Skip to main content

Stories from

Dennis W. White

By Billie Owens

Dennis W. White born August 15, 1942 (son of the late Almer and Myrtle White) former resident of Akron and Batavia NY, passed peacefully at his home in Carlsbad, New Mexico on October 30, 2018.

Loving father to Natalie White, Michelle White, James (Trena) White, Sarah Tsirtsakis, and Jennifer (Nick) Parisi. Brother to Maggie (Brian) Tiedt, Ruth (John) Grover, Richard (Fran) White, Susan Trinkle, the late Robert White.

Dennis is survived by 12 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life memorial for family and friends will be held on August 24, 2019 from 1-5 p.m. at Newstead Skyline Park across from the east entrance to Akron Falls Park.

Groovy Joe remains undefeated in NYSS at Batavia

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

As three $34,866 divisions of 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings went postward in the New York Sires Stakes (NYSS) at Batavia Downs on Sunday (July 28) with Groovy Joe putting in the fastest performance of the day allowing him to remain undefeated.

Sandy’s Bolt (Jim Morrill Jr.) started from post one and led the majority of the race with Groovy Joe (Matt Kakaley) (above) sitting in the garden spot. Morrill set quarters of :28.1, :58.1 and 1:26.3 and took his  lead into the stretch. But Groovy Joe (Roll With Joe-Chotat Milk) popped the pocket and went right by Sandy’s Bolt and then held off a late charging American Rebel (Tyler Buter) at the wire to win by a neck in 1:55, which was a new lifetime mark. 

It was the fifth straight win for Groovy Joe ($3.10), all in NYSS action, and it took him to $96,795 for the year. Hutt Racing and Blake McIntosh own the colt with MacIntosh also doing the training. 

Winbak Farm bred Groovy Joe. 

The other two divisions ended up being the Ray Schnittker Show as they were both won by his trainees in career best outings. 

First, Cigars And Port (above) (So Surreal-Sweet On Art) grabbed the lead before the half and put in a strong effort from there. After getting to three-quarters in front by 1-½, Cigars And Port turned for home and opened up even more, eventually winning by three in 1:55.3, which was a new lifetime mark. 

Schnittker drove Cigars And Port ($7.50) and owns in conjunction with Nolamaura Racing, Ted Gewertz and Steve Arnold.

Steve Jones bred the Cigars And Port.

In the last division Teton Sunset (above) (American Ideal-Gray Ghost) sat a perfect trip behind Oreo Dream Xtreme (Jason Bartlett) who cut the mile and Level Up (Jim Morrill Jr.) who pushed the pace from outside from the half before finding racing room in the stretch to pull away from both of them and win by a 3-½ length margin in 1:57.1, The time was also a new lifetime mark. 

Teton Sunset ($7.40) was driven by Tyler Buter for trainer/owner Schnittker and his partners David Pepin and Flintlock Farms.

The ownership trio bred the winner. 

There were also three divisions of the $15,000 Excelsior “A” series on the card that were won by:

Sunsetboozecruise (Roll With Joe -- Rideintothesunset) 

Driver -- Jim Morrill Jr.

Owner -- Matthew Dugan

Trainer -- Erv Miller

Breeder -- Kentuckiana Farms

Time -- 1:57.4 

Mutuel -- $2.10

I Rolled The Dice (Roll With Joe-Keystone Ivy)

Driver -- Jim Morrill Jr.

Owner -- Howard Taylor

Trainer -- Erv Miller

Breeder -- Howard Taylor

Time -- 1:57.1

Mutuel -- $8.90

Breakout Session (Heston Blue Chip-Troubled Escape) 

Driver-Scott Zeron

Owner-Bay Pond Racing Stable

Trainer-Linda Toscano

Breeder-Winbak Farms

Time-1:58.1

Mutuel-$14.20

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs today (July 29) with post time at 5 p.m.

Head-on collision reported at Lewiston and Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road

By Billie Owens

A head-on collision with injuries is reported at Route 63 (Lewiston Road) and Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road. Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia is on a ground standby. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with two Mercy medics ambulances and law enforcement.

UPDATE 12:55 p.m.: A first responder reports "at least two vehicles involved." They are off the roadway. Tools may be needed for extrication. National Fuel will be contacted because a piece of their roadside equipment was broken. Mercy Flight can stand down.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m.: Two vehicles involved; two flatbed tows are called.

UPDATE 1:22 p.m.: A maroon-colored sedan, with the driver as sole occupant, was eastbound on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road when it failed to stop at the stop sign at Lewiston Road. It was broadsided by a silver Jeep, which had one passenger in addition to the driver. No serious injuries reported.

UPDATE 8:09 p.m.: According to the Sheriff's Office accident report, prepared by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, Mariam J. Blackchief, 87, of Bloomingdale Road, Basom, was eastbound on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road and she allegedly failed to stop for a stop sign at Lewiston Road. Gregory M. Nellist, 64, of Medina, was southbound.  Joan A. Anderson, 88, was a passenger in Nellist's car.  Nobody was seriously injured though all three were transported to area hospitals. A citation is pending.

Black Is Back wires Batavia’s best in feature win

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, For Batavia Downs

A craftily rated second quarter provided success at the end of the mile for Black Is Back who went gate to wire in the $12,500 Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Saturday evening (July 27). 

Dave McNeight III sent Black Is Back to the point off the gate and took the six-horse field to the quarter in :28. He then grabbed leather and backed the second panel off to :29.3 and essentially won the race as a result. 

Mac’s Jackpot (Drew Monti), who became forwardly placed third from post six at the start, pulled first-over at the half and proceeded with urgency toward the leader on the backstretch. He continued to gain ground on Black Is Back and got to within a half-length of him in the last turn. But that was as close as he would get as McNeight shook the lines and Black Is Back accelerated into the stretch and pulled away by 1-1/2 lengths at the wire in 1:53.3.

A former Saratoga regular, Black Is Back ($12.80) now feels at home in Western New York after scoring his first win at Batavia and sixth win of the year for owners Curtis Edholm and Mihajlo Zdjelar Sr.. Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr. trains the winner. 

In the co-featured $11,000 Open II, Upfront Countryboy (Drew Monti) took the lead from Iammrbrightside N (Jim Morrill Jr.) before the quarter and then hit that station in :28 flat. From there he proceeded unchallenged to the half in :57.2 and three-quarters in 1:25.1 before turning for home and pacing to the wire under minimal urging to win in by two in 1:53.3. 

It was the 59th lifetime win for Upfront Countryboy ($2.40) and it pushed his career earnings over the half-million dollar mark to $505,145. WIlliam Emmons owns the esteemed 10-year-old gelded son of Dragon Again-Cambloid that is trained by Jim Clouser Jr.

Drew Monti won a total of three races on the card to lead all drivers on Saturday. Kevin Cummings, Shawn McDonough and Jim McNeight Jr. all had two wins apiece. Jim Clouser Jr. also had a double to lead all trainers for the night. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (July 28) with post time at 1:15 p.m, Three divisions of the New York Sire Stakes for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings will compete for a total purse of $104,598 during the afternoon.

Crowd of 2,779 not enough in Muckdogs' loss: Batavia pitchers have struck out 21, walked none in two games

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs will try again today to end the toughest losing streak of the 2019 season as they host the Williamsport Crosscutters at 5:05 p.m. as part of Irish Night.

On Saturday, a crowd of 2,779 packed Dwyer Stadium -- thanks to Tompkins Bank of Castile purchasing all of the general admission tickets in an effort to draw a record crowd (the bank also hosted an employee picnic) -- but the Muckdogs fell to Williamsport, 7-0.

Batavia (24-18) remains not only in first place in the New York-Penn Pinckney Division, but in the hunt for the best overall NYPL record, trailing Lowell (Red Sox) 26-14) and the Mets' farm club, Brooklyn Cyclones (24-16).

The Muckdogs, the affiliate of the Miami Marlins, still have a two-game lead over the West Virginia Black Bears, who have lost two in a row and are 21-19. Mahoning Valley (22-20) has won two in a row and State College (22-20) has won three in a row. The Muckdogs have lost four.

The first year of the Batavia minor league team in the current league, the team drew 3,000 fans on May 10, 1939. The stadium was called State Street Park and to accommodate so many fans, they watched from the outfield fence, which was a snow fence at the time, and borrowed chairs from a local funeral home.

The record-setting attendance was set on July 4th 2008,when the Muckdogs drew 3,021 fans.

Saturday night, thanks to Tompkins Bank of Castile buying 2,000 tickets for fans who packed the park, the Muckdogs drew 2,779. This time, kids and families were in the grass on the first- and third-base lines and the picnic area was full of fans.

The Williamsport team was having the fun on the field as Kendall Simmons hit a home run and Juan Aparicio went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple.

Batavia was led by the hot-hitting J.D. Orr, who went 2-for-4. The 10th-round pick this year of the Marlins is now hitting a lead-leading .375 on the season.

Andrew Turner, Troy Johnston and Dalvy Rosario all had hits for Batavia.

Muckdogs' pitching has now put up some budding two-game stars. A total of seven pitchers have thrown 18 innings with 21 strikeouts and zero walks.

Saturday, Easton Lucas (four Ks in three innings), Dakota Bennett (two strikeouts in 5.0 innings) and Joey Steele (a scoreless ninth and he struck out the side) combined for nine strikeouts and no walks.

Muckdogs catcher Dustin Skelton, an 18th-round Marlins draft pick this year, threw out three runners trying to steal.

Sunday is a 5:05 p.m. start and it's O'Lacy's Irish Day. O'Lacy's has specials and tickets, you can visit the restaurant or follow them on Facebook. It is also free admission for MuckPups and kids can run the bases.

Before the game, next to the souvenir stand, it is Autograph Alley as eight players will sign autographs, pose for photos and selfies with fans. There will be special Irish Chips, which are fries covered with fresh corned beef, gravy and cheddar cheese. There will also be specials on Irish beers.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Photo: Fans received foam fingers entering Dwyer Stadium on Saturday, courtesy Tompkins Bank of Castile. A crowd of 2,779 came close to the near record-setting crowd of 3,000 on May 10, 1939. The record-setting attendance was set on July 4th 2008, when the Muckdogs drew 3,021 fans.​

Alice L. Harlach

By Billie Owens

Corfu -- Alice L. Harlach, 75, of Corfu, NY died July 24, 2019 at Buffalo General Hospital after a short illness. Alice was born September 10, 1943 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Joseph and Mildred Bucci. Preceded in death by her husband Paul “Skip” Harlach and siblings Joseph Jr., Louis (Donna), and Rose. 

She is survived by her daughters Cindy (Herbie) Froebel and Jackie (Stephen) Swimline, 5 grandchildren Robin (Jeffrey) Czwojdak, Chad (Stephanie) Froebel, Allison (Michael) Czwojdak, Beau (Caroline) Froebel, Luke (Kari) Swimline, her brother Ralph, nephew Robert, her cute great grandchildren, Connor, Tessa, Ella, Theo, Grant, Rhen, and soon-to-be Veronica, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. 

She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always put her family first. 

Family and friends may call on Monday, July 29th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday July 30th at 11 a.m. at the mortuary. 

Rollover accident reported at East Main and Liberty streets

By Billie Owens

libertyrolloverjuly272019.jpg

A rollover accident is reported at East Main Street and Liberty Street. It is blocking traffic. One vehicle is on its roof. Unknown injuries. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:07 p.m.: One person was loaded on a stretcher, conscious and alert, to be transported to a hospital for evaluation. At the time of the collision, it appears a Chevy Trailblazer was on East Main Street but investigators have not yet determined whether it was attempting to turn left on Liberty Street or was proceeding south from Summit Street onto Liberty Street; a BMW 535i was headed eastbound on East Main Street. The driver of the BMW and a passenger were sign-offs (translation: they waived medical treatment).

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: Investigators have now determined the Chevy Trailblazer was southbound on Summit Street and proceeding onto Liberty Street at the time of the collision on East Main Street.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: Batavia PD is asking anyone who witnessed the accident to come forward and help investigators determine the cause.

Press release: 

The Batavia Police Department is seeking assistance from the community. Saturday, July 27, at around 1:50 p.m., there was a two-car rollover accident at the intersection of East Main Street at Liberty Street. The Batavia Police Department is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to please contact Sgt. Dan Coffey at (585) 345-6352 with any information.

The Batavia Police Department can be reached at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345- 6370.

libertyrolloverjuly272019-2.jpg

libertyrolloverjuly272019-3.jpg

libertyrolloverjuly272019-4.jpg

libertyrolloverjuly272019-5.jpg

Night Sky Tour and stargazing offered next month at GC Park and Forest

By Billie Owens

East Bethany – Enjoy the view of a dark night sky and get to know the summer’s constellations with Night Sky Tour and Stargazing at the Genesee County Park and Forest from 9 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9th.

Learn all about the Perseid meteor shower and other astronomical phenomenon and the folklore behind them!

Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center for an outdoor presentation and guided tour of the night sky.

Bring a blanket or a chair for your spot in a meadow far away from city lights. This program will take place entirely outdoors.

If rain or cloudy skies threaten our view we will reschedule to Friday, Aug. 16th. Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot.

For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Kayla Edmunds at park.americorps@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Genesee County Park & Forest Nature Interpretive Center is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Night Sky Tour and stargazing at GC Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

East Bethany – Enjoy the view of a dark night sky and get to know the summer’s constellations with Night Sky Tour and Stargazing at the Genesee County Park and Forest from 9 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9th.

Learn all about the Perseid meteor shower and other astronomical phenomenon and the folklore behind them!

Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center for an outdoor presentation and guided tour of the night sky.

Event Date and Time
-

NYSS freshmen pacers at Batavia Downs Sunday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

A total of $104,598 in purses will be up for grabs at Batavia Downs on Sunday (July 29) when the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) rolls into town for the second of nine 2019 stops at the oldest lighted race track in America. 

This leg will feature the 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers who will vie in three $34,866 divisions carded as race three, five and seven. 

In the third race the undefeated Groovy Joe (Roll With Joe-Chotat Milk) puts his four-race win streak on the line against a truly loaded field. 

Groovy Joe had been having his way with the competition and posted a lifetime mark of 1:54.3 at Buffalo. However last week although he still won, it was in a dead heat at Saratoga with American Rebel with Freedom Warrior just a half length behind in third. But he gets another start on a half, which he obviously handles well, and catches a short field, too. 

Matt Kakaley is driving again for trainer Blake MacIntosh and will leave from post five at 9-5.

It would seem his closest competitor will be the horse he dead-heated with last week, American Rebel (American Ideal-Restive Hanover). 

After winning an elimination of the L. B. Sheppard at Yonkers on July 6, American Rebel finished a close fifth in the $120,250 final and then posted a lifetime best at Saratoga of 1:55 the following week (in the dead heat with Groovy Joe). This one is certainly in top form and will look to make some noise here. 

American Rebel will be driven by Tyler Buter from post three for trainer Rob Harmon. 

The fifth race has Ray Schnittker’s Cigars And Port (So Surreal-Sweet On Art) listed as the morning line choice at 2-1. 

After winning his first lifetime start in 1:56.3 in a NYSS event at Yonkers, Cigars And Port got parked half the mile the following week and finished fifth. In his last start he tripped-out behind Hurrikanekingjames but couldn’t catch him in the lane. 

Schnittker will be in the bike this week and leaves from post five. 

Roll With JR (Roll With Joe-No One Is Alone) is winless in the NYSS this year but did just post a solid 1:54.3 career best effort in an overnight event at Harrah’s Philadelphia in his last start. Now back in the series, he looks like he’s ready to move forward. 

Kevin Cummings drives for trainer Jeff Cullipher and is 3-1 early line. 

Hurrikanekingjames (So Surreal-Luxury Goods) looked much the best going gate to wire at Saratoga in 1:55.1, beating Cigars And Port by 2-1/2 lengths. That was from post one; he drew post six here. 

Daniel Dube drives for trainer John Mc Dermott. 

The third division in race seven is a very close event. Oreo Dream Xtreme (American Ideal-Spotlight On) is the 2-1 choice and is one of only two horses in the race with a win. He got that in NYSS action at Buffalo and hasn’t missed a check in the series yet. 

Level Up (Art Major-Apogee Hanover) got away poorly at Saratoga last week but rallied well to close sharply, just running out of stretch to finish second. He did not draw inside but it is a short field. 

Jason Bartlett drives Oreo Dream Xtreme from post three for trainer John Butenschoen and Jim Morrill Jr. drives Level Up for trainer Ed Hart from post five. 

There are also three $15,000 divisions of the Excelsior “A” series that are carded as races one, six and eight. Post time for the first race is 1:15 p.m.

Muckdogs lose 5-3 to Williamsport, but keep two-game lead in division

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs dropped a tough home game to Williamsport, 5-3 Friday night.

With a loss by West Virginia, Batavia keeps a two-game lead in the New York Penn-League Pinckney Division.

Saturday night could be a record crowd, as it is Tompkins Bank of Castile Night and they bought 2,000 tickets which have been given out to fans.

"We are looking forward to seeing new and familiar faces," said Batavia Muckdogs General Manager Brendan Kelly. "In addition to fireworks, there will be events all games and it should be a great atmosphere for families."

On Friday, Batavia had the pitching, hitting and defense, but did not get the timely hits to win. The Muckdogs out-hit Williamsport and the three Batavia pitchers racked up 12 strikeouts and zero walks.

Milton Smith II is now hitting .358 on the season as he went 2-for-4 and Dalvy Rosario had two hits for Batavia (24-17).

Catcher Andres Storms belted a two-RBI triple that brought Batavia within one, 4-3 in the sixth but the Muckdogs could not bring in another run. Troy Johnston, Nic Ready and J.D. Orr all singled for Batavia.

On the mound, Edgar Martinez struck out seven in 5.2 innings of work and did not walk a batter. he gave up three earned runs and took the loss, given up just four hits.

Edison Suriel threw 1.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts and Jonaiker Villalobos threw two innings and struck out two without a walk and gave up one hit.

On Saturday, the Muckdogs not only have fireworks after the game, but Tompkins Bank of Castile bought all the general admission seats and are giving them away to fans. There are still a few available at the box office.

Sunday is a 5:05 p.m. start and it's O'Lacy's Irish Day. O'Lacy's has specials and tickets, you can visit the restaurant or follow them on Facebook. It is also free admission for MuckPups and kids can run the bases. Before the game, next to the souvenir stand, it is Autograph Alley as eight players will sign autographs, pose for photos and selfies with fans. There will be special Irish Chips, which are fries covered with fresh corned beef, gravy and cheddar cheese. There will also be specials on Irish beers.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Law and Order: Buffalo man charged with sexual abuse of two minors at Six Flags Darien Lake

By Billie Owens

Terrill James Cunningham (inset photo, left), 23, of Treehaven Road, Buffalo, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree sexual abuse, and two counts of forcible touching.

Following an investigation at Six Flags Darien Lake, Cunningham was arrested at 6:40 p.m. on July 25 and arraigned in Darien Town Court. He is accused of touching the intimate parts of two individuals less than 14 years of age.

He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail and is due back in Darien Town Court at 3 p.m. on July 30. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Ricardo Sampel, 50, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with five counts of aggravated family offense -- more than one offense within five years. On July 17, the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received the report of a violation of an order of protection by a third party. Following an investigation, Sampel was identified and is alleged to have committed the crime of second-degree criminal contempt. It is alleged that he knowingly violated an order of protection by contacting the protected party via phone on July 13. Due to his previous criminal history, including criminal contempt convictions, the charge against him was elevated to a Class E felony. The defendant is currently being held in GC Jail on a separate criminal contempt charge. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. The investigation was assisted by jail correctional officers, including Senior Correctional Officer J.M. Smart. The investigation was conducted by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Jennifer Jean Greene, 46, of Tennyson Terrace, Williamsville, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 4:45 p.m. on July 7, deputies responded to Six Flags Darien Lake for the report of a violation of an order of protection. Following an investigation, Greene was arrested. It is alleged that she made physical contact with a person who had a stay away order of protection against Greene. The defendant was arraigned in Darien Town Court and released on her own recognizance. She is due back in Darien Town Court on July 30. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre.

Sixth annual Community Action Angels Children's Carnival is Aug. 16 in Lambert Park

By Billie Owens

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee will host the sixth annual Community Action Angels Children's Carnival on Friday, Aug. 16, in Lambert Park in Batavia.

Time is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be games, prizes, hot dogs and beverages.

Game tickets are five for $1.

Two bicycles will be raffled off, too, courtesy of Fidelis Care. Be there to win.

No rain date.

Lambert Park is located 100 Verona Ave. in the city.

Thanks to all participating agencies and businesses for their continued help and support.

Special thanks to carnival sponsors Fidelis Care, the YMCA, and Care A Van Ministries.

For more information, call 343-7798.

BCSD Foundation launches Engraved Brick Campaign at VanDetta Stadium

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia City School District Foundation Inc. is proud to announce their Engraved Brick Campaign at VanDetta Stadium at Woodward Field.

The bricks will be located in front of the weight room and will be a “River Red” color. Each brick is $100 (including engraving). All engravings will be approved by the BCSD Foundation Inc. 

Each brick will be 7¾ x 4 x 1¾ inch and on each brick there will be a maximum of 14 characters per line with a maximum of three lines. A character is any letter, space or punctuation mark.

Order forms are available on the BCSD Foundation Inc. website here or at the Batavia City School District’s Instructional Services’ office at 260 State St., Batavia.

Orders received by Sept. 1 will be installed in the Fall of 2019. All others will be installed the following years.  

If you have any questions, please contact the BCSD Foundation Inc. at:  foundation@ bataviacsd.org or Julia Rogers at 343-2480, ext. 1010.

Two new art exhibits on display at GO ART!

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
GO ART! presents two new art exhibits starting today: "Psychedilia" by Alex Segovia; and the debut art exhibit by GO OUT!
 
Both run through Sept. 7 at GO ART! 201 E. Main S., Batavia.
 
Galleries are open Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Batavia Downs wins industry marketing awards for promotions

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Representatives from Batavia Downs are pleased to announce they have received two Romero trophies during the closing ceremonies of the Casino Marketing and Technology Conference in Las Vegas.

The Romero Awards honor excellence in gaming marketing and are named for gaming marketing pioneer John Romero. Awards are given in two size categories (above or below 1000 gaming positions) in several different marketing categories. The winners are selected by an independent panel of expert judges.

Lindsay Matikosh, Batavia Downs’ Promotions Manager, was on hand to receive the trophies as they were awarded.

A Gold Trophy was received for Batavia's Fall Ball Promotion. An Honorable Mention trophy was won by the company’s “Best Seat in the House” promotion, whereby texters into the Batavia Downs Text Club could find themselves sitting on the Max Pies Furniture couch for a concert at last year’s summer concert series.

Batavia Downs’ host supervisor, Mikala Phillips, was part of a group that won the Team Challenge Championship. As part of a five-person team, she and her teammates were presented with a problem that they needed to solve by working together in just a matter of hours. They then presented their solution to a panel of judges with over one hundred people in the audience.

"Everyone at our facility shares in these awards," said Ryan Hasenauer, director of Marketing at Batavia Downs Gaming. "All departments were involved in either the creation, promotion or the execution of our events.

"The trophies will be added to our display case near Player's Club for all to see. We are also proud of Mikala for winning an individual award. Staff is looking forward to her sharing all she learned at the conference with us."

Genesee County Fair 4-H Livestock Show 2019 results announced

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H members who participated in the 4-H Livestock Shows at the 2019 Genesee County Fair.

4-H Beef Show

  • Senior Showmanship – Caleb Carlson
  • Junior Showmanship – Audrey Dorman
  • Novice Showmanship – Thomas Keele
  • Master Showman – Caleb Carlson
  • Supreme Female – Makayla Sugg
  • Reserve Supreme Female – Shianne Foss 
  • Champion Beef Steer – Autumn Mathisen
  • Reserve Champion Beef Steer – Shianne Foss
  • Champion Dairy Steer – Maggie Winspear
  • Reserve Champion Dairy Steer – Justin Deleo 

4-H Dairy Cattle Show

  • Novice Showmanship – Colton Walczak
  • Junior Showmanship – Jacob Beideck
  • Intermediate Showmanship – Maggie Winspear
  • Senior Showmanship – Amelia Brewer
  • Master Showman – Amelia Brewer
  • Champion Ayrshire – Amelia Brewer
  • Champion Grade – Annalise Sybertz
  • Champion Holstein – Bing Zuber
  • Champion Brown Swiss – Bing Zuber
  • Champion Jersey – Maggie Winspear
  • Supreme Champion – Bing Zuber
  • Reserve Supreme Champion – Bing Zuber
  • Best Bred and Owned – Jillian Brewer

4-H Dairy & Meat Goat Show

  • Novice Dairy Goat Showmanship – Levi Miller
  • Junior Dairy Goat Showmanship – Jade Winn
  • Senior Dairy Goat Showmanship – Gabe Winn
  • Master Dairy Goat Showman—Jade Winn
  • Best Udder—Gabe Winn
  • Best in Show Dairy Doe—Shane Coast
  • Novice Meat Goat Showmanship – Levi Miller
  • Junior Meat Goat Showmanship – Campbell Riley
  • Senior Meat Goat Showmanship – John Riley
  • Master Meat Goat Showman—John Riley
  • Champion Meat Goat Doe—Lily Haacke
  • Champion Boer Doe—John Riley

4-H Sheep Show

  • Senior Showmanship – Becky Kron
  • Junior Showmanship – Hunter McCabe
  • Novice Showmanship – Makayla Sugg
  • Master Showman—Becky Kron
  • Supreme Champion Ram – Becky Kron
  • Supreme Champion Ewe – Brendan Pimm
  • Champion Market Lamb – Makayla Sugg
  • Reserve Champion Market Lamb – Ben Kron

4-H Hog Show

  • Senior Showmanship – Dillon Weber
  • Junior Showmanship – Brendan Pimm
  • Novice Showmanship – Thomas Keele
  • Master Showman – Dillon Weber
  • Champion Market Hog – Makayla Sugg
  • Reserve Champion Market Hog – Thomas Keele
  • Supreme Champion Gilt – Thomas Keele
  • Reserve Supreme Gilt – Jillian Weaver

4-H Market Animal Auction Poultry Show 

  • Champion Pen of Chickens – Evan Winspear 
  • Reserve Pen of Chickens – Jillian Brewer
  • Master Showman – Teagan Mathes
  • Champion Project Pen of Chickens – Teagan Mathes
  • Reserve Project Pen of Chickens – Teagan Mathes

4-H Market Animal Auction Goat Show

  • Champion Market Goat – John Riley
  • Reserve Champion Market Goat – Riley Smith
  • Master Showman – John Riley
  • Champion Project Market Goat – Tyler Jirovec
  • Reserve Project Market Goat – Clare Mathes

4-H Market Animal Auction Lamb Show

  • Champion Market Lamb – Makayla Sugg
  • Reserve Champion Market Lamb – Madelynn Pimm
  • Master Showman – Brendan Pimm
  • Champion Project Market Lamb – Makayla Sugg
  • Reserve Project Market Lamb – Brendan Pimm

4-H Market Animal Auction Beef Show

  • Champion Beef Steer – Cole Carlson
  • Reserve Beef Steer – Caleb Carlson
  • Master Showman – Cole Carlson
  • Champion Project Beef Steer – Cole Carlson
  • Reserve Project Beef Steer – Shianne Foss

4-H Market Animal Auction Dairy Steer Show

  • Champion Dairy Steer – Bing Zuber
  • Reserve Dairy Steer – Chase Zuber
  • Master Showman – Carolyn Sybertz
  • Champion Project Dairy Steer – Bing Zuber
  • Reserve Project Dairy Steer – Chase Zuber

4-H Market Animal Auction Hog Show

  • Champion Market Hog – Becky Kron
  • Reserve Market Hog – Cody Carlson
  • Master Showman – Becky Kron
  • Champion Project Market Hog – Cody Carlson
  • Reserve Project Market Hog – Thomas Keele

For more information about the Genesee County 4-H Program, contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040, ext. 131. 

One lane to close on Creek Road at Cook Road in Bethany for bridge painting

By Billie Owens

Important Notice
 

From the county Highway Department:

Effective, July 29, there will be a single lane closure on Creek Road at the intersection of Cook Road in Bethany for painting the bridge over the Little Tonawanda Creek.

There will be a temporary traffic light at the intersection.

The closure will last approximately two weeks.

We will notify the public when the road reopens.

Riotous beauty: Ross Kenyon's daylily garden on Cohocton Road, Corfu

By Billie Owens

Reader Ross Kenyon sent us this picture of his spectacular daylily garden on the grounds of his home at 580 Cohocton Road in Corfu.

He says the posies are in the peak of bloom right now and "quite a great sight."

The garden shown here is one of five on his property.

Daylillies are Eurasian perennial herbs (genus Hemerocallis) of the lily family that have short-lived flowers resembling lilies and are widespread in cultivation and landscaping.

Authentically Local