued a "wanted" press release for the first time in September 2023.

His attorney, Fred Rarick, informed Judge Melissa Lightcap Cianfrini that Royce turned down the plea offer because there was no guarantee that his time for the charge could be served concurrently with any other charge.

At the time of the search, Royse was also on parole for burglary in the second degree and had an active parole warrant.

NOTE: This story has been modified to correct the timeline of events and location of the incident.

A 23-year-old Albion resident admitted in Genesee County Court on Friday morning to taking part in a burglary on May 27 of Batavia Marine on West Main Street in Batavia.

Nathaniel Thompson agreed to a plea agreement that capped his anticipated sentence at 2-4 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 3. If he fails to abide by court orders between now and then, he loses his sentence cap and could face 3 1/2 to seven years in prison.

He pleaded guilty to burglary in the third degree with the intent to commit grand larceny and as a second-time felony offender. In November 2022, he entered a guilty plea in Orleans County to criminal possession of stolen property.

Thompson was arrested in August and initially charged with burglary, criminal mischief, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, grand larceny in the third degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree.

In court on Friday, Thompson admitted to stealing firearms valued at more than $1,000.

Malachi J Nix, 20, of Tonawanda, was also in the case. He was arrested in February and charged with burglary in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, grand larceny in the third degree, criminal mischief in the third degree, and conspiracy in the fourth degree.

The status of his case is not available.

Thompson is currently in custody in Orleans County. 

More than 350 volunteers spread throughout Genesee County on a sunshine-drenched Thursday morning to help repair, clean up, or landscape properties of non-profit agencies.

Thursday was United Way's Annual Day of Caring.

The Batavian visited four of 32 sites -- the Historic Batavia Cemetery, St. Joe's, 400 Towers, and St. James.

Photos by Howard Owens.

A brick wall of a long-dilapidated building at the Harvester Center complex in Batavia collapsed Thursday night as GO ART! staff loaded a U-Haul with stored property, capping a long day of moving as part of United Way’s Day of Caring.

“It sounded like thunder,” said Courtney Henderson, GO ART!’s special events and social media director. “I said, ‘Nope, this is the start.’ The whole top part was caving in slowly, and then it was just a cloud of smoke. It was wild. I’m glad I could get out.”

The GO ART! U-Haul was parked in a courtyard-like area about 100 yards from where the wall collapsed, blocking the tunnel beneath two stories of the building that hasn’t been occupied for decades. The roof collapsed long ago, and the third floor fell onto the second floor.

No injuries were reported.

The group, which included volunteers earlier in the day, had been moving items stored in the Harvester Center in preparation for basement renovations at GO ART! The plan was to transfer everything to the former J.C. Penney building downtown.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski confirmed the city has an active code case on the Harvester Center.

“Unfortunately, that’s what happened,” Tabelski said. “It looks like a portion of this building has collapsed. Thank goodness no one got hurt, and code and fire will assess what to do with the scene.”

Code Enforcement Officer Doug Randall said the building owner will bring in heavy equipment to demolish the unstable section and clear debris, allowing the U-Haul and another rental vehicle to be safely removed.

The city applied five months ago for a Restore NY grant to help demolish parts of the Harvester Center and the old Melton Building. If awarded, the grant would provide up to $1 million for demolition and site redevelopment, with the goal of transforming the area into a mixed-use campus with new businesses, apartments, and public spaces.

“My number one question is, how does Gregory get his truck out?” Henderson said, referring to GO ART! Executive Director Gregory Hallock. “U-Haul is going to have to be super nice to Gregory Hallock because of this incident.”

It appears U-Haul will be accommodating. Hallock told Tabelski that he had already spoken with a representative from U-Haul, who told him not to worry.

Henderson also has a rental vehicle trapped on the other side of the pile of rubble.

Previously: Apparent building collapse reported at Harvester Center

Photos by Howard Owens.

An apparent building collapse has been reported in the Harvester Center Complex, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia.

The reader who submitted the picture said she doesn't believe anybody was hurt in the collapse but two vehicles are now trapped, with the driveway now a dead end because of debris.

City Fire is on scene.

A new solar energy project is moving through the planning process in the town of Batavia. 

At a recent Batavia Town Planning Board meeting, engineers unveiled plans for a 5-megawatt solar array on Lewiston Road. 

The project, they said, promises clean power, smart land use, and a design that aims to blend into the community rather than disrupt it.
A Greener Vision for Batavia

The Batavia Solar project, proposed by Advanced Solar Power Holdings, Inc. and designed by Metzger Civil Engineering, would transform 35 acres of farmland into a solar farm. 

The plan is a scaled-back version of an earlier proposal, now focused on a single array on the northern portion of the property at 8220 Lewiston Road.

Developers emphasized that the project isn’t just about generating electricity, but it is also about doing so responsibly. 

The design keeps the solar panels well away from neighbors, preserves existing trees, and adds new plantings to screen the site from view. The number of utility poles has been trimmed, and the facility will use pollinator-friendly ground cover to support local ecosystems.

Developers said the proposal also reserves space for a future public road in a nod to Batavia's long-term needs, a move that could improve local traffic flow and connect with nearby developments. While the solar company won’t build the road, the town is actively exploring funding and design options as part of its master plan.

Proponents said the project is designed to fit seamlessly into the community: no variances are being requested, and all town setback requirements are met.

A minor subdivision will create a residential lot and leave additional land available for future development.

Developers said transparency is a top priority. They presented a detailed visual impact study showing how the array would look from homes and roads nearby. 

The planning board has launched a coordinated environmental review and scheduled a public hearing for June 3. Local residents, county agencies, and the school district will all have a chance to weigh in before any final decisions are made.

A draft Host Community Agreement and decommissioning bond are in the works. 

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce their next five signings of the 2025 season.

Batavia will welcome back a fan favorite as well as some new faces. 2024 Returner and Batavia Native RHP/OF – Bryceton Berry, RHP – Erwins Branche, RHP/INF – Cameron Copple, RHP – Samuel Gil, and OF – Travis Hammond join the Dogs this summer at Dwyer Stadium.

Bryceton Berry is a 6’1 outfielder and pitcher from Batavia, and a sophomore at Flagler College. Returning for his second season with the Muckdogs, Bryceton brings two-way value to the roster. Last season, he appeared in 13 games, posting a .227 batting average while scoring 10 runs on five hits and collecting five RBIs.

Erwins Branche is a 6’3 right-handed pitcher from the Bronx, and a sophomore at Saint Xavier University. A transfer with experience at both Herkimer College and Jacksonville State University, Erwins brings a strong frame and competitive edge to the mound. During his time at Herkimer, he pitched 22.2 innings and posted a 4.76 ERA.

Cameron Copple is a 5’11 right-handed pitcher and infielder from Tampa, Florida, and a freshman at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. A true two-way player, Cameron has made his presence felt on the mound and at the plate this season. He’s pitched 25.1 innings, posting an impressive 2.13 ERA. Offensively, he’s appeared in 53 at-bats, scoring 6 runs with five RBIs, one triple, and eight doubles. 

Samuel Gil is a 6’4 right-handed pitcher from the Bronx, and a junior at Mercy College and a transfer from St. Bonaventure University. This season, he has logged 14.1 innings on the mound. With a powerful frame and raw potential, he continues to develop his command and effectiveness at the collegiate level.

Travis Hammond is a 6’ outfielder from Stone Mountain, GA, and a graduate student at Saint Xavier University. A consistent presence in the lineup, Travis has started all 46 games this season. Over 138 at-bats, he’s batting .290 with 40 hits, 35 runs scored, seven doubles, three triples, and a home run.

Opening Day is Saturday May 31 at 6:30 p.m. vs the Elmira Pioneers with free post-game fireworks. If you are someone you know has 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.

Submitted photos.

Have you ever seen a tree wrapped in a cozy, crochet sweater? 

If not, head to Downtown Batavia and stop by GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., because a circle of crocheters who meet monthly at GO ART! have completed their first tree sweater outside of Seymour Place.

“We meet every second Thursday of the month,” Melissa Lee explained, as she and her fellow crafters worked to attach the final pieces to the tree. “Gregory (Hallock), who’s in charge at GO ART!, thought it would be a good idea. He came to us about doing tree sweaters. He talked us into maybe applying for a grant. We got the grant, and we’ve been working together to create these motifs to put on the tree.”

The project, which Lee describes as “just a fun project,” is more than just a whimsical art installation. It’s a statement about the versatility of crochet and the power of collaboration. 

“We want to get it out there and let people know, crocheting can be more than just blankets, and old ladies and crocheting,” Lee said.

The group, including Lee’s mother, Debbie Urban, Ashley McClellan, Tim Lee (wearing crocheted pants in photos), and Lee’s father, Don Urban, has poured nearly 80 hours into the project. 

“It’s been a collaborative work for quite a few of us,” Lee said. “We started at 2:30 today and did a lot of work yesterday, pretty much all day, trying to finish it so that we’d have one big kind of blanket-looking piece, so that we could wrap it around the tree. And then we’ve been taking small pieces and just attaching them.”

The finished result is a mosaic of color and texture, accented by the individual expressions of each crocheter. 

“We all had the same pattern that we started with, and then everybody picked their own colors, so they all had their own little spin on it. So it’ll be fun when the ladies come out and they’re like, ‘Oh, that was mine,’ and they can come and look at the tree and pick out their pieces,” Lee said.

The project has become a family affair, with Lee’s mother and husband joining in the fun. 

“My mother is working on the tree out there too, and she was the one who made the pants,” Lee added, referring to crocheted pants worn by Tim Lee.

And this is just the beginning. The group plans to yarn bomb another tree on the side street later this summer, with a new theme featuring crocheted characters, butterflies, animals, and flowers. 

“This one is granny circles. The other one will be little characters, butterflies, animals and stuff and then flowers around. That should be fun,” Lee said.

Arianna Almekinder delivered a stellar performance on Tuesday afternoon, striking out 13 batters and tossing her first varsity perfect game as Batavia cruised to a 19-0 victory over East High.

Almekinder reached a major milestone early, recording her 100th strikeout of the season in the second inning. She was dominant throughout, not allowing a single hit or walk in the shutout win.

Offensive leaders were Violet Lopez, Hannah Carney, Almekinder herself, and Libby Grazioplene..

The win marks Batavia’s third straight victory. 

Press release:

Batavia Boys competed against Greece Olympia/Odyssey on Tuesday and came away with a 110-31 victory.  Winners for Batavia were:

• Jamere Reeves -110 Hurdles (17.3)
• Grant Gahagan - 400m (54.0)
• Cameron Garofalo - 1600m (4:35.6), 3200m (10:56)
• Sheldon Siverling - Shot Put (58-11), Discus (155-10)
• Justin Smith - Triple Jump (39-6.75), High Jump (5-10)
• Da'Von Gallo Williams - 400 Hurdles (1:03.9)
• Cooper Banser - 800m (2:18.0)
• Keagan Calmes - 200m (23.7)
• Cooper Konieczny - Pole Vault (10-6)
• 4x400 Relay - Jamari Irvin, Brandon Currier, Da'Von Gallo Williams, Isaac Varland
• 4x800 Relay - Mason Bellamy, Gabe Flanagan, Noah Richmond, Grady Moore

We also celebrated and recognized our seniors prior to this meet and we have 23 Seniors who have competed with us this year! 

Photos by Kristin Smith. 

Experience the power and intensity of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock opera as Main St. 56 Theater presents Jesus Christ Superstar! This groundbreaking musical brings the final days of Jesus to life with electrifying music, raw emotion, and an unforgettable cast. Purchase tickets here.

Contractors with Soil-King were on Jackson Street in Batavia on Wednesday afternoon, laying down a new layer of soil and grass seed as work nears completion on a $1.3 million project to lay new water lines and replace the sidewalk on the east side of the street.

Batavia received a $1 million CDBG grant to improve the aging waterlines on Jackson Street. The city committed an additional $351,908 of local funds. 

Photos by Howard Owens.

Edna Gruber, Batavia's notorious madam who operated a brothel at 101 Jackson St., Batavia, in the middle of the 20th century, is finally the subject of a book about her life.

With a dab of local scandal and a dash of historical intrigue, David Kinney’s new book, "Batavia’s Disorderly House," shines a fresh light on Gruber. 

On Tuesday, Kinney, a Washington, D.C. resident, was at Eli Fish Brewing Company for a book signing.

Kinney recounted how a story about Gruber getting roughed up at Horseshoe Lake first piqued his curiosity, setting him on a year-long journey to untangle the real story behind Batavia’s so-called “most famous madam.”

Kinney, whose previous work explored the history of Horseshoe Lake, explained that much of what was known about Gruber came from a 1996 "Genesee Country Magazine" article. That account, he said, he found riddled with errors and gaps, especially regarding Gruber’s early years and family background. 

“Many of the things in that article were incorrect,” Kinney said, noting that even Gruber’s granddaughter had been shielded from the true nature of Edna’s business, and family lore was often just plain wrong.

Born Edna Geyer in Buffalo in 1882, Gruber’s early life was marked by hardship. By 13, she was scrubbing floors in barrooms, and she married twice -- first to Joseph Gruber at just 15. 

How she transitioned from these humble beginnings to become the proprietor of Batavia’s most infamous brothel was, until now, a mystery even to her descendants. 

Kinney’s research, however, has resolved the question of how Edna entered the business and uncovered a significant family secret. 

“Most of even the family didn’t know she had a brother, and her brother played a significant role (in her entering the business),” he said.

Gruber’s establishment, regularly raided during Prohibition, was notorious for its clientele and Edna’s ability to retain top legal counsel and pay handsomely for it. Despite her reputation, she was also known for acts of local charity, complicating her legacy in the community.

Kinney said his book will provide new insights into a woman who defied the conventions -- and the censure -- of her time.

Previously: Edna's 'house of ill-repute' funded madam's charity to the community, by Anne Marie Starowitz

Press Release:

The Genesee County Health Department is seeking information about the location of a cat and its owner following a cat bite incident on Thursday, May 8 around 6 p.m. The incident occurred in the Batavia Cemetery (65 Harvester Avenue in Batavia) directly across the street from The Harvester Center.

The cat involved in the incident was running free in the cemetery. It was described as a grey tiger cat of average size with medium-length hair, wearing a collar with two tags-one blue and one black.

The health department would like to locate the cat as soon as possible to confirm that it is healthy. This would indicate that the rabies virus would not have been transmitted at the time of the bite.

If you have information about the location of the cat and its owner, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.

Batavia played in Class B individual sectionals on Saturday.

Saturday's results:

• Finn Halpin advanced to the State Qualifiers
• Halpin defeated Jack Stanton (Pal-Mac)-10-0
• Halpin defeated Nathaniel Chaffee (Penn Yan)-10-
• Halpin lost to Jack Currin (Leroy) in semis, 10- 6
• In a playback match, Halpin defeated Aidan Dallos 0-6, 6-0, 6-0. Halpin advances to state qualifiers
• Talyn Kennedy defeated Brenyn Shulla (Newark)-10-2
• Kennedy defeats Cole Snyder (Wayco)-10-7
• Kennedy lost to Jack McLean (HFL) in qtrs-10-5
• In playbacks, Kennedy lost to Aidan Dallos (Penn Yan)-10-4 (eliminated)

Sunday team results:

Batavia lost to Victor 7-0 to drop to 7-7 on the season.

Team sectionals on Monday. The team's final regular season match is on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at home vs. Greece Athena/Odyssey.

To view or purchase photos, click here.