Asphalt was laid today along the north side of the Alva Place parcel, where a new police station is under construction.

After learning in April that contractors planned to close off the entire parking lot during the construction of the police station, neighboring business owners, many of them with medical offices, complained about losing easy access to handicapped parking. The city worked with the project manager and devised a plan to reconstruct a portion of the parking lot quickly so it could be returned to service for those businesses and their clients.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski said she expects spaces to be striped next week, and the lot will open soon after that is completed.

Previously: City issues two-phase parking plan for new police station construction staging area

The Business Improvement District's Cider Walk returns to Downtown Batavia on Saturday, June 22.

The second annual walk starts at 3:45 p.m. with registration at Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union on Jefferson Avenue. Registration ends at 5:45 p.m. and the walk continues until 8 p.m.

Paid participants can stop at 18 different downtown businesses to sample a variety of ciders as well as shop at local retailers.

Tickets are available at YNgodess Shop, TVFCU, and Eventbrite.

Ticket sales are limited to 300.

Participants must be 21 years of age or older. The BID asks "no children, please."

"Come Downtown, taste great ciders, meet new people, see old friends, and create memories while you shop small and support your local businesses," said BID Director Shannon Maute. 

Students at John Kennedy Intermediate School, Jackson Primary School, and Batavia Middle School, on Friday were joined by the Joint Veterans Honor Guard of Genesee County to celebrate Flag Day.

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the first national flag on June 14, 1777.  It was declared Flag Day by President Woodrow Wilson in 1926 and Congress made it a national holiday in 1949.

Principal Maureen Notaro noted teachers' role in teaching children about honoring the flag.

"We thank all of you teachers and all of the students here with us today to carry on the work of honoring our American flag," Notaro said during remarks to the students at Jackson.

She told the students about the way the nation is honored through displays of the flag.

"In many different ways and places, it waves its colors on government, state and public buildings all across the country, on our schools, churches and playgrounds,” Notaro said. "It's been placed on the moon by our astronauts. Did you know that? So there's a flag there on the moon. It's on so many uniforms of our law enforcement officers. If you turn around, you'll see our New York State Troopers back there with their dog. And they're here, and they have that on their work gear. You'll see it probably displayed by our veterans active and retired. Every cemetery that you drive by or visit is covered in American flags. And it's internationally recognized in every country and city around the world. But nothing touches one's heart and soul more than seeing the honoring of the flag." Local veterans unfolded the American flag during the Flag Day ceremony at Jackson Primary.

A fire is reported on the roof of 11 Mill St., Batavia.

That is off Evans Street.

It's a business building and the building is being evacuated.

City Fire responding.

UPDATE 11:41 a.m.: Second alarm. Town of Batavia, Elba, and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE: 

The fire seems to have originated with a piece of machinery and molten metal. It was very hot, said Capt Dan Herberger. The machine got on fire.  The flames got into the installation in the ceiling. There was no real structural damage, Herberger said. "The concern was it was molten metal and that doesn't react very well with water," Herberger said. 

The building is the location of SCI Manufacturing, which manufactures die-cast aluminum.  

Until 1982, the building was home of the Genesee County Highway Department, before the department moved to its current location on Cedar Street.

Photos by Howard Owens

As the Genesee County Fair approaches, anticipation rises for the annual Princess/Queen Pageant, scheduled to take place on July 19 and 21 at the fairgrounds in Batavia.

The pageant, a highlight of the fair, offers participants a unique opportunity for personal growth and development while also opening doors to significant educational and career prospects. Moreover, it serves as a vital platform for agricultural representation, fostering a positive impact on both individuals and their communities.

Participants in the pageant receive complimentary entry to the fair, granting them access to a plethora of engaging activities and exhibits. The event itself comprises several components, including delivering a speech, showcasing a talent, and fielding questions from a panel of judges. Additionally, contestants have the honor of joining the fair's parade, further enriching their experience.

For those interested in participating, applications are available by emailing geneseecountyfair.pageat.ny@gmail.com.

Hough (JTS) v.s. Brooks (BAT)

#GoDogs

Anna Long, a senior at Le Roy High School, is the 2024 William F. Brown Jr. Memorial Scholarship winner.

The Jerome Foundation administers the scholarship, which is worth $1,000 a year for four years.  Genesee County seniors who are planning to major in journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations are eligible for the scholarship.

Long plans to attend Syracuse University, joining the Newhouse School of Journalism, majoring in magazine, news, and digital journalism.

The scholarship honors the late Brown, a local journalist and author, one-time owner of WBTA, as well as a community leader and volunteer.

In school, she's been named to the National Honor Society and participates in the music council, senior high chorus, school musicals, jazz, varsity basketball and varsity tennis.

Akron resident Leonard Woltz, Jr. was likely just days from death in October when he encountered the UMMC wound care treatment team.

Now, he is nearly healed, and Dr. Joseph Canzoneri expressed confidence that he will walk again.

Woltz had a necrotizing fasciitis infection in his foot.  The infection

On Tuesday, members of the City of Batavia Police Department, alongside members of the City of Batavia Fire Department, Town of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight, the Genesee County Coroner, H.E. Turner's Funeral Services and the Genesee County DA's Office conducted a mock DWI fatal accident simulation for juniors and seniors of the Batavia City School District to raise awareness regarding the consequences of impaired driving. 

Members of the BCSD drama club played the roles of victims, the "drunken driver," and the distraught parent in the scenario.

The demonstration showed the very real consequences of impaired driving, including the extraction and treatment of "victims" by the Fire Departments and Mercy EMS, and the landing of a Mercy Flight helicopter to transport a seriously injured patient. 

The simulation also showed the processing and "arrest" of the suspected drunken driver by City Police Officers along with documentation, collection of evidence and photographs of the scene by members of the Police Department's Detective Bureau. 

The Genesee County Coroner was on hand to demonstrate the role of the Coroner's Office, and H.E. Turner's Funeral Services was on hand to remove the "deceased." 

Students also heard from District Attorney Kevin Finnell on the legal consequences of the decision to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while impaired.

The Department wishes to thank the Batavia City School District for hosting this event. We also want to recognize the work of Officer Connor Borchert, School Resource Officer for the Batavia High School, in coordinating the simulation and all departments involved.

Press Release:

Powered by Authenticity, the influential podcast led by tech industry veteran and Batavia native, Emily Carlson, proudly sponsored a networking event on June 4, hosted by The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter.

This event, the first to be hosted in Batavia, aimed to bring together women in technology for an evening of connection, inspiration, and professional growth.

During the event, attendees had the opportunity to learn about The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter's mission to support women in STEM fields through mentorship, professional development, and community engagement.

Emily Carlson, host of the Powered by Authenticity podcast, was present to share insights from her extensive career in IT consulting and project management. Her podcast, which advocates for gender equity and inclusion in technology, was a central theme throughout the evening. Guests were inspired by conversations that highlighted the experiences and achievements of women who are breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.

"We were thrilled to sponsor this event and support The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter's efforts to empower women in technology," said Emily Carlson. "Networking events like these are crucial for building a community where women can share their experiences, support each other, and drive meaningful change in the industry." Carlson continued, “this is the first opportunity we’ve had to extend the reach of the Buffalo Chapter to Batavia and are excited about future events to promote what our community has to add and the value the WIT Network brings to our members.”

The WIT Network Buffalo Chapter event provided an excellent opportunity for women in technology to expand their professional networks, gain valuable insights, and find inspiration from their peers. These events can be especially beneficial for students, new graduates, and professionals seeking internships or new career opportunities.

Special thanks to Carlson Media, led by Ken Carlson, for their media support, and Roman's for hosting the event. Their contributions were invaluable in making this event a success. 

For more information and to learn about future events, please visit Local Communities - The WIT Network. Join us in fostering inclusivity, innovation, and growth within the tech community.