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Press release:

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Thomas Rhett Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on July 15, 2022.

Samuel R. Baudanza, 25, of Route 19, Wyoming is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly punching a Live Nation security guard in the mouth.

David G. Becker, 20, of Zimmerman Road, Hamburg, is charged with trespass and criminal trespass 3rd after allegedly re-entering the concert venue twice after being ejected and told not to return.

Olivia B. Krieger,  20, of Glen Ridge Ave., St. Catherines, Ontario is charged with trespass after allegedly re-entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Samantha E. Bunn, 19 of Engle Drive, Hamburg,  is charged with trespass after allegedly re-entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Dakota M. Smith-Neal, 30 of Townline Road, Byron,  is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly punching a Live Nation Security Guard in the face.

Kyle Burdick, 24 of Redman Road, Brockport,  is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly kicking and punching a Live Nation Security Guard.

Sean Costello, 25 of Genesee Street, Lockport, is charged with harassment 2nd after allegedly kicking and punching a Live Nation Security Guard.

Mark W. Karsch, 41 of Sturbridge Lane, Grand Island,  is charged with trespass after allegedly re-entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

The suspects were all released on appearance tickets.

Press release:

The Genesee County and Batavia Youth Bureaus are planning the annual Safe Summer Children’s Carnival open to the public to take place on Thursday, July 28 from 10:15 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at David M. McCarthy Ice Arena, 22 Evans Street in Batavia.  One dollar buys a ticket to play 10 games, and children can win “funny money” to redeem for prizes.

Entertainment by “Magic and Illusions of Patrick” is scheduled from 10:15-11:00 a.m. and the games will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break. Folks from the community should plan to bring a bagged lunch or plan to leave for lunch. 

There will also be several community agency booths that the children can visit for a chance to win one of our grand prizes.  For more information on the carnival, please contact Chelsea at the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960.

Photo: File photo from 2018 of the carnival. Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be shutting down the 12-inch water main on Richmond Avenue, from Oak Street to Buxton Avenue, for emergency repairs due to construction on Richmond Avenue.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

As always, when the water is restored, it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

Press releases from Automobile Association of America:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $4.52, down 16 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $3.17. The New York State average is $4.69, down 11 cents since last Monday. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.20. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $4.62 (down 10 cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $4.68 (down 8 cents from last week)
• Elmira - $4.70 (down 9 cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $4.80 (down 6 cents from last week)
• Rochester - $4.77 (down 9 cents from last week)
• Rome - $4.82 (down 8 cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $4.73 (down 8 cents from last week)
• Watertown - $4.83 (down 7 cents from last week)

According to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand tapered off over the past two weeks following the Independence Day holiday, while total domestic gas stocks increased. The lower demand, alongside cheaper oil prices, has helped to push pump prices down. If these supply/demand dynamics hold, drivers will likely continue to see price relief at the pump. This morning, oil prices are hovering around the $100 per barrel mark, which is down slightly compared to one week ago though prices did drop below $100 at one point last week.

Press release:

“We've seen the national average price of gasoline decline for a fifth straight week, with the pace of recent declines accelerating to some of the most significant we've seen in years. This trend is likely to reach a sixth straight week, with prices likely to fall again this week. Barring major hurricanes, outages or unexpected disruptions, I forecast the national average to fall to $3.99/gal by mid-August," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. "So far, we've seen the national average drop for 34 straight days, with over 25,000 stations now back at $3.99 per gallon or less, and thousands more stations will join this week. In addition, we will see several states fall back under an average of $4, the majority being in the south, but that could spread to more states in the weeks ahead.”

Press release:

Power and Construction Group crews are scheduled to begin work on the night of July 18, 2022 for the NYPA-City of Batavia LED Street Light Project.

The tentative schedule is as follows:

• Monday & Tuesday – start/finish Main Street and then start Oak Street.
• Tuesday & Wednesday – finish Oak Street and then start Ellicott Street/Route 63.
• Wednesday through Friday - finish Ellicott Street/Route 63 and all other cobra head street light locations.

Traffic delays should be expected; however, no street closures are anticipated at this time.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank the public for their patience.

Press release:

VA Western New York Healthcare System is seeking qualified professionals and staff for our Batavia VA Medical Center facility location. We highly encourage applicants to send an updated resume prior to July 13th to our email group VISN2HRSBUWesternNY@va.gov to schedule an interview time slot. Walk-ins are welcome!

Positions targeted for hire:

• Cook
• Food Service Worker
• Housekeeping Aide
• Registered Nurse (various shifts)
• Clinical Nurse Managers
• Licensed Practical Nurse
• Nursing Assistants

Our VA Career Fair will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Building 3, Ground Floor, Batavia VA Medical Center Campus, 222 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York.

Benefits of working for Veterans Health Administration include:

• 13 to 26 days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave
• 13 sick days annually with no limit on accumulation
• 11 paid Federal holidays
• A Federal Pension
• Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits that can be carried into retirement
• A thrift savings plan (similar to the private sector’s 401K); up to 5% matching contributions
• Flexible Savings Accounts
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and The Family Friendly Leave Act allow employees to take reasonable amounts of leave for medical reasons
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave (for employees covered by FMLA) for the birth, adoption or foster care placement of a child
• Military leave is authorized up to 15 days a year for our active reservists and National Guard members 

Press release:

County Highway will be closing Sumner Road approximately 1,000 feet east of Route 77 for a culvert replacement from 7 a.m., Monday, July 18 through 4 p.m., Wednesday, July 21.  This is adjacent to Darien Lake Theme Park and between Route 77 and the Darien Lake Employee entrance on Sumner Road.  The culvert replacement has been coordinated with Daren Lake and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office to hit a gap in the busy concert schedule at the park.  It is expected that the road will be reopened by Wednesday evening. Use caution once reopened as the culvert crossing will remain a gravel surface until paving can occur once the concert season slows down.

Press release:

Representatives from Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel are preparing for a new generation of harness racing at Batavia Downs beginning next Wednesday, July 20^th from America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track.

The 56-night season is scheduled to run on select Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays throughout the summer and fall.  A full schedule with post times can be found on BataviaDownsGaming.com.  With a newly renovated Clubhouse, group packages are now available and interested parties can call 585-343-3750 to book. 

“We know that Western New York Harness fans will be pleased with the time and effort that has been put into renovating the historic Clubhouse, said Scott Kiedrowski, Vice President of Operations.  “We look forward to entertaining race fans this season and for years to come.  Our new racing management team will be more focused on putting on a quality racing product with the highest integrity.”

New Director of Live Racing, Don Hoover, brings a wealth of horse racing experience at a number of tracks in the Northeast including Saratoga Harness where he spent the last 12 years.  Originally from North Tonawanda, Don left a banking career to become a successful driver/trainer at Saratoga Raceway.  He even claimed his first horse at Batavia Downs.  Over 15 years he drove and trained as several tracks along the east coast including at Batavia Downs.  He worked as an assistant Race Secretary at Vernon Downs before becoming the Simulcast Director and Race Secretary.   He then moved to Northfield Park where he headed up their racing Publicity Department while also heading up Player’s Club and taking over Handicapping Duties.

“We are so excited to welcome Don to our team, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO at Batavia Downs. Never have we had someone on our team with such an impressive breadth of knowledge in this specialized industry.  Don will bring a whole new perspective with his wealth of experience from tracks across the country.  We look forward to implementing his ideas to bring the guests of Batavia Downs the very best racing experience.”

“As we welcome back race fans, we are offering two bets that were introduced last year and proved to be really popular,” said Hoover.  “Our Pick 5 starts each night in Race 1.  If no one holds a winning ticket, the money will roll over to the next night.  Also returning is the Jackpot Super High 5 which allows patrons to predict the exact order of the first 5 horses in our last race on select nights.  Again, if no one holds a winning ticket, that money will roll over to the next night.”

Wayne Teaven is the new Race Announcer at Batavia Downs.  Wayne wanted to be a race announcer ever since he followed announcer Pete Szymanski at Buffalo Raceway back in the late 80s and 90s. This self-taught announcer worked his way up the announcing ladder in the mid-2010s before calling full races at Buffalo Raceway in 2016.  He became the full-time announcer at Buffalo Raceway in 2017. He’s called NOFA Football as well as dirt bikes, motocross, and go-kart races and is excited to be the full-time announcer.

Assistant Race Secretary and Program Director Patty Bruno has been part of the Batavia Downs team for years.  She is very involved with the New York Sire Stakes, serving as race secretary and program director for most of the county fairs in New York State.  A product of SUNY Geneseo and Nazareth College, she worked as a teacher for 34 Years.  Having retired from full-time work, she now uses her extensive knowledge and positive attitude to promote harness racing throughout New York State.

Another longtime member of the Batavia Downs Team is Mary Bucceri, now in a new role as the Administrative Assistant for Live Racing.  After working in the Marketing and Food and Beverage Departments she has assisted with many events onsite, working with many local charities and organizations to raise money via events onsite.  Mary’s family has a long history in Harness Racing with her parents both working in the industry.  Mary will be working with local groups to bring them to the newly renovated clubhouse for the upcoming racing meet.

New Track Photographer, Wendy Lowery is a newlywed who has owned and operated her own photography company for over 10 years, specializing in portrait, wedding, lifestyle and nature photography.  Her photos have been featured in the Seneca Park (Rochester) Zoo newsletters and calendar.  Wendy’s passion for equestrian photography will make her an integral part of the new Batavia Downs Live Racing Team.

Missy Morris is the new Batavia Downs Outrider.  Outriders often lead the post parade but also help calm jumpy horses or help track them down should a horse get loose.  Missy is a 3rd generation from the Stark family that participated in racing on the Western NY circuit. She has been outriding at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino (Pittsburgh) for the last 26 years.   Having started while still in high school her career has seen her ride at two Breeders Crowns and 7 years at the Little Brown Jug.

“I am pleased with the new team that has assembled here at Batavia Downs, “said Hoover.  “We look forward to improving on the Live Racing product with new promotions and events for our valued guests.  We hope all Harness Fans from throughout the county will come by to see the newly renovated Clubhouse or enjoy one of our $2 dollar days.  Our emphasis will be on providing families and fans with an affordable and fun experience at the track.”

Press release:

The Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the recently selected 19^th Hall of Fame class. The 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees will be introduced at halftime of the Batavia vs Pal-Mac homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 30.  Game time is 7 p.m.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the committee will host the Hall of Fame Dinner at the Batavia Downs Banquet Facility. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 p.m. and the ceremony immediately following dinner.

The 2022 Inductees:

• Benjamin Martino, 1959 --Football, Wrestling
• Paul Blossom, 1968 -- Football, Swimming, Track & Field
• Richard Saunders, 1971 -- Athlete: Swimming, Football, Baseball, Bowling; Coach: Swimming, Wrestling, Baseball
• Sandy (Samiec) Reeg, 1979 -- Tennis
• Kristie (DuRei) DeFreze, 2005 -- Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Track & Field
• Michael Chmielowiec, 2005 -- Basketball
• Boys Basketball Team, 2005 -- State Semi-Finalist
• Jermaine Henderson, 2006 -- Football, Track & Field

If community members would like to attend the event, they can purchase Hall of Fame tickets in the Athletic Office at Batavia High School or send a check payable to The Batavia Coaches Association at the address above. The cost of the Hall of Fame tickets is $40.00 per adult and $20.00 for children under 10. Tickets must be purchased by Friday, September 23rd.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Athletic Director’s office, at (585) 343-2480 x: 2003.

 

Press release:

New York will once again be taking part in a nationally coordinated effort to halt the spread of raccoon rabies in 16 states.  Ongoing field evaluation of a new oral rabies vaccine (ORV) called ONRAB will occur in Clinton, and Essex counties in the Empire State as part of an evaluation that also includes parts of northern Vermont and New Hampshire. Additionally, evaluations will also occur in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Lewis, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, and Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, and Wyoming counties.  These sites were selected in part because of ongoing collaborations with Quebec and Ontario, Canada in the fight against rabies to protect human and animal health and reduce the significant costs associated with living with rabies across broad geographic areas.  Aerial and hand distribution of baits will take place in New York from July 26 – August 19, 2022.

Rabies is a serious public health concern because if left untreated it is generally fatal.  Costs associated with detection, prevention and control of rabies conservatively exceed $500 million annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, greater than 90 percent of reported rabies cases in the United States are in wildlife.  The cooperative USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services National Rabies Management Program (NRMP) was established in 1997 to prevent the further spread of wildlife rabies in the United States by containing and eventually eliminating the virus in terrestrial mammals.  The majority of the NRMP efforts are focused on controlling raccoon rabies, which continues to account for most of the reported wildlife rabies cases in the U.S.  Raccoon rabies occurs in all states east of the established ORV zone that extends from Maine to northeastern Ohio to central Alabama.  Continued access to oral vaccine and bait options that are effective in all target wildlife species remains critical to long-term success.

In 2011, the NRMP worked with other Federal, State, and local partners to conduct the first raccoon ORV field trial in the U.S. in over 20 years.  This field trial was designed to test the safety and immunogenicity (provoke an immune response in the body of a human or other animal) of the oral human adenovirus-rabies glycoprotein recombinant vaccine ONRAB (Artemis Technologies Inc., an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ceva Sante Animale S.A., Guelph, Ontario, Canada), which has been successfully integrated into comprehensive rabies control programs that resulted in the elimination of raccoon rabies from Canada.  Encouraging results from the U.S. trial in West Virginia represented a major milestone that led to expanded evaluations in 4 additional states (NH, NY, OH, and VT) in 2012-2021 and expansion into 2 new states (PA and TN) last year.  Data from these evaluations could lead to licensing of this vaccine for broader, more aggressive management of raccoon rabies by the NRMP and partners, with the goal of eliminating the variant of the rabies virus that cycle in raccoons.

The ONRAB bait consists of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blister pack, containing the vaccine.  To make the baits attractive, the blister packs are coated with a sweet attractant that includes vegetable-based fats, wax, icing sugar, vegetable oil, artificial marshmallow flavor, and dark-green food-grade dye.  Humans and pets cannot get rabies from contact with the bait.  However, people who encounter baits directly are asked to leave the bait undisturbed.  Should contact with bait occur, immediately rinse the contact area with warm water and soap and contact your local health department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 for Genesee County or 585-589-3278 for Orleans County.  Please do not attempt to remove bait from your dog’s mouth.  The bait will not harm the dog.  If you have additional questions related to the field evaluation in New York, please contact the Wildlife Services office in Rensselaer, NY at (518) 477- 4837.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department today announced that O-AT-KA Milk Products Cooperative, Inc. will be a Diamond Sponsor for the annual Batavia Police Community Night.

“We are extremely grateful to O-AT-KA for its continued demonstration of commitment to our local community,” said City of Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch.  “For that matter, we are humbled by the support of all the sponsors no matter what their level of sponsorship for an event that brings together our community.”

Community Night Out is part of a community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make safer neighborhoods.

Various organizations and groups once again will be participating in the annual event which will include free food and a bounce house and games for kids and more.

“O-AT-KA recognizes the importance of being engaged in the local community through these types of events that brings so many people together for a positive impact,” said Joseph Steinocher from O-AT-KA.  “We are delighted to be part of Community Night Out.”

The 2022 Batavia Police Community Night is in partnership with The City Church.  The event will be held Tuesday, August 9th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Church at St. Anthony’s, 114 Liberty St., Batavia.

For more information and for those interested in a sponsorship opportunity, should contact Batavia Police Department Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk at (585) 345-6357 or at mwojtaszczyk@batavianewyork.com.

Photo: City Manager Rachael Tabelski, Stephen Quider and K-9 "Batu," Assistant Chief Chris Camp, O-AT-KA Plant Director Joseph Steinocher, Cindy Johnston, with O-AT-KA, Detective Matthew Wojtaszczyk.  Photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, the Le Roy Board of Education unanimously approved Matt Davis as the new Jr/Sr High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. Mr. Davis will start officially on Monday, August 1, 2022.

Mr. Davis is currently a physical education teacher at Brockport Central School District, a position he has held since 2007. During the 2021 summer, Mr. Davis also gained valuable experience at Monroe 2 BOCES as a Regional Summer School Vice Principal. Since 2018 at Brockport Middle and High School, Mr. Davis has served as a substitute assistant principal and completed his internship with the Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics in 2021.

“Throughout the search process, it was evident that Mr. Davis had a bold vision for both our academic and athletic programs. He values teamwork, and cares above all about the success and development of his students, teachers, and staff,” said Merritt Holly, Superintendent of Schools. “Mr. Davis’ coaching experience in both boys and girls varsity sports (soccer and baseball) at Brockport Central Schools was viewed as a huge plus by our committee. We look forward to Mr. Davis leading our Knights as we continue to provide high-level extra-curricular offerings for all students.”

Mr. Davis earned both a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a Master of Science in Athletic Administration from SUNY Brockport. Along with his physical education certification, Mr. Davis also holds New York State certifications as a School Building and School District Leader.

• The district posted the position on May 11, 2022, and 17 candidates applied.
• First-round interviews with six applicants were held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
• An 11-member committee consisting of teachers, parents, administration, and board members
• narrowed the field to two finalists.
• Second-round interviews took place on Tuesday, June 28, and Tuesday, July 5, 2022.
• A final interview with the superintendent was conducted on Thursday, July 7, 2022.

Mr. Davis will have the opportunity to transition into his new role with Dr. David Russell and Mrs. Lynda Lowe (who will be retiring in November 2022). The district would also like to thank Mrs. Beth Luckey, who has been interim athletic director since October 2022. 

“Parent and Family Resources in Our Communities” is the topic of the next quarterly meeting of the GOW Opioid Task Force.

“Local professionals will be joining us to discuss this important topic,” said Christen Foley, coordinator of the group that includes members from Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

The hourlong meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 21 at The Recovery Station, 5256 Clinton St., Rd., Batavia. Foley said that this will be the first exclusively in-person meeting since January 2020.

Speakers include:

• Jessica Budzinack, case manager at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, specializing in services for pregnant and post-partum women, and for those who have had children born with exposure to substances;

• Dawn Stone, peer specialist with Spectrum Health & Human Services, who provides mentoring services to individuals and families in recovery;

• Angela Angora, director of Reintegration Services at Caz Recovery.

All will be presenting on their roles and their experience working with families, women and children, and will outline all of the services they provide,” Foley said.

A free Narcan training session will take place at 11 a.m. at The Recovery Station. All participants will receive a Narcan kit.

The link to register for the meeting and/or the training is as follows:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/july-2022-quarterly-meeting-tickets-361006509187

Press release:

Councilmember at Large Bob Bialkowski, who serves as an Aircraft Commander in the USCG Auxiliary, completed an extensive course on aviation survival.

This two-day course was conducted at the FAA’s Mike Mulroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on June 27 and 28.

CG Auxiliary pilots from the United States convened on Sunday, June 26 in preparation for the course which began the next morning.

The course was an intense two days and covered many aspects of emergency egress from aircraft and survival.

• The topics covered and practiced included:
• Flight Physiology, Spatial Disorientation, and Flight Simulator.
• Emergency egress which was taught in a smoke-filled airliner fuselage
• Water survival skills (significant time in pool) including emergency raft, rescue hoist, survival and emergency equipment training.
• Cold room, Cold weather survival skills.
• High altitude chamber with reduced oxygen levels to teach the debilitating effects of hypoxia which leads to unconsciousness.

Many classroom hours were spent with FAA instructors teaching the above subjects.

All the attendees successfully completed the training and returned home on Tuesday evening.

Press release:

Effectively immediately, we are closing York Road, between Perry Street and South Street for a culvert replacement.  It will not be open for local traffic or emergency vehicles.

UPDATE 4:30 p.m.: York Road has reopened.

Press release:

Claudia Tenney’s campaign announced today raising over $330,000 in Q2 of 2022. Claudia’s campaign has more than $1 million cash on hand for the upcoming election.

Over 1,900 donors, including 500+ new donors and President Trump's Leadership PAC, contributed to the over $330,000 Claudia raised this quarter.

“I am honored by the outpouring of support we have received from all across Upstate New York. The North Country, Central New York, Finger Lakes and Western New York are ready for change and looking for a strong conservative leader to hold Biden and Pelosi accountable. Our campaign continues to have the resources we need to win in NY-24 and take back the House this November!" said Congresswoman Tenney. 

Press release:

Please be advised that beginning on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 those wishing to visit Batavia Downs who arrive by heading south on Park Road will enter our parking lot via Batavia Downs Trail, the small road located just past Alex’s place.  Traffic leaving the parking lot must also exit at that location.

Also beginning on Tuesday, July 12, traffic on Park Road, North of Batavia Downs, will go back to two way traffic.

In order to expedite the completion of the Park Road Project, Park Road will be closed from this new Batavia Downs Parking Lot entrance all the way to the south to Lewiston Road for the immediate future while the road is being worked on. They expect completion on this part of the project by late August.

Those wishing to access the free valet parking must do so by entering into the main lot and following signs directing them to the area near the crosswalk near Batavia Downs’ front entrance.  The valet will be located near the red square on the attached map.  Valet parking will not be accessible from the former K-Mart Parking lot.