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Press release:

As of 2 p.m.

• Genesee County received three new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 224 positive cases.
  • Two of the new positive individuals reside in Batavia and one of the new positive cases resides in Le Roy.
  • One of the individuals is in their 20s, one of the individuals is in their 40s and one of the individuals is in their 50s.
  • None of the new positive individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive
  • Eight of the previous community active positives have recovered and have been releases
• Orleans County received two new positive cases of COVID-19 today, for a total of 266 positive cases.
  • One of the new positive individuals lives in Barre and one of the new positive cases lives at the Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
  • One of the individuals is in their 20s and one of the individuals is in their 60s.
  • Neither of the two new positive individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • One of the previous community positive cases has recovered and has been released from mandatory isolation.
  • Ten of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. Please note those in the hospital may be from the community or a state-regulated facility. We do not separate them out to protect their privacy.
  • We are saddened to report the death of one of our county residents. This person lived at the Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual during this very challenging time.

More than 200 motorcycle club members from throughout the region came together Sunday afternoon to ride to the headquarters of various police agencies as a show of support for local law enforcement.

Organizer Jesse Underwood said it was a chance for members of Genesee ABATE to remind people that most cops are good cops and that they jeopardize their lives to protect and serve.

"They've got a tough job to do right now," Underwood said. "They get up in the morning and put on their badge and head out to work and they may not make it home again."

These photos are from the group's stop at the NYSP headquarters on West Saile Drive. The riders also stopped at the Sheriff's Office and Batavia PD before heading to Orleans County.

Video by Le Roy HS Principal Tim McArdle.

Batavia native Tony DiMartino scored his first career hole-in-one Sunday at his home course, Oswego Country Club. The ace came on the 167-yard 4th hole. DiMartino used a 6 iron.

The shot was witnessed by Dan Burns, Rod Allen and Doug Cecere.

Photo and info submitted by Doug Cecere.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.17, which is 4 cents higher than a week ago. One year ago, the price was $2.72.

The New York State average is $2.24 – a penny higher than last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.87.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.21 (down 4 cents since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.19 (no change since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.16 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.21 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.27 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.15 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.27 (up 4 cents since last week)

This week, most regions saw a slight increase in gas prices by a few cents, so no dramatic increases to cause shock at the pump.

When compared to last year at this time, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline is 55 cents cheaper, while the New York average price is 63 cents cheaper than a year ago, making road trips an affordable option for motorists.

The Fourth of July holiday is almost here and this year, AAA Western and Central New York summer travel forecast predicts that road trips will the most popular form of travel with families looking to drive to destinations. The low prices will entice motorists to take to the road as more regions and states open.

From GasBuddy:

"Gasoline prices have continued to rise across the United States, a streak that enters its ninth week, but with a resurgence in COVID-19 cases across several states and with Pay with GasBuddy gasoline demand data showing the first weekly drop in gasoline demand since Memorial Day and just the second one since March, there may eventually be a small reckoning in the price of gasoline," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

"Last week, U.S. gasoline demand fell 0.4 percent, not exactly a staggering figure, but data from later in the week pointed to much more noticeable drops, which may be a coming trend as authorities in some U.S. states rescind their reopenings.

Motorists across the country will likely be influenced by what develops in those areas -- improvement and a slowdown in COVID would cause gas prices to continue rising, while a continued resurgence in COVID-19 cases and a drop in gasoline demand will mean lower gas prices."

A caller in the 1500 block of Ledge Road, Basom, reports that sometime in the middle of the night he heard a loud explosion.

This morning in woke up to find that his mailbox was blown up.

A state trooper is responding.

Volunteers from the Oakfield Fire Department along with Animal Control Officer Ann Marie Brade and Deputy Kevin McCarthy -- working his second duck rescue detail in as many days -- managed to save a badling of ducks from the stormwater system this morning.

Photos submitted by Staci Finn.

A 57-year-old Fillmore man died on Bethany Center Road, Town of Stafford, today after a 2012 Harley-Davidson he was driving struck broadside a pickup truck that was attempting to turn around a few hundred yards north of a crest of the hill.

Donald M. Bernard was northbound when his motorcycle hit the passenger side door of a 2019 Honda pickup driven by Joseph C. Johnson.

Bernard was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The investigation is ongoing but Chief Deputy Brian Frieday indicated at the scene this afternoon that charges are possible.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responded to the scene.

The collision is being investigated by the Crash Management Team.

NOTE: In accordance with an agreement with the Sheriff's Office, The Batavian withheld publication of photos or a video prior to the name of the victim being released to ensure family notifications were complete.

Press release:

As of 2 p.m.

• Genesee County received three new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 221 positive cases.
  • All of the new positive individuals reside in Darien.
  • One of the individuals is less than 20 years old, and two of the individuals are in their 40s.
  • All of the new positive individuals were on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive
• Orleans County received zero new positive cases of COVID-19 today for a total of 264 positive cases
  • Two of the previous community positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
  • Ten of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. Please note those in the hospital may be from the community or a state-regulated facility. We do not separate them out to protect their privacy.
  • We are saddened to report the death of one of our county residents. This person lived at the Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual during this very challenging time.

There are 11 active cases and 43 people in quarantine.

Emergency dispatch has received a report of a motorcycle down in the roadway with the rider in the roadway unresponsive.

The location is at Bethany Center Road and Ellicott Street Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire along with Mercy EMS responding.  

Mercy Flight is on in-air standby.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie)11:28 a.m.: There is loose gravel on the roadway at the crash site. A portion of Bethany Center Road is shut down to through traffic.

UPDATE 11:32 a.m.: Per town command, Mercy Flight's in-air standby is cancelled and it is put back in service.

UPDATE 11:35 a.m.: The county's Crash Management Team is summoned to the scene.

UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: A silver pickup truck was also involved in this accident; no word yet on injuries, if any, to the occupant(s). The truck is up an embankment on the east side of Bethany Center Road.

UPDATE 12:33 p.m.: This was a fatal accident. The motorcycle rider who died at the scene is an older male who lived out of the area, according to Genesee County Chief Deputy Brian Frieday. The rider was northbound on Bethany Center Road when he went over the crest of a hill and slammed into the silver pickup truck. The truck driver had pulled into a driveway near the crest of the hill in order to turn around and change direction of travel, when he pulled out of the driveway in front of the motorcyclist, who he never saw coming, Frieday said. The truck driver was not injured.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department is proud to introduce the newest member of the Department, K-9 “Hank,” with handler Officer Stephen Quider. “Hank” is a 1-year old Belgian Malinois/Shepard mix from Holland.

He was purchased from Upstate K-9 with asset forfeiture funding from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo. “Hank” and Officer Quider have begun their training in Monroe County. “Hank” will be trained as a dual-purpose Police K-9. He will be trained in narcotics detection, tracking and apprehension.

The Police Department conducted an initial fund-raising effort last year to help offset some of the costs associated with the program and received overwhelming support, raising more than $11,000 to date. All donations go toward food, toys and medicine to ensure “Hank” remains healthy and happy.

The Department continues to accept donations to assist in supporting the program, anyone wishing to donate can contact the City Police Department at (585) 345-6356.

Video by Le Roy High School Principal Tim McArdle.

A dog has reportedly been locked in a blue Chevy Equinox for more than 30 minutes in the parking lot behind Settler's Restaurant.

Batavia PD is dispatched.

Press release:

As of 2 p.m.

• Genesee County received two new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 218 positive cases.
  • One of the new positive individuals resides in Batavia and one resides in Le Roy.
  • One of the individuals is less than 20 years old and one individual is in their 40s.
  • The new positive individuals were not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Four of the previous community positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
  • One of the total active cases is hospitalized.
• Orleans County received 0 new positive cases of COVID-19 today, for a total of 264 positive cases.
  • Ten of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. Please note those in the hospital may be from the community or a state-regulated facility.  We do not separate them out to protect their privacy.
  • We are saddened to report the death of one of our county residents. This person lived at the Orchard Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this individual during this very challenging time.

The Ice Cream Social at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church is the church's largest fundraiser -- of two -- they do each year.

This year, as primarily a drive-in event, it went big in an unexpected way.

"We usually do about 400 chicken dinners but it takes us all night," said Celinda McQuiston. "We did 400 chickens in an hour and 10 minutes."

The volunteers also served up 300 strawberry shortcakes. They also grilled hot dogs.

The Ice Cream Social -- this was its 76th year -- normally includes a bake sale and auction but because of social distancing restrictions those events were canceled this year.

COVID-19 Phase Four Briefing with Public Health Director Paul Pettit hosted by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

Press release:

As of 2 p.m.

• Genesee County received one new positive cases of COVID-19, for a total of 216 positive cases.
  • The new positive individual resides in Elba.
  • The positive individual is in their 20s.
  • The new positive individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • One of the previous community positive cases have recovered and have been released from mandatory isolation.
  • One of the total active cases is hospitalized.
• Orleans County received one new positive cases of COVID-19 today, for a total of 264 positive cases.
  • The new positive individual resides in Albion.
  • The positive individual is in their 50s.
  • The new positive individual was not on mandatory quarantine prior to testing positive.
  • Thirteen of the total active positive cases are hospitalized. Please note those in the hospital may be from the community or a state-regulated facility. We do not separate them out to protect their privacy.

It would be "very, very sad" way for baseball to end in Batavia and 41 other minor league cities if the baseball season were canceled and a new agreement between Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball eliminated those small franchises, said Ben Hayes, president of the New York Penn League.

Professional baseball in Batavia was under threat of extinction before a pandemic hit, and news reports have indicated Minor League Baseball has conceded to the MLB's request to consolidate leagues across the nation. Still, Hayes said today that negotiations continue and nothing has been finalized.

Even better news, he isn't giving up on playing NYPL baseball in 2020. The season is indefinitely postponed, but Hayes said he and league owners and officials want players in parks and fans in seats this season if at all possible, including in Batavia.  

The NYPL operates in eight states, and there are only two stadiums so far that are in regions where COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted enough to allow fans and ballplayers into ballparks.

"There's nobody at the Major League level or the Minor League level that has said this season is over and done," Hayes said. "Nothing has been canceled at either the full-season or short-season level."

If a decision was made to play ball, the MLB has suggested it would take players two or three weeks to get ready for the rigors of professional baseball.  

Hayes is currently traveling around the league, including a planned stop in Batavia, and league owners have been holding regular conference calls so they can be ready for the day when there can be baseball again.

Every team is developing plans to ensure social distancing is maintained; there is plenty of personal protective equipment for personnel; there are plans for thorough and regular cleaning and sanitizing in place, and to ensure that hotels and busses are safe and clean. 

"Everybody has a plan right now," Hayes said. "We're following the guidelines to make sure our players are safe but also our fans and stadium staff or safe. Right now, it's just a waiting game."

If the season is washed out, Hayes said he has already communicated with the Minor League's negotiating committee to request that any new agreement that could potentially eliminate teams would be delayed at least a year so that fans in those cities losing their franchises could get a farewell season before shutting down.

"That's my hope," Hayes said. "We voiced that to our representatives on the negotiating committee," Hayes said. "There are 42 clubs out there that if that plan were to go through, they would have never gotten a chance to have a last season, and that would be very, very sad."

As for the current operations of the Muckdogs, if you call the office, the phone is disconnected. It's not possible to get in touch with General Manager Brendan Kelly.  

Hayes said shutting down operations was purely a cost-saving measure and not an indication of the status of the ballclub.

"We're just trying to save money," Hayes said. "We're trying not to accrue costs simply because of the financial situation of the Muckdogs."

Meanwhile, except for the city mowing the infield and outfield grass, the playing surface is not being maintained. Weeds are sprouting up all over the diamond that Cooper Thomas has beautifully manicured over the past couple of seasons. 

None of that is a worry, Hayes said. 

"We can get that back in shape in two or three weeks once we get a grounds crew in there," Hayes said. 

The weeds maybe a little bigger but the situation now isn't much different than it would be in a typical year when crews start preparing the field for high school players in the spring.

"It's amazing what an edger and a lawnmower and a little bit of fertilizer and weed killer can do," Hayes said. "It makes a huge difference and you can really turn a field around quickly."

Whether Thomas will return in 2020 to lead that effort -- assuming the NYPL gets to play baseball -- is up in the air, Hayes said. He would love to have Thomson back and Thomas wants to come back, he said, but President Trump's current moratorium on worker immigration because of COVID-19 could prevent Thomas from making the trip from Australia to Batavia.

Top Photo: Weeds growing in the Dwyer Stadium infield.

Yesterday, the Dwyer Stadium scoreboard was lit up with "Reds 0 / Pirates 0 / PPD."

Chuck Martin was born and raised in the eastern part of North Carolina, where he not only learned to BBQ but fell in love with the art and craft.

As a New York resident for more than 10 years, he's been making BBQ for friends and since he loves it so much, he decided to make it his profession.

He promises authentic Carolina-style BBQ with pulled pork, ribs, beans, and coleslaw along with his how "Angry Charlie Burger."

Martin said his BBQ trailer, parked at 355 W. Main St., Batavia, will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

A caller reports two toddlers -- ages about 2 and 3 -- have been left unattended in car seats in the back of a vehicle at the TA Travel Center in Pembroke.

The caller states the children have been unattended for at least 20 minutes.

A deputy is responding.