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Muckdogs drop a close one, 5-4

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Even when the Batavia Muckdogs lose, they find a way to keep the crowd excited to the last out.

The Muckdogs ended a 3-game win streak with a 5-4 loss to Mahoning Valley on Sunday.

The Muckdogs play at home at 11:05 a.m. on Monday as part of Kids Day and a special for fans age 55 and over. Tickets for anyone 55 and older is just $2 and there will be food and drink specials as well.

On Sunday, Mahoning Valley jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the sixth and held off a Batavia rally to win.

Batavia remains in first place in the New York-Penn Pinckney Division with a 22-14 record and Mahoning Valley is 18-18.

J.D. Orr had another strong game going 2-for4 with two runs and is now hitting .369 on the season, jumping just ahead of teammate Milton Smith III (.356) for the top average in the NYPL.

Dalvy Rosario (two runs), Nic Ready and Ronal Reynoso all had hits while Jack Strunc and Andrew Turner had RBI's.

Starting pitcher Edgar Martinez went four innings and struck out three, Jonaiker Villalobos, who took the loss, struck out one in .2 innings.

Jeremy Galindez went 2.1 innings giving up two hits and struck out one.

Edison Suriel lowered his ER to 1.69 throwing two scoreless innings one one-hit ball with four strikeouts to keep the Muckdogs in the game.

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.

Photos by Jim Burns

Gas prices remain fairly stable

By Howard B. Owens

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.77, down 2 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.84. The New York State average is $2.89 – no change from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.  AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

  • Batavia -- $2.84 (no change since last week)
  • Buffalo -- $2.85 (down a penny since last week)
  • Ithaca -- $2.83 (down 2 cents since last week)
  • Rochester -- $2.83 (down 1 cent since last week)
  • Rome -- $2.85 (no change since last week)
  • Syracuse -- $2.79 (down a penny since last week)
  • Watertown -- $2.81 (no change since last week)

Pump prices are stabilizing signaling that supply and demand are likely in sync so motorists are seeing prices level out.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI increased by 33 cents to settle at $55.63.

Crude prices mostly declined last week after the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced that it does not expect oil prices to rise significantly because demand is slowing and there is a glut in global crude markets.

The IEA is reducing its 2019 oil demand growth forecast to 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) from 1.2 million bpd due to a slowing global economy amid the continuing U.S.-China trade dispute.

Concerns over the current excess of oil in the crude market overshadowed concerns of increasing tension in the Middle East last week though tensions in the Middle East spiked at the end of last week, so analysts will continue to monitor issues there.

Video: Paris family purchases the Oakfield Hotel

By Howard B. Owens
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Minor injuries reported in five-car pile up on the Thurway

By Howard B. Owens

A five-vehicle accident is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 385.9 in the westbound lane.

Minor injuries are reported but traffic is blocked.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Child on bike hit by car in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A car has reportedly hit a child on a bike in the area of M&T Bank, 9133 Oak Orchard Road, Elba.

Unknown injuries.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 11:17 a.m.: Elba chief on scene says all responding units can stand by in quarters. 

UPDATE 1:09 p.m.: A reader conducted us to say a child was not involved but she was not a witness. We called Elba Chief Mike Heale who responded to the call. He said a passerby called dispatch. He said he was at the scene within seconds of the dispatch and there was nobody -- no patient, no vehicle -- at the scene, so the call was canceled.   

Porch fire reported on Quaker Hill Road, Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A porch fire with flames showing is reported at 6145 Quaker Hill Road, Elba.

Elba fire dispatched.

UPDATE 2:42 a.m.: An engine from Town of Batavia and a tanker from Oakfield requested to the scene.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: Barre had been dispatched but Elba command has said Barre can stand down.

UPDATE 3:42 p.m.: Fire is out. It was contained to the front porch. No extensions. Elba assignment back in service.

Video: Midway fun at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
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Today is the final day of the 180th Genesee County Fair so it's also your last day to have fun on the Midway. The midway opens at noon.

Video: 4H Livestock Auction at the Genesee County Fair

By Howard B. Owens
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Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia to receive Key to the City on Tuesday

By Howard B. Owens

David Bellavia, who received the Medal of Honor on June 25, will receive the Key to the City of Batavia in a homecoming program at 2 p.m., Tuesday.

Bellavia will be honored by city and county officials and will be asked to make a few remarks in a short program in front of City Hall.

Since receiving the Medal of Honor, Bellavia has been on the road almost constantly, traveling to New York City and Los Angeles to make public and media appearances on behalf of the Army.

President Donald Trump presented the Medal of Honor to Bellavia during a ceremony at the White House last month. Bellavia is the first living combat veteran from the Iraq War to receive the nation's highest military honor.

The award was presented for his heroic actions, saving the lives of his entire platoon, during the Second Battle of Fallujah on Nov. 10, 2004, which also happened to be his birthday. Bellavia distinguished himself by taking on a stronghold of insurgents single-handedly, killing four and seriously wounding a fifth.

A brass band is expected to play during the program and local veterans will be attendance to honor Bellavia, a Batavia resident.

The public is invited to the event.

In the event of rain, the program will be moved to the interior of City Centre, just inside the doors of City Hall.

City offices will close temporarily at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and Jefferson Avenue will be closed during the program.

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Previously:

Health Department says no public health threat at Mooney's following Facebook post

By Howard B. Owens

A post on Facebook by a woman who is apparently a former employee of Mooney's Bar and Grill complaining that the Le Roy restaurant is rat-infested has gotten the attention of thousands of local residents.

In response, the Genesee County Health Department released the following statement.

The Genesee County Health Department is aware of the public’s concerns regarding vermin at Mooney’s Sports Bar and Grill located in Le Roy.

Public Health sanitarians have been working diligently with the restaurant manager and a licensed exterminator. An inspection by the department was conducted this morning, July 19, and no public health threats were identified.

The facility remains open and we will continue increased inspection frequency.

In the original post by Kayla Gangarossa, she writes, in part:

I’ve wanted to say something for so long but because I’m a mother of three and need an income I’ve kept my mouth shut! But due to recent events the public and all my regulars there have a right to know what’s going on!!! I’m sorry to all my fellow coworkers this may affect but it had to be done! Mooneys sports bar and grill in Leroy ny 65 lake st of Leroy to be exact has RATS!!! Hey we had them for MONTHS!!

Gangarossa included eight pictures she claimed to have been taken at the restaurant Wednesday night. The pictures showed what appeared to be at least one dead rat, another dead animal that may have been a mouse, some mousetraps and a whole in a door or wall.

She concluded her post with the statement, "Do NOT eat at Mooney’s ..."

The post has been shared nearly 2,000 times and has more than 1,500 comments.

Batavia drops contest to Auburn 5-4

By Howard B. Owens

Muckdogs shortstop Dalvy Rosario goes deep in the hole to throw out a runner by half a step on Thursday. Rosario went 3-for-5 with a RBI double.

Submitted photo and press release:

Trailing 5-2 in the ninth, J.D. Orr led off with a walk, Dalvy Rosario hit a RBI double then Troy Johnston singled in Rosario. However, Pearson McMahan came in and struck out all three batters he faced for his third save of the season.

Both teams combined to leave a staggering 46 runners on base, 25 for Auburn, 21 for Batavia.

Batavia (19-13) remains in first place in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division and will play at Auburn tonight (July 19) at 7:05 p.m. before returning to Dwyer Saturday.

Rosario finished 3-for-5 with a run while Johnston, Jack Strunc and Dustin Skelton each had two hits. Nic Ready added a RBI double.

On the mound, Bryan Hoeing, a 2019 seventh round draft pick out of Louisville tossed three scoreless innings with a strikeout. His ERA remains 0.00 on the season. Edison Suriel had another strong outing with four strikeouts in two scoreless innings without allowing a hit.

The Muckdogs are at home on Saturday with fireworks at the ball park following the 7:05 p.m. game with Mahoning Valley. The theme is Beach Boys music for the fireworks, which was sponsored by Farm Credit East.

On Sunday, the Muckdogs play at 5:05 p.m. as kids can run the bases, there will be an autograph alley and it is Muckpups funday, a kids club day.

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.

Ten arrests announced following Blink 182/Lil’ Wayne concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Blink 182/Lil’ Wayne concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday:

Johnnie L Green III, 26, of NW 22nd Avenue, Opa-locka, Fla., is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly harassing a Darien lake Employee after the concert.

William D. Hoover, 18, of Forest Creek Lane, Grand Island, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Skye D. Weaver, 18, of Crouse Road, Bath, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana. 

Kyle N. House, 20, of Lawrence Woods, Orchard Park, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Benjamin C. Milligan, 50, of East Jensen Street, Fresno, Calif., is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Timothy J. Murphy, 19, of Aspinwood Place, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return. 

Jake R. Duffy, 18, of Caldwell Drive, West Seneca, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana. 

Nicholas S. Witczak, 30, of McKinley Parkway, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return. 

Andrew T. Ryan, 24, of Freshour Road, Canandaigua, is charged with trespass and disorderly conduct after allegedly refusing to leave the venue after being told numerous times to leave and also creating a disturbance at the venue. 

Leah C. Lincoln, 18, of Cider Circle, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly returning to Darien Lake property after being told not to return due to a prior incident. 

Severe thunderstorm expected for Oakfield and Byron

By Howard B. Owens

Heaving, dangerous and damaging hail, along with strong winds, is expected by 2:30 p.m. in a storm sweeping across the northern part of Genesee County, according to the National Weather Service.

Oakfield and Byron are mentioned specifically in the warning.

The storm is moving at 35 mph an hour and could bring gusts of 70 p.m.

Hail the size of ping-pong balls is expected. This could injure people and animals that are outdoors as well as damage roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. 

Cloud-to-ground lightning is also predicted.

The NWS recommends that people in the area move to an interior room of a building on the lowest floor possible.

Torrential rainfall is accompanying this line of storms. Flash flooding is possible.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: An severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for all of Genesee County, in effect until 10 p.m.

Photo: Three new police officers sworn in at City Hall

By Howard B. Owens

Chief Shawn Heubusch welcomed three new police officers to the Batavia PD force today.

Adam Tucker, Alec Roberts, and Jordan McGinnis are ready to begin field training after being sworn in this morning at City Hall.

Truck comes off Thruway, overturns on Route 5 in Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens
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A semi-truck has come off the Thruway and landed on Route 5 in Pembroke and overturned.

One person was pinned by the trailer.

Mercy Flight is requested to the scene

Pembroke fire and Indian Falls fire dispatched and East Pembroke requested to scene to assist with a landing zone.

All responding units requested to park on the east side of the overpass or under the bridge because of the lack of a guard rail on the Thruway.

UPDATE 7 a.m.: The driver of a semi-truck on the Thruway may have fallen asleep before the truck struck a guard rail and flew off the Route 5 overpass landing on the roadway below. No other vehicles were involved. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to ECMC by Mercy EMS. A female passenger suffered leg injuries, and possibly other injuries, and was flown to ECMC by Mercy Flight. There were two dogs in the truck. One was located and taken to the animal shelter where it was given a bath to clean off diesel fuel. The dog appears to be in good health. The other dog is missing. The accident is under investigation by troopers from Troop T. There was nobody pinned under the trailer as initially reported. The woman was trapped in the cab of the truck and was being tended to by the male driver when firefighters arrived on the scene. There was a lengthy extrication process by volunteer firefighters. Route 5 is expected to be closed at least through noon.

UPDATE 8:50 a.m.: Pembroke's interim chief reports the second dog is in custody and uninjured. The dog was spotted on Route 5 and when first responders tried to corral him, he ran onto the Thruway. Somebody on the Thruway was able to catch him before he was harmed and an animal control officer is in route to pick him up and take him to the shelter.

Submitted photo.

Video: Genesee County Fair Parade

By Howard B. Owens
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