A motor-vehicle accident(s) occurred on the eastbound Thruway in the area of mile marker 379.9. Le Roy Fire Department is on scene and there's one ambulance there. Three more ambulances are called in to two sites in the vicinity of the crash. Caledonia ambulance is secured along with two Mercy rigs.
"A fawn is in the backyard and confused about how to get over the fence," says a dispatcher. Le Roy Police are responding to the area of 18 Gilbert St. to see if they can be of help.
A second arrest has been made in the case of a man who was hospitalized with serious injuries after being knifed and beaten in the area of 318 E. Main St., Batavia, at about 1 a.m. on July 18.
Anthony Spencer Jr., 26, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with gang assault and first-degree assault. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court on July 20 and then jailed without bail. He is due in City Court on Tuesday (July 25). A photo is not yet available from the Batavia Police Department of the suspect.
Batavia PD investigators took less than a day to identify the first suspect arrested in the case -- 30-year-old JW Hardy III, of 216 Liberty St., Batavia. He was jailed without bail and is charged with assault in the first degree and gang assault, 1st.
Under NYS Penal Code, the charge of gang assault does not mean that the person charged is a member of an organized, ongoing, criminal enterprise. It does mean that the police suspect was aided by two or more other people in perpetrating an attack that caused serious physical injury.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Batavia Police Department Detective Bureau at (585) 345-6350 or the Confidential Tip Line at (585) 345-6370.
For previous coverage, see: Arrest made in knifing on East Main Street, Batavia
After hearing his victim call him a monster and a disgusting and sick person, Scott Reed cried as he told Judge Robert Zambito in Genesee County Court this morning that he's come to realize there is nobody to blame but himself for his 10-year course of sexual abuse of a girl in Elba.
Reed came to that realization only after undergoing psychological therapy.
When he was first arrested, and in his first meetings with officials, he blamed his victim for approaching him first.
She would have been less than 11 years old at the time.
"This is all my fault," Reed said. "No matter how I slice and dice it, it all comes back to me. I did this."
In the process, he's destroyed his marriage and broken up his family, according to statements from Reed and attorney Benjamin Bonarigo.
Zambito heard from his victim through a videotape that had been supplied to the court and to the defense prior to today's hearing.
The victim detailed her years of abuse by Reed and, though she said she knew her request for a harsh sentence wouldn't change the outcome of the case, she said Reed should get a year in prison for each of the 10 years he abused her.
The 51-year-old defendant came into court in faded blue jeans, a short-sleeved white dress shirt, and dark tie. He read a written statement and started to sob some as he recalled how he came to realize that he was totally responsible for his own actions and the damage it caused.
"I hope she can get the help she needs and go on with her life," Reed said.
He entered a guilty plea in April to a course of sexual conduct with a sentence cap of six months in jail and 10 years probation, which is exactly what Zambito did.
Mindful of Reed's long-standing employment that he could lose if sent to jail for six months, and the need for Reed to continue providing financially for his family, Zambito said he couldn't justify a weekend incarceration arrangement or shorter term.
"I can't overlook that this went on for 10 years," Zambito said.
The judge said he hoped, given Reed's reputation as a productive employee, that his job will be waiting for him when he gets out or that he will be able to find suitable employment.
Reed was arrested in May 2016 along with his wife Deborah S. Reed, 52, of Elba. Deborah Reed eventually entered a guilty plea in Elba Town Court to endangering the welfare of a child.
Arrested at the same time in Wyoming County was Reed's son Jonathan M. Reed, 23, who was charged with several counts of second-degree rape, second-degree criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child in the Town of Perry, and with second-degree rape, third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sexual act in the Town of Lancaster.
Jonathan Reed eventually entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
Joseph Michael Franchi-Platten, 33, of Dellinger Avenue, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th; criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd; possession of burglar tools; and tampering with physical evidence. He was arrested on July 19 following an investigation into a trespass at a local business at 2:20 a.m. that morning on Lehigh Avenue in Batavia. There was a brief vehicle pursuit. He was arrested and jailed on $20,000 cash or $40,000 bond and was due in City Court on July 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Offficer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Darryle Streeter.
A 15-year-old was petitioned to Family Court for "unlawful possession of a weapon -- person under 16 years of age" in response to an altercation which occurred on Holland Avenue on June 9. On that date, at about 4:37 p.m., Batavia Police were called to Holland Avenue and Olyn Avenue for a report of several people fighting in the street. Upon arrival, police learned that at least one subject had been shot with a BB gun. While police were on scene, another fight broke out. Lionel J. Anderson Sr., 45, of Oak Street, Batavia, was arrested for disorderly conduct for allegedly fighting. Jaequele M. Tomlin, 22, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested for disorderly conduct, second-degree attempted assault, second-degree obstruction of governmental justice, and resisting arrest for allegedly fighting in the street and then fighting with officers. A 16-year-old was arrested for criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Anderson Sr. and the 16-year-old were released with appearance tickets for Batavia City Court on June 13. Tomlin was jailed without bail and was to appear in City Court on June 12. The individual who shot the BB gun was a juvenile and there was at least one injury resulting from the shots. The victim was treated and released from UMMC. This information was provided by Det. Eric Hill of the Batavia Police Department.
Nickolas Lewis Ives, 31, of Wendel Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. At 1:15 p.m. on July 22, Ives allegedly broke the window of a camper owned by Darien Lake Theme Park. It was in the campground on Alleghany Road. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Darien Town Court on Aug. 1. On the same date as this alleged incident, Ives was also charged with: criminal contempt in the second degree; fourth-degree criminal mischief; disorderly conduct; and second-degree harassment. It is alleged that he violated a duly served order of protection by "threatening, swearing at, and damaging the property of the protected party." He was subsequently jailed on $7,500 cash or $15,000 bond. Both cases were handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.
David Lavelle Andrews, 29, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with: second-degree obstruction of governmental administration; failure to keep right; operating a moving vehicle while using a portable electronic device; and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. Andrews was arrested following a traffic stop on East Main Street in Batavia at 10:28 p.m. on July 19. He was stopped for allegedly failing to stay right and using a mobile device while driving. During the traffic stop, he fled on foot and was apprehended a few minutes later by Batavia Police and Genesee County Sheriff's deputies. Andrews had a warrant out of City Court for traffic offenses and was also operating on a suspended driver's license. He was arraigned in City Court then released on his own recognizance. He was jailed on $2,500 cash or bond and is due in City Court on July 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.
Morgan L. Cox Sr., 49, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree -- intentionally damaging property. Cox Sr. was arrested at 6:53 p.m. on July 22 after officers were dispatched to Dellinger Avenue for a male subject who was banging on a door with a cane. Officers identified the suspect as Cox Sr. and he was arrested and arraigned in Town of Batavia Court. He was put in jail. He is due in City Court on July 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole Salamone, assisted by Officer Matthew Lutey.
Morgan L. Cox Jr., 25, of Xavier Street, Clarence, was arrested on July 23 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It was issued after Cox allegedly violated the terms of his release. He was jailed on $2,500 cash or bond and is due in City Court on July 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.
Patricia Christina Pozotempan, 36, of Masse Place, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. She was arrested at 12:20 p.m. on July 19 on West Main Street in Batavia following a shoplifting complaint and a subsequent investigation at Tops Market. She was issued an appearance ticket for July 25 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.
Donnie D. Armstrong Jr., 20, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree. On the morning of July 19 at the Richmond Memorial Library on Ross Street, Armstrong Jr. allegedly stole a bicycle that belonged to another person, from the bike rack in front of the library. He was later located by police in alleged possession of the stolen bike. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 25 to answer the charges. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.
Meghann Barrett Williams, 38, of Abbott Road, Orchard Park, is charged with trespass. Williams was arrested following a brief investigation into an incident occurred at 4:55 p.m. on Bethany Center Road in the Town of Bethany. She was allegedly trespassing on property without the owner's consent. She is due in Bethany Town Court on Aug. 22. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Lute.
Ira James Blackey, 67, of Broadway Street, Lancaster, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or higher; DWI; driving left of pavement markings; and following too closely. Blackey was arrested at 6:34 p.m. on July 23 on Broadway Road in Alexander following a traffic stop. The defendant was released with appearance tickets and directed to appear in Alexander Town Court on Aug. 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.
Clifford F. Schultz, 51, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. It is alleged that he threatened another person at 12:18 a.m. on Bank Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on July 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Bolles, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.
Juan Antonio Roman, 39, of Bergen Road, Bergen, is charged with promoting prison contraband. He was arrested at 11:05 a.m. on July 21 after entering the Genesee County Jail. It is alleged that he possessed contraband/drugs after entering a secure facility. He was held and taken to Batavia City Courts "for arraignment on unrelated charges," according to the Sheriff's report. Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Hale handled the case.
Nicholas C. Doell, 26, no permanent address, was arrested at 7:22 a.m. on July 19 after an investigation into a trespass in progress at a business on Jackson Street. He was issued an appearance ticket for City Court on July 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack handled the case, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.
Nicholas D. Martino, 36, of Main Street, Alexander, is charged with failure to appear. Martino turned himself in on an active bench warrant out of City Court for allegedly not appearing for a scheduled court date for an unspecified matter on Feb. 8. He posted bail and is due in City Court on July 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Chad Richards, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.
A trial date has been set for Jeremy R. "Boog" Armstrong, 26, of Batavia, who faces six felony counts, including attempted murder, for an alleged assault on a person on Jackson Street in December.
Armstrong is accused of shooting the victim.
The defendant, who is being held without bail, will have until Aug. 21 to decide whether to accept a plea deal rather than go to trial on Nov. 13.
District Attorney Lawrence Friedman has not publicly disclosed any potential plea offer.
Under a separate indictment, Armstrong is also facing drug charges. Unless there is a plea, Armstrong could go to trial on those charges Nov. 27.
In the attempted murder case, also faces accounts of assault in the first degree, criminal use of a firearm in the first degree, criminal use of a firearm in the third degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.
Armstrong and the victim reportedly knew each other.
According to sources, the victim suffered shoulder and chest wounds. He was treated first at UMMC and then transferred to ECMC.
After the incident, Armstrong allegedly fled the area and was located in March in East Hartford, Conn., and taken into custody without incident by East Hartford police.
The local fire departments in Alexander and Corfu are excited to receive grants to help the first responders improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies.
Both fire departments had applied for the same grant last year, but did not receive it, and both fire chiefs said their Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs were becoming outdated.
The Alexander Fire Department will use $92,994 grant to purchase 15 SCBA air packs and 30 oxygen bottles.
Alexander Chief Marshall Merle said the new packs will be lighter and safer, helping the firefighters.
"We appreciate New York State for letting us receive the grant,” Merle said. “We’re really glad we got it this year. It’s good to help out the community and keep our guys safe.”
Merle said he worked with New York State to apply for the grant again this year.
"They were very helpful throughout this process," Merle said. "I'm happy we are getting the grant."
The Corfu Fire Department will be using the $84,191 grant to purchase 12 SCBA air packs. The packs will provide them with breathable air when responding to an emergency situation.
“We applied for the grant because the air packs that we have, have a life span,” Corfu Fire Chief Brian Schollard said. “They’re all expiring by the end of the year.”
Schollard said everyone at the fire department, himself included, has been positive about the grant.
“It’s a great thing for a small company like us,” Schollard said. “It’s nice to see [AFG] helping out small rural districts. It really is a lifesaver.”
Congressman Chris Collins announced on July 19 that the departments would receive the grants, awarded through the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
The AFG program provides direct funding assistance to fire departments, State Fire Training Academies and non-affiliated EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities, according to the press release. The program also more effectively protects the health and safety of both the public and emergency responders with respect to fire and other hazards.
“Firefighters are selfless individuals and are essential to keeping our communities safe,” Collins said in a press release. “It is imperative that our fire departments have the resources necessary to keep their members safe while they are protecting others.”
For previous coverage of this story, click here.
Submitted photos and press release:
The Genesee County 4-H Office would like to congratulate all of the Genesee County 4-H members who exhibited animals at the 2017 Genesee County Fair. We would also like to thank all of our club leaders, volunteers, family members and friends who volunteered their time; we could not do it without you!
Below are some highlights from the 2017 Genesee County Fair 4-H Livestock Shows. (*See Editor's Note below.)
Photo from 4-H Beef Cattle Show. From left: Becky Kron, Judge Eric Bond, Shianne Foss.
4-H Beef Cattle Show
Senior Showman – Shianne Foss
Junior Showman – Autumn Mathisen
Master Showman – Shianne Foss
Supreme Champion Female – Autumn Mathisen
Reserve Supreme Female – Emily Ehrmentraut
Grand Champion Steer – Shianne Foss
Reserve Champion Steer – Becky Kron
4-H Goat Show
Senior Showman – Melissa Keller
Junior Showman – Cody Ehrmentraut
Novice Showman – Jade Winn
Champion Nigerian Dwarf Doe – Jade Winn
Champion Market Goat – Melissa Keller
Photo from 4-H Sheep Show -- Ben Kron with his Supreme Champion ewe.
Photo from 4-H Sheep Show -- Becky Kron with her Supreme Champion ram.
4-H Sheep Show
Senior Showman – Melissa Keller
Junior Showman – Madelynn Pimm
Novice Showman – Hunter McCabe
Master Showman – Melissa Keller
Supreme Champion Ram – Becky Kron
Supreme Champion Ewe – Ben Kron
4-H Hog Show
Senior Showman – Melissa Keller
Junior Showman – Katelynn Rumsey
Novice Showman – Camden Baris
Master Showman – Melissa Keller
Champion Gilt – Melissa Keller
Champion Non-Sale Market Hog – Melissa Keller
Photo from 4-H Dairy Show. From left: Genesee County Dairy Princess Rebecca Slattery, Maggie Winspear, Mary Sweeney, Judge Shane Schultz, Dairy Princess Runner-up Miah Werth.
4-H Dairy Cattle Show
Senior Showman – Emily Mikel
Intermediate Showman – Colton Slattery
Junior Showman – Hudson Luft
Novice Showman – Justin Deleo
Master Showman – Emily Mikel
Reserve Master Showman – Mary Sweeney
(*EDITOR'S NOTE: Photos for the 4-H Hog Show and the 4-H Goat Show will be published next week along with a press release about auctions.)
Press release:
State-of-the-art production equipment from the former Muller/Quaker Dairy greek yogurt plant in Batavia, New York, will be offered at auction Sept. 13 by Harry Davis & Company.
Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) this week announced the facility — originally constructed by Muller-Quaker to process yogurt via a joint venture formed in 2011 between PepsiCo’s Quaker Oats Co. unit and Germany’s Theo Müller Group — has been purchased by HP Hood LLC. HP Hood will invest more than $200 million over several years to repurpose the 363,000-square-foot, currently idle processing facility to produce extended shelf-life beverages.
Meanwhile, the remaining state-of-the-art production equipment is being offered at auction by Harry Davis & Company.
Leonard Davis, president and senior appraiser for Harry Davis & Company, says this is a rare opportunity for processors to purchase equipment from 2012 or newer that was used for only 18 months of production time.
“This is a virtual showroom of equipment,” he says. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for the dairy world to purchase this equipment.”
He notes in particular the equipment available for production of Greek yogurt, which has soared in popularity at retail.
In addition to getting ultra-modern equipment at significant savings, Davis says it’s a rare opportunity to get equipment of this quality so quickly.
“Typically, if you wanted to get one of these filling machines, you’re looking at 18-24 months of lead time,” he says. “This is an opportunity to acquire like-new equipment well below new cost and have it installed and running in a matter of weeks.”
Some of the featured equipment, valued at $200 million, includes: • Aseptic S/S Silos & Tanks
• Pasteurization, Homogenization & Culture Injection
• Finnah Horizontal Form, Fill & Seal Packaging Lines
• Hamba/Oystar A+F Filling Line
• Kasag Fruit Batch Cooking Plant.Since the former yogurt plant added fruit to some of its varieties, state-of-the-art fruit processing equipment also is available, including a fruit receiving, sorting and cutting system, Davis notes.
“There’s a complete fruit production sub-facility within this plant,” he says. “It’s highly desirable not only for other yogurt manufacturers, but also those involved in jam and other fruit manufacturing.”
Additional general plant and spare parts also are available.
Harry Davis & Company is seeking buyers from North America, South America and Europe. Interested parties can access the auction online at http://bit.ly/MullerHDC. The auction will be held at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time Sept. 13.
Photos provided. (click here for more photos)
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Press release:
Richmond Avenue will be closed to traffic at approximately 8am on Tuesday July 25th, between Bogue Avenue and Redfield Parkway, while a water main is repaired in that area.
Residents may experience discolored water or low water pressure in the immediate area until repairs are completed. Residents should ensure that water clarity has returned to normal before using laundry facilities.
Seventeen fire companies from three counties -- Genesee, Orleans, and Monroe -- battled a house fire at 7735 Creamery Road, Bergen, that may have been sparked by a lightning strike.
Neighbors described one and possibly two wall-rattling lightning strikes and thunder claps in the neighborhood this morning followed by a brief power outage.
The call for smoke in the residence came in at 7:58 a.m. and the next call from a neighbor who reported flames.
Bergen Fire Chief Garrett Dean said the fact that flames were reported and that on a weekday morning, fewer volunteer firefighters are available, he immediately called for a second alarm.
The Bergen ladder truck was on scene first and quickly knocked down the blaze inside the rooms on the south side of the house, though the rooms appeared to be largely destroyed and Dean said the stairwell was heavily burned and firefighters couldn't use it to access the second floor.
The difficulty firefighters faced was in the roof. The original house was built in 1850 (it looks like there were one, and possibly two additions), and the older portion is constructed in a way that makes it easier for smoke, heat, and fire to pass to different sections. The roof has been reroofed a couple of times, leading to an extra layer of plywood. Firefighters had a hard time getting to the fire in the roof and ventilating the roof.
The residents were not home when the fire was reported. Dean said there was no indication of pets in the house. No firefighters were injured during the fighting of the fire.
The cause has not been confirmed and we don't have an estimate of damage at this time.
Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to the south end of the house, with the other two-thirds suffering only smoke and heat damage.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
The 71st season of live harness racing at America’s oldest lighted track opens on Wednesday (July 26) and runs through Saturday (Dec. 16). This year’s schedule features 71 race dates including seven matinee cards.
The live schedule this year has new post times. Racing will be presented on Sunday afternoons at 1:15 p.m., opening Wednesday at 6 p.m. (then switches to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays for the remainder of the meet) and Friday and Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. to begin the season. Monday will replace Sunday in September and go at 5 p.m.
The finest standardbreds in the Empire State will be on hand as the New York Sire Stakes will be making eight stops at the Downs this year, each worth an estimated $100,000 for the contestants. Mark your calendars for Wednesday (July 26), Sunday (July 30), Sunday (Aug. 6), Sunday (Aug. 27), Friday (Sept. 1), Wednesday (Sept. 6), Friday (Sept. 8) and Wednesday (Sept. 13) to see some of the best racing all year.
Once again the local action will be highlighted by the very popular claiming series that the track introduced last year. Mid-level claimers who accumulate points throughout the year will vie for championship final purses of between $15,000 and $20,000 for each respective division in November.
Many familiar faces will be returning to drive this year including last year’s dash title winner Drew Monti, runner-up Jim Morrill Jr., Ray Fisher Jr. and Larry Stalbaum.
Monti accumulated 117 wins at the Downs last year before moving to the Meadowlands to drive when this meet concluded. Morrill was right behind him in second with 112 tallies and Fisher was third with 98. Stalbaum never showed up at the Downs until Saturday (Nov. 5) but made the most of his cameo appearance by winning 32 races in only 18 nights.
This year all four are sporting equally impressive numbers and the competition on the track looks to be fierce from start to finish. To date, Stalbaum has won 206 races, earned $1.08 million and has a UDR of .372, Monti has won 155 races, earned $964,900 and has a UDR of .304, Morrill has won 132 races, earned $1.01 million and has a UDR of .333 and Fisher has won 109 races, earned $705,458 and has a UDR of .319.
“The start of a new meet is always busy and exciting and I am really looking forward to getting the horses back on the track” said Todd Haight, director/GM of Live Racing. “We have some great stake action on tap, a good overnight program in place and a very tough driver colony that competes very hard every race. This is definitely a meet that will offer value for our bettors.”
For the fans, another lengthy slate of 20 promotions dots the live schedule and offers something for everyone that comes to Batavia Downs all year long.
Starting at 4:30 p.m. on opening night, fans will receive a free racing programs and magnetic racing schedules while supplies last. Programs will be available at the program stands and the magnets can be obtained by swiping your Player’s Club card at member services.
Sunday (July 30) is Old Fashion Day when hot dogs and soft drinks are only 50 cents and draft beer is $1. Items are available from noon to 4 p.m. on the track apron and at the Homestretch Grill. Batavia Downs is the only harness track that still offers concession items at this price during the Old Fashion Day promotion.
Every Sunday in August is Dollar Sunday. Draft beer, hot dogs and soft drinks will all be $1 from noon until the final race of the afternoon.
On Saturday (Aug. 12) there is a great promotion to highlight the newest addition to the track, The Hotel at Batavia Downs. Starting after the fifth race and for four consecutive races after that, 12 names will be randomly drawn to win a free night’s stay at the beautiful new facility. Any Player’s Club member who swipes their card before 7 p.m. will be automatically entered to win. Patrons do not have to be present to win and can only win once.
There will be a gold rush at the Downs on Saturday (Aug. 19) when five sealed boxes will be given away to randomly drawn contestants. Four will contain a one ounce silver bar but one will contain a one ounce pure gold bar valued at $1,500. The promotion is sponsored by TAG Jewelers of Cheektowaga (www.tagjewelers.com ). Any Player’s Club member who swipes their card before 7 p.m. will be automatically entered to win.
Sunday (Aug. 27) is the very popular Family Fun Day and Wiener Dog races. There is a full slate of free fun for kids of all ages including pony rides sponsored by Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (www.castilonechryslerdodgejeep.net ), Pringles the Clown, Jason the Juggler, Mr. Scribbles and booths set up on the apron including face painting, sand art and sno-cones.
Then following the live harness racing action, the Wiener dogs hit the track for the “Dachshund Dash” sponsored by Genesee Feeds of Batavia. Up to 10 heats with eight dogs per heat will line up before the championship field is decided. There, the top three dogs will earn their owners Clubhouse buffets and gaming Free Play packages valued up to $200. And all dogs entered will be rewarded with a “doggy bag” full of gifts.
Labor Day (Sept. 4) brings back the annual drivers' bike race and chicken bar-b-que. A tradition since 1975 the drivers' bike race pits eight of the Downs' top reinsmen against each other on a different kind of bike; a 10-speed. The contest is held after the seventh live harness race and the bikes are randomly given away after the race to eight lucky patrons who correctly put their name in the box of the winning driver. Entry slips will be distributed between noon and 2:30 p.m. and must be deposited before the seventh race. Winners must be present to win.
The bike race is sponsored by Crazy Cheap Cars of Oakfield (www.crazycheapcars.com ) and the chicken bar-b-que is sponsored by the Center Street Smoke House of Batavia (www.centerstreetsmokehouse.com ).
“With the new hotel added to the property last year, many groups have been here for different functions. We have aggressively promoted live racing to them and are looking forward to many new fans attending starting this Wednesday night,” Haight said. “Our concert series has brought in tens of thousands of people this summer, many of which were new to the track. We hope our promotions keep them coming back to watch the races all season long.”
For more information and updates as they happen, log onto the track's website at www.bataviadownsgaming.com and click on “Live Racing.” Follow us on Facebook as well (www.facebook.com/bataviadownsracetrack )!
The Batavia Jr. Blue Devil Summer Basketball Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 14-18 at the John Kennedy School gymnasium.
The camp is open to boys and girls entering grades 3 through 8 in the fall. Cost is $65 and includes a camp T-shirt.
Campers are asked to bring their own basketball and put their name on it.
The camp will feature Coach Jim Fazio, the Batavia Jr. Blue Devil youth director, and youth coaches and current and former Blue Devil players.
The focus will be on the offensive fundamentals of the game, including shooting, passing, dribbling, and ball handling, with a major emphasis on shooting. There will be daily contests with full court and half court games.
Please note that Batavia City School District is not responsbile for any injury that may happen during camp.
Checks should be made payable to: Batavia Boys Basketball Boosters; mail to Jim Fazio, 5190 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020.
To contact Coach Fazio, call 356-0901 or email jfazio@gvboces.org
With payment, please provide the following information and include a parent's or guardian's signature:
John Kennedy School is located at 166 Vine St. in the City of Batavia.
The Byron Heritage Festival will take place all day on Saturday, July 29, at the park behind the Byron Fire Department on Route 262.
It starts with a Fishing Derby at Trestle Park for children age 12 and younger from 8 to 9 a.m. Sign-ins begin at 7:30. The Fishing Derby is sponsored by the Byron Kiwanis Club.
The 5K Run, sponsored by the Byron Rescue Squad, begins at 8:30, with registration starting at 7 a.m. Registration forms are available online at www.byronny.com or at the Byron Fire Hall.
A townwide garage sale starts at 9 and ends when sellers choose.
Chicken BBQ, also sponsored by Byron Kiwanis, starts at 4 and ends when sold out.
Live music will be featured from 4 to 9 p.m. Koko and The Moon Crickets perform. This entertainment is made possible from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with support of the governor and the State Legislature, and administered by GO ART!
The festival ends with fireworks.
A house fire is reported at 7735 Creamery Road, Bergen.
Flames are showing
Bergen fire dispatched.
Second alarm going out.
UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 8:05 a.m.: The City's Fast Team is called to the scene along with mutual aid from Elba, Byron, Le Roy, South Byron and Stafford fire departments. The location is between Cross and North Lake roads.
UPDATE 8:07 a.m.: The second platoon is asked to report to City fire headquarters. A firefighter on scene confirms this is a fully involved structure fire. Two Churchville fire trucks are responding. Mumford is asked to fill in at a fire hall (not clear which one). The second platoon is asked to report to City fire headquarters. A neighbor on Creamery Road says no one is home.
UPDATE 8:15 a.m.: A crew from Le Roy is also asked to fill in at Bergen's fire hall.
UPDATE 8:19 a.m.: Caledonia is asked to stand by in their own quarters. Le Roy is called to the scene emergency mode. Chili's ladder truck out of its Company #2 is asked to fill in at Bergen's Fire Hall.
UPDATE 8:24 a.m.: Route 19 is being shut down at Creamery Road. Caledonia is now called to Le Roy's fire hall.
UPDATE 8:51 a.m.: It's unconfirmed but there's some speculation that this fire was caused by a lightning strike. There are no flames showing at this time but smoke remains heavy. One Mercy ambulance is on scene for rehab and a Byron ambulance has been called in.
UPDATE 10:02 a.m.: Bergen Fire Chief Garrett Dean said the initial call came in to dispatch at 7:58 a.m. and it was reported that smoke was spewing from a vent at the top of the house. A second call reported flames coming from a window. The first crews to arrive on scene quickly knocked down exterior flames and then focused on the interior. Balloon construction, Dean said, along with some remodeling made fighting the blaze challenging. Stairways "were compromised" so firefighters used ladders to fight the fire in the second story. They had a difficult time ventilating the thick roof, which they found had half-inch plywood on top of three-quarter-inch plywood, leaving a thin airspace for smoke to seep in. Dean said most of the fire damage was contained to the south end of the structure; there is smoke and heat damage on the north end of the second floor; the first floor is mostly OK. No pets were known to be on the property and none were found. No one was injured, but due to the humidity, Dean said three ambulances were called in for rehabing firefighters. Power is off, so is gas. Dean said he hasn't talked to investigators and did not know what caused the fire, whether it was lightning or what. Dean said because volunteer fire companies have manpower issues during workdays, many companies were called to the scene early to the working structure fire. A total of 17 companies responded from Genesee, Monroe and Orleans counties.
Fathers and sons met in a baseball game at Williams Park today.
The Dads were down 7-5 going into their last at bat and they ended up winning 8-7.
The game was organized by Eddie Betances.
Participating were: Anthony Beckman, Dylan Beckman, Jason Harasimowicz, Michael Harasimowicz, Mark Harasimowicz, Quinten Betances, Eddie Betances, Andy Laforce, Matt Beach, Bubba Beach, Lazavier Beach, Cory and Zach McDonald, Dan and Peyton Armison, Ian and Landon Schultz, Joe Gufell Jr. and Sr., and Ryan Aimee.
Photos and info submitted by Daniel Armison.
A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect until 4:45 p.m. with wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter size hail through parts of the county.
The storm is coming in from the southwest and will mostly hit the southern part of the county, according to the National Weather Service.
Minor damage is possible along with localized power outages.
There is an apparently unrelated power outage now in the Narramore Drive area. Some 100 customers are without power. Power is expected to be restored by 5:30 p.m.
UPDATE 4:18 p.m.: Flash flood warning in effect until 7:15 p.m.
Dick and Betty Rung were honored Saturday night at the District Council meeting of Kiwanis at B.W.'s Restaurant in Pavilion for their support of the Lyme Disease Foundation.
Their monetary donations were recognized with the Brittany Fellowship Award and an Emerald Fellowship Award.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks. The disease affects the brain and can cause severe symptoms. The treatments are expensive and often not covered by insurance. The foundation assists those afflicted by Lyme disease.
Presenting the awards were Peter and Doreen Pellittieri, board members for the New York Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation.
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