elba

Mariah Ognibene led all scorers on Thursday with 22 points to help Elba to a dominating 82-42 win over Holley in Girls Basketball.

Sydney Reilly scored 19 points.

Also, Lidia Ross scored 13 points for the Lancers. Brooklyn Jachimowicz scored eight, and Ava Buczek scored seven.

Photos by Debra Reilly

Elba beat Pembroke on Tuesday in Girls Basketball 66-33.

For the Lancers, Sydney Reilly scored 23 points, and Lydia Ross scored 19.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

The Elba Lancers beat Jasper-Troupsburg on Saturday in Boys Basketball 65-58 for the team's first win of the season.

The Lancers are now 1-8.

Nick Scott scored 31 points and Ryan Marsceill scored 26 for Elba.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Three decades after the program's last appearance in the Batavia Rotary Club Girls Basketball Tournament, the Elba Lancers are the tournament's new champions.

The Lancers beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 55-44 at GCC on Thursday.

Elba outscored Notre Dame 21 to six in the first quarter and never looked back.

Sydney Reilly scored 27 points for Elba.  She was the only player on the team to score in double digits. Brea Smith scored seven, and Lydia Ross scored six.

For the Irish, Sofia Falleti scored 28 points and was also the only player on her team to score in double digits. Gianna Falleti and Shirley Thompson each scored five.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

With only a three-point margin on Tuesday, 53-50, Byron-Bergen retained the "Battle of Route 262" trophy with a win over Elba.

For the Bees, Cody Carlson scored 24 points. Andre White scored 7, and picking up six each were Cole DiQuattro, Adam Cardenas, and Joe Brumsted.

For the Lancers, Nick Scott scored 18, Bing Zuber, 16, and Ryan Marsceill, 12.

Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.

Elba, making its first Rotary Tournament appearance in 30 years, is advancing to the championship game after beating Batavia on Tuesday 52-34.

The Lancers will play Notre Dame at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday.

For Elba, Sydney Reilly scored 15 points, Brea Smith scored 12, and Lydia Ross scored 10. 

For the Blue Devils, Jaimin Macdonald scored 13 points and Violet Lopez scored 10.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Elba beat Lyndonville on Friday in Girls Basketball 57 to 37.

Sydney Reily scored 19 points for the Lancers. Lydia Ross scored 15 points.

For Lyndonville, Addison Dillenbeck scored 21 points.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Press Release:

Elba Central School is proud to announce its recognition as a recipient of the prestigious USDA Healthy Meals Initiative "Innovation in Food Nutrition" Award for the 2024-2025 school year. 

This national honor highlights Elba's commitment to providing students with nutritious, innovative, and delicious meals that support their overall well-being and academic success.

The "Innovation in Food Nutrition" Award celebrates schools that demonstrate outstanding efforts to improve school meal programs, integrate locally sourced ingredients, and engage students in nutrition education. Elba Central School earned this recognition by implementing creative strategies, including:

Locally Sourced Ingredients: Partnering with local farmers to bring fresh, seasonal produce and dairy products directly to the cafeteria.

Student-Centered Menu Design: Collaborating with students to design menus that reflect their preferences while ensuring meals meet USDA nutrition standards.

Nutrition Education Programs: Offering hands-on learning opportunities, such as cooking classes and school garden initiatives, to empower students with lifelong healthy eating habits.

“This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our food services team, educators, and community partners,” said Gretchen Rosales, Superintendent of Elba Central School. “At Elba, we believe that healthy meals are a cornerstone of student success, and we are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts to prioritize their well-being.”

Elba Central School has also taken a groundbreaking step by constructing a new greenhouse on campus to grow fresh vegetables for the school’s salad bar. This hands-on initiative allows students to learn about sustainable agriculture while contributing to their own nutritious meals. 

Additionally, the school runs a summer-long farmers market, managed by students, where produce from local farms is sold to the community. The market provides practical business experience for students and also strengthens the bond between the school and local families, promoting a culture of health and sustainability. Not only do students sell fruit and vegetables, but also honey, maple syrup, and flowers. 

This past summer, Elba families also had the opportunity to participate in a community garden experience; this allowed residents to maintain a produce garden on the school grounds to grow vegetables and herbs. Recipes were shared at Open House in the fall of items such as pesto, pasta with zucchini, and salsa - made with ingredients straight from the gardens.

Kim Walczak, Food Service Director at Elba Central School, added, “Our team has worked tirelessly to create meals that students love while ensuring they meet the highest nutritional standards. This award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and serving as a model for schools nationwide.” 

The USDA Healthy Meals Initiative is part of the federal government’s broader effort to promote health and reduce hunger among school-age children. Elba Central School has received a grant to further expand its innovative programs and share its best practices with schools across the nation.

Elba Central School is dedicated to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive, especially when provided with delicious and nutritious meals. With a focus on academic excellence, community involvement, and student wellness, Elba Central School is committed to preparing students for a bright and healthy future.

Submitted photos.

Alexander beat Elba 68-32 in the first round of the Peter Arras Memorial Basketball Tournament in the small school division at Genesee Community College on Friday.

The final score: 68-32.

Kingston Woods scored 16 points for the Trojans, and Dylan Pohl scored 14.

Nicholas Scott and Ryan Marsceill each scored 10 for the Lancers.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Elba beat Notre Dame on Thursday in Girls Basketball, 55-44.

For Elba, Sydney Reilly scored 16 points. Lydia Ross scored 12 points. Maddie Hall scored nine, and Mariah Ognibene and Brea Smith each scored eight.

For the Irish, Gianna Falleti scored 13, and Shirley Thompson scored 10, and Sofia Falleti scored 10.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

A 59-year-old landlord in Elba was admitted to County Court on Thursday to menacing a tenant at a location on Ridge Road in August. The landlord will serve a year on interim probation.

Michael Joseph Schad, of Ridge Road, Elba, entered a guilty plea to a felony count of menacing.

When he was arrested at 9:05 a.m. on Aug. 24, he was charged with five counts of menacing in the second degree as a hate crime and one count of menacing in the second degree.

District Attorney Kevin Finnell said Schad was accused of using a derogatory racial term directed at his tenant. He said Schad was intoxicated and possessed what appeared to be a weapon during the confrontation with the tenant, which Finnell described as a "tenant dispute." 

Schad has no prior criminal history, and Schad had no history of prior disputes between Schad and his tenant.

ADA Earl Voss prosecuted the case.

Schad agreed to the year of interim probation and to address his anger/substance issues.  He will be sentenced in one year and will if successful on interim probation, will be sentenced to less than 364 days in jail. If unsuccessful, he faces up to four years in prison. 

The tenant has apparently moved out of the property. 

Elba beat Kendall on Monday in Girls Basketball 58-34.

For the Lancers, Brea Smith scored 17 points and Sydney Reilly scored 10. Lydia Ross scored eight.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Elba beat Byron-Bergen in Girls Basketball on Saturday 66-35.

Brea Smith scored 21 points, and Syndey Reilly scored 18 points for the Lancers.

For the Bees, Janessa Amesbury scored 11, and Riley Shallenberger scored 10 points.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Wheatland-Chili beat Elba on Friday 70-43.

No stats available.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Oakfield-Alabama beat Elba on Wednesday in Boys Basketball, 67-51.

For the Hornets, Avery Waterson scored 21 points, and Mason Watterson scored 13 points.

For the Lancers, Ryan Marsceill scored 16 point,s and Brayden Jachimowicz scored 14.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Elba beat Oakfield-Alabama on Tuesday night in Girls Basketball, 71-60.

For the Lancers, Sydney Reilly scored 27 points, and Lydia Ross scored 22. 

For the Hornets, Piper Hyde scored 28 points, and Allie Williams scored eight.

Photo by Debra Reilly.

Press Release:

This past summer, Elba Central School’s Class of 2025 and Boys Baseball team helped clean up cans and bottles after each Rockin’ The Downs show. They earned $1,031.80 by returning the recyclables they gathered to McNickel’s Bottle and Can Redemption.

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel matched that and added $500 for also helping picking up trash and chairs throughout the concert season for a grand total of $2,563.60!

Daquan J. Butler, 28, of Brooklyn, is charged with assault 1st, burglary 1st, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Butler is accused of illegally entering a residence on Liberty Street, Batavia, on Aug. 25, 2023, and stabbing an adult male inside the residence. A child was in the house at the time. Butler was located in New York City by U.S. Marshals and returned to Batavia. He was arranged in County Court and jailed.

Asa A. Wooton, 20, of Batavia, is charged with reckless endangerment 2nd, menacing 2nd, criminal possession of. weapon 4th, and criminal mischief 4th. Wooten is accused of threatening another person with a knife and damaging property on Oct. 28 during a fight on Mill Street, Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Devonte T. Griner, 30, of Rochester, is charged with reckless endangerment 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, harassment 1st, and vehicle and traffic charges. Griner is accused of following another vehicle in the city of Batavia on Oct. 28 and using his vehicle to intentionally attempting to run the other vehicle off the road. Griner was located a short time later and taken into custody. He was arraigned and released.

Shquanebin Lone, 38, of Akron, is charged with burglary 2nd, criminal mischief 4th, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Lone is accused of unlawfully entering a dwelling on Bloomingdale Road, Basom, at 7:42 p.m. on Nov. 3. Lone allegedly committed crimes in the dwelling in the presence of a child. She was held pending arraignment. 

Megan Marie Gray, 22, of Alabama, is charged with trespass. Gray was reportedly barred from Walmart and allegedly entered the store at 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 6. She was released pending arraignment.

Reinaldo Aponte, 60, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 4th, DWI, unlicensed operation, stopped on a highway, and failure to signal turn. Aponte was stopped by Deputy Jeremy McClellan at 1:59 a.m. on Nov. 3 on West Main Street Road, Batavia. Apointe was arraigned and released.

Thomas Duane Booth, 48, of Conlon Road, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Both allegedly violated an order of protection on Nov. 12 at a location in Le Roy. He was arraigned and was released.

Paul Donald Rich, 63, of Crane Road, Medina, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and moving from lane unsafely. Rich was arrested by Deputy Alexander Hadsall after a vehicle was found on its side  at 8:57 p.m. on Nov. 12 on Knowlesville Road, Alabama. Rich allegedly had a BAC of .17. He received treatment for possible injuries in the accident at ECMC. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

John Alano Dirosa, 44, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with assault 3rd. Dirosa was charged following an investigation into a fight reported at 9 p.m. on Nov. 12 on Main Street in Elba. 

Keith A. Lowery, 55, of Little Canda Road, Bethany, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, five or more suspensions, equipment violation, and dirty/covered plate. Lowery was stopped at 1:01 a.m. on Nov. 14 on Richmond Avenue, Batavia, by Deputy Stephen Smith. Lowery reportedly had four active warrants at the time of the stop.e was held pending arraignment.

Rhiannon Joy Graff, 44, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or higher, driving without insurance, aggravated unlicensed operation, and registration suspended. Graff was stopped at 12:54 a.m. on Nov. 15 on West Main Street, Batavia, by Deputy Mason Schultz. Graff was prossed at the jail and released.

Lakara Denise Johnson, 34, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving while intoxicated with a child less than 16 in the vehicle, endangering the welfare of a child, and open container. Johnson and a male passenger were reportedly involved in a physical domestic fight in a car while driving back from Rochester at 9:52 p.m. on Nov. 10, with three children in the car. The vehicle was stopped on Seven Springs Road by Deputy Jeremy McClellan.  Johnson was ticketed and released.

Michael Charles Riggi, 54, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Riggi is accused of stealing $40 cash from another person while at Walmart on 3:55 p.m. on Nov. 15. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Trevon L. Armstrong, 39, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 16. Armstrong was initially arrested on a charge of criminal mischief 4th, for allegedly damaging a window on Nov. 16, 2023. The warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to reappear in court. Armstrong was arraigned in and held on bail. 

Justin R. Nadrowski, 32, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal trespass 3rd. Nadrowski is accused of entering the Spirit Halloween store on Oct. 26 at 1:05 a.m. through an unlocked door. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Donald D. Ryan, 41, is charged with petit larceny. Ryan is accused of taking down payment to complete work at a residence on Clifton Avenue but never showing up start the job. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Cori L Cleland, 39, of Perry, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. Cleland was allegedly found unresponsive in her vehicle on Oct. 21. She was issued an appearance ticket.\

Cody A. Bush, 38, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Bush allegedly injured another person during a fight on East Avenue on Oct. 18. He was arrested on Oct. 26 and issued an appearance ticket.

Brant G. Matthews, 30, of Le Roy, was arrested on Oct. 26 on three warrants. Matthews allegedly failed to appear in court on three separate criminal cases. He was arraigned and released.

Thomas J. Mitchell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration. Mitchell is accused of running from police when they attempted to detain him on Oct. 20 in connection with a separate incident. He was issued an appearance ticket.