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Stafford Historical Society meeting to feature historian on 'American Culture and Cookbooks in Genesee County 1830-1920'

By Billie Owens

The Stafford Historical Society will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015 at 7 p.m. and the guest speaker is Michael J. Eula, Ph.D., Genesee County historian.

His presentation will be "American Culture and Cookbooks in Genesee County, New York, 1830-1920." The meeting is at the Stafford Town Hall at 8903 Route 237. All are welcome to attend the free presentation.

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Law and Order: Woman charged after leaving cat in car on hot day, inside was 116 degrees

By Billie Owens

Elaine Maria Beachy, 44, of Comet Road, Warsaw, is charged with confinement of companion animal in a vehicle in extreme temperature. Beachy was issued an appearance ticket for Oct. 1 in Town of Batavia Court after she allegedly left a cat in a vehicle Sept. 6 in a parking lot on Veterans Memorial Drive. Outside temperatures were estimated to be about 89 degrees while the interior temperature of the vehicle was estimated to be about 116 degrees. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Graff, assisted by Deputy Ann Brade.

Dennis Lee Majors, 62, of Clinton Street Road, Stafford, is charged with second-degree harassment. Majors was arrested Sept. 5 following a report of a domestic altercation wherein he allegedly grabbed and pushed another person. He was arraigned in Town of Stafford Court, released on his own recognizance, and is set to return to Stafford Court on Oct. 8. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Graff.

Eric Cosimo Pellegrino, 32, of Firestone Street, Lackawanna, is charged with driving while intoxicated, following too closely, and having a controlled substance outside its original container. Pellegrino was arrested at 11:09 p.m. on Aug. 2 on the charges following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Robert T. Hanlin, 40, of Alexander, is charged with operating motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, 1st, and moving from lane unsafely. He was issued uniform traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Bergen Court on Oct. 7. On Sept. 6, Troopers responding to a 9-1-1 call of an erratic operator on State Route 33 in the Town of Bergen, were waived down by a concerned citizen who alerted them that the vehicle had driven on the opposite side of the roadway on several occasions and the operator, later identified as Hanlin was in the Bergen convenience store. Hanlin failed to properly perform field sobriety tests and was transported to SP Batavia where Genesee County Sheriff’s DRE Deputy completed a drug evaluation which indicated Hanlin was impaired by drugs and unable to operate a vehicle safely.

A 16-year-old who lives on Walnut Street in the City of Batavia was arrested Aug. 27 and charged with petit larceny. The teen allegedly stole a backpack, an iPad, and a Sumsung tablet from another person. The teen was issued an appearance ticket and is to appear in Batavia City Court on Sept. 15. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Malik I. Ayala, 23, of Lydun Drive, Albion, is charged with petit larceny. On Sept. 5, Ayala was arrested for allegedly stealing a bicycle on Aug. 27 from another person. Ayala was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on Sept. 15. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Todd M. Holly, 50, of Lincoln Avenue, Le Roy, is charged with first-degree criminal contempt. Holly was located on Gilbert Street in Le Roy and arrested for allegedly violating a full stay away order of protection. He was transported by Batavia PD headquarters by Officer Felicia DeGroot and arraigned in City Court and then jailed without bail.

Kathryn M. Yark, 18, of Roosevelt Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle. On July 18, she was arrested for using a vehicle without permission. She was located at the GC Jail visiting her boyfriend. She was transported to Batavia police headquarters, then arraigned in City Court before being jailed with bail set at $1,000. She is to be in City Court at a later date. The case was investigated by Officer Marc Lawrence.

A 17 year old from Pavilion was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on Sept. 6 and charged with: driving while intoxicated, a Class A misdemeanor; driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or more, a Class A misdemeanor; inadequate exhaust; insufficient tail lamps; unsafe tires; and having more than one passenger under the age of 21 while holding a DJ license, all traffic violations. The teen was arrested following numerous traffic infractions by the Le Roy Police Department. After a brief investigation the subject was allegedly found to be intoxicated. The subject was issued appearance tickets for the charges and is to appear in the Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 28. At this time the name of the defendant is being withheld because of the possibility of a youthful offender status. 

Montel Lee Cunningham, 22, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to obey a child support order. He was arrested on a warrant out of Niagara County Sept. 6 following an investigation into an underage drinking party. He was turned over to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings, assisted by Deputy Andrew Hale.

Andrew Charles Webster, 22, no address provided, is charged with petit larceny. On Aug. 30, Webster was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at Walmart and he was put in GC Jail in lieu of $500 bail. He is to reappear in Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 28. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Parker.

Jacob Nicholas Oddo, 18, of Batavia Elba Townline Road, is charged with trespass. On Sept. 5, he was arrested for allegedly being on the premises of Godfrey's Pond after being told that he needed to leave and not return. He was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Town of Stafford Court on Sept. 24. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings, assisted by Deputy James Diehl.

Jordan Lee Miller, 16, of Batavia Elba Townline Road, is charged with trespass. On Sept. 5, he was arrested for allegedly being on the premises of Godfrey's Pond after being told that he needed to leave and not return. He was issued an appearance ticket to appear in Town of Stafford Court on Sept. 24. The case was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Chad Cummings, assisted by Deputy James Diehl.

Jessica M. Pfenninger, 33, of Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear on a charge of third degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. On Sept. 2, she was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear by State Police in Chili and was taken into custody by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis in Bergen. After being arraigned, she was released on her own recognizance and is to appear in City Court on Sept. 30.

Ryan J. Adkins, 21, of Main Road, East Pembroke, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested on a warrant from Batavia City Court for failure to appear following a traffic stop on July 23. He was jailed and released after posting $500 bail. He is scheduled to appear in City Court on Sept. 16. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Mickey Holliday wins Labor Day bike race at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

The Labor Day bike race at Batavia Downs is a tradition that goes back to 1979 and an event that many of the locals look forward to. This year it was held on Monday (Sept. 7) and the eight drivers going postward were (from the pylons out) Shawn McDonough, Rock Vinci, Lee Dahn, Bradley Jackson, Wade Tomaszewski, Denny Bucceri, Mickey Holliday and last year’s winner, Drew Monti.

It was an uncharacteristly hot and humid 91 degrees as the drivers lined up behind the gate at the quarter pole and the group was sweating before the start. They followed the car to the top of the turn (where the official start was) and pedaled away in a flurry as the wings closed to initiate the contest.

Denny Bucceri sped out to the early lead and set the pace to the top of the stretch. At that point Rock Vinci came out of the pack to take the front from Bucceri. But his advantage didn’t last long as Mickey Holliday swung four-high and barreled down the lane to score a convincing three-length victory. Bradley Jackson snuck up the rail for second and Vinci hung on for third.

Holliday made sure to pedal all the way to the wire this year; a mistake that cost him the win in 2014 when he pulled- up thinking he had the race won.

It was the second time Holliday has won this race besides the second place finish last year.

After the race, Holliday randomly selected eight names from his supporters who chose him to win and presented each of them one of the bikes used in the race.

The annual bike race was sponsored by Crazy Cheap Cars of Oakfield.

Tompkins Insurance agencies ranked among nation's top 100 again

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tompkins Insurance Agencies has been ranked as the 82nd largest independent property/casualty agency by Insurance Journal. This is Tompkins Insurance Agencies premier appearance on Insurance Journal’s list.

Agencies included on Insurance Journal’s top 100 list are ranked by total property/casualty agency revenue for 2014 and comprises only those agencies whose business is primarily retail, not wholesale. This year’s report was published in the Aug. 3 issue.

In July 2015, Tompkins Insurance Agencies was also named as one of the nation’s largest commercial brokers by Business Insurance.

Corfu Free Library's annual Book Sale at Brick House Corners Fair is Sept. 12

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Corfu Free Library’s popular Book Sale will take place starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Brick House Corners Fair on the corner of routes 5 and 77 in the Town of Pembroke.

The Book Sale is perfect for avid readers who want to stock up on books covering a wide variety of topics and authors at amazing prices. This fall’s large selection of used books features titles for all ages of readers.

The used books being sold are items that were donated by residents for someone else to read and enjoy, along with a small number of outdated or discarded materials from the library’s shelves.

In addition to the Used Book Sale, the Brick House Corners Fair, which is sponsored by the Pembroke Historical Association, also features children’s games, a bake sale, pie judging contest, entertainment, historical exhibits and much more.

The Used Book Sale at the Fair is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and is held annually and is a great opportunity for readers to get some popular titles and authors at discounted prices. While residents are there, they can pick up a copy of the Library Survey so that they can share the types of library services they use and rate the library on a variety of items.

For more information about the Annual Book Sale, the survey or any of the programs at the Corfu Free Library, please call 585-599-3321.

The Corfu Free Library provides residents a variety of programs, events  and materials that are listed on the library’s Web site at www.CorfuFreeLibrary.org

Fireyourguns takes third straight Open at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

One of the toughest horses to ever race in upstate New York continued his dominance at Batavia Downs by winning his third consecutive start in the $9,500 Open pacing feature on an 85 degree, late-summer Saturday night (9-5) in front of a full house of race-goers.

It was a battle from the start as Closing Credits (Dave McNeight III) pushed hard for the lead, parking Cobble Beach (Jack Flanigen) and Pocono Downs invader Scott Rocks (Kevin Cummings) two and three wide to the quarter in :26.4. Scott Rocks eventually cleared the front but didn’t slow the pace as the group rambled to the half in :55.1. At that point Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) was sitting last.

Scott Rocks continued his unfettered lead past three-quarters in 1:23.2 when his immediate pursuers started to fan three-across the track at the top of the stretch, forming a wall in front of the trailing Fireyourguns. But undaunted, Caprio dinked inside one horse and dunked around another, finding just enough room to allow Fireyourguns to turn on the afterburners and make up about two-lengths in the final 20 yards and score a breathtaking victory in 1:52.3.

It was the eleventh win in 14 starts for the gelded son of American Ideal and it pushed his 2015 earnings to $68,625 for owners Jennifer and Robert Lowe and Terry McClory, who also trains the horse. The winner paid $9.20.

Saturday was also Drew Monti bobblehead night and the promotion seemed to have a decided effect on the attendance and handle. Not only were all the bobbleheads distributed to anxiously waiting fans, the on-track handle was up 16 percent, making it the second best live wagering night of the season. The overall handle was likewise up 11 percent.

The track also catered to a sold-out crowd in the clubhouse and was encouraged to see a solid group fans on the apron and at the fence. Attendance was estimated at 3,000.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Monday afternoon (Sept. 7) for the annual Labor Day matinee with post time set for 1:15.

(Photos courtesy of Paul White.)

Semi flips on its roof, driver is trapped inside with minor injuries at Route 63 and Fargo Road

By Billie Owens

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(Photos by Howard Owens.)

A tractor-trailer flipped over and landed on its roof at the S curve on Route 63 at Fargo Road in Little Canada. The driver is trapped inside but reports only minor injuries. A Sheriff's deputy is on scene. Bethany and Stafford fire and Mercy medics are responding. There are wires down in the roadway.

UPDATE 2:58 a.m.: The driver somehow managed to extricate himself and was sitting on the guard rail when the first firefighters arrived. He was loaded into an ambulance and is not seriously hurt. He was hauling Chiquita bananas.

UPDATE 3:17 a.m.: A deputy was first on scene, coming across the accident while on patrol. He and a passerby helped the driver crawl from the cab of the truck. The driver was conscious and alert.

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Downtown Batavia Wine Walk

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) will once again hosts its 6th annual Batavia Wine Walk from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3rd.

Tickets are now available for purchase at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle (8 Center St.; 343-0584), T-Shirts, Etc. (37 Center St.; 345-1997), Valle Jewelers (21 Jackson St.; 343-3372), and The YN Godess Shop (73 Main St. 343-3170).

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Sixth annual Batavia Wine Walk downtown is Oct. 3, FYI -- tickets sell fast

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) will once again hosts its 6th annual Batavia Wine Walk from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3rd.

Tickets are now available for purchase at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle (8 Center St.; 343-0584), T-Shirts, Etc. (37 Center St.; 345-1997), Valle Jewelers (21 Jackson St.; 343-3372), and The YNGodess Shop (73 Main St. 343-3170).

Tickets are $20/person which includes wine tastings at local businesses and a commemorative glass. VIP tickets are $30/person and include early admission at 3 p.m., wine tastings at local businesses and a commemorative glass and wine holder tote. Designated driver tickets are $5/person, which includes admission to the event with complimentary drinks and snacks at different participating businesses.

The event is a great way to bring people Downtown, enjoy the fall season, and get to know your local business persons. You must be 21 to participate and show proof of age at registration. Check Facebook for updates, wines, and businesses!

If anyone would like to help decorate the Downtown with fall decorations the weekend before, on Sept. 26th at 8 a.m., please contact Laurie at (585) 344-0900, e-mail LOltramari@DowntownBataviaNY.com, or LIKE us on Facebook at DowntownBataviaBusinessImprovementDistrict.

Wings Of Royalty soars to victory in NYSS at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

(Wings Of Royalty with driver Chris Lems.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Perfect weather and a lightning fast track greeted the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters to Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 4) and those participants took full advantage of the conditions to pursue their share of the $120,400 in purses available.

Heavily favored Wings Of Royalty (RC Royalty-Sparkling Cider) rewarded his backers as he turned in a very strong performance, winning his division convincingly in 1:56.3.

After pole-sitter Mythology Bluechip (Mark Macdonald) made a break in the first turn, Gabe The Bear Dean (Ray Schnittker) took the early lead until Wings Of Royalty (Chris Lems) motored on by before the quarter in :28.4. The participants then remained single-file behind the leader through a :59.1 half and 1:27.4 three-quarters.

At that point Schnittker pulled Gabe The Bear Dean from second and tried to mount a challenge, but the attempt was futile. Lems let Wings Of Royalty out a notch and he flew down the stretch to win easily by three lengths with a snappy :28.4 final panel.

“I knew Ray (Schnittker) would let me go (to the front) and once we made it, he was on cruise control. He was very strong finishing the mile,” said driver Chris Lems.

It was the fourth win in 14 starts for Wings Of Royalty ($3.20) and it raised his 2015 earnings to $178,323 for owner Raymond Campbell. The colt is trained by George Ducharme.

(Fashion Creditor with driver Jim Morrill Jr. and Royal Deceptor with driver Michael McGivern.)

The first division was historic as it was the only time a NYSS race at Batavia Downs ended in a dead heat. The judges camera could not separate Fashion Creditor (Credit Winner-Bon Voyage) and Royal Deceptor (RC Royalty-Art of Deception) at the wire.

There was a stiff battle off the gate when Royal Lad (Aaron Byron) would not let Maestro Bluechip (Trond Smedshammer) go, who in turn parked-out Royal Deceptor (Michael McGivern) and the three horses went three-wide to the quarter in :28.3. As they hit the turn, they all finally seated with Royal Deceptor being the best of the bunch. At this point, Fashion Creditor (Jim Morrill Jr.) was a gapped fourth watching the proceedings.

After the dust had settled, McGivern grabbed leather and grabbed it hard as he gave Royal Deceptor a serious breather with :31 and :30.3 second and third quarters. During that time, Royal Lad made a break from third and Fashion Creditor advanced to that spot, creeping closer to the leader.

Then Morrill pulled at three-quarters and began to force the issue. Royal Deceptor still had a three-length lead but the advantage was clearly perilous. At the head of the stretch, Fashion Creditor was trotting his hips off down the lane, gobbling up ground with every stride while Royal Deceptor was expending every ounce of energy he had left to hang on to his lead. At the wire, both horses’ best efforts gained them victory in 1:58.3.

It was the third win in 13 starts for Fashion Creditor ($2.10), pushing his earnings to $106,380 for the year. The gelding is owned by Joseph Smith and trained by Tom Fanning.

For Royal Deceptor, it was his seventh win in 13 starts and it increased his 2015 bank to $137,163 for owners Charles Foster, Michael Sentiwany Jr., and Michael James. The colt is trained by Cheryl McGivern.

There were also two divisions of the NYSS Excelsior Series “A” trot that went for a combined $30,000 in purses.

Crazshana (Crazed-Keystone Shana) won the first division in 1:59.2 for trainer-driver Trond Smedshammer. The gelding is owned by Wanda Polisseni’s Purple Haze Stable.

The second split was won by Bavaro (Credit winner-Repetitions) in 1:59 flat for trainer-driver Ray Schnittker. Schnittker shares ownership of the colt with Paul Bordogna and Jonathan Kurnit. The winner returned a handsome $46.80.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept.5) with post time set at 6:35 p.m.

(Photos courtesy of Paul White.)

BHS Blue Devils seek to boost pride, chearleading coffers, by spraying chalk designs

By Billie Owens

The Batavia High School Blue Devils want to spray chalk designs on your dirveway, your lawn, your parking lot -- wherever you choose -- to raise money for the Batavia Cheerleading Program and boost pride.

Each design is $10 and can be done once, or weekly, to suit your budget. All designs are to be completed each week by Thursday. They feature a giant capital letter B with the well-known Blue Devil logo superimposed over it. Size is 3 feet by 55 inches.

All spray chalk is temporary and can be removed with water. The designs fade in one to three days and/or in water. All design completions are final.

"The community will be full of pride and Devil Spirit -- Show yours!"

To get your chalk-spray design, provide your name, the address, details of what/where, phone number, and e-mail and send cash or check to Batavia Cheerleading Boosters c/o:

Batavia High School

Attn: Athletic Department

260 State St.

Batavia NY 14020

If you have questions, please e-mail:

bataviacheerleading@gmail.com

Notre Dame High School Class of '65 hosts 50th Reunion weekend

By Billie Owens

Notre Dame Class of 1965 is hosting its 50th Reunion the weekend of Sept. 25-27.

Planned venue includes:

Friday, Sept. 25  -- Center Street Smoke House -- 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26 -- Batavia Downs Grandstand Banquet Room -- 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 27 -- All Alumni Mass at Notre Dame Chapel – 9:15 am., followed by Brunch at Terry Hills Golf Course at 10:30 a.m.

For detailed information please contact the 50th Reunion Committee at the e-mail addresses below:

Peggy.nichols@gmail.com

Barbara.wedow09@comcast.net

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Hawley wishes constituents a 'Happy Labor Day'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today wished his constituents a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend. The holiday, falling on Sept. 7 this year, is regarded as a day of rest for America’s workforce and signifies the ceremonial end of summer.

“I would like to wish all of my constituents and residents across New York State a restful and safe Labor Day Weekend,” Hawley said. “Labor Day is a time of rest and relaxation for America’s workforce.

"We are the hardest-working country on Earth, and that is evident as we pave the way with technological advances and create brands used all across the world. Please remember to be responsible during the long weekend and take time to enjoy the company of family and friends.”

Batavia Downs offers a promotion-packed weekend

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

Labor Day Weekend is the last hurrah for summer fun and Batavia Downs is taking full advantage of the great weather Western New York is in the midst of by presenting a full slate of giveaway’s and activities to help its racing fans ease into fall.

It all starts on Saturday (Sept. 5) when the Downs presents Drew Monti bobblehead night.

Monti is one of the rising stars at Batavia Downs and has quickly become a fan favorite. So much so the fans themselves asked for this promotion featuring “Driving Drew." So starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, fans can pick up a ticket at the Players Club desk and redeem it for a Drew Monti bobblehead after the seventh race in the Paddock Room. Distribution is limited while supplies last. You must be a Players Club member for this promotion.

You are encouraged to bring your bobblehead back to the track on Labor Day, Monday afternoon (Sept. 7) to get it autographed by Monti trackside, prior to the first race.

The Drew Monti bobbleheads are sponsored by TAG Jewelers and Gold Brokers (www.tagjewelers.com), of Cheektowaga.

Saturday the Downs will also be honoring longtime local horseman, Anthony “Tony” Strollo with a memorial race in the seventh. Strollo died this past April after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The Labor Day matinee card also features a list of promotions that offer something for everyone in the family.

The feature event of the day is the annual Batavia Downs driver’s bike race. This “friendly” competition between the horsemen has been going on at the Downs since 1979 and the tradition will continue this year. Eight local drivers will line up at the quarter pole and make their way around the far turn and head for the wire.

Last year’s winner was “Driving Drew” Monti in a photo over Mickey Holliday. Monti will be back to defend his title against Holliday and face new challenges from Shawn McDonough, Dave McNeight III, Lee Dahn, Rock Vinci, Denny Bucceri and Bradley Jackson.

But the best part is the fans get to win the actual brand new bikes used in the race.

Each patron can put their entry in one of eight boxes; each coinciding with a driver in the race. Then from the winning driver’s box, eight winners will be randomly drawn and each will be given one of the bikes. The bike race will be held after the seventh harness race and the drawing, after the bike race has been declared official.

There is no purchase necessary but you must be at least 18 years old to enter and present to win.

The bike race is sponsored by Crazy Cheap Cars (www.crazycheapcars.com), of Oakfield.

And what would Labor Day be without a cookout? Batavia Downs has that covered, too, and for any size appetite.

Charcoal grilled Sahlen’s hot dogs for $1 along with $1 beer and soda will be available on the apron from noon until the last race.

In the clubhouse, there will be a $10.95 chicken barbeque with all the fixings. And for every barbeque purchased you will receive $10 back in free-play on the gaming floor. So you can enjoy a holiday cook-out without the work or mess for only $0.95 net! This food special will only be available from noon to 3:30 p.m.

Chicken barbeques will be prepared by the Center Street Smoke House (www.centerstreetsmokehouse.com), of Batavia.

Post time for Saturday (Sept. 5) is 6:35 p.m. Monday (Labor Day, Sept. 7) is a matinee with first post set at 1:15.

Undersheriff reminds drivers that back to school means sharing the road

By Billie Owens

Press release:

As the kids head back to school, Genesee County Undersheriff William Sheron reminds parents, commuters, kids and teens to make safety a priority and provides the following safety tips to review and share.

Know New York’s School Bus Law:

It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when the large red lights are flashing, even on divided and multilane highways and on school grounds.

You must stop whether you are approaching the school bus from the front or overtaking it from the rear.

Drive Safely:

Obey signs, signals, and crossing guards in school zones.

Slow down, especially around bus stops, in school zones and during before and after school hours.

Stay alert behind the wheel. Avoid use of electronic devices and other distracting behaviors while driving.

Look for and expect to see pedestrians and bicyclists, especially before and after school.

Remind Walkers to:

Walk on the sidewalk if one is available; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic.

Pay attention when walking. Avoid texting, talking on the phone, and using headphones.

Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street. Never cross the street while using an electronic device.

Cross only at crosswalks.

At the Bus Stop, Remind Children to:

Stay three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb when waiting for the bus; and wait until the driver says to board.

Quickly board the school bus, find a seat, sit facing the front, and do what the school bus driver.

Getting off the bus, wait for the driver to signal it is safe to cross. Then cross at least five giant steps (10 feet) away from the front of the bus. Look left-right-left for traffic.

Pole and wires down on Harvester Avenue in the city, blocking traffic, trapping driver

By Billie Owens

A pole and wires are down in front of 56 Harvester Ave. They are blocking traffic. A female is trapped in her vehicle there and wires are around the vehicle. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 2:18 p.m.: City police are asked to respond to direct traffic.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: The second platoon is asked to respond to city fire headquarters. It appears that a train accidentally yanked the pole and wires down and the train is stopped on Harvester, blocking the roadway.

UPDATE 2:34 p.m.: There are two power poles down, one on each side of the train tracks. There are also two vehicles draped with live wires, both occupied. The roadway is blocked by a cargo train hauling tank cars manufactured by the adjacent Graham Corp. It appears the cargo train snagged the wires, bringing down the poles.

UPDATE 2:47 p.m.: National Grid crews removed the wires and the drivers inside the trapped vehicles were able to back out of their predicament and move to safe locations.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: City Fire is clearing the scene, but Harvester remains barricaded.

(Photos by Howard Owens.)

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Car entangled in live wires, transformer yanked down in front of GC Airport

By Billie Owens

A car is reportedly entangled in wires from a power pole on East Saile Drive in front of the Genesee County Airport. A transformer was yanked down, too. The wires are believed to be live. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: Command on scene says responding unit can go back in service.

Fashion Creditor, Wings of Royalty headline NYSS at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

(Photo of Wings of Royalty with reinsman Michael McGivern courtesy of Steve Roth.)

By Tim Bojarski, Batavia Downs Media Relations

It’s not too often Hambletonian competitors make their way to Batavia Downs but that will be the case Friday night (Sept. 4) when the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings convene at that fast half-mile track in upstate New York.

Thirteen horses will go in two divisions (slated as race three and four) to compete for a total of $120,400 in purses.

The first $60,200 leg has Fashion Creditor (Credit Winner-Bon Voyage) as the 5-2 morning line favorite.

Besides competing in the NYSS, Fashion Creditor has been facing many of the top juvenile trotters on the Grand Circuit all year, including a start in the first elimination of the $1 million Hambletonian. After getting away last and having to deal with a breaking horse in front of him, Fashion Creditor rallied to finish only three and one-half lengths behind the race and eventual Hambo winner, Pinkman, and was only a half-length shy of qualifying for the final. And then on August 15, he was narrowly beaten fourth in the $200,000 Colonial Trot at Pocono Downs.

Fashion Creditor took his lifetime mark of 1:52.3 at the Meadowland on July 31, the first of three consecutive races he was timed in 1:52 and change. His six in-the-money finishes (that include two wins) have earned him $83,805 for the year. Jim Morrill Jr. will drive for trainer Tom Fanning.

His toughest competitor looks to be Royal Deceptor (RC Royalty-Art of Deception) who has put together a solid campaign this year.

Although Royal Deceptor has two NYSS wins and one Excelsior series tally, he did not fare as well in the $255,325 Empire Breeders Classic or the $370,000 Zweig. He was solidly beaten in both of those but has still managed to put away $114,588 for the year.

Michael McGivern will drive again for trainer Cheryl McGivern, which has been the case for the horse’s entire career.  

In the second $60,200 stanza, Wings of Royalty (RC Royalty-Sparkling Cider) puts his impressive resume on the line and is the odds maker’s choice at 5-2.

Much like Fashion Creditor, Wings of Royalty has faced some of the best trotters in his class this season. He finished one and one-half lengths behind Hambletonian champion, Pinkman, in the Zweig in 1:52.1 before finishing fifth behind Hambletonian runner-up, Mission Brief, in the Hambo elimination. Although he qualified for the final, he drew post nine and was never a factor in the race. He just missed qualifying for the final of the $580,000 Yonkers Trot last week finishing fifth, but is listed as the also eligible for the race.

He is the highest money earner in this race for 2015 with $148,223 made on the strength of three wins, only one of which was in NYSS action. Chris Lems drives Wings of Royalty for trainer George Ducharme.

A major threat to the favorite’s success will come from Mythology Bluechip (Crazed-Sirenuse) who is now racing for a new barn.  

Mythology Bluechip was sold on July 7 and switched trainers to Nancy Johansson. The story isn’t that the colt had been racing poorly for his previous connections but more the bad posts he’s drawn for his new owners. He has had three nine-holes and an 11 in his last five starts and last week when he left from post five, he was interfered with. The horse has shown gate speed as well as closing ability and his 1:53.1 mark at the Meadowlands this year is the best of anything in this race.

Marcus Johansson will make a rare Batavia Downs visit to drive for trainer Nancy Johansson, who also does not compete at this venue too often.

There are also two $15,000 NYSS Excelsior Series “A” legs on the card that will go as races two and five.

Country Delight upsets in Batavia Mares Open

By Billie Owens

(Photo provided by Batavia Downs of Country Delight with reinsman Jack Flanigen.)

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

It was bombs away at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Sept. 2) as the betting public errantly overlooked Country Delight in the $10,000 mares Open pace feature.

When the gate released the pacers, Country Delight (Jack Flanigen) took the lead immediately as the rest of the field seemed content to follow in post-position order to a :28 quarter. With no pressure at all, Flanigen continued to grab leather and strolled to a pedestrian :58 half.  

Having had enough of it at that point, post time favorite Call Me Maybe (Drew Monti) pulled first-over and got as close as a length off by three-quarters in 1:27, but at that point it was too late. Flanigen let his mare out a notch and she did the rest; pacing home in :28.1 to win in a season’s best, 1:55.1.

It was the eighth win in 28 starts for Country Delight ($22.20) and it pushed her annual income to $48,623 for owner James Frandsen and trainer James Clouser Jr.

Driver Dave McNeight III scored a driving triple getting across with Jimgethejobdunn ($7.50), Momara ($4.10) and Heavenly Place ($3.40). Drew Monti and Ray Fisher Jr. both had driving doubles.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Sept. 4) at 6:35 p.m. when the New York Sire Stakes come to town featuring 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters who will compete for $120,400 in purses.

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