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Photo: Solar eclipse

By Howard B. Owens

John Huenemoerder, of Pavilion, shared this photo he took on Walker Road of yesterday morning's solar eclipse.

Accident with injuries reported on the Thruway in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported on the Thruway in the westbound lane in the area of mile marker 391.9.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:18 p.m.: Town assignment back in service. 

With Labor Daze back on 2021 calendar, lots of work to do in Oakfield to get ready

By Howard B. Owens

It looks like there will be a Labor Daze celebration in Oakfield in 2021 after all.

Jamie Lindsley said the Oakfield Betterment Committee "jumped at the chance to reevaluate" hosting the event with COVID-19 restrictions lifted.

"Everything is planned and ready to go," Lindsley said. "Now we just need our local officials to help us get this done in a very compressed time frame."

Lindsley confirmed today that both the town and village are on board with supporting putting together a Labor Daze celebration even on short notice.

"What both are able to do complement each other and we're able to move forward," she said.

The late start on planning means a lot of work for a lot of people over the next three months.

"There are many challenges we will face in the planning of this event this year," Lindsley said. "From sponsorships to volunteers, we will need a lot of help getting Labor Daze going on short notice."

Photo: File photo from 2018 Labor Day Parade in Oakfield.

Photos: Law Enforcement torch run in support of the Special Olympics

By Howard B. Owens

Officers with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and Batavia Police Department carried the Special Olympics torch today from the Sheriff's Office on Park Road to the Arc Genesee Orleans Center on Walnut Street in support of the Special Olympics.

Photos: Legislature designates June 'Dairy Month'

By Howard B. Owens

With the aid of the Genesee County Dairy Princess and her court, along with ice cream treats for everybody in the room, the Legislature declared June "Dairy Month" on Wednesday.

The current Dairy Princess is Amelia Brewer, 16 from Elba. Her court: Maggie Winspear, dairy ambassador, Jillian Brewer, dairy ambassador, and Claire Lamb, dairy maid.

Legislator Christian Yunker read the following resolution approved by the Legislature:

WHEREAS, The Dairy Industry has contributed to the development and prosperity of our community since the earliest formation of Genesee County, and

WHEREAS, Since 1937 the rich history of Dairy production and its producers has been recognized across our great nation in an effort to savor the natural goodness in one of the most wholesome agricultural products, and 

WHEREAS, Dairy farmers and farm workers strive to produce wholesome dairy milk which is used to make delicious dairy products like yogurts, cheeses, butter, sour cream, and ice creams that provide health benefits and valuable nutritional benefit to residents locally, regionally, and globally, and 

WHEREAS, in 2014 the fourth-graders at Byron-Bergen Elementary School began the push and later saw signed into law, the recognition of YOGURT as New York State’s official snack, and

WHEREAS, The Dairy Industry in Genesee County is a significant contributor to the economy of our County, its Bread, and Butter, allowing our landscape, citizens, and businesses to flourish, and 

WHEREAS, the USDA Food Box Program sent over 154 million boxes to our hungry neighbors during the pandemic brimming with high-quality Dairy products to fill a nutritional need nationally yet sourced locally, 

RESOLVED, That the Genesee County Legislature does hereby proclaim the Month of June, 2021 as DAIRY MONTH and extend our thanks to the dedicated men and women who produce world-class dairy products enjoyed nationwide.

Oakfield youth tosses no-hitter, fans 18

By Howard B. Owens

Oakfield's Mason Vigiano, pitching in a 12-U league, was dominating against Alden yesterday, notching a no-hitter while striking out 18 batters on 71 pitches.

He walked one batter at the top of the third inning. He struck out the first six batters he faced.

Oakfield won 10-0.

Photo and info submitted by Sam Vigiano.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Ducklings rescued on Ellicott Street

By Howard B. Owens

Tristine Vanice and her children, Londyn and Carter, spotted a momma duck and her babies crossing Ellicott Street this evening and two of the ducklings got left behind, Vance said.

She called the nonemergency number for dispatch and Officer Wes Rissinger, Batavia PD, responded to assist with the rescue. 

Photo submitted by Tristine Vanice.

Video: Batavia parents and students protest mask policy at Upton Monument

By Howard B. Owens
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Batavia parents and students protest mask policy at Upton Monument.

Video: 'Field of Thanks' opening ceremony at St. James Episcopal Church

By Howard B. Owens
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Dozens of flags in a "Field of Thanks," honoring those who served our community during the pandemic as well as military veterans, has been installed in front of the St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia.

On Sunday, there was an opening ceremony for the field of flags, which will be on display and open to self-guided tours until June 13 at 5 p.m., when there will be a closing ceremony.

Each flag is accompanied by a plaque depicting the story of an essential worker, law enforcement officer, other first responders, and armed forces members.

Visitors during those hours will also be able to stop by a staffed information table where a map will help them find familiar names of locals from World War I through the present. 

Net proceeds will be divided between two nonprofits: WNY Heroes and Meals on Wheels.

Camper fire reported at RV park in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A camper fire is reported at the Timberline Lake RV Park at 8150 Vallance Road, Le Roy.

It's at Lot 32B.

Le Roy fire responding.

UPDATE 1:07 a.m.: Auxilary requested to the scene for refreshments.

Photos: Batavia Players open new dance studio in City Centre

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Players cut the ribbon on Sunday night on the company's new dance studio in City Centre.

Director Pat Burk called it a state-of-the-art facility. 

Cutting the ribbon is dance student Lucy LeFevre along with instructor Briana Blair Kelly while students Jocelyn Coburn and Samantha Balbi hold the ribbon.

Photos: Senior parade for BHS graduates

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia's graduating seniors were feted with a parade, led by City fire, through the city on Saturday.

Photos by Eileen Ognibene.

Veterans honored with Cigar Night at Major Stash

By Howard B. Owens

Major Stash Cigar, on Liberty Street in Batavia, teamed up with the American Warrior Festival to honor veterans on Saturday with a cigar night featuring acoustic music from The Remediators and Joel Russlett.

Photo: Dan Clor, director of the American Warrior Festival, and Doug Palmer, owner of Major Stash Cigar.

Photo: Slow dancing in the parking lot at Towne Center at Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A reader spotted this young couple dancing in the parking lot of Towne Center at Batavia off Veterans Memorial Drive shortly after 9 p.m., Saturday.

He said, "It was a cool moment. Most of the plaza was closed and they were just out there by themselves. You could hear the music from the car radio. Right after I snapped that picture, the guy spun her around. I wish I had waited a split second more. Made me smile."

Motorcycle accident reported in Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

An accident involving a motorcycle is reported in the area of 7218 South Lake Road.

Mercy Flight is on a ground standby.

Bergen Fire and ambulance responding.

UPDATE 5:31 p.m.: Mercy Flight won't be required. A Mercy ambulance that was also responding has been put back in service.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: Bergen ambulance is transporting a patient to Strong.

UPDATE 5:36 p.m.: Bergen assignment back in service.

Video: New era of Batavia Muckdogs baseball opens at Dwyer Stadium

By Howard B. Owens
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New era of Batavia Muckdogs baseball opens at Dwyer Stadium

Photos below by Jim Burns. For more photos, click here.

Van fire reported in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A van is reportedly on fire in the parking lot of D&R Depot in Le Roy.

It's believed the van is unoccupied.

Le Roy fire responding.

Lake Street Road is being shut down at Mill Street.

UPDATE 5:20 p.m.: Fire is out.

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