Online News and Community Views, Genesee County, NY
Owner of The Firing Pin brings his big gun to rally in Virginia and draws lots of attention
Brandon Lewis, owner of The Firing Pin in Bergen, didn't travel to Virginia this weekend to become a bit of a celebrity. He just wanted to support fellow gun owners in a state facing potential gun laws as restrictive, or perhaps more so, than what has already been imposed on New Yorkers. "In this da...
Bills legend Jim Kelly endorses Beth Parlato
Press release: Buffalo Bills Quarterback and Hall of Famer Jim Kelly endorsed conservative Beth Parlato as his choice in the NY-27 congressional race over the weekend, calling Parlato the “strong conservative” who is best positioned to win the special election. “President [Trump], my wife, Jil...
Soil & Water Conservation District invites you to purchase plants by April 1
Submitted image and information: Each year the Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District holds a conservation tree, shrub and perennial ground cover sale. A variety of evergreen, fruit, softwood, and hardwood bare-root seedling trees and transplants are available for purchase. A variety of b...
Trio of shoplifting suspects pursued at Towne Center at Batavia
A trio of shoplifting suspects at Kohl's Department Store allegedly refused to stop for store security. They left the store; two females were walking on foot near ESL Federal Credit Union, headed toward Home Depot. A male who was with them reportedly left in a Nissan. Both female suspects were said....
Accident reported on Telephone Road, Pavilion
A motor-vehicle accident is reported in Pavilion at 6672 Telephone Road. A passenger is complaining of head and neck pain. The location is between Cook and Roanoke roads. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.
Law and Order: Ganson Avenue woman accused of encouraging minor to engage in fight
Jeanette Lynn Higgins, 43, of Ganson Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested at 8:20 p.m. on Jan. 3 on Evans Street in Batavia after she allegedly encouraged a juvenile to engage in a physical altercation. Higgins was issued an appearance ticket and is d...
Mark Your Calendar: Sno Packers hold sixth annual Bikini Rally at Genesee Speedway Feb. 29
The sixth annual Bikini Rally of Genesee Sno Packers and the Genesee County Fairgrounds will be held starting at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29. It takes place at the Genesee Speedway, 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia. The event combines the passion for snowmobiling with ability to help men and wo...
County Treasurer Scott German announces bid for fifth term in November election
Press release: Genesee County Treasurer Scott D. German announced today (Jan. 20) that he will be seeking a fifth term as County Treasurer in November’s election. German is in his 27th year in the office, the last 16 of which have been as Treasurer. Among the many accomplishments of the Treasurer....
Gas prices drop three cents a gallon
Press release from AAA: Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.55, down three cents since last week. One year ago, the price was $2.24. The New York State average is $2.71 – down one cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.53. AAA Western and Central New Yo...
Working Families Party endorses Nate McMurray for NY-27
Press release: The Working Families Party (WFP), a grassroots party representing the interests of hardworking, everyday Americans, has endorsed Nate McMurray in his bid for Congress in Western New York. “We are endorsing Nate McMurray because he firmly stands with us on issues that matter to worki...
Jake Rosenbeck rolls 300 game, 816 series at Medina Lanes
Jake Rosenbeck got locked in early and never let up as he averaged 270 for his five games in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes. The 33-year-old right-hander fired 258-258-300--816 in the qualifying round of singles handicap league and followed that up with a 534 two-game total in the rollof...
In 65th year of service, Ed Fauth named Corfu's Firefighter of the Year
At the Corfu Volunteer Fire Department's annual dinner on Friday night, Ed Fauth, who has served actively for 65 years, was named Firefighter of the year. He's pictured with new chief, Greg Lang. Lori Stiles was named Service Person of the Year for her help behind the scenes with barbecues, fund dri...
South Byron honors top volunteers, installs officers
Jeff Starowitz was named Member of the Year by the South Byron Volunteer Fire Department during an awards and installation dinner Friday night at the South Byron recreation hall. Jennie Starowitz was honored for her 65 years of service to the South Byron department. Steve Hawley, Theresa Hammer, Bob...
Video: Christmas tree bonfire in Pavilion
Video Sponsor It's an annual tradition in the Coots family of Pavilion -- the family collects discarded Christmas trees, with friends and neighbors dropping them off or Jesse Coots and his kids hopping in a pickup truck and heading through local neighborhoods rounding them up. Then one night in ther...
Fully involved structure fire reported on Lake Street Road, Le Roy
A fullly involved structure fire is reported in Le Roy at 8707 Lake Street Road. It has gone to a second alarm. Le Roy fire is responding and mutual aid is dispatched from the City of Batavia, Bergen, Stafford, Pavilion and Mumford.
Pembroke Varsity Girls' Basketball Team exceeds fundraising goal, donates more than $32K to Roswell
Submitted photo and press release: It was a record-setting night at Pembroke Jr./Sr. High School on Thursday as the community came out to support the Varsity Girls’ Basketball Team’s ninth annual "Shooting For A Cure!" game. Throughout the evening and early into Friday morning, donations continu...
Alexander FD to hold annual Valentine's Steak Dinner & Dance on Saturday, Feb. 15, RSVP, limited tickets
The Alexander Fire Department is hosting their annual Valentine’s Steak Dinner & Dance on Saturday, Feb. 15th, at their Recreation Hall at 10708 Alexander Road, Alexander. There will be an open bar from 6:30 to 9 p.m. with dinner at 7 o'clock. Music by a favorite local band Red Creek! Tickets are ...
Accident reported on the Thruway in Le Roy
A vehicle has reportedly slid off the roadway on the Thruway in the westbound lane near mile marker 383.7. A passerby reports it appeared the driver hit his head. Le Roy Fire and Le Roy Ambulance dispatched.
Scholastic Bowl: Batavia and Attica pick up wins
In Thursday's Scholastic Bowl matches, Batavia and Attica picked up victories. Batavia scored 230, while Oakfield-Alabama scored 120 and Elba 50. In the second match, Attica beat Notre Dame 330 to 220.
Alexander Fire Department hosts monthly Sunday breakfasts with fun themes
The Alexander Fire Department will be hosting monthly All You Can Eat Firemen’s Breakfasts on four upcoming Sundays at their Recreation Hall, 10708 Alexander Road, Alexander. Time is from 8 a.m. to noon on these dates: Jan. 26, Feb. 23, March 29, and April 26. Buffet style breakfast will include: ...
Friday was Decision Day for students at WNY Tech Academy
Submitted photo and information from Genesee Valley Educational Partnership: Decision Day was held Friday at the Western New York Tech Academy. It is similar to a college signing day. A total of 10 WNY Tech Academy students were honored for officially declaring the pathways they will pursue as they....
Basketball: Knights fall to Livonia 50-44
In a home game, Le Roy lost to LCAA D1 rival Livonia 50-44. Cody Lytle scored 14 points. Andrew Loftus, 12, and Ethan Beswick, nine. The Knights are now 6-6 on the season. Also in boys basketball: Oakfield beat Wheatland-Chile 69-51 Batavia lost to Eastridge 66-60 Elba beat Alexander, 82-66 In girls...
Le Roy art student wins illustration award at RIT
Le Roy HS senior Taylor Hutton won the Medical Illustration Award (2D) at the opening reception Friday night at RIT Bevier Gallery of an RIT Art Design Start Here 2020 exhibit. The exhibit runs until Feb. 1. Photo and info submitted by Tim McArdle.
Rob Ortt releases statement on sentencing of Chris Collins
Press release: “The constituents of NY-27 deserve better, and today provides us the opportunity to close this disappointing chapter and start fresh. This district deserves a faithful and hardworking conservative representing them in Congress, putting the needs of Western New York and America first...
Last night, the Lady Dragons and the Pembroke community raised $32,468 .20 for research at Roswell Cancer Institute. The total the community has raised now exceeds $152,000.
In the basketball game, Pembroke beat Oakfield-Alabama 50-47 to move to 11-1 on the season.
Nate McMurray issues statement on sentencing of Chris Collins
Press release: Nate McMurray, Democrat running to fill the vacancy left by Chris Collins in NY-27, has issued the following statement on Collins’ sentencing for insider trading related crimes earlier today. “Years of lies by Collins and those who justified his crimes ends like this. Tears. An em...
Collins sobs in court before being sent to prison for more than two years
For Rep. Chris Collins sobbed in court, the Washington Post reports, while his attorneys argued for leniency, before a Federal judge sentenced Collins to 26 months in prison for engaging in insider trading and lying to the FBI. “I have no excuse," Collins said sobbing. "I tarnished my reputation. ...
Hawley: 'Cuomo runs off to Puerto Rico in midst of record deficit'
A statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley: “While serial felons run free endangering society under new bail laws, statewide infrastructure continues to crumble and we face one of the largest budget deficits in recent memory, Gov. Cuomo thinks it’s the right time to spend unknown amounts of taxpa...
Knights fall to Batavia/Attica on Senior Night for wrestlers
Thursday night was senior night for Le Roy' s wrestlers. Unfortunately, it wasn't a night for the Knights, who lost to Batavia/Attica 63-20. Seniors honored where: Rich Carpino, Phil Hahn, Paul Harmer, and Andrew Englerth Photos and info submitted by Tim McArdle.
'Main & Center' on WBTA to address topic of suicide with Byron's Thorman
Suicide and how to prevent it will be the topic of discussion at 9 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 21) when WBTA radio’s “Main & Center” talk show welcomes James Thorman of Byron as its guest. Thorman has been working tirelessly over the past several months to gain support from community leaders and the pu...
APB: 'Chapo' ran off after owner's accident on the Thruway Thursday night
A man came into the Genesee County Animal Shelter this morning, according to a reader. He had an accident on the Thruway last night (Jan. 16) and his dog ran off. The man is heartbroken and has been looking all day for little black and white "Chapo." The dog ran off near mile marker 392 of the Thruw...
Senator Ranzenhofer seeks constituents' input on 2020 Legislative Questionnaire
From Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer: As your State Senator, I value your concerns and opinions. Many new issues are being discussed and there is sure to be extensive debate throughout the 2020 session. From a $6.1 billion deficit to criminal justice reforms and vaccination requirements, your opinion...
Batavia Tops market to offer weekend sampling of new Full Circle products through Feb. 23
Press release: Over the course of the next six weeks, Tops Friendly Markets welcomes the community to try a variety of Tops Full Circle products during its weekend sampling events. Try something new, and share something good with your family today! Tops Friendly Markets is pleased to be able to offe...
Sheriff Sheron announces he is seeking GOP endorsement for second term in office
Submitted photo and press release: Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. announced Thursday that he will seek the Republican Party endorsement for a second term as Genesee County Sheriff. Sheriff Sheron began his career with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office in 1977 as an Emergency Services Dispatcher. ...
Duster is dandy and home again -- thanks to Jay Gsell, county manager and, now, pet finder, too
So dig this, Duster the cat, who has been on the lam since Thanksgiving night, doing God knows what, has been found thanks to a high-profile tipster, the intrepid Genesee County Manager Jay Gsell. Duster's momma, Melissa Barone, who lives on Tracy Avenue in the city, gives credit where credit is due...
Genesee Valley Educational Partnership's Practical Nursing Program holds open house Wednesday
Press release: The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership will hold an Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22, for anyone interested in learning more about upcoming classes for the Licensed Practical Nursing or Certified Nursing Assistant programs. The Open House will be held at the Genes...
Small child found wandering on Main Road in Stafford
A 3-year-old child was found wandering around in the 6200 block of Main Road in Stafford. The caller to the Emergency Dispatch Center who found the tot is heading to the Le Roy Police Station where an officer is en route to take custody of the child until his or her parent or guardian is located.
Batavia Downs announces 2020 summer concert lineup
Press release: Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for their fourth annual Rockin’ the Downs concert series, which takes place outside on the racetrack, with eight Friday dates, starting in June and running into August. Kicking off the series on Friday, June 19th is Vince Neil, t...
Storm passing over northern states expected to hit WNY on Saturday morning
Genesee County could get as much as six inches of snow from a storm that is passing through the northeast this weekend, according to a forecast by Accuweather. The storm is expected to hit Western New York after 7 a.m., Saturday.
Showing progress in drug treatment, convicted burglar admitted into diversion program
Malik Ayala After a closed-door meeting with Public Defender Jerry Ader and District Attorney Larry Friedman, Judge Charles Zambito emerged from Chambers announcing that 27-year-old Malik Ayala was accepted into a Judicial Diversion Program that could last seven months or more. While in the seven-mo...
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Last night, the Lady Dragons and the Pembroke community raised $32,468 .20 for research at Roswell Cancer Institute. The total the community has raised now exceeds $152,000. In the basketball game, Pembroke beat Oakfield-Alabama 50-47 to move to 11-1 on the season.
With a three-point jumper late in the second quarter, Elba's Colton Dillion pegged his 1,000th career point during the Lancer's away game against the Oakfield-Alabama Hornets. The game was stopped briefly for Colton to be awarded with a commemorative 1,000-point ball. The Lancers, now 9-2, won 59-52. O-A drops to 6-4 on the season.
Attica gave Batavia a game in the large-school championship of the Pete Arras Lions Tournament at GCC. A strategy of ball control -- often running the shot clock down to just seconds -- and a defense that kept the Batavia Blue Devils high-powered offense from running away with the game meant the visitors had a chance up until their final possession. In the end, Batavia defended its crown, securing a 53-51 victory.
Today we're pleased to release Episode 4 of our series of Batavia's Best Businesses, featuring Batavia Downs. In this episode, Nici Johnson and Macy Paradise decide it's time for a staycation at Batavia Downs. Batavia's Best Businesses is a joint promotional production for Genesee County businesses by The Batavian and WBTA. To find out how to promote your business in this web video series, contact Lorne or Jim at WBTA.
Thursday evening, T.F. Brown's hosted its annual happy hour in support of the Community Christmas Dinner and it included an ugly sweater contest.
Thank you to Batavia First Presbyterian Church for opening its sanctuary on Tuesday for us to record three songs with James Robert Kibby. Look for a special Christmas Eve edition of The Batavian Sessions on, well, Christmas Eve. Also, I'm looking for more talented local/regional musicians to record for The Batavian Sessions. I can be reached at [email protected].
Batavia Ramparts skate with Santa
The photography of Rob Gibson has been seen by millions of people in such movies as "Gettysburg," "Cold Mountain," "National Treasure," and the just-released "Harriet." His skills are in demand by producers and directors looking for authentic, period-correct photos actors in films covering historic topics. He now lives in Gettysburg and is originally from Lockport. He was in Pembroke on Tuesday night to give a demonstration on his tintype photography technique.
Sign up today and you can receive a free $20 gift certificate to Center Street Smokehouse. (After you sign up we'll contact you by direct messagener to get your address so we can send you the gift certificate).
The Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble performs at 4 p.m. today at Pembroke High School. Here's one of the numbers ensemble will play, American Overture for Band by Joseph Jenkins conducted by Philip J. Briatico.
HLOM Wonderland of Trees opening gala
Richard Umlauf is taking up the cause of getting a new skateboard park built in Batavia. Until a few years ago, there was one behind Falleti Ice Arena off of Evans, but the location meant it got little use and it became a magnet for low-level drug use, according to police. Umlauf is aware of those issues so he connected with Tony Hawk Foundation, which provides grants, in conjunction with the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, to help build community skate parks. Last Saturday, Umlauf organized the first meeting for skatepark supporters Trevor Staples, with the Tony Hawk Foundation, flew in from Michigan to attend the meeting and explain how the grant program works. It will be up to a group of committed skateboard park supporters to raise as much as $250,000 for a skate park. The foundations will match up to $250,000, making a $500,000 park possible. The organizers will also need to secure the support of the city as well as space for the park from the city, perhaps in an existing city park.
Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble will hold its Fall Concert at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Pembroke High School. It is located at 8750 Alleghany Road, Pembroke. The purpose of the GVWE is to serve and to provide the Greater Genesee Valley audience with new and familiar live music, to serve its membership with the opportunity to perform challenging wind ensemble literature and to create the opportunity for the conductor and musicians to grow their collective musical talents. Admission: $10 -- Adults; $8 -- Senior (55+) & Veteran; $5 -- Student (with ID); Free -- Children 5 years old & under; $25 -- Family Deal for immediate family and children as defined by mother and/or father and up to four children. Featured Works "Scootin’ on Hardrock" -- David Holsinger Selections from "The Sound of Music" -- Rodgers & Hammerstein Selections from "American Overture" -- Joseph Willcox Jenkins Conductor(s): Martin Allen -- Guest Conductor -- Grand Island High School; Philip J. Briatico -- conductor & founder of the GVWE
OAE Wins 8-Man Sectional Title
The Fighting Irish dominated Section V Class D all season but when it came time to meet the Section XI champs, and defending state champions, Clymer/Sherman/Panama, Notre Dame found themselves facing a tough opponent. While Notre Dame was able to pick up yards on offense -- 328 total yards -- scoring points proved difficult while the Wolfpack had little difficulty crossing into the endzone. The final score was 47-14.
At 9:27 p.m. on Veterans Day, Franklin Morales-Monterroso and Taylor Henry, who met while serving in the U.S. Navy, welcomed their first child into the world, Julian Michael Morales, at 8 pounds and 28 1/2 inches. Julian is a Veterans Day baby, born at UMMC, to parents who are veterans and several family members who are veterans, including his grandmother, Tammy Henry, who gave birth to Taylor while serving in the Air Force.
Veteran's Day in Batavia 2019
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba beat Frewsburg in eight-man semifinal
Notre Dame beat Alexander Friday 14-7 to win the Class D Section V championship
Batavia resident Justin Warren has opened his own barbershop in Attica Invictus Barber & Brand
Alexander beat Red Jacket on Friday 8-0 to advance to the finals, against Notre Dame, in the Section V Class D championship tournament.
Notre Dame Routs Bolivar-Richburg in Class D semifinal
For Halloween, we visited Ellicott Avenue, City Church/St. Anthony's, and Grace Baptist Church
The Batavian Sessions: John Payton Project - See You In My Dreams
Smokin' Eagle Battle of the Bands
Sen. Rob Ortt, who is also a candidate for congression in the NY-27, spent much of his day in Genesee County on Wednesday, first attending the veterans town hall in Corfu about the new national cemetary, then paying a visit to The Firing Pin in Bergen, and then holding a meet-and-greet at Ken's Charcoal Pits & Bar-B-Q. The Batavian caught up with Ortt at The Firing Pin.
The Blue Devils soccer team has historically faired poorly on artificial turf but Monday, they got a chance to start a new tradition -- one that is now necessary -- by winning their first home game in the new Van Detta Stadium. Batavia beat Dansville 3-2 behind three goals by Garrick Havens. Two were on penalty kicks and the third was assisted by Andres Mateos. Batavia took 16 shots on net and Dansville, 14. Unique to the current roster are three pairs of brothers, all starters.
Le Roy Halftime Homingcoming
Andrew Englerth rushed for 206 yards and four touchdowns to help lead Le Roy to a 58-13 win over Mynders/South Seneca on Friday night. Kyler LaCarte filled in at QB for Jake Hill, who is missing a couple of games due to an injury, and was 5-9 passing for 52 yards. LaCarte scored a touchdown while gaining 25 yards rushing on five carries. Nate Andrews scored two touchdowns, one rushing and one on an 82-yard punt return. Andrews also converted six point-after attempts. Kaiel Robinson also scored a touchdown. Cole Rauscher had 10 tackles and an interception.
After a three-day trial, 12 jurors from Genesee County found former Batavia HS basketball star Antwan Odom not guilty of assault in the first degree and not guilty on the lesser included offenses and on a charge of criminal possession of a weapon, all stemming from an Aug. 4 fight with a former friend and football teammate.
The Firing Pin hosted a “22 to None Fun Run” in support Mission 22, an organization dedicated to assisting veterans in getting treatment when they need it most. The event includes a 2.2K fun run, raffles, food, and beer.
Batavia Beats Geneva 44-7
For a written report of what was discussed at the press conference, visit The Batavian. https://www.thebatavian.com/howard-b-owens/more-than-single-snapchat-post-apparently-used-to-determine-need-for-school-closure
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Tuesday, at the fairgrounds, more than 800 students from schools throughout Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming counties had a chance to try out several skilled trades first hand in the region's first-ever "GLOW With Your Hands" event.
Arc of Genesee Orleans Friends and Family 5K in Elba
For the 30th year in a row, the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, along with Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Genesee County Farm Bureau, and the Soil & Water Conservation District conducted the Decision Makers Ag Tour. The tour started off at the fairgrounds with a talk by Bill Schreiber, CEO of O-AT-KA Milk Products Co-Operative Inc. Then the group visited Autumn Moon Farm Winery, Black Creek Cidery, and Sweet Life Country Store, which included representatives from Circle B Winery.
