The Notre Dame Cross Country Team opened up in great fashion over the weekend at the Pre-State Invitational held at SUNY Plattsburgh.  The girls finished in a tie for 7th place, but lost the tie breaker to North Warren.  Rachel Berggren finished in 33rd place on a great kick to the finish.  Meghan Zickl set the pace for the Irish early on to hold on to a 36th place finish with 8th grader Bailee Welker just ahead in 34th.  Kristen Antolos was just behind to finish 45th and Teresa Jackson rounded out the Irish top five in taking 66th.

The boy’s team also ended up in a tie for 8th place and won on the tie-breaker over Lake George.  Kevin Pawlak led the Irish with a 20th place finish with Nate Flumerfeldt close behind in 23rd place.  Andrew Fischer fought hard to finish 42nd, Nick Flumerfeldt held on to finish 56th and Luke Calla 59th.  Jason Harasimowicz was the deciding factor in the meet for the Irish and won the tie breaker over the sixth runner of Lake George.  Matt Sausner rounded out the top seven with a 77th place finish.  In the JV race, Woody Clark was 46th and Conlan Edwards 50th. 

The Irish Cross Country Team opens open its regular season tomorrow in Avon against Keshequa.

Le Roy firefighters are battling a grass fire in the area of 8195 Warner Road.

Stafford Fire Department brush truck has been asked to provide mutual aid.

UPDATE 2:55 p.m.: Bergen's brush truck just requested.

UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: Le Roy cancels Bergen request. Bergen standing down.

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Universities have a reputation of being bastions of liberalism. Even in my private, evangelically oriented college, there was little evidence that the faculty considered conservatism to have much of an intellectual underpinning. Everything I learned about  Edmund Burke I studied in a community college or after entering the work world.

And of course, the epicenter of liberalism is the University of California at Berkeley. So, would you be surprised to learn that Berkeley is adding a course on the study of "right wing movements."

Of course, "right wing" has become pejorative among progressives in the same way liberal has become "the L word."  But a major university treating conservative intellectual thought with any amount of seriousness is a major step toward students being exposed to a broader range of ideas.

The diary (American Conservatism: Thinking It, Teaching It, by Paul Lyons) is fascinating and reassuring, at least about our students. Lyons's class was split almost evenly between liberal and conservative students, who had no trouble arguing with each other. They seemed to understand what thin-skinned professors wish to forget: that intellectual engagement is not for crybabies. The students had loud debates over Reagan's legacy, Bush's foreign policy, religious freedom, abortion, even the "war on Christmas" — and nobody broke into tears or ran to the dean to complain. And the more the students argued, the more they came to respect one another. According to Lyons, liberal students learned that that conservative guy was no longer just the predictable gun nut or religious fanatic. And the conservative students learned that they had to make real arguments, not rely on clichés and sound bites recycled from Fox News or Rush Limbaugh.

I think on The Batavian we've had some good debates on healthcare reform recently. Many people of various ideological perspectives have brought some thoughtful arguments and competing facts to the discussion. There has been little rancor. That's how policy should be debated in an open society.

I do think there needs to be a greater understanding among the politically minded of how broad and intellectually diverse the right side of the political spectrum is.

In his essay on the Berkeley course, Mark Lilla wonders how many liberal professors can distinguish between the American Enterprise Institute, the Heritage Foundation, and the Cato Institute -- three ideologically different think tanks. I wonder, too, how many self-identified conservatives know the difference?

Or that not all conservatism favors intrusions into bedrooms or into foreign countries.

I grew up in the Cold War era. The only thing I knew of conservatism was anti-Communism and "the domino effect." It took Bill Kauffman to expose me to pre-Cold War conservatism and I realized there was a sound conservative argument and tradition for non-interventionist, small military thinking. Lilla observes, too, that conservative thinking changed a lot in the 1950s:

"It is a convenient left-wing dodge to reduce 20th-century American conservatism to Cold-War politics, since it implies that conservative ideas are embedded in a world that no longer exists and never should have. In fact, in the 1930s American conservatives were far more obsessed with Franklin D. Roosevelt and his domestic legacy than with Joseph Stalin, and looked askance at all foreign entanglements, including the Second World War. The anti-Communist cause was first conceived by Cold-War liberals, not by conservatives."

I wonder if Kauffman will be taught at Berkeley?

(The quotes from this essay by Mark Lilla (also linked above). Read the whole thing.  Pictured above, Edmund Burke and Robert Taft.)

Charges are pending against a driver involved in a one-car rollover accident that sent him to the hospital via Mercy Flight.

Harry L. Flatt, 64, of 3531 Fruit Ave., Medina, was driving on Lewiston Road north of Fisher Road in the Town of Oakfield on Friday at 10:41 p.m. when he apparently lost control of his car.

His car left the road on the east shoulder and then went into a ditch. Flatt apparently tried to steer back onto the roadway. The car struck a large concrete utility block, which caused the car to overturn.

No other information is available at this time. The nature of the pending charges were not specified in the Sheriff's Office press release.

It was found out Saturday evening that the Genesee Cougars Men's Basketball team has a new star player. Sign him up folks, Batavia's own Paul Ohlson, founder of Care-A-Van Ministries! It seemed Pastor Dale Gooch of the Emmanuel Baptist church was negotiating the deal.

I just could not resist sharing this breaking news! Ok, well maybe it is just his dream,, to be a star basketball player  but the reality of it all is that the vision of Care-A-Van Ministries is strong and truly is a key player in bringing hope and encouragement to all.

On Saturday evening Care-A-Van Ministries was at GCC for our annual Fall cookout.

We served over 150 students at the cookout. It was a great night out! Many of the students remembered Care-A-Van from last year with our monthly visits to the  door rooms with treats and prayers. This group of young men joined us for the cookout.

Debbie Crossett of the GCC CSU ( Christian Students United) was on hand to lend her support and provide information for the students in regards to the opportunity of becoming involved with that campus organization.

Patti Chadwick of the Reading Room, located here in Batavia set up a table and offered free books to the students while her huband John was busy cooking on the grill.

It just amazes this PR director how Bridget, Paul's wife does all the cooking for the weekly cookouts.

Dave Holenbeck and Ron Mazulla provided entertaining music for all.

Care-A-Van Ministries will be returning the campus on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 for street church, where Pastor Dale will give the message.

Thank you to everyone who made this evening possible and thank you to the students for such a warm reception. As the bus pulled away, the team was busy on the practicing on the outdoor court. I just had to holler out Go Cougars! You may just want to catch one of their games in this upcoming season, I am sure you will not be dissapointed!

These young gals enjoy the evening on the hillside

The Batavian is doing very well these days. It's gratifying for both Billie and I that we're growing our own business.

But the revenue so far goes primarily to our living and operational expenses. There isn't much left over to buy new computers or cameras.

For example, I have a nice video camera, but a better one would be most helpful. There are also times where photography requires more than just a point-and-shoot camera, so a good SLR camera would be helpful. And, importantly, software upgrades -- improvements to the site -- cost money, and usually significant amounts of money.  Finally, my MacBook Pro is now older than its extended warranty. At some point, it will need to be replaced.

To help with these needs, we've created "The Batavian Capital Expense Fund" (CapEx funds in business are for investments into the business).

I'm hitting up my colleagues in the online-news business across the Net for donations, but we didn't want to go to the readers of The Batavian and ask for donations without offering something of value in return.

Our offer: T-shirts for "The Batavian."

T-Shirts, Etc. will print the T-shirts for us, and all you you need to do to get your T-shirt is make a donation of $20. We will mail the T-shirt to the address associated with your PayPal account.

Or, you can mail a check for $20 to The Batavian, 200 E. Main St., #5, Batavia, NY 14020.

Whether donating via check or PayPal, please specify the size of the shirt you want.

If you enjoy The Batavian, and would like to see the site or our coverage improve, please consider this small donation that will also net you a nice T-shirt!

Alexander put the ball into the end zone three times in the first half to spark a 21-0 win over Pembroke.

For the second-straight week, Pembroke struggled to move the ball. The offense managed only two first downs in the second half.

The first Trojan's first score came on an 80-yard run by Jay Schafer. 

On the next drive, Schafer again carried the load, capping the effort with a 19-yard run.

Ryan Piechocki scored the third and final touchdown of the game midway through the second quarter, crossing the goal line with a three-yard run.

Pembroke, along with Oakfield-Alabama, has dominated the Genesee Region League in recent years, but has opened this season with a 0-2 record. O-A is now 1-1 after losing to Holley today, 16-7.

Both Alexander is now 1-1.

Holley starts a season at 2-0 for the first time.

It's a common question people ask me: "Why Batavia?"

People often want to know how I wound up in Batavia with this crazy idea of launching an online-only news site.

It all started the second weekend of September 2006, my first weekend as a Western New Yorker, when, after spotting a notice in a garden magazine, I decided to drive out to Batavia for the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County’s Master Gardeners'  annual Fall Harvest Gala.

In California, I began growing roses as a hobby and was eager to continue growing roses, even though my new job was bringing me to the Rochester area. 

I had just completed my first week in my new job and was living in a hotel in Fairport. I had no idea how far Batavia was from Fairport, but I jumped in my rental sedan, punched the address into the GPS and off I went.

When I hit town, I was immediately smitten. Here was a small town that struck me as what small town should be. There were cool old buildings, lots of local businesses, nice Victorian-era houses and it just seemed like a place where some sense of community still existed.

I didn't see the warts that so many often note, and I still don't much see them.

I thought, "I'd rather live here than Fairport."  

But, my company's office was in Fairport and I've never been a fan of long commutes.

So we wound up living in Pittsford, but I didn't forget Batavia.

When my bosses asked me to come up with a plan for launching an online-only news site, Batavia was my first choice. After a few more scouting trips out to Genesee County, I felt confident Batavia was the right-sized town with a vibrant local business community. 

I was actually a bit disappointed that I couldn't move to Batavia to run the project. I still had other job responsibilities in Fairport.

Then an amazing thing happened: The Batavian was mine, if I wanted it. Of course, that would mean moving to Batavia. That was fine with me and Billie. We moved to Batavia on June 1, glad to be out of the rat race and eager to be entrepreneurs.

We're quite happy with our life here. It's the kind of small-town life we long sought but could never find in California. We're grateful to all the readers and sponsors of The Batavian. You're helping us live "life as it should be" (the link is an irony hint; we previously lived in Bakersfield).

And here's how four of my rose bushes are faring in Batavia.

The event is in its 43rd year and covers more than 100 acres -- the WNY Gas and Steam Engine Association's annual rally.

A crowd that may have topped 5,000 was on hand today, with as many or more expected tomorrow.

The event features an amazing array of motorized vehicles and gizmos, from John Deere tractors to single-stroke engines. There's food, entertainment, trade booths and, of course, tractor pulls.

More photos after the jump.

This afternoon I stopped by Frost Ridge Campground just as the Le Roy Fire Department was setting up for its picnic. It's still going -- until 10 p.m. with live music, games, raffles and auctions.

My morning started at the Pok-A-Dot. Just as I sat down, so did another couple and the lady happened to mention she was visiting from California. Well, that caught my ear for sure. "Where are you from?" I asked.

"Temecula."

"Oh, one of my best friends is a math teacher in Temecula. I grew up in San Diego."

"What brought you out here?"

"The weather."

After she picked her jaw up off the countertop, we started chatting. It turns out she's a singer. You might have known her as Debbie Chamberlain. Now she performs as Debbie Voltura.

Debbie is in town for her daughter's wedding today.

After a while, Bill McDonald, on the right, above, walked in and the two musicians with deep roots in Batavia greeted each other warmly. Debbie asked her manager Marc Gabriel, left, to go out to the car and get a copy of her latest CD, "Live on Broadway."

Bill said, "This lady can sing." And can she. Check out some of the song samples here.  If you like swinging jazz, as Billie and I do, you'll love Debbie's music.

NYS is now putting yet ANOTHER tax on business.....

http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/792670.html

Once again, LOWERING TAXES GROWS BUSINESS....RAISING TAXES (or disguising taxes as "fees") CHASES BUSINESS (jobs) AWAY!!

They need to quit spending ALL our $$.  They are just NOT going to stop taking it all until we are totally broke!

Five Attica turnovers helped Notre Dame nail down a 14-0 victory Friday evening.

The Fighting Irish defense has put together eight straight quarters of shut out ball and running back Mike Pratt, with the help of a dominating offensive line, put together a second straight solid game.

Pratt carried the ball 24 times for 135 yards and scored two touchdowns.

The defense picked off three passes, in addition to two fumble recoveries.

Playing defense, Pratt recovered a fumble and made a key interception in the third quarter to stop an Attica drive.  After the interception, Pratt's 32-yard run followed by a five-yard burst put Notre Dame up 14-0.

Attica was shut down again late in the fourth quarter when Cam McDonald snatched a pass from the air, denying Attica one last chance to score.

Quarterback Nick Bochicchio put together another fine game, passing for 60 yards on nine attempts with only two incompletions.  Gianni Zambito led the Fighting Irish receivers with three catches for 51 yards.

As is his tradition, Ken Mistler hung a giant flag on the Carr's Building today to commemorate 9/11.

I spoke with Kenny a bit outside of "The Daily Grind," which will be his new coffee, tea and juice bar at the corner of Jackson and Main streets. He said he's about two weeks from opening because noisy work is still going on inside of the gym he's building adjacent to it.

The little guy I am holding in my arms now tends bar at Center Street Smokehouse. He was six months shy of his third birthday at the time of photo. Earlier that year Claudia and I had eaten dinner at Window's on the World, the restaurant situated on the 108th floor of the World Trade Center's south tower. It was evening, and I remember looking down into New York Harbor and thinking how small the Statue of Liberty seemed.  I took these moments for granted until Sept. 2001.   

Yesterday, ignoring the calls from leaders within his own party, Rep. Joe Wilson refused to apologize on the House floor for shouting out "you lie!" during President Obama's big health care speech. [1]

In fact, he recorded a new YouTube video defending his attacks on Obama's health care plan and requesting donations for his re-election campaign! [2]

This is the kind of disrespectful and dishonest behavior we've come to expect from right-wing mobs and talk radio hosts recently—but it's simply unacceptable for a member of the United States Congress.

Rep. Joe Wilson heckled President Obama during his big speech on Wednesday. Now progressives are teaming up to fundraise for Wilson's Democratic opponent.  Rob Miller is a Democrat and an Iraq war veteran, and last year he won 46% of the vote against Wilson despite raising half as much money.

Grassroots progressives are teaming up to help Rob Miller take on Joe Wilson, raising over $750,000 in less than two days.

While Wilson initially apologized to the White House for his outburst, by yesterday he was already backpedaling. He refused calls from leaders of both parties to apologize on the House floor and claimed that he had been "overwhelmed" with supportive phone calls. [3]

And the conservative media is defending Wilson. Rush Limbaugh said on his show yesterday that Wison shouldn't have apologized. [4] Sean Hannity, who had Wilson as a guest on Fox News, told him, "You're right and the president is wrong," and urged viewers to donate to Wilson's campaign. [5]

This is mean-spirited right-wing politics at its worst—and we've got to fight back. As President Obama said Wednesday night, "I won't stand by while the special interests use the same old tactics to keep things exactly the way they are. If you misrepresent what's in this plan, we will call you out."

Sources:
1. "Wilson Refuses to Apologize on House Floor," Roll Call, September 10, 2009.
http://www.rollcall.com/news/38373-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS
2. "Joe Wilson YouTube: 'I Will Not Be Muzzled'" Talking Points Memo, September 10, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51906&id=17214-1740236-mvAYcPx&t=5
3. "Joe Wilson: 'I Have Been Overwhelmed' By Supportive Phone Calls," Talking Points Memo, September 10, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51904&id=17214-1740236-mvAYcPx&t=6
4. "Limbaugh Wishes Wilson Had Not Apologized," Media Matters, September 10, 2009.
http://mediamatters.org/limbaughwire/2009/09/10#0044
5. "Rep. Joe Wilson Talks With Sean Hannity, Stands By His Comments," The Washington Independent, September 10, 2009.
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51905&id=17214-1740236-mvAYcPx&t=7

Two men have been charged with burglary for allegedly breaking into a home on State Street on Sept. 2.

One of the men had been previously arrested and charged with possession of stolen property after he was reportedly caught driving a car stolen from the residence.

Burglary in the second degree charges were filed against Reginald M. Wilson, 283 Seneca Manor Drive, Rochester, who was reportedly found driving the car, and Dillon M. Brito, 17, of 15 Maple St., Batavia.

The duo allegedly stole jewelry, cash, prescription medications, a clock, liquor, wine and food items. 

The resident was home sleeping at the time of the break-in, according to Det. Pat Corona.

Brito, who is also accused of breaking into a house on Maple Street this week, was taken into custody Wednesday.

Both men are being held without bail.

Photos: Wilson top, Brito bottom.
 

A spokesman for the task force reviewing Off Track Betting operations in New York wrote to The Batavian yesterday to say:

With reference to the item on the Genesee County Legislature's opposition to a purported takeover of regional Off Track Betting corporations, I wish to assure your readers that the New York State Task Force on the Future of OTB has proposed nothing of the kind.

Joseph Mahoney, public information officer for the New York State Task Force on the Future of OTB was responding to an article The Batavian posted about the Genesee County Legislature passing a resolution opposing any state takeover of OTB, specifically, Batavia Downs.

By this time, Assemblyman Steven Hawley had been very clear that there has been no discussion in Albany of any such takeover.

What I find curious was the wording of Mr. Mahoney's message to The Batavian. He said there has been no proposal. That leaves unsaid, could there be a proposal?

So I wrote back to Mr. Mahoney and asked that and other specific questions such as, "Is there anything on the table that could, possibly, maybe reduce the amount of local control, control of the current operators?"

Mr. Mahoney's response: Visit our web site. 

Well, among the first documents I open is the minutes from the group's first meeting, June 25, in which Chairman John Van Lindt is reported to say  that topping the list of possible outcomes of the Task Force's work is "consolidation to achieve cost savings by efficiency of operations."

To me that sounds like centralization of OTBs, which logically implies a state takeover, don't you think?

In the next meeting, Aug. 2, Van Lindt made a motion that requires OTB's to have early termination clauses in any new contracts. That sounds like a prelude to centralizing administration.

Placed on the agenda for the next meeting: "Various options for continuation of OTBs in the state, e.g., joint venture with tracks, consolidate, privatize with or without consolidation, maintain status quo."

OK, so consolidation isn't the only option, but it's on the table.

At that meeting, Aug. 25, during public comment, Charles Hayward, president the New York Racing Association, includes a suggestion to consolidate operations and overhead "(accounting, marketing, insurance etc.)."

So, Mr. Mahoney is right: There is no proposal, at least in a formal sense, to consolidate OTB operations, but the idea certainly seems to be on people's minds.

Mahoney in his initial e-mail:

The goal of the Task Force members is a clear one: They wish to increase the level of revenue produced by OTB corporations -- especially to local governments.

But Mahoney never directly answered this question, and I think it's an important one for the task force to address: "With a successful operation like Batavia Downs, why should the state intervene at all? Shouldn't we assume the current operators know what they're doing and don't need outside intervention?"

Making bigger government entities is no way to increase efficiency or improve profits for the communities that host these operations.

The allegation by critics of the task force is that this is an opening for a revenue grab by the state fueled by the failures of downstate racing and OTB operations. The task force's own meeting minutes are not terribly reassuring that there isn't some truth to that concern.

Michael Erik Granger, 19, of 8170 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment. Granger is accused of striking a College Village safety officer during an investigation into a loud noise complaint.