Last night, Kevin Brusie waited up for the clouds to clear and then took these photos of the "Super Flower Blood Moon," aka Super Lunar Eclipse, over Western New York.
"I wanted to share them for anyone who was unable to see it and thought it was pretty neat, educational, and interesting!" Brusie said.
Last night's sunset in Pembroke, submitted by JoAnne Meiser.
There is reportedly smoke and flames coming from wires and pole in the parking lot next to City Church on East Main Street, Batavia, across from Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle.
City fire dispatched.
UPDATE 12:16 p.m.: National Grid will need to cut power to the utility pole. This could cause the traffic light at Main and Center to go dark. Batavia PD requested to provide traffic control.
UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: Power is out in the area.
UPDATE 1:01 p.m.: The traffic signal is "back up and running."
Statement from Gregory Hallock, executive director of GO ART!:
"It is with great remorse that we must announce that Picnic in the Park, on July fourth, at Centennial Park in Batavia, will be cancelled this year due to COVID. Beyond the issues of COVID regulations, sponsors of the event have had to pull their funding, as a result of the restraints COVID put on their budgets."
Unlike a year ago, when coronavirus-pandemic-related restrictions meant families showed up to football fields, school parking lots, and drive-in theaters in cars to witness student graduation, local school districts this year are trying to work within less strict COVID-19 guidelines to give students and families fairly traditional graduation ceremonies.
They will take place on school lawns, football fields and in auditoriums.
Some schools are even planning proms for their seniors.
Here is what the districts are planning:
Alexander:
Batavia:
Byron-Bergen:
Elba:
Le Roy:
Notre Dame:
Oakfield-Alabama:
Pavilion:
Pembroke:
Superintendent Matthew Calderon said, "The state provided specific guidance for proms and graduations, which we will be adhering to. In both cases, we will stay under the capacity limits identified so that we do not need to require testing. The standard expectations for mask-wearing and social distancing we be in place.
Adding, "Both events will be relatively normal/traditional, with the exception of the fact that we need to reduce the numbers of tickets as compared to normal to stay under the capacity limits."
The local unemployment rate hit its lowest level of 2020 so far in April at 5 percent, more than 10 percentage points what it was in the previous April, the worst month locally for the job market during the coronavirus pandemic.
The 5-percent rate is still a point-and-a-half or so above the 3.6-percent rate of April 2019.
Outside of the 15.9-percent rate of a year ago, the highest rate for an April over the past 31 years was 7.6 percent in 2012.
The Labor Department reports 27,900 people in Genesee County's labor force, which is the aggregate of everybody employed and everybody seeking work. Of those, 26,500 have jobs and 1,400 are looking for jobs.
The March 2021 unemployment rate was 6.1 percent.
The state's unemployment rate is 8.2 percent.
One of the most storied rivalries in Section V hockey could come to an end as soon as next season if the Batavia Ice Devils and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish become a single team.
Team coaches presented the proposal to the Batavia City School District Board of Trustees tonight and the board gave both programs permission to continue exploring the idea of a merger and drafting a five-year agreement for Batavia-Notre Dame hockey teams at the junior varsity and varsity levels.
The concept has already been approved by the Notre Dame Board of Trustees.
Tonight, by consent, the Batavia board authorized the talks to continue between coaches and athletic directors. If a final agreement is reached, a final resolution will be presented to approval for both boards. Section V must also approve the merger.
If approved, it is likely that Marc Staley, who has coached Notre Dame for 21 years, would be the varsity coach of the merged teams. John Kirkwood, 14 years with Batavia, would be the assistant coach. And Brennan Briggs, varsity football coach and a coach with Batavia hockey, would be the JV coach.
"We think we can build a community," Batavia Athletic Director Mike Bromley told the board. "It’s more than Batavia and Notre Dame. It’s a community."
Batavia has been merged with other schools in the county for four years. Those mergers would end if this proposal is approved.
One of the big concerns both for coaches and board members was what happens to the six hockey players who do not attend Batavia High and have been members of the Ice Devils. Those players go to school in Alexander, Elba, Le Roy, Oakfield-Alabama and Pembroke.
Staley and Kirkwood both made assurances that all six players will be "grandfathered" into the Batavia-Notre Dame team and Staley said all six, given their experience and ability, will be integral parts of the merged team for the next season or two.
"All six players are going to be impactful players at the varsity level," Staley said.
Both Staley and Kirkwood said that their teams have been playing at a disadvantage against larger Monroe County schools, including merged programs, because filling out a complete varsity roster means putting seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-graders on their teams.
That is also a safety issue, Staley said.
"We just come to the conclusion that relying on seventh- and eighth-graders, and ninth-graders who are ill-prepared, and putting them on the ice, how do we answer this as a board, as adults, as administrators, if a seventh- or eighth-grader gets seriously injured in a hockey game because he’s hit by a kid who six-foot-four, 220?" Staley said. "We’ve got some real questions. Why are we putting these kids here and for what reason?"
Bromley said there are 24 hockey teams in Section V and 12 of them are merged programs. Few if any of those programs are putting players who should be playing JV in varsity uniforms.
The merger would create a JV program that would allow players to develop and become better varsity players.
It might even mean -- if enough kids sign up -- that the schools could have a modified program, creating the same sort of pipeline that Briggs has created with Blue Devils football leading to repeated sectional championships.
For the most part, parents and players have been receptive to the idea, both Staley and Kirkwood said.
There have been parents who have objected to the idea that their kid as a ninth-grader was on varsity and now will likely play JV as a sophomore but Staley said his counterargument is that at least they will get to play.
“To be an eighth-grader or ninth-grader and get to wear your jersey to school on game day and know darn well you’re probably not going to see a shift is a little different than going to school in your jersey knowing ‘I have a JV game. I’m playing tonight,' " Staley said.
Briggs said his JV-playing nephew can't wait for the merger. He's excited, Briggs said. His nephew knows if it happens he is going to get a chance to play every game and that he will play at a level throughout his prep-hockey career that he will compete every season for a championship.
There is an issue a team name. Ice Devils, or perhaps, Irish Devils, won't wash with a Catholic school. Blue Shamrocks or Ice Angels seem like nonstarters, too, but in response to a question from Trustee Shawna Murphy, there probably won't be time to poll the community. That's because the time frame is short for getting Section V approval and ordering new uniforms for both varsity and JV. The team name is a pending question.
Whatever the name, Staley is convinced the community will embrace the new team -- a club that is ready to compete at the varsity level with McQuaid or Victor or Pittsford.
"We haven’t had that building filled with 500 people all cheering for the same team for 25 years," Staley told the board.
Judge Charles Zambito expressed frustration today -- frustration he and his colleagues on the bench throughout New York share -- that when considering bail for a defendant, he cannot weigh the potential threat the defendant represents to the community.
District Attorney Lawrence Friedman had just asked that Devon A. Wright be held without bail in the Genesee County Jail citing his recent felony arrest on top of two criminal indictments already pending.
Since Zambito couldn't send Wright to jail or increase his present bail (he is out of jail on bail), the County Court judge ordered the 19-year-old to undergo a mental health evaluation within the next three weeks, not consume drugs or alcohol, stay in his own residence from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (thereby prohibiting him from staying at his girlfriend's house), and avoiding any confrontation with police, who will have blanket permission to search him or his residence at any time.
Since turning 18 in 2019, Wright has been charged with crimes ranging from larceny and assault to sexual misconduct.
In the past 20 months, Batavia PD has reported the following arrests:
It's the most recent arrest that prompted Friedman to ask Zambito to order Wright held without bail.
Friedman said that he was more concerned about Wright's willingness to make future court appearances given his growing list of unresolved criminal charges.
Attorney Nathan Pace, recently assigned to represent him after Wright's previous attorney resigned from the case, argued that there was no reason to doubt Wright won't make future court appearances since he has made recent court appearances. Pace said he represented Wright in other matters two years ago and the defendant made his appearances then. He also said he and his client dispute the facts of the recent arrest. He also said Wright will become a father in a few months and is looking forward to the baby's birth and that he will start a job at a Batavia gas station on Monday.
"I believe he will continue to appear in court," Pace said.
Friedman countered that it is meaningless that the defendant denied wrongdoing in the new cases. That's what defendants do at this stage of proceedings. Friedman said it was more relevant that Wright is accused of resisting arrest and fighting with police officers.
Zambito opened his remarks by saying it was difficult to agree with the desire of Pace to keep his client out of jail, but that New York law limited what he could do to hold Wright in custody.
"It's impossible under the current bail reform laws," Zambito said. "It seems Wright is a clear and present danger to the community as long as he is out and he continues to get arrested.
But, Zambito added, "the law doesn't allow a judge to consider community safety when setting bail. I'm frustrated. I think every judge in New York State is frustrated."
He said he was going to order a mental health evaluation and Pace agreed that is a good idea.
"As his previous attorney said, 'something is not right in his head,' " Pace told Zambito.
As Zambito issued his order, Pace emphasized to Wright that he can't go out of the door of his house after 9 p.m. and before 6 a.m. and that he must cooperate with police when he encounters them, even when they show up to search his house.
Zambito added, "they're going to show up at your house and you can't fight with them, you can't resist them."
Wright is also not allowed to leave Genesee County while his cases are pending.
Tonight is The Old Hippies 60th livestream Home-to-Home Concert and it will be their last one, at least for a while.
Meet Mark Kane, the new president of Six Flags Darien Lake
After missing the 2020 season due to COVID-19 restrictions, Darien Lake Theme Park, has reopened for 2021. Currently, the park can operate at 33-percent capacity but expects to be open at 100-percent capacity in about a month.
COVID-19 protocols include a touchless temperature check as patrons enter the park and social distancing. People who are full vaccinated do not need to wear masks. The mask protocol will operate on the honor system. Patrons will not be required to show proof of vaccination.
All of the rides and attractions are open.
More than 35 vendors participated today in a Vendor Blender inside City Centre as a fundraiser for All Babies Cherished.
An Alabama resident was arrested Friday morning after members of the Local Drug Task Force searched his home and allegedly found brass knuckles, "kung fu stars,"* and two revolvers.
Marc C.J. Cook, 30, of Church Street, Alabama, is charged with five counts of criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and two counts of criminal possession of a firearm.
The task force obtained a search warrant based on an ongoing investigation of Cook into possession of illegal firearms.
Cook was also taken into custody on two warrants. One, out of the City of Batavia, was based on a charge of criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, and the other was a Family Court warrant on an alleged Family Court violation.
On the weapons charges and the city warrant, Cook was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. On the Family Court warrant, Judge Charles Zambito, based on state guidelines, set bail at $100.
The task force was assisted by uniformed deputies, the State Police response team, and the District Attorney's Office.
*A shuriken (Japanese: 手裏剣; literally: "hidden hand blade") is a Japanese concealed weapon that was used as a hidden dagger or metsubushi to distract or misdirect. They are also known as throwing stars or ninja stars, although they were originally designed in many different shapes.
Yesterday, JoAnne Rock spotted a swarm of bees buzzing down North Spruce Street in Batavia before taking up temporary residence in a tree in front of her house. She said she was told the hive follows the queen and would likely move on soon.
As COVID-19 restrictions ease, more and more local venues are hiring, once again, musicians to perform live for patrons.
Thursday, the Sky Cats performed an outdoor show at Dave's Ice Cream.
VENUE OWNERS: If you are scheduling live music, send the time, date, location, and name of the music act to howard@thebatavian.com and we'll include the date on our calendar. If we get enough participation, we'll post upcoming shows on a weekly basis on Thursdays.
Empire Hemp, which has operated a CDB processing facility in Batavia off of Swan Street for two years, held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday at its new retail store at 204 E. Main St., Batavia.
The store sells a variety of products containing CDB extracted from locally grown cannabis.
Owners Chris VanDusen and Shelly Wolanske said they don't know yet whether they will get into the business of processing and/or selling recreational marijuana, now that it's legal in New York. They're waiting to see what requirements and guidelines are issued by the state before deciding.
The video also includes a tour of their production facility.
A motorcycle accident is reported in the area of 8937 Creek Road, Batavia.
A first responder reported a victim down in the road.
Dispatchers checked on the availability of Mercy Flight but a subsequent update said there would be no need for Mercy Flight.
Town of Batavia and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 9:36 p.m.: Appears to be minor injury.
While the Kiwanis Club of Batavia announced several award winners for its annual Law Day event in advance, there was one person kept in the dark about all of the planned awards.
District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.
Friedman is finishing out his final term as district attorney, ending a 24-year run as the county's longest-serving DA, and to recognize him for his service to the community, the Kiwanis Club presented him with a Special Service Award.
Speakers honoring Friedman included retired Sheriff Gary Maha (the longest-serving sheriff in the county and currently a county legislator), Theresa Asmus-Roth, director of the Child Advocacy Center, County Manager Matt Landers, First Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell, retired Family Court Judge Eric Adams, retired County Court Judge Robert C. Noonan (also Friedman's predessor as DA), and former U.S. Attorney for Western New York, William Hochul.
Hochul said Friedman is the best prosecutor he's ever known.
"He stands as the absolute epitome of what a prosecutor should be," Hochul said.
Friedman began his career in the DA's office in 1981 and became DA 16 years later. Hochul noted that with Friedman's considerable legal knowledge and talent, the attorney could have become rich in private practice but instead he took on the tough role as a public servant in law enforcement.
Additional awards (from a previously published press release):
Kiwanis Criminal Justice Award
The Kiwanis Club of Batavia Criminal Justice Award is presented to a member or members of the community, law enforcement, or a criminal justice agency serving the citizens of Genesee County whose exceptional career achievements and conscientiousness to citizenship have demonstrated a spirit of selfless public service or demonstrated an act of exceptional valor or heroism.
The 2021 Award Recipients are:
Genesee County Sheriff’s Office -- Sgt. Andrew B. Hale; Deputies David D. Moore, Kyle D. Krzemien, Howard O. Wilson, V., Andrew Z. Mullen, Joshua A. Brabon; Brock D. Cummins; and Investigator Christopher A. Parker.
Le Roy Police Department -- Sgt. Gregory Kellogg and Officers Jordan Wolcott and Austin Steinbrenner
On May 27, 2020, at about 2037 hours (8:37 p.m.), what began as a typical traffic stop in Le Roy, turned into a multiagency pursuit of a tractor-trailer through multiple counties at speeds up to 70+ mph. The tractor-trailer recklessly swerved into oncoming traffic, putting innocent drivers at risk; made multiple U-turns; attempted to strike patrol vehicles, and shot at officers several times. Four different patrol vehicles were struck by bullets, one vehicle with at least eight rounds. One of the bullets went through the windshield and struck the rear partition over a Deputy’s headrest. Fortunately, the Deputy had been leaning to his right at the time. The pursuit came to an end when the tractor-trailer, heading toward the Village of Geneseo, was fired upon by officers and it exited the roadway. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene and the reign of terror ended.
The ensuing investigation revealed that the driver was on the FBI watch list. Searches at his residence and rental property revealed bomb-making instructions, improvised explosive devices, multiple weapons, and large amounts of ammunition. These findings, along with his social media posts, revealed that he was an anti-police extremist and was planning violence on a larger scale.
The pursuit that night lasted approximately an hour and 15 minutes. The amount of lives that were endangered is countless. Patrols from multiple jurisdictions placed themselves in danger to protect the public for the entire duration of the incident. They cleared roadways and intersections while their patrol cars were in danger of being rammed by the tractor-trailer and in the line of fire while the driver was shooting at them. They coordinated over jurisdictional lines to remove a threat to the public, not only for that night but certainly for a future time.
These officers were nominated for this award by Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. and Le Roy Police Chief Gregory Kellogg (formerly Sergeant Kellogg).
City of Batavia Retired Police Officer Jason Davis
Police Officer Jason Davis has served many roles within the department during his nearly 22 years of service to the community. He has served as an Officer-in-Charge, Instructor, Field Training Officer and Emergency Response Team member, to name a few. Officer Davis served as the department's de-escalation instructor and, most recently, he was assigned as the School Resource Officer to the Batavia City School District where he immediately made an impact in the lives of students and staff in the District. He was able to successfully de-escalate incidents with students, act as a role model and mentor to many, and served as an invaluable resource to the staff. Throughout his career, Officer Davis handled all of his duties with professionalism and pride for the uniform he wears and the department he represents.
Officer Davis was nominated for this award by City of Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch.
Village of Le Roy Retired Chief of Police Christopher Hayward
Retired Chief of Police Christopher Hayward has served the Village of Le Roy since his teenage years. He began his career as an Officer and rose to the position of Chief of Police through years of dedication, commitment, and compassion to all of the members of the community. Hayward was instrumental in the consolidation of the local village and town courts, seeking to provide an efficient and effective court operation. He is a man of high integrity and fostered many relationships with community members of all ages. He supported and worked hard to partner in the County’s shared E-9-1-1 Emergency Services Dispatch Center.
Chief Hayward was nominated for this award by Genesee County Legislator (District #5, Le Roy) Rochelle Stein.
Charles L. Mancuso Mock Trial Award
The “Charles L. Mancuso Award” was presented to the members of the Alexander High School Mock Trial Team as winners of the 2021 GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties) District Competition in the New York State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Tournament. The award reads “Dedicated to the Memory of an Outstanding Attorney-Citizen.” Mancuso, a Batavia lawyer, served as coordinator of the local competition until his untimely death 14 years ago.
The Alexander High School team members honored include: Erin Hess, Annie Slenker, Shawn Calmes, Katarina Luker, Imogene Plitt, Dana Morelli, Olivia Burkhardt, Holly Bykowski, Maia Saile, and teacher coach Johnny Lucas. Coordinator of the local Mock Trial Program, Kristie DeFreze, presented the award.
Genesee County Bar Association Special Honors
The Genesee County Bar Association is honoring the lives of two longstanding attorneys who passed away in 2020.
Theron “Ted” Howard passed away on June 11 after practicing law in Genesee County since 1978. Howard spent most of his legal career in his own private practice but fulfilled several public roles as well. He worked as an Assistant District Attorney, served the Town of Pavilion as Town Justice and Town Supervisor, and prosecuted traffic matters in the towns of Pavilion and Batavia. Howard also volunteered generously in the community – on the Pavilion School Board, the Le Roy Historical Society Board, and the Genesee Community College Foundation Board.
David Saleh passed away on Oct. 29. Dave spent many years in private practice before becoming in-house counsel at Enlighten. Saleh is a past president of the Genesee County Bar Association and acted as a delegate to the State Judicial Nominating Committee for more than 35 years. During the year leading up to his death, he served as a part-time City Court Judge in Batavia. Beyond his professional endeavors, he donated his time and energy to his community – at his church, as a volunteer firefighter, as a member of the Lions Club, and as a board member of the Corfu Free Library and St. Jerome Hospital Foundation.
Video via the Kiwanis Club of Batavia.
Bethany fire responded to a Jeep vs. tractor-trailer accident at 2:50 p.m. on Ellicott Street Road.
Photos by Glenn Adams.
New York State Police Troop A held their annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service today at the Troop A Barracks in Batavia.
This was Troop's first service since 2019 after last year's service was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The service honors troopers who have died in the line of duty.
New York State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen attended the event.
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