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Video: Genesee County Fair Parade

By Howard B. Owens
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Car reportedly rear-ends semi-truck on Ellicott Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly rear-ended a semi-truck on Ellicott Street at Liberty Street in the City of Batavia.

Unknown injuries.

City fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:58 p.m.: No injuries. The truck driver said he stopped at the intersection for a red light.

Video: Theater camp students rehearse for this weekend's show, 'Seussical KIDS'

By Howard B. Owens
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Children who participated in this year's annual theater summer camp sponsored by Batavia Players will perform "Seussical KIDS" this Friday and Saturday at the Harvester 56 Theater on Harvester Avenue.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at the door.

Photos: Landscaping in front of City Hall replaced

By Howard B. Owens

The City of Batavia has completely renovated the landscaping in front of City Hall.

A supervisor yesterday explained that the old landscaping was more than 15 years old and had become difficult to maintain and control weeds.

The topsoil was replaced (see bottom photo) and new shrubs and flowers were planted today.

Teen sent to prison for making threats arrested on menacing charge

By Howard B. Owens

A teenage resident of Alabama who just 18 months ago was sentenced to prison for making a terroristic threat against a police officer was arrested again Tuesday night for allegedly threatening another person with a baseball bat.

Isaac Abrams, 19, of Sky Road, is charged with menacing, 2nd.

At 11:26 p.m., Tuesday, Abrams allegedly threatened to injure another person using a metal baseball bat.

He was arrested by deputies Austin Heberlein and Travis DeMuth.

In February 2018, Judge Charles Zambito sentenced Abrams to one-and-one-third to four years in prison following his earlier guilty plea to the Class D felony of making a terroristic threat.

Zambito also granted Abrams youthful offender status (his juvenile record would be sealed) if he could stay out of trouble. 

In September 2017, Abrams threatened to shoot deputies during an incident on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. Two days before that, Abrams was accused of trying to seriously hurt or kill a person with a motor vehicle at a fast-food restaurant in Batavia.

The Batavian Sessions: Red Creek, 'What I Like About You'

By Howard B. Owens
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Red Creek performed at the Genesee County Fair on Wednesday. Here's their version of "What I Like About You."

Tonight, Savage Cabbage takes the stage at 7:30.

Possible serious injury accident reported in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident with serious injuries is reported on Route 20 at Harlow Road, Darien, is reported.

One person may be lying in the roadway.

A third ambulance is requested to the scene.

Darien fire and ambulance were dispatched.

UPDATE 10:52 p.m.: Entrapment reported.

UPDATE 11 p.m.: Mercy Flight dispatched.

UPDATE 11:50 p.m. (via Alecia Kaus/Video News Service, at the scene): A vehicle with four young women (ages 18 to 20) from Pennsylvania was southbound on Harlow Road when the driver allegedly ran a stop sign and crossed into Route 20 where it was struck by a westbound Jeep. The male driver and three female occupants of the Jeep are from Jamestown. The driver of the southbound car was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC. The front passenger was taken by ground ambulance to ECMC, as were the four occupants of the Jeep. The backseat passengers of the southbound car were wearing seatbelts and were uninjured. Trooper Parucki said neither drinking nor drugs were a factor in the accident. (Photos by Alecia Kaus.)

Because of anticipated bad weather, Genesee County Fair moving 'Kids Day' to Thursday

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Due to the weather on Wednesday, July 17th, the Genesee County Fair is moving Kids Day to Thursday this week. Midway ride wristbands will cost $10 each and will be good to ride all of the rides here at the Fair from noon – 10 p.m. James E. Strates Shows is providing the midway this year and have brought rides for fairgoers of all ages. Be sure to take advantage of this great offer!

Once again this year, admission to the fair is only $5 per carload. For a complete listing of events and special day deals during fair week, visit gcfair.com. Keep up to date on the latest happenings at the Fair on our Facebook page facebook.com/thegeneseecountyfair/

Videos: BB Dang performs at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
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The band BB Dang performed at the Genesee County Fair last night.

BB Dang is based in Rochester but features on bass Cameron Carlson, a ninth-grader at Byron-Bergen High School.

The rest of the band is Michael Valle (drums) Alex Sherwood (guitar) Greg Gutch (guitar) Ben Guisto (vocals) Isabella Barbagallo (vocals) Dominic Bonacci (keyboard).

The group came together through Camp Roc Star, a project of Elvio Fernandes, a member of the band Daughtry.

There is live music at the fair every night through Saturday.

 

 

Video: Coach Briggs conducts annual youth football camp

By Howard B. Owens
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Young football players from throughout the county -- 48 total -- participated Monday in a youth camp conducted by Batavia HS Head Coach Brennan Briggs.

Submitted photo.

Bergen man charged with felony following bar fight

By Howard B. Owens
      Louis Restivo

A 25-year-old Bergen resident is accused of injuring another bar patron in a fight early Saturday morning, leading to a felony charge.

Louis Christopher Restivo is charged with assault in the second degree for allegedly using a weapon or dangerous instrument.

Restivo is accused of hitting another man in the head with a beer bottle, causing an injury.

The incident was reported at 1:58 a.m. at a location on North Lake Avenue in Bergen.

He was arraigned in Town of Bergen Court and released. An order of protection was issued.

The incident was investigated by Deputy David Moore and Sgt. John Baiocco.

Collins announces bill to withhold funds from states that issue IDs to undocumented migrants

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins introduced The Red Light Act, his new legislation that withholds federal highway funds from any state that grants driver licenses or identification cards to illegal aliens present in the United States.

Congressman Collins' legislation comes on the heels of Governor Andrew Cuomo recent signing of the Green Light Bill into law last month. This new state law grants driver's license privileges to illegal immigrants.

“Once again, Governor Cuomo has put his socialist agenda ahead of the safety of American citizens,” said Congressman Collins. “Governor Cuomo should be enforcing laws that protect Americans instead of supporting those who break our laws. Citizens should feel safe behind the wheel, but now in New York, there will be a strong likelihood that illegals could be driving uninsured and unregistered vehicles wreaking havoc on our roads.”

"Cuomo has threatened the lives of New Yorkers who are legal U.S. citizens with this legislation,” added Collins. "If he wants to help illegal immigrants avoid the law while threatening highway safety, he can pay for it.”

If enacted, the Collins’ legislation would withhold funds beginning in the fiscal year 2020 and each fiscal year thereafter. Any funds withheld from noncompliant states will be appropriated to states that do not allow illegal immigrants to have a driver's license or identification cards.

Speedway robber gets plea-deal sentence of two to four years

By Howard B. Owens
       Daryl Leach

A parolee who robbed the Speedway in Batavia in February got the prison term he bargained for when he entered a guilty plea to third-degree robbery last month.

Daryl Leach will serve two to four years in prison after being sentenced this morning in Genesee County Court by Judge Charles Zambito.

The 38-year-old Leach's prior convictions include grand larceny, attempted robbery, 1st, attempted assault, 1st, and robbery, 3rd, in Genesee County in 2003 that led to more than a dozen years in prison following a 1999 conviction in Genesee County for attempted robbery.

After Leach robbed the Speedway, he fled to a location on Swamp Road where he was located by law enforcement.

Vermont taps down Muckdogs hitting for 3-1 victory

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Edgar Martinez and the Batavia Muckdog bullpen put together another solid outing, but the offense could not get the timely hits needed as their fell, 3-1 to the Vermont Lake Monsters.

Martinez struck out five over five innings and gave up two runs, then recent University of Alabama grad Brock Love, who just joined the Muckdogs, threw his second scoreless inning. Love is a 2019 Miami Marlins draft pick. Edison Suriel, who has a 2.25 ERA ad was signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Marlins, struck out two in one inning and did not allow a hit or run. Geremy Galindez threw one inning and struck out two. The only run he gave up came on a 2-2 wild pitch and the next pitch he struck the batter out to end the inning.

Milton Smith II continued his incredible season going 1-for-3 with a run and two stolen bases and is now hitting .402, which leads the New York-Penn League. Smith was drafted in the 22nd round in 2018 by the Marlins.

Troy Johnston (17th-round draft pick this year) had an RBI single and is now hitting .313 and Sean Reynolds had a hit and is batting .421 on the season. Nick Ready had the other Batavia hit.

Vermont lefty Jhenderson Hurtado struck out 10 in relief, throwing five innings to improve to 3-0 on the season. Vermont's three pitchers combined to strike out 19.

Batavia will have a travel day on Tuesday.

The Muckdogs, who have increased attendance by 29 percent over last year, will return home on Wednesday and Thursday to take on the Auburn Doubledays (Washington Nationals).

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

The team is also home on July 20, 21 and 22 against Mahoning Valley (Cleveland Indians).

Photo: Submitted file photo of Edgar Martinez, who threw five innings against Vermont and struckout five hitters.

Arc of Genesee Orleans hosts annual golf, bocce and tennis tournaments in Stafford

By Howard B. Owens

Press release (along with submitted photos): 

It was a first for golfers in Arc of Genesee Orleans Tournament Monday – a scramble format! After 42 years of stroke play, the planning committee switched things up this year, to rave reviews.

“We wanted to appeal to golfers of every skill level,” Arc’s Sandy Konfederath said, “and also speed up play.” 

The tournament is the longest-running charity event at the local private course and also features tennis and bocce divisions.

“Something for everyone,” Konfederath said.  This year the tournament attracted 98 golfers, 37 bocce players and 14 playing tennis.

In golf play, women’s team winners with a 63 were Heather Burbules, Maria Woodward, Francesca Fuller and Tina Lambert. The mixed team of Katie Berger, John Houseknecht, Katie Houseknecht and Buddy Houseknecht recorded a tally of 62 and the team of Steve Harrison, Steve Pies Bruce Briggs and Mat Redmond captured the men’s title with a 61.

This year’s hole-in-one prize on 8 was a 2019 Jeep Compass Latitude 4X4, courtesy of Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Unfortunately, no one shot an ace to drive away with the vehicle.

In other on the course contests, Scott Fauth and Francesca Fuller won the longest drive on 7 and 15. In the closest-to-the-pin contests, Tina Lambert won a golf bag, courtesy of C.H. Wright on 8 (4’8”); John Houseknecht earned first prize on 12 (1’11”) with Paul Saskowski second (10’6”) and Karen Percassi third (11’). Kevin Wehner won a Schwinn bicycle, donated by Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle in the top prize on 14 (6’2”).  

In bocce, the top team -- from ESL Credit Union -- was Tim Miller, Jenna Holota, Mary Blevins and Collin Hawes, who also won the Golden Pallino contest.

On the tennis courts, first-place team honors went to James Bellamy and Diane Bonarigo; Gary May earned top score and second-place team went to Augusts Rolfe and Calvin Klemmer.

Gold sponsors were Turnbull Heating & Air-Conditioning, Crickler Vending, MTE Turf Equipment Solutions, Relph Benefit Advisors, Toshiba and Tompkins Bank of Castile/Insurance Agencies/Financial Advisors.

Silver sponsors were: Western New York Concrete, The Batavia Daily News, Graham Corporation, The Bonadio Group, Alan & Cathy Barcomb, Hoffman, Hanafin & Associates, In Memory of Ralph Houseknecht Sr., Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Parkview Health Services, Genesee Valley Penny Saver and The Insurance Center.

Also supporting the event were seven golf sponsors, three tennis sponsors, four bocce sponsors, three cart sponsors, two entertainment sponsors and eight Friend of Arc sponsors.

Door prizes, silent auction and basket raffle items were donated by dozens of area businesses and community members. The winner of the $1,000 cash drawing was Bruce Briggs with ticket number 04201.

Funds raised benefit programs and services for people with disabilities served by Arc of Genesee Orleans. The tournament is named in memory of Danny Lullo, a local businessman who came up with the idea to hold a tournament to benefit Arc programs and services for people with disabilities in our community.

Ed Carney is the event chairman. Deb Fischer chairs bocce and Peggy Lamb chairs tennis.

Video: Lor-Rob Farms wins again at fair in six-horse draft competition

By Howard B. Owens
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Mark Barie and his team from Lor-Rob Farms in East Bethany were repeat winners at the Genesee County Fair yesterday in the six-horse draft competition.

VIdeo: Genesee County Fair Karaoke Contest 2019

By Howard B. Owens
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Dog missing in Darien Center

By Howard B. Owens

Mike and Kayleigh Meyers recently moved to Darien Center so their husky, Kiya ("Ki-ya"), is unfamiliar with the area.

Tonight, about 8 o'clock, Kiya managed to get out of the house.

Kayleigh said she and Mike were inside feeding their baby and the door must have been open a crack.

"Most likely, she went after an animal," Kayleigh said.

Kiya is friendly and food motivated so if you see her, try calling her by her name and bribing her with food, Kayleigh recommends.

The Meyers live in the area of Country Cottage and My Saloon, around Harper Road and Route 20.  

If found, call or text Kayleigh at (585) 813-4385.

UPDATE Sunday: Kiya came home on her own early this morning.

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