The Batavia Improvement District's annual scarecrows contest is underway with numerous entries lining Main Street in Downtown Batavia.
Each scarecrow is designed and sponsored by a business, organization, or person.
This morning, hundreds turned out for the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's this morning, which started at Dwyer Stadium and meandered through residential streets on the Northside.
In their fourth game of the season, The Batavia Blue Devils once again proved a dominating team on offense and defense beating Pal-Mac 55-0.
Jesse Reinhart was 6-6 passing for 157 yards and three touchdowns.
Jameson Richardson carried the ball three times for 97 yards and two touchdowns.
Cam McClinic gain 79 yards on seven carries and Aidan Anderson scored a TD and ran for 68 yards on eight carries.
Javin McFollins caught two TD passes and Vincent Arroyo and Cole Grazioplene each had a TD grab.
Kaden Marucci had 12 tackles, Garratt Schmidt, seven, and Abel Hammer, six.
To view or purchase prints, click here.
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Sometimes one good deed earns another.
And 10-year-old Maddie Casey and her St. Joseph’s School summer camp peers learned that lesson this week for a project they donated to Batavia Peace Garden. The students, including four who served as leaders from Notre Dame High School, were honored with Certificates of Appreciation Thursday at the Summit Street elementary school.
“We do crafts every day, and we painted some rocks. I used lots of bright colors so they’d stand out,” Maddie, a fifth-grader, said. “Knowing that you’re doing something for someone else, it just feels really good.”
Last month school students and officials heard that several Peace Garden stones had been stolen from the garden property next to Holland Land Office Museum. Project coordinator Stephanie King said that the group members were talking about it and “they were very concerned.”
St. Josephs’s Principal Karen Green read about the theft and “it just struck a chord with me,” she said. Green knew she and her students could help out, especially since they had recently finished a stone decorating project at the elementary school’s summer camp. She and King gathered 30 leftover stones and tasked students to get busy.
“I loved the words they used … one stone said Peace, and another Kindness, and Faith,” Green said. “I’m so glad we touched their hearts. I think a little act of kindness goes a long way.”
It was heart-warming news, International Peace Garden founder Paula Savage said. The original stones were the result of a two-month project completed by Savage and Peace Garden Committee member Dona Tiberio.
“This idea was intended to draw interest for children to visit and enjoy the garden. The very day after we placed the stones, they disappeared. We were devastated,” Savage said. “When we received the phone call from Karen Green it brought tears to our eyes. We could hardly believe these children were so inspired by our story. The children placed their artwork in the garden and it is there for visitors to enjoy.”
First-grader Maggie Spencer helps her mom in the garden at home, and wanted to contribute to the Peace Garden project "because those people felt sad," she said. Maggie painted one of her stones purple and added yellow and blue dots. Receiving a thank-you and knowing she made a difference made it all the better, she said.
“I’m very, very happy,” the six-year-old said.
Batavia Town Historian Berneda Scoins presented the certificates, along with Peace Garden pins. She had previously walked through the garden to see the children’s handiwork and knew “they were created with love,” she said.
“They made me smile, knowing these students added a blessing to the garden,” Scoins said. “We need to embrace our youth and encourage them to continue to be kind and loving. Genesee County and St. Joe’s can be very proud of these young people.”
Garden committee members are celebrating the site’s 10th anniversary. They decorated it for fall and hope the community will continue to enjoy the West Main Street site with each changing season, Savage said.
Photos by Howard Owens
Submitted photo.
Melvin A. Huntley, 40, of Wilkinson Road, Batavia, is charged with rape 1st, sex abuse 1st, and predatory sexual assault with two or more victims. Huntley, accused previously of being a child sex predator and later charged with additional felonies, has been charged again as the result of further investigation by detectives Howard Carlson and Kevin Forsyth. An additional alleged victim was identified. There are no known additional victims. There are allegedly four victims total. Huntley is accused of multiple incidents of sexual assault over a seven-year period. He remains in the Genesee County Jail being held without bail.
Brian Michael Raphael, 33, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and conspiracy 6th. Raphael was allegedly found in possession of cocaine following a traffic stop in the Town of Bergen at 11:15 p.m., June 7, by Deputy David Moore. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to return to court Oct. 13.
Press release:
Mike Rapone, longtime Basketball Coach at Notre Dame HS, has informed the school that the upcoming 2021-2022 season will be his final one at the helm of one of Section V’s most successful boys basketball programs.
His final season will be his 42nd Varsity season and 45th season coaching basketball at ND.
On March 3rd, 2010, he surpassed legendary coach Ed Nietopski’ s 545 career wins to become Section V’s All-Time winningest coach. Coach Rapone has a Varsity record of 708-208 (Winning percentage 77.3) while his JV record of 47-7 includes consecutive unbeaten seasons in 1979 & 1980. Rapone coached teams won State Titles in 1992 & 2001, five regional titles, nine Section V titles (tied for the most all-time of any Section V coach), and 33 Genesee Region Division Championships.
He was inducted into the Section V Boys Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and Notre Dame HS Hall of Fame in 1996.
Winning the 2001 State Championship team provided one of the special memories of his distinguished coaching career as the roster included 11 players (of 13) that were sons of Coach Rapone’s Notre Dame High School classmate, his childhood friends or neighbors from LeRoy and included his son Mikey, his nephew and assistant coach Dave Pero’s son Jeff.
In the past 15 seasons, Coach Rapone feels blessed to have had the opportunity to work closely with his son Mikey watching him learn how to coach as he worked his way up from program assistant to JV Head coach to his current position as Varsity Associate Head Coach. This experience and time together with his son have made coaching at Notre Dame even more fulfilling.
When asked about why now to retire, Coach Rapone commented. “I always said I would know when it was time to move on from the job that I love. Being a basketball coach here has been a big part of my life but it is time. Coaching at Notre Dame provided me with the opportunity to help young men learn how to compete and work as a team while personally growing and maturing as individuals. I take great pride in the adults my players have become. Even though I will miss coaching, the time spent together with the team, and the thrill of competition, it is time for me to move on.”
The school will name Coach Rapone’s successor before the start of the upcoming season to ensure continuity and a smooth transition in the spring. Resumes can be submitted until Oct. 3 to michael.rapone@ndhsbatavia.com or wade.bianco@ndhsbatavia.com
Photo: File photo
Press release:
Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek was joined by Batavia Downs employees to present the Alzheimer’s Association with a $2,000 check to support Western New York patients and their families.
“We could not be prouder of the team at Batavia Downs. As we’ve made our way through the pandemic, we understand now more than ever the need to support our neighbors any way we can,” Wojtaszek said. “We look forward to working with the Alzheimer’s Association and supporting their amazing work for years to come.”
Funds were collected earlier this summer at Batavia Downs' “Rockin the Downs” concert series. Local food vendors donated a portion of their sales on Batavia Downs grounds back to support the regional charitable causes.
Lynn Westcott, Director of Corporate Relations for the Alzheimer’s Association said, “We are very grateful for this partnership and donation. Batavia Downs recognizes the challenges so many people face because of this disease, and they have stepped up to ensure that free, crucial care and support services are available to residents of Genesee County who are living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia, and their care partners. Through consultations, education classes, a 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900), early-stage programs, and support groups, the Alzheimer's Association WNY Chapter strives to make a difficult time a little easier to manage.”
State Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, who is on the State’s Committee on Aging, added; “Alzheimer’s disease is a terrible disease that effects nearly two-thirds of all dementia cases and countless families. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leader in global Alzheimer’s support and research. I share in their vision to have a world without Alzheimer’s and dementia, but without proper funding, that vision cannot come to fruition. Thank you to Western Region OTB for their generous donation to the Alzheimer’s Association for their continued research.”
Batavia Downs and Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) runs a year-round fundraising program to support local charities. In 2021 alone, WROTB has distributed more than $50,000 in various forms, including stay and play certificates, cash sponsorships, merchandise, and tickets.
Batavia Downs also partnered with Genesee County to host a vaccination drive earlier this year where they raffled off a signed Thurman Thomas Bills Jersey, passes to the concerts, and coupons to any of the restaurants at Batavia Downs.
“We’ve always looked for creative approaches to partnerships with charities and worthy causes,” Wojtaszek said. “We encourage anyone who thinks we might be able to play a positive role in helping achieve their mission to reach out to our team to see how we can help.”
Submitted photo: From left, Lynn Westcott – Director of Corporate Relations for Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, WROTB President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek, Connie Czworka, Batavia Downs receptionist and organizer of community outreach efforts.
Press release:
The Batavia City School District’s Board of Education has engaged the services of Genesee Valley BOCES District Superintendent Kevin MacDonald to assist in the search for a new superintendent.
The Board is encouraging input from members of the staff and community on the qualities and characteristics they would most like to see in the district’s next superintendent via virtual informational sessions hosted by Mr. MacDonald.
The virtual informational sessions will be held on:
- Tuesday, September 28 at 6:00 pm
- Wednesday, September 29 at 5:30 pm
A valid email address will be required to register for either session. To register, click here. On the day of your chosen session, you will receive an email with the invitation and link to join the Zoom meeting.
For those that are unable to participate in the virtual informational sessions, there is an optional survey available. The survey will be open from September 21-October 1.
Additional information on the search process and timeline can be found on bataviacsd.org.
Press release:
The Batavia Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in identifying the male pictured. The incident occurred at a local business on August 27th. If you can identify the male, please contact Officer Lindsay at (585) 345-6350.
Press release:
Jason Doohan, 38 of Batavia, pled guilty to one count of petit larceny and was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge in Batavia Town Court on September 21, 2021.
Doohan was originally charged with one count each of Offering a False Instrument for Filing and 4th degree Grand Larceny after an investigation by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi revealed that he failed to report income from scraping metal. He subsequently received $1464 in benefits he was not entitled to.
Doohan has made full restitution to the Genesee County Department of Social Services, in addition to the reduced charges and conditional discharge. He is also disqualified from receiving benefits for one year.
Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of welfare fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services Fraud Unit at (585) 344-2580, ext. 6417 or 6541.
Fletcher M. Royce, 33, of Dunham Road, Varysburg, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, driving while impaired by drugs, and DWI. Royce was located on Galloway Road in Pembroke after deputies received a suspicious condition complaint at 2:24 p.m., Sept. 17, and taken into custody by Deputy Trevor Sherwood and Deputy Erik Andre.
Jesslyn Faustine Bigelow, 25, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Bigelow is accused of harassing another resident of the apartment complex at 3727 West Main Street Road, Batavia. Bigelow was issued an appearance ticket.
Cole Ryan Booth, 31, of Blasdell, is charged with criminal mischief and petit larceny. Booth is accused of damaging a vehicle and stealing its license plates in the parking lot of Darien Lake on Aug. 14. He was arraigned in Darien Town Court and released on his own recognizance.
Alex Dumbleton, 28, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with attempted assault 2nd. Dumbleton, being held at the Genesee County Jail on prior charges, allegedly attempted to kick a corrections officer. Dumbleton was issued an appearance ticket.
Photo by Jim Burns.
Because of rain this morning, Allenview Drive and Garden Drive in the City of Batavia won't be closed today for roadwork.
Bureau of Maintenance Superintendent Raymond Tourt said the planned work has been rescheduled for tomorrow.
Previously: Road closures at Allenview and Garden Drive expected on Wednesday
Press release:
On August 28, 2021, at approximately 1:45 a.m. officers from the City of Batavia Police Department were dispatched to a residential location on South Main Street for the report of potential gunfire. Officers arrived on the scene and found that shots were fired at a residence and that no one was hurt. Officers believe that the victim was the target of the crime, and this was not a random act. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Matt Lutey at 585-345-6311.
Batavia First United Methodist Church at 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia, is hosting a spaghetti dinner this Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. or until sold out.
It features the church's "famous homemade sauce." The meal also includes a chef salad, Italian bread, and brownies.
Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for seniors and for children.
Call for tickets: (585) 343-4708.
Photo submitted by Diana German. Chef and assistant chef Don Rada and Kathy O’Neil.
Amanda Lynn Huber, 39, of Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Huber is accused of switching price tags to make items appear to cost less at the time of purchase while at a store on Veteran's Memorial Drive, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Joshua Lanair Webster, 34, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd. Webster is accused of having physical contact with a victim during an incident reported at 12:51, Aug. 27, on East Main Street in the Town of Batavia. Webster was released on his own recognizance.
Kelly Grace McCoy, 27, of Cambell Street, Rochester, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and failure to keep right. McCoy was stopped at 1:23 a.m., Sunday, in the area of 5236 Clinton Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush. McCoy was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released on an appearance ticket.
William Cappiello, 62, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant, arraigned in City Court, and released on his own recognizance. There was no information was released on the reason for the warrant.
McKenzie N. O'Connell, 18, of Rochester, is charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. O'Connell is accused of encouraging/exposing children between the ages of twelve and fifteen to engage in sexual behavior. Her bail status was not released.
Winston A. Lockhart, 26, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Lockhart was allegedly found in the company of a protected party in violation of a stay-away order. He was issued an appearance ticket and turned over to the Albion Police Department on a warrant.
Rachil J. Oliver, 49, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to stop at a stop sign. Oliver was stopped by a Batavia police officer at 2:37 a.m., Sept. 12, on Otis Street in Batavia. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Marlena M. Burrus, 34, of Batavia, is charged with owning/harboring an unlicensed dog. Burrus was arrested at her home in Batavia after allegedly being found with an unlicensed dog on Sept. 14. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Press release:
On Wednesday, September 22, temporary road closures will occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. These road closures are for the roadway resurfacing of the following streets (The duration of each closure will be approximately 4 hours before traffic can ride on the treatment):
Allenview Drive: Between Naramore Drive and North Street.
Garden Drive: Eastside between Naramore Drive and end of the road.
Westside between Naramore Drive and Carolwood Drive
ADDITIONALLY: The City parking lots at Lion’s Park and the Canale Lot off of Ellicott Street will be resurfaced and will be closed while work is occurring.
Residents will be notified by Suit-Kote of the actual work schedule via flyers delivered door to door on the impacted streets a day in advance. The work should be completed in one day as long as not delayed.
Residents of impacted areas are asked not to park on these streets while the work is ongoing and to park on adjacent side streets if possible.
This work is weather dependent and if delayed due to wet conditions the work will resume the next business day. The current forecast for Batavia shows rain mid-week so postponements are expected.
Batavia City Schools District board members agreed to continue the search process for a new superintendent during an executive session Thursday, Board President Alice Benedict says. While she couldn’t discuss specific names or details of the session, Benedict confirmed that there are some worthy candidates to consider.
“We are now in the process of setting up interviews with candidates,” she said Saturday to the Batavian. “There will be three opportunities for the community and staff to let us know if they’re interested (in meeting with candidates). They have to send an email to get a link for Zoom.”
The virtual meetings will be announced toward the end of September, with interviews expected to begin in October, she said. A number “less than half a dozen” expressed interest in the position and meet all of the requirements, she said. That is why the district has not yet put out a general open application.
“They are all qualified,” she said.
The superintendent position became vacant this summer when Anibal Soler Jr. announced he was leaving for another job in Schenectady. Interim Superintendent Scott Bischoping has temporarily taken on the role.
More information is to be available soon at bataviacsd.org
Nine years after closing Robert Morris Elementary, city school officials are mulling the idea of resuming it as a school once again.
The idea is in tandem with recommending Request for Proposals of completely renovating the well-used Batavia Middle School. The Board of Education unanimously agreed to move forward with the school’s construction assessment and a cost estimate during Thursday’s board meeting.
Board member John Reigle spoke on behalf of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, which has been conducting a district facilities review.
His mission was to ask the board “to direct our contractors” to conduct a complete review of the middle school to find out how much work and money it would take to renovate and abate the site, he said, and the cost to “bring Robert Morris up to date to facilitate student use.”
Interim Superintendent Scott Bischoping added that it would be ideal to do this site study before any discussions about the next capital project take place.
“Just to get an idea of the cost and what the community would like to do,” Bischoping said. “Eventually you’re not going to be able to put Band-Aids on that building. Many districts have totally gutted and rehabbed their buildings, but there’s a price tag to that.”
The middle school building has been around for quite a while, tucked into the residential neighborhood along Ross Street. It was initially built in 1926 to be used as a high school until Batavia High School was built in 1961 on State Street. Wear and tear and an estimated “significant amount of abatement” would be part of the renovation, which has become clear to the board, Benedict said.
“There’s a lot of dealing with abatement, and it puts a lot of expense on the project,” she said. “Probably in the future, we’re going to have to get some kids back to Robert Morris.”
Abatement, a word commonly used for cleaning up toxic materials such as asbestos, has been identified for the middle school. Bischoping said that it has been very difficult to do any work in the building without disturbing those materials. After the scope and costs have been determined for construction and abatement of the middle school, and any work necessary to get Robert Morris up to speed for full use, the Buildings and Grounds Committee will put forward a recommendation for board vote, Benedict said.
In 2012, city school district officials closed Robert Morris Elementary in an effort to consolidate students and merge the west side school’s population into Jackson Primary and John Kennedy Intermediate. The defunct building at Richmond Avenue and Union Street then became host of a childcare facility and Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (BOCES) classes. The childcare facility has since moved out to another location and Covid ceased the other activities, Benedict said, rendering the site “an empty building.”
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