An alarm that sounds like an old rotary dial telephone was sounding off this afternoon from the back of the former Kmart building on Lewiston Road, Town of Batavia. 

A dispatcher said people have been calling about it for days.

The registered owner of the property is 570 DAB 30 LLC. The LLC is registered at the same address as Benderson Development, which is also the leasing agent for the property.

570 DAB acquired the property in March 2020 from the Williamington Trust Company for $1,757,000. The assessed value of the property $2,260,000.

Kmart pulled out of Batavia and left behind the vacant hulk of a building in 2018.

We're attempting to get information from Benderson about the unending alarm.

Home boasts large beautiful rooms, gorgeous woodwork, wide pegged hardwoods and intricate crown moldings. Sunken living room has 3 sets of French doors leading to beautiful yard and covered patio. Upstairs has master bedroom with fireplace leading to beautiful white tiled bath. 4 additional bedrooms boasting walk-in closets. 3rd floor ballroom has 4 built in benches and spring loaded hardwood floor -- AWESOME BONUS RECREATIONAL SPACE!

Well kept and MODERNIZED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS with NEW gas boiler 2019 as well as H2O tank, painting of exterior in 2020, kitchen and baths have all been modernized, updated electrical panel, some new carpeting upstairs as well as most hardwood on 2nd floor refinished AND an AMAZING SLATE ROOF! So many neat architectural gems spread throughout this amazing home.

There’s also a 24x48 POLE BARN on this well maintained 1.3 acre lot. Think outside the box-could be amazing Air BNB or perfect IN LAW situation! OWNERS WILLING TO ENTERTAIN ALL SERIOUS OFFERS! Click here to view the full listing and call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today -- call 344-HOME (4663)

Press release:

Following his successful passage of the broader American Rescue Plan earlier this year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer heralded the Child Tax Credit expansion, which will allow payments of up to $300 per child to automatically go out to families across New York each month – starting TODAY July 15. Schumer said the plan will impact more than 86 percent of New York children.

The Finger Lakes Region, which includes Genesee County, is expected to receive Expanded Child Tax Credits totaling more than $435 million.

“Help is here for working families across New York in the form of enhanced Child Tax Credits that put more money in families’ pockets to recover from COVID even as its boosts New York’s economy,” Senator Schumer said. “Over 86 percent of families throughout New York will benefit from the enhanced Child Tax Credit just as they begin to fully recover from the global health and economic pandemic that rocked our country for the past year.

"That is why I made sure this relief bill included help for New York families, because this significant expansion of the Child Tax Credit will cut the nation’s child poverty rate in half and bring necessary relief. The credit expansion – on top of the $1,400 direct checks that came earlier this year – will provide New York’s families with thousands of dollars of relief, directly in their pockets. Getting additional federal dollars into the hands of struggling families not only makes sense, but it’s what’s needed to help the New York recover from the pandemic.”

Schumer explained the Child Tax Credit (CTC), one of the most powerful and effective anti-poverty tools the federal government has, was significantly expanded for American households in the American Rescue Plan. This tax-credit expansion will deliver an estimated $7.03 billion in additional economic relief to families with children across New York and have a major impact on working families.

Schumer highlighted that researchers have estimated that the American Rescue Plan – including the expanded Child Tax Credit – will cut the child poverty rate in half nationally. Specifically, the relief bill increases the Child Tax Credit amount from $2,000 to $3,000 per child age 6 to 17 (and $3,600 per child below the age of 6) for 2021.

Additionally, the bill makes the CTC fully refundable and removes the $2,500 earnings floor to receive the credit for 2021, ensuring that the lowest income households will be able to benefit from the maximum credit amount for the year.

This change importantly corrected flaws in the credit that prevented around 27 million children nationwide whose families have little or no income from receiving the full benefit – and in New York State alone, this credit expansion will benefit 1,546,000 of these children who were previously left out of the full Child Tax Credit.

The increased $3,000 or $3,600 CTC is available to families making less than $150,000, and it phases down above that income level, so household incomes of more than $150,000 will see a reduced credit.

This boosted credit amount is particularly impactful in lower-income households, as it has been found that increasing a low-income child’s family income early in their life has numerous, critical longer-term benefits on education, health, and even employment. Specifically, it is estimated that a $3,000 increase in annual family income for children under age 5 translates into an estimated 19-percent earnings increase in adulthood.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, an estimated 3,564,000 children across New York will benefit from this expanded tax credit – including 583,000 Black, 954,000 Latino, and 266,000 Asian American children. It will also lift 680,000 children in the state above or closer to the poverty line.

The total amount of Expanded Child Tax Credit headed to each region in New York State can be found below:  

REGION

TOTAL EXPANDED CTC

Southern Tier

$264,503,932

Capital Region

$502,125,581

Central

$471,279,544

Hudson Valley

$847,414,412

Long Island

$1,028,580,062

NYC

$2,997,872,107

Finger Lakes

$435,560,223

Western

$482,651,024

TOTAL:

$7,029,986,887

Press release:

The 51^st Annual Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction will be held Thursday, July 29, at the Genesee County Fair.  The auction will feature chickens, goats, lambs, beef steers, dairy steers and hogs raised by local 4-H members. Animals will be auctioned by William Kent Inc. of Stafford. 

New this year, the 4-H Market Animal Auction will offer online and in-person bidding. Online pre-bidding will be available on www.williamkentinc.com starting Tuesday, July 27^th.  The live auction will be held at 7 p.m. in the Main Show Ring at the Genesee County Fair.

Registration for bidders attending the live auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the 4-H Kennedy Building.

The fairgrounds are located at 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

For more information, please contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at (585) 343-3040, ext. 101, or visit www.williamkentinc.com and look for the Genesee County 4-H Market Animal Auction.

Top photo: Four members of the Sutherland Family at the 24th annual ND Foundation Golf, Tennis and Bocce Tournament June 13.

Submitted photos and press release:

This year's 24th annual Notre Dame Foundation Golf, Tennis and Bocce Tournament was held on Sunday, June 13. The golf portion of this year’s tournament was held at the beautiful 27-hole Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility in Batavia. The tennis competition took place on the newly refurbished tennis courts at Batavia Senior High School and the bocce competition was held at the adjoining MacArthur Park.

A great time was reportedly had by all in attendance on this sun-filled, rain-free Western New York afternoon! 

A total of 144 golfers [a record 36 foursomes!], 17 tennis players and four Bocce teams participated in this year's successful annual event, the proceeds of which will be used to help prospective ND families with the tuition costs of a quality, private Catholic high school education.

A big word of thanks goes out to all alumni and friends of Notre Dame who either:

• Participated in one of our events or made donations to support our annual fundraiser;
• Served as a major event sponsors

                -- Blue and Gold level [$3,500] -- Skyworks -- Jerry Reinhart Jr.

                -- Shamrock level [$2,500] -- Lynn and Tom Houseknecht/Crickler/MTE

                -- Donald L. Bausch ('60) Corporate level [$1,000] -- Russ Marchese, ('73) DDS

                -- Jerry and Carm Pellegrino Reinhart ('69)

                -- Reinhart, Clark, Patterson, Lee Architects and Engineers

                -- DelPlato ('64) Casey ('10) Law Firm

                 -- Sunny Hill and Thunderhart/Kevin Smith ('87) 

                -- T.F. Brown's Restaurant/ Mancuso Real Estate/Rick Mancuso ('76)

                -- Friends of Our Lady [$500] -- Freed Maxick CPA

• Sponsored our annual event as one of this year’s 53 T-sign sponsors!
• Sanzo Beverage and C.H. Wright Beverage Distributors

***A special word of thanks goes out to Tournament Chairperson Jim Sutherland (’86), ND Advancement Office coordinator Kate Edwards, and ND Special Events coordinator Kathy Antinore for the key roles they played in helping to coordinate this year's overall event.***

Special recognition also goes out to:

• Batavia CSD Athletic Director Mike Bromley and the Batavia City School District for the continued use of their newly refurbished tennis courts;
• The City of Batavia Parks Department for the use of MacArthur Park for our bocce tournament;
• Terry Hills Director of Golf Casey Brown, and General Manager Danielle Rotondo, and owner Nick Rotondo for their expertise and assistance on the day of the event at the golf course.

2021 Tournament Dedication -- Bill Sutherland ('67)

On behalf of this year's tournament Committee, Chairperson Jim Sutherland presented his brother Bill's wife, Melanie, and her ND grad children Billy Sutherland ('96) and Jennifer Sutherland ('00) Forsyth with a commemorative plaque in appreciation for Coach Sutherland's longtime support of ND and our annual Golf, Tennis and Bocce Tournament.

The plaque read:

"To the family of Coach Bill Sutherland . . . With genuine love and gratitude from the thousands of students, athletes and co-workers that he touched during his long and storied tenure at Notre Dame. The 2021 ND Golf, Tennis and Bocce tournament is held in his honor. June 13, 2021."

2021Award Winners

Winning teams/individuals for this year’s golf and tennis competition were as follows:

Golf

First Place Overall Non-ND Foursome [18 under par 54] -- West Herr: Lionel Rhim, Brian Cline, Tom Hungerford and Donnell Holloway.

Second Place Overall Non-ND Foursome [13 under par 69] – Joe Flynn ('68), Dennis Buckley, Matt Buckley and Tim Sprague.

First Place ND Alumni Cup Foursome – Sanzo Beverage [17 under par 55] -- 2nd year in a row!: Zach Goodsell (‘05), Bobby Martin (’04), Cam McDonald (‘10) and Arron “Red” McDonald (’13).

First Place Womens' Foursome [-2 under par 70] -- Karen Green, Seana Logsdon, Sharon Fisher and Sue Penepent            

Putting Contest sponsored by C.H. Wright: Chad LaCivita

Closest to the Pin -- Males – Jack Chmielowiec; Females – Sally Barie

Longest Drives – Males – Mikey Rapone ('02); Females – Katelyn Ferris

Tennis

First Place Singles: Diane Bonarigo

Second Place Doubles: Karen Tomm ('81) Hughes and Pavlo Huda

Second Place Doubles: Gary May and Mike Teresi ('08)

Bocce

First Place Team: Pat and Maria Robusto

Second Place Team: Annie Lawrence and Diane Fiorentino

2021Tournament Committee Membership

This year’s Committee did an amazing job organizing this year’s tournament under the trying COVID-19 conditions, which we were all forced to experience. Zoom meetings were held on a regular biweekly basis in order to coordinate what turned out to be a very successful outing! 

Chairpersons for this year's 24th Annual ND Foundation fundraiser included:

• Overall Tournament and Golf Chair: Jim Sutherland (’86)
• Tennis Chairperson: ND Board of Trustee Member Carm Pellegrino Reinhart ('69)
• Bocce Chairperson: Charlie Messina ('62) with assistance from Mike Del Plato ('64)
• Additional 2021Tournament Committee members included: ND Advancement coordinator Kate Edwards, ND Special Events coordinator Kathy Antinore, ND Principal Wade Bianco, and ND grads Jim Fanara (‘94), Jeremy Warner (’00), Connor Logsdon ('16) and Joe Scanlan, Ed.D. (’65).

Our 2021Tournament Committee would also like to recognize this year’s non-Committee volunteers: Brandi Fanara, Krista Fisher, Maria Fitzpatrick, Melanie Sutherland and Sarah Welker and ND employees Shannon Plath and Lorie Fix for a job well done, as well as extending a thank you to longtime ND faculty member Father Dick Csizmar [1969 -1994] for attending and saying Grace prior to our meal.

We hope to see everyone back for our 25th Annual ND Foundation Golf, Tennis and Bocce Tournament in 2022! Stay tuned to our ND webpage -- www.ndhsbatavia.com -- and Facebook pages, as well as upcoming ND online newsletters and e-blasts for more information about next year’s event date and location!

Thanks again for your participation in our annual tournament and support of Notre Dame High School’s tuition assistance program for families in need.

Go Irish!

From BPD:

The Batavia Muckdogs are proud to host the inaugural "Battle of the Badges" game between our local Police and Fire departments in Batavia.

The game will take place this Sunday, July 18th, on Give716 Day at the ballpark -- Western New York's community-wide day of giving.

Batavia will host the Elmira Pioneers for a 4:05 p.m. start, with the "Battle of the Badges" game following the completion of the Muckdogs vs. Pioneers game.

Tickets will be required for the police vs. fire matchup, and admission will be counted toward both games that occur on Sunday. Tickets range from $9-11, and a dollar is added if purchased the day of. For tickets, call (585) 524-2260.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley is joining his Assembly Minority colleagues in a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie demanding he call a special session to rescind New York State’s eviction moratorium. Otherwise, the state’s requirements will have persisted a month longer than federal protections, which are set to expire July 31st. 

The eviction moratorium has prevented small landlords from collecting revenue for over a year, even while facing financial obligations of their own.

“In terms of both public health and economic well-being, we are making a comeback from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hawley said. “With vaccinations available to all who want them and an abundance of job openings throughout the state, I see no benefit in allowing the eviction moratorium to remain in effect any longer.

"While these protections were sensible during the worst days of the pandemic, the time has come to allow landlords to collect their revenue, both for their sake and also the sake of other tenants who otherwise might have their rents raised to compensate for rent not paid by others.”

Local professionals in the field of substance use prevention and treatment are applauding the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports launching of a new “Connections” campaign acknowledging the significance of social relationships in the fight against addiction.

On Tuesday, OASAS announced the start of a campaign that will run through the end of August designed to encourage those affected by addiction to use their connections to friends, family members, health professionals, and other organizations as a means to find help and support in their treatment and recovery.

Partial funding of the campaign is a result of an award to the state through the federal State Opioid Response grant.

“Staff here at Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse are keenly aware that social connections with family and friends are vital for a person’s recovery,” said Shannon Ford, GCASA's director of Communications and Development. “When we had to close The Recovery Station to the public due to COVID, it was devastating.”

Ford was speaking about the facility at the former Bohn’s Restaurant on Clinton Street Road that serves as a social gathering place for those in recovery. With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, it since has reopened for programming on a regular basis.

“Now that it's open again, you can see how great of a resource it is. People are coming every day,” she said, adding that GCASA’s day-to-day support has continued at its residential treatment settings.

When talking about the prevention aspect of substance use education, Ford also mentioned the importance of family and peer connections.

“With so much isolation, people are more likely to cope by using alcohol or other drugs. Kids weren't able to see their friends or go to school. The lack of connection took its toll on the mental well-being of our community members,” she said.

Rosalie Mangino-Crandall, GCASA’s director of Project Innovation and Expansion, pointed to the summer camp in July and August being offered by the agency’s drop-in childcare center for clients.

“GCASA clients already could use the childcare center at no cost for up to three hours per day for any kind of GCASA appointment or service and with prior approval from the childcare supervisor,” she said.

Those activities, all critical to the recovery process, include mutual aid meetings, any other kind of healthcare appointment, court, accessing domestic violence or veterans services, Department of Social Services appointments and job interviews.

“During the mini-camp, clients can actually bring their kids to the center for up to three hours a day for any reason at all -- including just for the fun of attending the activities and being with other people,” Mangino-Crandall advised.

In a press release issued by OASAS, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul stated the “Connections” campaign “not only helps get the word out on lifesaving resources and services for New Yorkers who are battling addiction and substance use disorder, but is also a reminder that help is available to find a better and satisfying life.”

Campaign content will run online on social media and streaming audio. Public Service Announcements will also be seen on billboards, city buses, subways, and the Staten Island Ferry with messages addressing the importance of connections and personal well-being, in addition to focusing on opioid overdose prevention and the use of naloxone to save lives.

New Yorkers are also encouraged to focus on the value of connections and how they help to foster the best outcomes for overcoming addiction and finding a better and satisfying life.

The “Connections” campaign also raises awareness about the risks of overdoses due to the presence of fentanyl in other illicit substances. Fentanyl is a lethal opioid that has been detected in other illicit substances such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy, which can result in overdoses and fatalities.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369), or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

A Pembroke woman arrested earlier this year after more than 15 animals were found at her home on Akron Road in Pembroke in poor health entered a guilty plea in Pembroke Town Court to one count of animal abuse/failure to sustain under New York's Agriculture and Markets Law.

Lori Ann Adolf, 47, also entered a guilty plea to endangering the welfare of a child.

Both charges are Class A misdemeanors and could carry a maximum jail term of one year each, but under terms of the plea agreement, Adolf will likely be sentenced Oct. 13 to three years probation.

During those three years, Adolf cannot own, purchase, breed, or work with any animal of any kind.

The state does not have the authority to order her to own or keep animals for any period of time she's not on probation.

As part of the plea, Adolf also agreed to sign over six more dogs and two cats to the Genesee County Animal Shelter. Those animals are now available for adoption and as of yesterday had not been spoken for by any potential new owners.

Previously, Adolf had surrendered seven of the dogs to the shelter. 

Adolf will also be under the terms of a no-offensive-conduct order of protection in regard to the minor involved in the case.

She must also continue mental health and substance abuse care.

Previously:

• Pembroke woman arrested after deputy allegedly finds 13 dogs, two cats in deplorable conditions
• Pembroke woman pleads not guilty to animal abuse charges, asks to keep 3 dogs and 2 cats
• Seven dogs going to new homes while criminal case against former owner remains pending

Photo: File photo of one of the dogs that had been in Adolf's care after being housed at the Animal Shelter for a few months.

Starting on Perry Road in Pavilion, driving back on Perry to Cole to East Bethany Le Roy, some scenic shots I collected returning to Batavia from the Chamber tournament.

On the first hole of Davis Countryside Meadows, Danielle Rotondo, Chris Deday, Eric Holliday, and Casey Brown get ready to tee-off today in the 2021, post-pandemic return of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament and Bocce Ball Tournament.

And they’re off!

Well, not quite yet as opening night of harness horse racing at Batavia Downs is a week away, but the thought of having fans back at the Park Road facility is music to the ears of Live Racing Director/General Manager Todd Haight.

“Now that we’re past our COVID issues, I hope, we’re excited to get our fans back,” Haight said today in an interview with The Batavian.

The 59-date schedule at the venerable half-mile oval that opened 81 years ago kicks off on July 21 with a NY Sire Stakes card featuring 2-year-old filly trotters. Post time for the first race is 6 o’clock.

Haight (photo above) said horse racing isn’t the same without the cheers of the crowd as the competitors come down the home stretch.

“Last year, we went the entire season without any racing fans, except some in the clubhouse eating. However, our apron was bare for the whole year and I cannot tell you what a different feeling that it is -- not having fans here,” he offered.

“How quiet this apron was and how quiet the enclosed grandstand was. So, that’s the big thing: We can’t wait to see our fans, especially in July and August when we get tremendous crowds.”

Haight, who has worked at Batavia Downs since 1974 (he said retirement isn’t too far away), said he is excited about several promotions, including videos of live racing on the track’s YouTube channel, as well as a couple of new “jackpot” wagers.

LIVE RACES TO BE SHOWN ON YOUTUBE

“We’re going to show every race live on our Batavia Downs YouTube page. I think people are really going to enjoy that,” he said. “We always get asked how can we watch the races, so now you can come here and watch them or go to an OTB (Off-Track Betting parlor) and watch and also on Batavia Bets (the Downs’ interactive online wagering platform).”

He also revealed that the Downs’ website will feature the daily racing programs for the entire season.

“This is more for the people that aren’t able to come to the track. Those who come to the track are still going to buy a program, and there’s a $5 free play (to the casino) in it, so you spend $2 and you get $5 back.”

Downs’ officials are placing a priority on building their simulcasting network, Haight said, adding that more access to the races through simulcasts at other racetracks, OTB locations and other online wagering platforms is key to reaching his goal of topping last season’s record handle.

“We know that when we’re able to put up a couple of program pages (on the website) when we have a guaranteed pool, we see a bigger handle,” he said. “I think by putting the entire card on every night, we’re going to see a difference in our wagering pools – be it our win pools or trifecta pools.”

GAMING COMMISSION ADDS JACKPOT BETS

Over the winter, the New York State Gaming Commission approved two new wagers -- Jackpot Pick Six and the Jackpot Super High Five.

“These are new to New York and us, although they are not new to other parts of the country,” Haight said. “We’ve seen tremendous pools at tracks – up to $200,000 -- that have been allowed to take these bets.”

He explained how they work:

Jackpot Pick Six – The bettor has to pick the winners of races six through 11, and the bet is only 20 cents.

“To win the jackpot portion you have to have the only ticket. If there’s more than one ticket, the jackpot portion of the pool carries over to the next day. So, as the favorites win over 40 percent of the time at harness tracks, it’s not easy to have the only ticket,” Haight explained.

“If more than one winner, those bettors will win something, but the jackpot segment of the pool carries over. We could see pools here that we’ve never seen since WROTB (Western Regional Off-Track Betting) purchased the track in 1998 and reopened in 2002.”

Jackpot Super High Five – Calling it “the superfecta on steroids,” Haight said the bettor has to pick the first five horses in the last race of the night (which will have nine horses instead of the usual eight).

“Again, that makes it a little bit tougher to win, and the jackpot carries over with this bet as well,” he said.

PROMO TIE-INS WITH THE CASINO

Haight said the track is big on promotional links with Batavia Downs Gaming.

“I don’t see any other tracks doing that,” he said. “We have a match play promotion where if you wager $25 on the horses, you go up to the gaming window and they give you $25 in free play. You have to earn five points to get that offer.”

He also mentioned an early bird daily double where those who wager $10 on the early double receive $10 back in free play. And, again, all of the racing programs come with a $5 free play to the gaming floor, and programs are free on opening night.

“We integrate as much as possible,” he said. “Even in the clubhouse, you purchase an entrée and we give you $10 back in free play.”

The Downs once again plans to operate in conjunction with the Breeders Cup, which is set for 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6.

“The Breeders Cup is in California so it’s a little bit later start for us on the East Coast,” Haight said. “What we do is run two live races here in between each race of the Breeders Cup, which usually are run every 45 minutes. All told, I think there are nine Cup races and there will be about 11 races here.”

HORSE NUMBERS DOWN, PURSES UP

The Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association, led by Administrative Director Bruce Tubin, continues its longstanding connection to Batavia Downs. WNYHHA drivers and trainers will be wrapping up their season at Buffalo Raceway this Saturday.

“We have a great relationship with the horsemen,” said Haight, noting that purses, race dates and other matters are subject to negotiation with the union.

He said that purses are going up by 10 percent this year to start the season and he anticipates another 10-percent increase in September or October due to record numbers being generated at the casino.

“We’ve had three $20 million weeks in a row. The better the casino does, the better for the horsemen. Creates more purse money,” he said.

With only 153 horses expected to be stabled at the track, Haight said he’s figuring on 10 or 11 races (all are set at a mile) per card – a couple less than what he would like to see.

As far as leading horses and drivers, he said that Black is Back, the No. 1 horse over the past two years, is expected to return. Top drivers include Drew Monti, Dave McKnight III, Ray Fisher and Billy Davis, while successful trainers include Jerry Sarama and Jack Rice.

HAIGHT: TRACK IS IN TIP-TOP SHAPE

The racing director said 1,100 tons of new stone dust has been applied to the track and the turns have been banked again, resulting in excellent conditions this season.

“We also put the passing lane back in this year,” Haight said. “Some people like it and some people hate it. It does change the style of racing a little bit.”

The passing lane is the inside lane of the track, which provides a route to keep horses from getting boxed in as much, he said. “I’ve got mixed feelings on it but the horsemen seem to want it."

Haight said his crew is doing a “great job to get us ready.”

“It’s a total team effort. A lot has to be done to get a track ready to race; we’re painting the tote board, trimming bushes, and have been working on the track and paddock since April.

Batavia Downs is one of seven harness tracks in the state. The others are Buffalo, Tioga, Vernon, Saratoga, Yonkers and Monticello.

SCHEDULE INCLUDES SOME MATINEES

The complete Batavia Downs racing schedule for 2021 is as follows:

Night, 6 p.m. – July 21, 24, 31; Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28.

Twilight, 5 p.m. – July 26, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25; Sept. 3, 4, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25, 29; Oct. 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30; Nov. 3, 5, 10, 12, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27; Dec. 1, 4, 8, 11.

Matinee, 1:15 p.m. – July 25; Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Sept. 6 (Labor Day).

Breeders Cup, 3:15 p.m. – Nov. 6.

The Downs will host NY Sire Stakes races on three consecutive Wednesdays – July 21 (2-year-old filly trotters), July 28 (3-year-old colt pacers and 3-year-old colt trotters) and Aug. 4 (2-year-old colt trotters).

Clyde Davonta Hoskins Jr., 29, of Genesee Street, Buffalo, is charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree -- a loaded firearm; criminal possession of a stolen property in the fourth degree -- a firearm; and tampering with physical evidence. On Tuesday, July 13, Hoskins was arrested after an investigation into a loaded pistol being located in a chicken coop at midnight on Aug. 8, 2020 on Route 237 in the Town of Stafford. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court at 1:20 p.m. yesterday and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due to return to Stafford Town Court on Aug. 12. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Investigator Kevin P. Forsyth.

Brian Michael Raphael, 33, of East Main Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. At 3:45 p.m. on July 12, Raphael was arrested after being located by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies after fleeing Walmart. He allegedly stole merchandise from the store. He was processed at the jail and released on an appearance ticket. He is due in Town of Batavia Court on July 20. The case was handled by Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

A natural gas line was struck and is leaking during a construction project at Pavilion Elementary School, located at 7071 York Road, Pavilion. RG&E is the caller to dispatch and is responding to the scene. The smell of leaking natural gas is apparent, according to a dispatcher.

UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: "If you want to give them a call back and let them know it's leaking and they're still digging," says a caller to dispatch about the construction crew on site. ... "We shut the road down. We'll just wait for RG&E." Dispatcher's response: "All set with tones."

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is excited to announce our very first in-person event since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic! Join us in celebrating the 31^st anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act with our 2nd Annual Walk, Run & Roll!

The event takes place Monday, July 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Pavilion 2 of DeWitt Recreation Area, 115 Cedar St. in Batavia, rain or shine.

To register, go to runsignup.com/ilgrwalkrunroll.

For $25, participants can walk, run or roll the distance of their choosing. All participants receive an event T-shirt.

Food trucks will be present, plus a basket raffle, a 50/50 raffle and a caricature artist.

Please bring your own chair! COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.

For more information, call Donna Becker at (585) 815-8501, ext. 411.

Thanks to our sponsors: BW’s Restaurant and Banquet Facility, United Refining Company, RESTORE Sexual Assault Services, R.A. Haitz Co. Inc., Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, GEICO, Fidelis, National Grid and Ken Barrett Chevrolet-Cadillac.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

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You have the power to Stop The Spread! Together, we can protect our communities and stop the COVID-19 pandemic. Get vaccinated!

In the last year, we saved NYS taxpayers over $118 million by helping individuals leave or avoid institutionalization through practicing the principles of education, empowerment and equality for persons with disabilities.

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Press release:

Northgate Free Methodist Church will once again be hosting our annual VBS (Vacation Bible School) Base Camp between Aug.16th–20th with some exciting changes this year!

As we are growing rapidly our younger campers (ages 3–7) will enjoy a half day program at our North Campus (8160 Bank Street Road) from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. while our older campers (ages 8-12) will participate from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at our South Campus (350 Bank St.)

This year’s theme is Space with OUT OF THIS WORLD activities, games, devotionals and special guests like Art of Mandy and the Seneca Zoo Mobile.

The older campers will also have the opportunity to engage in skill building and instructional exercises for their preferred sport to stay sharp over summer!

For costs and applications please visit northgatefmc.com and click on “Register” or call us at (585) 343-4011. Scholarships and family discounts are offered and always available as we want all students and families to be able to attend.

If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Daniel at daniel@northgatefmc.com or just give us a call! See you this summer!

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs is proud to host the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) County Fair Series on Thursday (July 15) starting at 12:30 p.m. The program that is facilitated by the Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund features stops at tracks in 21 different counties throughout the state and culminates with finals for the top point-getters at Historic Track in Goshen on Sunday (Sept. 5).

"County Fair racing is where our young horses and many young horsemen and women get their start and can learn in a fun environment," said Kelly Young, executive director of the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund.

"We are so excited to add Genesee County racing at Batavia Downs to the schedule this year and provide another outstanding venue for New York-bred horses to compete on the County Fair circuit."

"County Fair is about more than ribbons and awards. Its about the experience and the people you share those experiences with. County fair is embracing the life skills and memories created while being part of the fair. Most importantly its about being a role model, giving back, and making the best better," added Amanda Gallo, president of the Genesee Agricultural Society. 

“It’s been a pleasure working with the Genesee County Fair Society and the New York Sire Stakes to make this happen,” said Todd Haight, director and general manager of live racing at Batavia Downs. “These races are not only beneficial for our local racing community, but also horseman and women throughout New York State.”

There will be 13 races on Thursday -- eight trots and five paces -- and all are non-betting events. Admission and parking are free at the track and race gates will open at noon with the track apron available for fans. Also, free full past performance programs are available for download a www.bataviadownsgaming.com. Everyone is encouraged to come out to the Downs and root on all the aspiring 2- and 3-year-olds. 

The Claude Huckabone III stable, who has 10 horses entered, leads the way for number of starters on the card. Local trainers competing include Doug Ackley, Ryan Swift, John Mungillo, Judy Blaun, Jim Graham, Tammy Cummings, Gerry Sarama, Robert Wittcop, Kirk Desmond and one of the perennial NYSS leading conditioners, Steve Pratt.

Many of the horses racing on this card have already started in other levels of the state sponsored series this year including the NYSS, Excel A and Excel B levels, so the racing promises to be very competitive. 

Three of the four County Fair 2-year-old champions from 2020 will be in action on Thursday as 3-year-olds and include trotting filly Flexible Credit (Credit Winner-Back On Track), trotting colt Ready For Workout (Whataworkout-Oven Ready) and pacing gelding Brave Element (Bolt The Duer-Necessary Element). 

The 72 entrants will compete for total purses of $30,250 and points, as they each try to make their way to the finals this fall.