Oakfield-Alabama advanced to the Class C2 softball championship with a 9-0 win over Genesee Valley/Belfast.
The Hornets broke through with five runs in the third inning and added three more in the fourth to take control of the game.
Piper Hyde led the offense with three hits in four at-bats. Allison Williams went 2-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs, and Raine Denny was 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Chloe Lamb drove in a run, while Savannah Durham and Rylee Denny each collected a hit.
Savannah Durham pitched a complete game, allowing four hits and no earned runs while striking out 15.
“Just a great win for our team," said coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "We got contributions up and down the line and once again. We were able to get our runners home once they got into scoring position. Allie and Raine had huge RBI hits for us in the 3rd and 4th innings that allowed us to extend our lead. ,Savannah was outstanding on the mound once again and we were solid defensively behind her. We are looking forward to the opportunity to play for a Sectional championship on Saturday.”
Kendall edged Oakfield-Alabama 3-2 in eight innings on Wednesday.
Kendall collected 10 hits and did not commit an error, while Oakfield-Alabama had eight hits and two errors.
Oakfield-Alabama scored first with a run in the second inning. Kendall answered in the bottom half. Oakfield-Alabama added another in the fourth, but Kendall tied it in the sixth. The game remained tied going into the seventh. Kendall walked it off in the bottom of the inning.
Jack Cianfrini and Avery Watterson each had two hits for Oakfield-Alabama. David Schnaufer pitched 6.2 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on 10 hits, with two strikeouts and three walks.
Nic Cole got the complete-game win for Kendall, giving up two runs on eight hits with two strikeouts and no walks.
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes is investing $45,500 to support two summer programs in Genesee County.
United Way is the second-largest funder for summer programming and is supporting more programs and youth than 2024. United Way is one of nine funders contributing to summer programs. For ease of applicants and to enhance funder collaboration, applicants were able to complete a common application with the nine funders.
“When our youth have the opportunities to thrive, we thrive as a community,” said Robert De Leon, director of community impact at United Way. “We are deeply committed to ensuring youth have access to safe, enriching, and inclusive programming during the summer months. These programs are crucial for youth development, fostering social and emotional growth and combatting summer learning loss.”
Programs were selected based on their demonstrated excellence in academic enrichment, social-emotional learning, arts and recreation, trauma-informed care, inclusivity, safety protocols, and outcomes-based evaluation.
United Way’s Community Impact Fund, which supports a broad portfolio of nonprofit services and resources that strengthen our region year-round, funds these summer programs.
2025 United Way Genesee County Summer Program Grant Recipients
Gillam Grant Community Center- Summer Day Camp
Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council- Explore Art! for Kids
United Way’s annual campaign makes the work of the Community Impact Fund and these grant opportunities possible. To learn more and donate, visit unitedwayrocflx.org.
Chase, with his dad Justin, shows the ribbons he earned during the inaugural Special Olympics Thursday at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
Cameron, a student from Greece attending the New York State School for the Blind, was happy to be exercising early Thursday morning — an activity he’s actually been preparing for twice a week the last several months, he says.
“Every Monday and Wednesday at the gym we’ve been practicing,” the young athlete said during this area’s inaugural Special Olympics at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia. “This Olympics is so much fun, probably just watching everyone do these special events. Next I’m in the running long jump.”
He was eager to point out his mom, Cristina Vergne, and 8-year-old brother Killian watching from the stadium seats. It could have been better weather, mom said, as the sun was just beginning to peek out from heavy clouds a few hours into the event, but she enjoyed watching the action.
After all, the Special Olympics have been on Cameron’s mind for quite some time now, she said.
“We’ve been talking about it for months. He’s very excited,” she said. “I think it’s awesome. I think seeing all the kids be here and able to participate is a great thing.”
Fellow School for the Blind student Susanna, from Franklinville, had cheerleaders in the audience as well, she said.
“My mom and dad are over there,” she said, pointing to the group of spectators. “I had a 100-meter dash and a relay race. I would like to do it again.”
The School for the Blind, Genesee Valley BOCES and Batavia City School District joined forces to put on this first-time event.
“We currently have about 100 athletes that are participating today in various field events from our school. So we have parents in the stands, and we have all our staff here ready to provide support where needed,” School for the Blind Superintendent Jackie Simpson said. “We also have the Batavia City School District National Honor Society students who are here helping with awards and helping with many of the events, they helped us set up this morning, and we will see health careers academy class, we called our hike team, so they're here to cheer kids out, and they're also participating in some of the races with the students.
"It is the first time that the School for the Blind has participated in these Special Olympics since the mid 80s. So it was about 40 years in coming. I started with the school district about four years ago, in July 2021 and said, I think we need to have a Special Olympics team here."
Why was it important to you to see this come to fruition? mid-80s"It's funny, a staff member who used to work for the school actually reminded me this morning, when I met him four years ago, that one of the things I said to him is that if it's something kids can do, we're going to make sure they do it," she said. "And it just seemed important to me and for our school to have students experience something that is just so out of the norm of their typical day, to have that feeling of competition and being cheered on for and really working and practicing.
"They've been doing time trials since January, February, and practicing the events to get ready for this day," she said. "So we just felt it was a great opportunity, not only for our school, but to bring the community together, to have everyone here on this day.”
From a city police escort in the morning and a Special Olympics Planning Committee comprising staff from all three schools, to food service, maintenance, and nurses with a tent set up just in case there’s a need, “it just ended up being all hands on deck through our different departments,” she said. Organizers plan to include more schools in future years.
Not only did Batavia Middle School sixth-grader Logan run his own events — the 100-meter dash, relay race and long jump — he also helped cheer on a friend with his 50-meter run from the sidelines, he said.
Logan’s favorite part of the day so far was the relay, he said, explaining why.
“I handed the purple thing to my friend Chase, and running,” he said.
He liked being able to work as a team, he said, which seemed to be a theme for students and staff alike. This event was a “huge collaborative effort” between the School for the Blind, BOCES and city schools, Director of Special Education Kellie Marciano said.
“We had regular meetings throughout the year to really prep and prepare for it. The Special Olympics has been a huge part of helping us. Unfortunately, they're not here today, because we have another one happening in the southern region, which is fine, but the kids have been so hyped up for the last couple of months,” Marciano said. “For it, the teachers have been prepping them, getting them ready to practice. And then, I mean, today's going amazing. The kids are doing really, really well for our first time. I think it's really going well for everybody.”
Chase, a Batavia middle school seventh-grader, experienced the thrill of perseverance, albeit a bit of embarrassment at first, he admitted, followed by victory in the 100-meter dash.
“I was trying to see, because my shoe slipped off before I started. So it was when I was running, I had my shoe missing, I was like, that’s strange. And then I finished over there, over here. I finished everywhere,” he said, sharing how he felt afterward. “Good. Yeah, definitely I do (want to do it again).”
The softball throw. Photo by Joanne Beck
Being presented with a ribbon. Photo by Joanne Beck
Another ribbon being handed out with plenty of sideline support. Photo by Joanne Beck
A very busy Van Detta field Thursday in Batavia. Photo by Joanne Beck
The Holland Land Office is proud to announce the next presenter in its Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, June 11, at 7 p.m. Hofstra Law Professor Stefan Krieger shares the story of his great-grandfather's murder in Batavia in 1915. Yomtov (Jacob) Schoenberg was viciously murdered in his sleep while at home at 138 Liberty Street by an intruder who bludgeoned his head with a piece of scrap iron. Mr. Krieger decided to delve deeper into the case and has written a piece about it. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for our monthly Trivia Night on Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. Get your disco balls ready and leisure suits on and test your knowledge of the 1970s. We promise it is more than just disco. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next act in our Concert Series on Friday, June 20, at 7 p.m. Don Dwyer will be returning to play his compilation of songs in honor of the bicentennial of the Erie Canal. Come and listen as Don plays and tells "The Songs and Stories of the Erie Canal." Admission is $5/$4 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next presentation in our Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, June 26 at 9 a.m. Local author and former Air Force Sentry Dog Handler, Russ Benzin, will be sharing his recently published book, "The Amazing Skipper." Russ details his life through the dogs he called best friends throughout his life, including with his veterinarian wife Dr. Mary. The main focus though is his time with Skipper, who was his partner during Vietnam while he served as a dog handler in the Air Force. Admission is free with coffee and donuts. Thank you to Tim Horton's of Batavia for sponsoring Java with Joe E. for 2025.
Batavia’s flag football season ended Wednesday night with a 7-0 loss to CG Finney in the Section V Class C championship game.
The Lady Devils gave up an early touchdown but stayed in contention thanks to a strong defensive effort.
Senior defensive end Kylee Brennan led the way with 14 flag pulls, including seven for a loss. Senior linebacker Alyssa Turner recorded five flag pulls, and senior DE Nicole Doeringer added four, three of them for a loss. Junior free safety Libby Grazioplene intercepted two passes, returning one from inside the 5-yard line for 33 yards. Senior LB and quarterback Jaimin Macdonald also picked off a pass and returned it deep into Finney territory late in the second half, giving Batavia a final chance to tie the game.
On offense, Macdonald led Batavia with 51 rushing yards on eight carries. Brennan added 20 yards on four carries, and Doeringer ran three times for 24 yards.
Batavia finishes the season with a 9-4-1 record. Coach Matt McCracken thanked the community for its support and for highlighting the team’s accomplishments throughout the year.
Moana, sweet and friendly missing dog since Tuesday. Submitted Photo
Moana, a "very friendly" and sweet dog went missing from Main Road on Tuesday and ran toward Angling Road in Corfu. She was last seen at 9 p.m. Wednesday crossing Route 5 near Crosby's.
If you see her, please contact her owner, Katie, at 716-548-0559. She may be skittish.
UPDATE 7:30 p.m. Thursday: Moana is actively running around East Pembroke, between Indian Falls-Slusher roads and Route 5. She was being chased and ran into a treeline.
Batavia Police Department members participate in a memorial ceremony for deceased officers Wednesday at Grandview Cemetery in Batavia. Photo by Kara Richenberg
Photos by Kara Richenberg
Batavia City Police Chief Shawn Heubusch
City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. reads a proclamation during the event.
The City of Batavia Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating Catherine Chudoba (white female, age 35, approximately 5' 5" and 140 lbs), a missing vulnerable adult who may be in need of medical attention.
Catherine was last seen wearing a brown hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans in the area of South Jackson Street in the City of Batavia.
If anyone sees or has information as to her whereabouts they are asked to contact 911 or the City of Batavia Police Department non-emergency number 585-345-6350.
UPDATED 7 p.m.: Catherine Chudoba was located. Batavia Police thanks the public for its assistance in this effort.
Pavilion Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Friday, May 30, in the Pavilion Jr/Sr High School Auditorium from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and the public is welcome to join us.
This year's recipients are Terry Donegan Sanchez - Class of 1985, Marirose Torcello Ethington - Class of 1982, and Linda J. (Linn) Tytler- Class of 1965.
Terri Donegan Sanchez
Terri Donegan Sanchez was a 5 sport athlete while at Pavilion, earning State Honors in Volleyball and Track. She attended GCC and Brockport State to earn her Bachelor Degree in Administration and a minor in Finance. After graduation, she began her career in Banking, which led her to a teaching career. She is currently a dual certified Business/Marketing teacher and Clinical Educator.
Terri is married to Roberto Sanchez and is the proud mother of Aaron and Alyssa Peoples.
Marirose Torcello Ethington
Marirose Torcello Ethington, while spending her time at PCS participated in many clubs, Band, Chorus, AFS, Tower, and Press Club. She was also a member of the Student Council and recipient of DAR Good Citizenship Award. She attended SUNY Geneseo receiving her Bachelors and Masters degree. Following graduation she taught the Sciences at Camden High School, and coaching JV and Varsity Field Hockey and class advisor. In 1991 Marirose joined Genesee Community College teaching in multiple Sciences, showing her versatility as an instructor. She has also participated in many community activities, while raising her family, Marcella and Jared with her husband Gordon.
Linda J Tytler
Linda J Tytler graduated in 1965 from PCS and went to Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, VA and earned an Associates Degree in Business. Earning her Masters Degree form the University of New Mexico. She has worked for Xerox Corp. in Rochester and Arlington VA. Her professional steps led to the US House of Representatives and US Senate, she joined the Gerald Ford presidential campaign coordinating scheduling with the US Secret Service. This led Tytler to taking a turn at politics, earning a seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives. This has led to many more honors and recognition for Linn’s career.
Cub Scout Pack 6067 and Troop 6067 from the Corfu/Pembroke area recently completed a flag replacement project at Hillside Cemetery on Angling Road in Pembroke.
The Scouts removed old flags and placed new ones at the gravesites of veterans who have passed away. The retired flags will be properly disposed of in a ceremonial burning conducted by Kevin Volk and his son, Walter Volk.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will be holding its sixth annual Teen Academy July 7 – 11, at Genesee Community College. Posters and flyers have been posted at Genesee County Schools, and the June 1 deadline to apply is less than a week away. There is no charge to attend the academy.
“Partnering with GCC allows Teen Academy participants to utilize the college’s criminal justice facilities, which includes a 9-1-1 dispatch console simulator and a firearms simulator. This one-week academy is a structured program that affords students the opportunity to gain insight into daily responsibilities of a Deputy Sheriff, law enforcement training and to learn what a career in law enforcement entails. It is our hope that teens will build confidence while learning good decision-making and leadership skills,” stated Sheriff Graff.
Academy instructors are experienced Deputy Sheriffs who will discuss day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.
Participants will also:
visit the County Jail, 911 Emergency Services Dispatch Center, and Sheriff’s Office
observe displays of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Hostage Negotiation, K-9 Unit, and Evidence Recovery
be provided insight into motor vehicle accident reconstruction
participate in daily physical fitness runs, defensive tactics, and team-building exercises
participate in a classroom setting and learn about the NYS Penal Laws and Vehicle & Traffic Laws
participate in mock traffic stops and DWI procedures
Qualified candidates will be selected for an interview screening process if they meet the following requirements:
must be entering grades 10-12 at the time of application submission
must be in good academic standing with little to no disciplinary issues
must be able to participate in physical fitness activities
must have a positive attitude
must have their parents’ permission
For more information, photos, or to obtain an application, contact Deputy Joshua Brabon at 585-345-3000, extension 3230.
Dr. Marlin Salmon Tuesday evening at City Hall. Photo by Joanne Beck
With the majority of five speakers being in favor of expanding the city’s downtown open container law, business owner Dr. Marlin Salmon stood alone, discouraging City Council’s future yes vote, as the proposed amendment brought out downtown merchants on both sides of the issue during a pubic hearing Tuesday evening.
Matt Gray, representing his downtown Eli Fish Brewing Company and fellow merchant Center Street Smokehouse, said he has never had a bad report from prior special events that involved open container privileges, while Salmon said he doesn’t think it sets “a good example for the youth in our community.”
To be fair, Salmon, who owns an orthodontics business in Batavia City Centre, said he knows that certain businesses are going to probably benefit and has heard that other municipalities have enacted similar open container laws, but he is not clear about all of the benefits and adverse effects.
“As a business owner, I have concerns in that I have a lot of young people coming in and out of my business on a weekly basis, and there have been some issues around my business. In the past, we used to have the benches out in front of our businesses in that area in the past, and we used to have people kind of in that area, and there were some issues with the drinking and we had that little bus stop there,” he said during the hearing at City Hall. “So that area of the mall just seems to get a lot of traffic, and I'm concerned how my patients and how my parents are going to perceive this, and then also I have concerns as far as how that's going to impact inside the mall itself. I know there's been some issues there, as far as the enforceability of the concourse.”
He’s not against having open containers during special events, such as the annual beer and wine walks — “I think there certainly is a time and place for it” — but overall on a day-to-day basis, he is “not if favor of it,” he said.
Gray reminded everyone that Jackson Square became “open container friendly” last year.
“And as Eli Fish, along with Center Street Smokehouse, we are the direct beneficiaries of that, but we're also the ones who have been able to see how it's gone. I'm happy to report that we have had no issues, reported no issues on our end, and what we had seen last year was a great season where we had a great Friday night concert series. We were able to add a Saturday night concert series with the help of Center Street, BID and GO ART!, and all of those went very well with the open container,” Gray said. “And while you know, to be honest, open container isn't the thing that makes that evening, it’s about great music and friends. And while you may not be thinking of it at the time, it does add to the evening, as far as opening up the container law for the entire downtown mid area.
“This summer, we should see the reopening of a great Italian steakhouse down here. We'll see our first tequila bar. We're going to see Carr’s Reborn finally become a reality … we're really excited for the momentum that we're seeing, and I think that the open container, ability to have festivals and have a downtown dining district only adds to that,” he said. “And when you start adding population that actually lives there too, you really do become the center of the county, and your destination for all to live, work and play.”
An initiative brought forth by the Business Improvement District to allow for open containers from noon to 10 p.m. on a daily basis in that downtown area, except for Court Street where government buildings are, and in Austin Park, expanding this local law is “a really good step forward for our downtown as part of the long-term revitalization towards encouraging more businesses downtown,” BID President Zach Korzelius said.
“There's a lot of communities in our local area and all over New York State moving forward with similar plans, and in a lot of these smaller towns, it really does help out with the downtown atmosphere, and that's the biggest thing. This focus isn't just about open container; it’s really about revitalizing our downtown atmosphere and culture. It makes us get that more modern look that a lot of small towns and villages are going for,” Korzelius said. “And as (Executive Director) Shannon said, in some of these small towns, Lancaster, for example, has done similar things in their downtown has really seen a good push, and especially with housing situations, it encourages a lot more younger people that have that most vibrant feel that they want to be able to be in that kind of, what we like to call social/downtown district.
“So I really appreciate the council taking this into consideration. Since I've been on the BID now as president going into my second year, this was one of my two big initiatives that I wanted to help accomplish,” he said. “This vote isn't just about the ordinance, but it's about the culture of our downtown, making people feel less regulated and feel more open to doing business downtown.”
City residents Sammy DiSalvo and John Roach also spoke up for the proposal. Roach believes it will alleviate excessive drinking by allowing people to take a drink with them rather than having to “chug it down if you want to leave,” he said. It just makes sense, he said.
“It’s always amazing that other areas can do things and people that say, well, geez, it won’t work here. Why not? What makes you think we’re different?” he said. “If it works at other places, why can it not work here? I think it’s a very good idea that the whole council votes up for it unanimously.”
Councilman Bob Bialkowski asked devil’s advocate questions about the city’s liability: what if you walk into City Hall, go into the clerk’s office to ask some questions, have a couple of beers and fall down the stairs.
“So now I’m going to sue the city. Whether they win or not, it’s immaterial at this point; it’s illegal. Costs are going up, and all the taxpayers have to pay,” he said. “So the risk is of the entire city for any litigations brought up. The city could be implicit for any of that versus the gain will only be for smaller (portions of the city), and these are one of the questions I had."
There are limited instances in which any municipal entity can be found liable for a public space, City Attorney George Van Nest said, and the addition of open containers in that public space is “not necessarily going to change that dynamic.”
“There are prerequisites to finding a municipal entity liable, notice of defects, negligence, things of that sort. So, without getting into the weeds in terms of hypotheticals, that doesn't necessarily create liability on behalf of the city, the point of being subject to a lawsuit. Anybody can be subject to a lawsuit in the U.S.,” he said. “That's the nature of our society. It doesn't mean there's a liability. It doesn't mean there's an actual exposure associated with a defendant being found liable. It just simply means we live in a litigious society.”
Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. raised a different concern about the mall, or Batavia City Centre. He asked if it would be included in the amended local law, and city management said yes, it would be. Just because it’s in a separate building does not make it exclusive to BID laws, or open container, just because the businesses are inside.
“I’d like a little more information on the mall component. I mean, you've explained it as far as the public space is concerned, but it might be something that I could foresee a problem, especially in the winter months. Someone might decide to come in and have mini parties in one section of the mall. I don't know if that's appropriate, but if it's allowed, then it could be a potential risk,” Jankowski said. “So I just think stuff like that should be kind of considered, maybe, because it's a separate group of individual businesses within a separate building. It's not the same as the downtown area. So there is that component to it. So I'd like a little more information on that, not necessarily against it. I just wanted some more clarity to make amendments.”
If any further amendments are made to the law, another public hearing would be required, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said. Council agreed to move the measure, as is, to a future business meeting for a vote.
Matt Gray Photo by Joanne Beck
Zach Korzelius responded to Dr. Marlin Salmon's concerns after Tuesday's meeting: "Just to be clear with this amendment to the law, every business, still has the right to decline anybody from entering their business just because there's an open container. Additionally, there are multiple businesses that are already in the mall that are and will be serving alcohol. So additionally, when I look at it collectively, based on all of the people that are on the BID and the BID board, we feel that it would be just as important in the mall, as outside the mall," he said. "Just because there's a open container, that doesn't mean you can enter anywhere, like, for example, City Hall, I would imagine, would not allow you to walk in and bring alcohol, just like you can't walk into a bank with alcohol. So this is about the socialization in common areas. The goal is long-term for the BID to be hosting bands, things like that, as well in the mall, just as we do in Jackson Square, because we are a weather inclement atmosphere. So in the wintertime, it's imperative that we have public space for people to gather as well as you would in the summertime, like you do in Jackson Square. "Additionally, I think that by allowing it in the mall, with the hopes that apartments come to the mall, that this would also encourage people to want to live downtown, because it makes it a social gathering area as well." Photo by Joanne Beck
Muckdogs Owner, Robbie Nichols and staff are ready for the 2025 season. Photo by Steve Ognibene
The Batavia Muckdogs ushered in the 2025 baseball season with their annual Meet ’N Eat kickoff party Tuesday evening at Eli Fish Brewing Company in downtown Batavia.
More than 100 fans, sponsors, and season ticket holders gathered to meet the Muckdogs players and coaching staff, who took turns introducing themselves and sharing excitement for the upcoming season.
Attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and live entertainment as they mingled with the team. Season ticket holders and sponsors also received their welcome bags as part of the festivities. The event has become a tradition for the Batavia baseball community, offering fans a chance to connect with the team before the first pitch of the season.
The Muckdogs will open their home schedule at Dwyer Stadium on Saturday, at 7 p.m. against the Elmira Pioneers.
Golfers had a long day Tuesday during Western New York's PGA Works fundraiser "Birdie Bash 2025" at Stafford Country Club, Fellow Abbie Kludt says.
The upside was that plenty of birdies were counted under the sunshine and $31,655 was raised for worthy causes, including Golisano Children's Hospital and Oishei Hospital in Rochester.
"And the event doesn't close for another two days, so that number might fluctuate a little bit," Kludt said later Tuesday night. "As a field, there were 458 birdies made from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break."
City Council President and retired City Police Lieutenant Eugene Jankowski Jr. read a proclamation during Tuesday’s council meeting as a preview to Wednesday’s memorial police ceremony at who Cemetery on Clinton Street Road (Route 33).
The public is invited to attend the event at 1 p.m., at which time Batavia Police Department officers will place flags on the graves of officers who have died, and to remember those officers in other cemeteries in the area, Jankowski said.
City of Batavia proclamation, WHEREAS the officers of the city of Batavia Police Department are committed to the preservation of life and property, risking their lives to provide protection law and order in serving the cause of justice, and
WHEREAS the officers of the city of Batavia Police Department accept the profound responsibility and work to uphold our laws, safeguard our rights and freedoms and serve on the front lines in the fight against crime in an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe, and
WHEREAS many of the officers dedicated several years serving the residents of the city of Batavia, most serving longer than 20 years their service to the city meant time away from their families and loved ones in order to protect the community that they took an oath to safeguard.
And WHEREAS each year, the city of Batavia will recognize the dedicated and brave police officers who have been laid to rest since retiring from the police department by placing Memorial flags at each officer's grave site in remembrance of their service to the city.
Now therefore be it RESOLVED that I, City Council president and retired police lieutenant, Eugene Jankowski Jr., on behalf of the City Council of the City of Batavia, do hereby make this proclamation to honor our departed police officers who have retired from the city of Batavia Police Department, who, by their loyal and selfless devotion to their duties, have rendered dedicated service to our community and to declare May 28, 2025 as the city of Batavia Police Department Flag Commemoration Day.
“And I thank the community for their service to the officers, and to the officers for their service to our community,” Jankowski said, to applause from the audience.
Fillmore defeated Elba 3-1 in extra innings Wednesday in the Section V Class D baseball quarterfinals. The game was tied 1-1 after seven innings before Fillmore scored twice in the ninth to secure the win.
Nicholas Scott pitched eight innings for Elba, allowing three hits and one run with seven strikeouts. Damon Potter went the distance for Fillmore, striking out nine and allowing just three hits. Brayden Jacomowichiz doubled for Elba, while Mark Caparco and Alex Rascoe each added a hit. Elba finishes the season with 13 wins, the most in program history.
Coach Andy Boyce said, “I am so proud of what our boys accomplished this season. They have absolutely nothing to hang their heads about as they left everything on the field against a quality, well-coached Fillmore team.” Boyce also noted that with no seniors on the roster, the team is looking forward to returning next season.
Le Roy edges Haverling, 3-1, to reach Class B semifinals
Behind a dominant outing from Alex Spezzano and some highlight-reel defense, Le Roy advanced to the Section V Class B baseball semifinals Tuesday with a 3-1 win over Haverling.
Spezzano tossed a complete game two-hitter, striking out seven.
After Haverling’s Dylan Wenban reached on an error and scored in the first, Spezzano allowed just one hit the rest of the way.
Le Roy’s defense came up big, highlighted by left fielder Jude Sherman’s diving catch to end the fourth and strand a runner. At the plate, Adam Woodworth and Jake Higgins drew back-to-back walks in the fourth, pulled off a double steal, and both scored—Woodworth on a wild pitch and Higgins on a fielder’s choice by Holden Sullivan. Higgins later drove in Woodworth with an RBI single in the fifth.
Jude Christ and Jagger Smith added hits for Le Roy. Haverling’s Gage Thomas pitched well in the loss, allowing just four hits.
Le Roy moves on to face No. 3 seed Wayland-Cohocton in Thursday’s semifinal.
Oakfield-Alabama earned a spot in the Section V Class C2 semifinals Tuesday with an 8-2 win over Alexander.
Piper Hyde went 4-for-4 with a triple to lead the Lady Hornets at the plate. Raine Denny drove in four runs, including a triple, while Chloe Lamb added three hits and two RBIs. Allison Harkness finished 2-for-3 with an RBI, and Ysa Schrauger and Allie Williams each added a hit.
Savannah Durham pitched a complete game, allowing three hits and no earned runs while striking out five.
“We played well defensively and cashed in our runners when we got them into scoring position,” OA coach Jeff Schlagenhauf said. “This is a great opportunity for these girls to move on to the semifinals.”
Town of Batavia - Lower 1 bedroom apartment for rent with all appliances and parking. Sun room with gas fireplace and patio. $1100/ Month; plus electric, includes heat and water. No pets and no smoking. Security and references required. Available June 15th. Call 585-344-3141 for appointment.
