Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is announcing a portion of Route 77 in Darien is being renamed as the “Sgt. Terry James Garigen Memorial Highway.” Hawley and Senator Borrello both sponsored proposals that would dedicate this roadway in honor of Sgt. Garigen. Sgt. Garigen was a decorated Vietnam war hero who received the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
Sgt. Garigen served the town of Darien diligently as an active member of the Darien Town Board. He also served 50 years in the highway department and volunteered for the fire department. Sgt. Garigen was active in the veteran community as a member and leader of the Region 1 Patriot Guard Riders. Hawley is proud to recognize this local hero and hopes his legacy will help inspire others.
“Sgt. Garigen honorably served his country in Vietnam and exemplified the virtues of honor, courage, and sacrifice,” said Hawley. “Even after his military career, Sgt. Garigen dedicated himself to uplifting the people around him and supporting the veteran community. I was proud to be able to support this initiative in the state Legislature with Sen. Borrello and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor. Sgt. Garigen’s legacy will continue to live on as an example of what it truly means to serve your country.”
Senator George Borrello spoke on the highway dedication saying:
“Sgt. Garigen bravely served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He and his fellow soldiers fought their way through dense jungles and endured blistering heat and guerrilla warfare tactics. He fought heroically on behalf of our nation and in support of freedom,” said Senator George Borrello, who represents the 57th district in the State Senate, which includes Genesee County.
“It always humbling to be able to pay tribute to brave individuals like Mr. Garigen who served our nation honorably out of love and loyalty to America,” Senator Borrello said. “One small way we can repay them is by honoring their example and contributions through highway designations like this one.”
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.
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.
Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Botts-Fiorito Unit 576 proudly presented the American Legion Auxiliary Youth Good Deed Award to Le Roy resident and high school senior Sundae Duyssen.
Duyssen is known locally for her charitable work, including a highly successful toy drive for Golisano Children’s Hospital, along with fundraisers and other support for the Le Roy Village Green, Genesee County Animal Shelter, LeRoy Food Pantry and the Salvation Army.
An advocate for inclusivity, Duyssen recently wrote a children’s book titled, “Willow’s Wheel Life”.
Good Deed Award winners must be nominated by American Legion Auxiliary members and demonstrate a leadership role in community service. The National Committee for Children and Youth of the American Legion Auxiliary reviews nominations and issues a certificate to those who qualify.
Come enjoy the summer season at the Genesee County Park and Forest! Join us this June, July, and August for a variety of walks, hikes, and environmental education programs.
Programs include:
Saturday, June 1, July 6, August 3 – Guided Dog Walks
Saturday, June 29 – WNY PRISM Volunteer Workday (Free)
Saturday, June 29 – Free Family Fishing Day at DeWitt Recreation Area (Free)
Friday, July 5 – New Moon Stargazing Walk
Saturday, July 6 – Diving Deep into Black Creek
Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19 – Environmental Science Summer Camp ($95/camper)
Saturday, August 3 – Music in the Park at DeWitt Recreation Area (Free)
Saturday, August 10 – Kayaking at DeWitt Recreation Area ($25/person with kayak rental)
Saturday, August 17 – Painting in the Park at DeWitt Recreation Area (Free)
Walks are led by a guide who takes you through forest, meadow, and wetland habitats. Each will explore a different topic. Walks are approximately 1 - 2 miles long over easy terrain and all are family friendly.
Cost is $5 per person, and $10 per family unless otherwise noted. Please pre-register to receive the exact meeting location and other details! Please pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/GenCoParkRegistration or by calling 585-344-1122.
Environmental Science Summer Camp information can be found at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks. Register your 7th - 10th-grade student by July 8 for a week-long adventure exploring the environment and environmental science careers at the Genesee County Park!
For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Claudia Nusstein at Claudia.Nusstein@geneseeny.gov or (585) 344-1122.
After receiving reports of gunfire in the area of 3310 West Main Street Road, Batavia, shortly after noon on Tuesday, Sheriff's deputies engaged in a standoff with a resident that lasted until after 11 p.m.
There were no injuries to the resident, neighbors, or responding personnel, said Chief Deputy Brian Frieday.
Friday noted the area is a fairly residential neighborhood with houses close together and a trailer park nearby, so law enforcement carefully assessed the situation and moved slowly in trying to coax the man out of the small house on the property.
"Just in dealing with anybody with a gun call these days, sometimes you have to take the time and the extra caution to make sure you're dealing with it properly and safely," Frieday said.
Based on multiple witness statements supporting the assertion that there was gunfire on the property, the Sheriff's Office was able to obtain a search warrant for the house.
Throughout the 11-hour standoff, deputies continued to try and talk the man out of the residence. Every 15 minutes or so, deputies with guns drawn and using shields approached the house and spoke through a bullhorn, telling the man to come out of the house.
Frieday said the man responded once to deputies, but "that ended quickly."
The details of how the subject was taken into custody have not been released, but there were no injuries, Frieday said. He indicated there was no struggle.
Asked if he knew what shots were fired, Frieday said any answer he might give would be speculation.
"I wouldn't want to say anything that wouldn't be 100 percent accurate," Frieday said.
After investigators entered the residence, they were seen removing possible weapons and taking inventory of them at the scene.
While at the scene, with the investigation ongoing, Frieday didn't want to release the possible charges against the suspect. At least one potential charge was needed to get the warrant, but Frieday said he didn't want to release that charge until a press release was issued with all possible charges.
Asked what possible charges might apply to the situation, Frieday said it's illegal to fire a gun within 500 feet of a residence, there is possibly reckless endangerment, and "a few different things," he said.
Route 5 west of Wortendyke was closed to traffic throughout the standoff. That, too, Frieday said, was done out of an abundance of caution.
"If ever something were to break out and a passerby on the road was to have something bad happen to them, we certainly wouldn't want that," Frieday said. "We wouldn't want to second-guess that."
That's also why several homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated, Frieday said.
Frieday said if other witnesses would like to come forward, they can call the Sheriff's Office at 585-343-5000.
UPDATE: Ryan J. Goldman, 31, was charged with reckless endangerment 2nd and discharge of a firearm within 500 feet of a residence, an unclassified misdemeanor. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.
West Main Street Road at Wortendyke Road in Batavia remains closed at 5:30 p.m. since a police incident that was called into Genesee County Sheriff's dispatch at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday.
No other details are confirmed at this time.
UPDATE 11:47 p.m.: Subject was taken safely into custody. Story and photos to come.
The music of the 1990s is still going strong, the way Zach Goode, lead singer of Smash Mouth, sees it.
Twenty-five years ago, San Jose-based Smash Mouth topped the charts with songs like Walking on the Sun and All Star, a pair of multiplatinum albums, and scoring multiple Top 40 hits, a string of success that continued into the early part of the new century.
Goode is in a unique position to observe the 1990s music scene. He worked it with some regional success in San Diego's vibrant punk, metal, and alternative rock scene and then took a deep dive into the Smash Mouth catalog three years ago when he replaced founding lead singer Steve Harwell. (Harwell left the band in 2021 due to health issues. He died in 2023.)
Once in the role, Goode studied Smash Mouth's records inside and out and knew, he said, just how well-written the songs were.
Zach Goode Photo by Cindy Hayes.
"I was really familiar with the hits," said Goode, himself a songwriter. "I didn't know all their back catalog, and as I listened to some of the stuff, I was like, 'Wow, if you had a different vocal on this, it could be a Beck song.' Some of the stuff is totally cool and artsy; it's retro and space-age, so it's really cool. It still sounds futuristic.
"It's really good songwriting. I think some of the songs Greg (Camp) wrote (are really good). If he wrote a song about a car, you know, that song is going to have three or four verses, a beginning, a middle, and an end. It wasn't just like a trendy, catchy earworm. He tells a story, and all the songs are very clever."
Camp left the band in 2008 and has returned periodically, but has worked on other projects, released solo material and is currently a songwriter and producer based in Los Angeles.
Canadian Paul De Lisle is the lone original member of Smash Mouth still with the band.
A hallmark of Smash Mouth's albums is the variety of genres they mixed together, which helps the entire catalog sound fresh today, from punk and hip-hop to ska and alt-rock. They even touched on bossa nova and disco.
"It's kind of a matter where all of the elements kind of came together -- the lyric, the production -- Eric Valentine's production was incredible -- and obviously they had hits, so that's what sets them apart from some bands."
Smash Mouth continues to attract a large crowd based on all of those hit songs, even if recent chart success has been elusive.
Since Goode joined the band, Smash Mouth has recorded 14 new tracks, including a Christmas album, along with a few singles. The latest single is Ride On, a disco jam celebration of California.
The band is working toward turning out a new album, hopefully by the end of the year, but between touring and all the band members living in different parts of the country, there are logistical challenges to overcome.
Meanwhile, they continue recording singles.
"I have about five songs I wrote that I submitted that are kind of in the queue," Goode said. "We're just slowly recording new songs and putting them out there. That's kind of the new paradigm in the music biz, right? Just to put songs out and work them for a while and then do another one. No one is in a real big rush to put out a new album unless you're the Taylor Swift of the world these days."
Those early Smash Mouth records were pretty special, as Goode understands, and that's the bar the band knows it must meet and what they're aiming for, Goode suggested.
"It's not easy, you know; it's like there's a certain thing that they had," Goode said. "That's not easy to replicate. I mean, even they couldn't replicate it, you know? Every song would be a number-one hit if they could be, but it's not that easy. There has to be a little bit of magic involved."
Three years into his new gig, Goode is grateful for the step up from a local band with no crew to support the performers to one with professionals all around and large, appreciative crowds that know all the band's songs.
"It's really nice to travel with these guys who know how to do their jobs," Goode said. "You're able to just focus and put on a good show.
"And wherever we go, ten thousand people show up, and they know all the songs. It's been a blessing. It's just great."
He also appreciates how the fans have embraced him as a new frontman for a beloved band.
"I was expecting a lot more pushback," Goode said. "I mean, sometimes, people aren't happy when you replace a band member, especially the lead singer, especially an iconic singer, so I was braced for the worst, and right from the beginning, people were just super accepting and nice."
As the new frontman for one of the top groups from the 1990s, he's stepped into a world that includes, among others, Everclear, Sugar Ray, the Spin Doctors, Fastball, Live, and the Barenaked Ladies. These are bands, he notes, that may no longer have the chart success they once had but still are in demand and draw big crowds.
"They might not still be on the radio every day but there's a huge generation of people (who are fans)," Goode said. "The older classic rock bands are not going to be around forever, unfortunately, and the 90s bands are the next wave of classic rock."
Smash Mouth headlines at Batavia Downs on June 21. For tickets, click here.
Rendering of future city police station, which is in progress with site and utility work, in downtown Batavia. Submitted by City of Batavia.
Three weeks isn't exactly right around the corner, but it's at least on the horizon for a dozen business owners desperately waiting for handicap parking to be restored, and that's where the timeline stands as of Monday evening, according to City Manager Rachael Tabelski.
Work has been mapped out with traffic cones, tape and fencing several weeks ago, and officially kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony a week ago, and now is expected to further ramp up with the ongoing commotion of the $15.5 million building project.
"Construction continues to progress toward site and utility work being finished in the next three weeks to open up that first row of parkng which we did discuss will be reopened for those Washington Street businesses," Tabelski said during council's conference session at City Hall. "Once the site work is complete, the contractors will move on to placing footers for the building and bringing in various construction trailers on site for the remainder of the project."
The city proposed this plan as business owners heavily complained about losing that adjacent row of parking next to their offices, citing the on-street parking on Washington Avenue as insufficient and dangerous for people with disabilities and assistive walking devices.
In related action, City Council approved:
A contract with Barron & Associates to perform work for the new police station being constructed downtown in the parking lot of Alva Place and Bank Street. The company was selected out of four proposals to perform special inspections services for the construction at a cost of $40,000.
Barron, based in Clarence, is a geotechnical consulting company that performs subsurface investigation and analysis and design and consulting services, construction inspections and testing.
A $200,000 law enforcement technology grant obtained by Police Chief Shawn Heubusch to be used for small equipment and contract services for the police department.
An agreement with Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp./Batavia Downs for city police services on several dates at the Park Road facility throughout the summer.
Dates include June 21 and 2; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; and August 2, 9 and 16.
The Genesee County Office for the Aging (OFA) is pleased to announce the distribution schedule of Farmer's Market Coupons. These coupons allow eligible older adults to access fresh, locally-grown produce at participating farmers' markets.
To qualify, individuals must be 60 years or older and have an income at or below $2,322 per month for a one-person household, $3,152 per month for a two-person household, or $3,981 per month for a three-person household.
The OFA encourages all eligible seniors to take advantage of these opportunities. If you reside in senior housing, please look for a flyer at your location with specific details on when the Office for the Aging will visit.
The schedule for July 2024 is as follows:
Tuesday, July 2: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia
Friday, July 5: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, School St., Batavia
Saturday, July 6: 9 - 11 a.m. at Le Roy Farmers’ Market, Trigon Park, Le Roy
Thursday, July 11: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia
Friday, July 12: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, School St., Batavia
Monday, July 15: 4 - 6 p.m. at Corfu Farmers’ Market, Corfu Presbyterian Church Parking Lot
Friday, July 19: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, School St., Batavia
Saturday, July 20: 9 - 11 a.m. at Le Roy Farmers’ Market, Trigon Park, Le Roy
Thursday, July 25: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia
Friday, July 26: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Genesee Country Farmers’ Market, School St., Batavia
Wednesday, July 31: 2 - 4 p.m. at Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St., Batavia
For any questions or further information, please contact the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 585- 343-1611.
All motorists please be aware Redfield Parkway will experience traffic delays on Thursday, June 13 and Friday, June 14 between the hours of 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. for paving operations.
Paving on River Street will occur on Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18, followed by Jackson Street on June 19 and 20.
While work is being performed in this area, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays. This work is weather-dependent.
All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation. All motorists that regularly use these streets are asked to seek alternate routes while the delays are in place.
Contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400 opt. 1 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation.
Iburi Photography, 35 Jackson Street, hosts an open mic for area musicians the second Friday of each month. The open mics are typically in the study, such as one this coming Friday. The July 5 open mic will be in Jackson Square. Photo courtesy Iburi Photography.
Press Release:
Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity and community in Jackson Square in Batavia on Friday, July 5, from 6 - 10 p.m. Presented by Jo David Arts and Iburi Photography, this special event promises a rich blend of live performances, visual arts, and an electrifying DJ set to close the night.
Kicking off the evening at 5:30 PM, performers can sign up for the Open Mic session, which runs from 6 - 9 p.m. Musicians and performers are encouraged to take the stage at Jackson Square and share their talents. Kevin Lewis-Iburi will host the open Mic, with Scotty DiMartino of Esdee Entertainment closing the night with an epic DJ set and light show.
GO ART! will be bringing their First Friday Open Art Session to the Square. Artists of all media are invited to bring their latest pieces or start new ones. While tables will be set up for convenience, artists are welcome to bring their easels and create in the open air.
"We're excited to bring this event to Jackson Square," said Mary Jo Whitman of Jo David Arts. "This is a great opportunity for local performers and artists to showcase their work and connect with the community in a fun and supportive environment."
Akari Lewis-Iburi of Iburi Photography added, "It's been humbling to witness the talent, musicianship, and comradery of Batavia light up our open mics at the studio this year. We are so thrilled to collaborate with Jo David Arts and GO ART!'s First Friday Open Art Session to bring our open mic performers on stage for a unique immersive art experience!"
This free event is open to the public, making it a perfect outing for anyone looking to experience the vibrant art scene in Batavia. Mark your calendars for Friday, July 5, and join us at Jackson Square for a night of artistic expression and entertainment you won't want to miss!
“While New Yorkers are feeling the heat of increased unaffordability and an ongoing public safety crisis, the Majority simply swept these issues under the rug during their final days in Albany,” said Hawley.
“They instead took the opportunity to push through as many radical policies as they could, thinking people wouldn’t notice. The Majority needs to realize that New Yorkers don’t want more useless mandates and regulations. They want results. We need to lower the cost of living, institute stronger penalties to deter crime, and more support for our law enforcement officers. Until they can deliver on that, they’re wasting everyone’s time.”
More than a dozen distillers were on hand at the annual Bourbon and Whiskey Fest at Batavia Downs to share their various bourbon, whiskey, and rye libations.
The event was held Saturday in conjunction with the running of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Springs.
With a cheerful wave and greeting of "Happy Pride," participants in Batavia's annual Pride Parade celebrated LGBTQ identity and acceptance Saturday in a stroll that took them along a route from Batavia First Presbyterian Church down Summit Street, to Washington Avenue, Bank Street to Main Street.
The parade was part of an hours-long Pride Month celebration in Downtown Batavia, organized by GLOW Out, centered around a festival in Jackson Square and on Center Street.
A structural fire is reported at 2910 West Main Street Road, Batavia.
A second alarm has been called.
East Pembroke Fire dispatched with mutual aid from Town of Batavia, Darien, Alexander, and City Fire's FAST Team.
UPDATE 2:16 a.m.: A deputy spotted a wire connected to the house arcing and sparking, which caused some smoke damage to the exterior of the structure. East Pembroke Chief Don Newton said there was a small interior fire involving fan. He said they didn't know yet if there had been a power surge in the area but a neighboring residence did have brown-out conditions.
