Press release:

On Feb. 15th, Senior Libby Piper and Sophomore Jade Wolff participated in the 2023 Poetry Out Loud Semifinal Competition held at Buffalo State University. The event was co-hosted by the Western New York Writing Project. Piper and Wolff had previously advanced to this round after winning the Byron-Bergen School-Level competition. During the event, they competed against students from around the Western New York area including schools such as Brighton High School, the Westfield Academy, and Jamestown High School.

During the first two rounds of the competition, the students were required to recite two poems: one poem needed to be 25 lines or fewer and the other must have been written before the 20th Century. Piper recited William E. Stafford's Traveling Through the Dark and Ella Wheeler Wilcox's Friendship After Love while Wolff recited Carl Sandburg's I am the People, the Mob and Edgar Allen Poe's To Helen. The students were evaluated on categories such as physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, and accuracy.

After the first two rounds, three students were selected to advance to the third round and recite a final poetry selection. Piper was selected and recited Jeffrey Skinner’s The Bookshelf of the God of Infinite Space. After the final scores were tabulated, Piper was named the Western New York champion.

With this award, Piper has earned the right to move on as one of only 20 students from the state of New York and compete in the Poetry Out Loud New York State Finals held at the Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, NY on March 11, 2023. The winner of this competition will advance to the 2023 Poetry Out Loud National Finals to be held May 8-10th in Washington, DC. 

Superintendent Jason Smith issued the following statement to the city school district Friday morning in response to a potential threat made to John Kennedy Intermediate School. The threat was found not to be credible, per Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch after an investigation by local law enforcement.

To Our BCSD Community, 

This morning, the Batavia Police Department received a call from an unknown person who was making threats against John Kennedy Intermediate. The Batavia Police Department, New York State Police, and Genesee County Sheriff immediately responded to John Kennedy to investigate, and they found no evidence of a credible threat. 

As an additional precaution, patrol units were sent to all BCSD schools to do a safety check.

BCSD is currently on February recess, and only a small number of staff members were present during the on-site investigation. No students were in the building at the time of the incident. 

While no credible threat has been found, the Batavia Police Department is continuing its investigation.

All sports practices, events, and club activities will continue as planned throughout the weekend, and BCSD will have increased police presence as a safety precaution. 

We will keep you informed as additional information becomes available. We thank the Batavia Police Department, State Police, and Genesee County Sheriff’s Department for their swift response as well as our John Kennedy staff for their ongoing assistance and cooperation.

Jason Smith, Superintendent 

Press release:

The Batavia Ramparts played a strong weekend of hockey earning two championships and a 2nd place finish in the Gateway to the Adirondacks Tournament. Mite Team Sprague was the first team to get in on the winning, taking 2nd place to a strong West Hartford Wolves team in what was many players’ first-ever hockey tournament. Carley Grice picked up a shutout award and Duke Defreeze added a Hat Trick award puck on their way to the 2nd finish.

Pee Wee III earned their way into the championship game with a tough come-from-behind win against league foe, West Seneca, in an early Sunday morning matchup. Later that afternoon, with all of their Ramparts family cheering them on, they faced off against Lysander who beat them 7-1 earlier in the tournament. Lysander got out to a quick lead but the Ramparts never gave up and battled back to a 6-4 victory and a tournament championship. This was a total team effort led by Aaron Kujawski in goal, with big games coming from Joey Pellegrino, Gunner Hale, and Arlo Hoisington.

Up next was the Squirt III team with their chance to add another championship. They played to a tie in an early morning game to secure a spot in the finals against Navy Elite, who they also lost to early in the tournament 3-1. In this revenge match-up, Batavia started out with a quick 2-0 lead in the first period with goals from Dylan Reidmiller and Cole Woodward and never looked back. They took that lead into the third period until Hunter Sprague added a third goal.  Jack McCarthy put it away with an empty netter making it a 4-0 final score. Sammy Calletto was awarded two shutout pucks for the tournament and Hunter Sprague picked up a playmaker puck with three assists in the championship game.

Press release:

“At approximately 7:39 a.m. on Friday, February 24th, officers from the Batavia City Police Department and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department responded to a phone call in which a threat was made against John Kennedy Intermediate School on Vine Street in the City of Batavia.

“Even though Batavia schools are on break for the week, officers from both departments and the New York State Police immediately responded on scene as any type of threat of this nature is taken very seriously.

“As a precaution, officers checked all the schools in the city school district and schools across Genesee County to ensure the safety of students and staff," Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said.

“It is still early in our investigation, but we have determined the threat to John Kennedy Elementary School not to be credible. It has been reported that similar threats have been at other school districts across New York and nationally.

“We appreciate the cooperation and assistance of the Batavia City School District on this matter as we continue our investigation with our law enforcement partners at the local, state, and federal levels on our investigation.

“People making these types of threats should know they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Welcome home to 3263 Broadway, located within the Alexander school district! This glorious modern colonial has 4 bdrm, 2.5 bathroom, and a 2.5 car garage. Tucked back on 3.58 acres of partially wooded grounds, this house is the perfect, private oasis. You will love the spacious bedrooms and generous storage closets, especially the master bedroom’s vaulted ceiling and ensuite bathroom. Overlooking the beautiful family room, which is complete with an inviting fireplace, you'll find a cozy, lofted nook: your own hidden haven! The finished basement includes poured concrete walls and a private entrance. Best of all these amazing features is the heart of the house: the kitchen. You will love the brand new candlelight cabinetry features, including soft-close drawers and cabinets, and the beautiful Quartz countertops. Come see the stunning, brand-new red oak flooring throughout the first floor, the stunning Trex deck outside, and last but not least, the convenient first floor laundry. With this house, it will be love at first sight, so come see it for yourself today!

A five-year grant of just under a half million dollars per year will fulfill the city school district’s ambitions to hire more social workers for each school building, focus on family engagement and work to increase student mental and behavioral support, district leaders said Thursday.

The grant was announced by Senator Charles Schumer as part of $3.6 million of Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grants distributed by the U.S. Department of Education. Batavia City Schools was the only district in Genesee County to receive this funding.

“We’re incredibly proud to have been recognized and selected by the U.S. Department of Education for this generous Community Schools grant,” Superintendent Jason Smith said. “Our Community Schools program is an essential part of our school district and is a touchstone for many of our at–risk students, families, and community members. With this funding, we’ll be able to decrease the educational gaps we’re experiencing and set our students up for success well beyond their time here in our school district.” 

The grant of $488,761 is for the first year, with an expected total of  $2,499,777 during the course of the five-year grant period.

Other areas of the overall student mental and behavioral support goals will be to “increase readiness for school, increase student attendance and achievement and increase student community connectedness,” Community Schools Coordinator Julia Rogers said.

“These goals also include encouragement of family engagement in each student’s education,” she said. “We will be using the funds to hire additional social workers at each of our school buildings. These positions will allow us to expand the reach of our Community Schools program with the goal of breaking down barriers for students and families to help ensure student success.

“We will continue to focus on family engagement activities that are culturally responsive, empowering, and provide support to families,” she said.

Buildings include Robert Morris, Jackson Primary, John Kennedy Intermediate, Batavia Middle and High schools, and district leaders “hope to sustain this plan after the grant period,” Rogers said.  

Long-term goals for the grant funding include:

• Increase the educational case management for students who are academically at-risk or chronically absent.  
• Increase student access to mental and behavioral health support.
• Increase student readiness for school and student academic achievement.  
• Ensure that graduating seniors are college and career ready.   
• Work to reduce the academic achievement gap between demographic groups and increase student-family-community connections

Community Partners include:

• GLOW YMCA
• GCASA
• ARC GLOW
• BCSD Foundation
• Genesee Community College
• Genesee County Business Education Alliance
• Genesee County Departments of Health and Mental Health
• Richmond Memorial Library
• United Way
• Partners in Restorative Initiatives
• Children's Institute
• GLOW Workforce Investment Board
• Cornell Cooperative Extension 
• Along with our 90+ informal partners  

The grants will provide funding for New York’s community schools to hire more social workers, expand mental health services, offer high-quality tutoring for students who need extra support, and foster trust and support within the community through family programming, Schumer said in a press release issued Thursday. New York State was awarded four grants, which will go towards improving the quality of education in Batavia City School District, Belleville Henderson Central School District, Sodus Central School District, and Booker T. Washington Community Center of Auburn.

“I am proud to deliver this funding to New York’s students, families, and communities, and I will always fight hard to ensure that the next generation has the tools they need to build prosperous and fulfilling lives,” Schumer said.

Dr. Molly Corey, executive director of Curriculum and Instruction, believes this grant provides an opportunity “to strengthen the core foundation” of Batavia City Schools.

 

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is deeply disappointed by Department of Labor (DOL) Commissioner Roberta Reardon’s decision to move forward with the previously-proposed reduction in the farm worker overtime threshold. The measure, which has been hotly debated for a number of years, was finally approved by the DOL this Wednesday. Hawley is concerned about what this will mean for the future of New York farmers.

“For the past three years, my colleagues and I have advocated for the family farmers of New York who have told us time and again that any changes to the overtime threshold would severely impact their economic security. I’m deeply disappointed that the DOL and Commissioner Reardon have ignored those pleas,” Hawley said.

“Agriculture is the largest industry in New York, and its workers are the best in the nation. But for these smaller farms trying to get by, the costs just skyrocketed, and the burden of this mandate will unfortunately cause many farmers to fall by the wayside. With this reality in mind, I can’t help but wonder who the DOL thinks it is helping,” Hawley concluded.

Press Release:

The key to success in any good event is its volunteers, and GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare needs you! Join us for GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare on March 24 at Genesee Community College for the inaugural, day-long, hands-on career exploration event.

Approximately 600 students from 28 schools will connect with various healthcare businesses and organizations to learn about the multitude of rewarding jobs in healthcare and science-related fields throughout the GLOW region.

Volunteers are essential to support the day-long event.  Those opportunities begin early in March with student bag assembly, continue with event set-up on March 23, and culminate on March 24 with activities that include lunch duty, "tour guides," station supervision, and cleanup.

“Volunteers play a vital role in GLOW With Your Hands career exploration events. The growth of GLOW With Your Hands Manufacturing has been due, in large part to the dedication of local members of the community wanting to make an impact on our youth,” said Karyn Winters, director of the Genesee County Business Education Alliance Director and Co-Chair of GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare. “Volunteers create a fun, educational environment and contribute to the overall experience.”

Various healthcare sectors will be in attendance, including hospitals and health systems featuring jobs in nursing, mental health, social services and first aid. Students will also connect with local colleges, universities, and secondary and post-secondary training programs to learn about career pathways that will provide a sound return on their investment.

“Volunteer tour guides encourage student engagement at vendor stations, students benefit from both support and positive reinforcement to boost confidence when asking questions and performing vendor activities,” said Angela Grouse, Education to Employment Director at the Livingston County Area Chamber and Co-Chair of GLOW With Your Hands: Healthcare. “Since 2019 at our inaugural manufacturing event, the GLOW region continues to invest in the next generation of workforce candidates. It is special to see how the community rallies together to support our youth.”

Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older. Additional information and volunteer applications are available here.

Additionally, GLOW With Your Hands leaders encourage community members to consider joining one of the many committees for either the Healthcare or Manufacturing event.

If and when iGaming comes to New York State, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. officials say they want a piece of the action.

Speaking about the corporation’s lobbying efforts in Albany, President and Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek said that he is keeping abreast of a bill that would allow iGaming in New York.

“Six states actually have it already and they’re reporting record levels (of revenue),” he said during this morning’s board of directors meeting at Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road.

An internet search of iGaming reveals that it’s an increasingly popular form of mobile betting or gambling that includes Casino games, real money slot games, sports betting and horse race betting. Per Transparency Market Research, the iGaming sector is set to generate $100 billion by 2024.

“iGaming is something that’s being proposed by State Senator (Joseph) Abbaddo (Jr.), who’s the chair of the Senate Gaming Committee,” Wojtaszek said. “He’s submitted it as a bill and it allows for mobile or remote gaming on your computer or on your phone.”

Wojtaszek said Batavia Downs Gaming would be asking to be included in this opportunity, along with Finger Lakes and Buffalo Raceway.

“We would be looking to establish an online platform, as well as other casinos across the state, so that we can be competitive within the industry,” he said, noting that WROTB’s Batavia Bets interactive online platform covers harness race betting only.

Currently, the other six states that permit iGaming are New Jersey, West Virginia, Michigan, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, he said.

Abbaddo, a Democrat who represents the 15^th District (Queens), recently spoke about the bill, which moved forward into the State Assembly on Feb. 3.

He cited projections that iGaming would surpass mobile sports betting (which already is legal in New York State) and urged his colleagues to pass the bill into law.

“Every year we don’t do iGaming in New York, if you do the math, there’s roughly $4 billion lost – if you think of it that way; revenue lost – and lost to another state and to the illegal market,” he was quoted as saying.

Abbaddo said his goal was to get the bill passed by the end of this year’s legislative session.

In other developments:

• WROTB directors approved the promotion of Danielle Fleming to the Director of Human Resources position, a move up from her current role as payroll supervisor.

“We had three excellent candidates from within who applied and Danielle is the one who has been recommended for hire,” Wojtaszek said, adding that she started in the marketing department before moving to payroll. “She is very smart and very talented and we’re glad to have her here.”

• Batavia Downs harness racing’s handle in January and February 2023 represented a 35 percent increase from the handle at Buffalo Raceway for those two months in 2022. There had been no January-February racing at Batavia Downs previous to this year, when WROTB officials reached an agreement with the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association to conduct a slate two or three days a week during those months.

Wojtaszek called the limited meet a “great success” and will be exploring continuing it in 2024 depending on the WNYHHA’s position.

• Directors voted to enter into a contract with PPR Energy to provide the infrastructure needed to prepare for the installation of 16 electric vehicle charging stations at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Wojtaszek said the stations would be built in two locations – 12 of them in the general parking lot and four in the valet parking area. Right now, there are two EV charging stations in the valet parking lot.

• WNY Tile and Stone Corp. of North Tonawanda has been hired to install new floor and wall tile on the second floor in the restroom area at Batavia Downs Gaming and the same in the Park Place banquet room and boardroom on the first floor at a total cost of $160,000.

It was reported that the expense would be covered by insurance, stemming from flooding at the facility several months ago.

Additionally, directors approved a $69,900 contract with Painters Plus Home Decorating of North Tonawanda as the lowest bidder to paint the 67 rooms at the Hotel at Batavia Downs.

• Directors voted to purchase a block of eight tickets with parking from Live Nation for the 2023 concert series at Darien Lake at an amount not to exceed $30,000.

Pending verification by the public benefit company’s outside auditing firm, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. generated a record $8.4 million in earnings and surcharge for its 17 member municipalities in 2022.

WROTB Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach, reporting at this morning’s board of directors meeting at the Park Road facility, put the total earnings and surcharge distribution number for last year at $8,454,261 – an increase of $2,661,077 from 2021.

“Since the corporation’s inception – we started in May of 1974 – this is the highest earnings’ distribution ever paid out to our municipalities,” Leach said.

When asked to explain the 46 percent jump from the previous year, Leach mentioned branch consolidation, the Hotel at Batavia Downs and the company’s ongoing marketing campaigns.

“On the branch side, we minimized our losses through closures and consolidations, so that helped, and then on the Batavia Downs Gaming side, one of the best additions is the hotel – because it’s such a great marketing tool,” she said. “We can get our patrons in and then let them enjoy their experience, including the free play (vouchers) and the food coupons, so it’s a win-win for everyone.

“Plus, all of our events here help contribute and, as always, we value our employees the most and we’re providing good customer service. And (Marketing Director) Ryan’s (Hasenauer) marketing efforts are a big part of it as well.”

Genesee County’s share for 2022 is at $178,732, about $50,000 more than Orleans and Wyoming counties’ amount. In 2021, Genesee received $123,409.

December 2022 numbers show $642 in surcharge while fourth-quarter earnings indicate that $26,701 will go into Genesee County coffers.

The corporation distributes earnings and surcharge to 15 Western New York counties plus the cities of Buffalo and Rochester.

WROTB President/Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek said the historic dollar amounts represent “a lot of hard work, great marketing strategies, great events and the strength of the hotel.”

“It’s really become a destination,” he said. “We provide, we believe, the best customer service in the industry. We hear it constantly on the floor, so it is no surprise that we had such a banner year … and we’re very happy to share that with our municipalities and give that money back.”

Amelia McCulley scored 22 points as Notre Dame won its opening-round sectional playoff game in Class C2, 59-16.

Avelin Tomidy scored 16 points and Sofia Falleti scored 10.

Also, on Wednesday:

• After 20 straight losses, Batavia picked up its first win of the season in its opening-round sectional playoff game, beating Young Woman's Prep, 49-39. Anna Varland scored 15 points. Isabella Walsh scored 13 and had 14 rebounds. She also had seven steals. Ady Odonell scored 10 points. Jaimin Macdonald had 11 rebounds.
• Byron-Bergen beat Bolivar-Richburg, 64-36
• Pavilion beat Red Jacket, 69-37. Karlee Zinkievich scored 29 points and Lauren Kingsley scored 21.
• Alexander beat Pembroke, 51-34. Madison Boyce scored 15 points for the Trojans. Melanie Pohl, 12. For Pembroke, Karli Houseknecht scored 11 points and had eight rebounds. Regan Schneider scored seven points and had 11 rebounds.
• Oakfield-Alabama beat Red Creek, 54-26.  Alea Groff, 14 points, six rebounds, four steals, Emma Wray, 13 points, Brooke Reding, 12 points, six rebounds, five steals.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Latoya D. Jackson, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest while being arrested on four bench warrants. Officer John Gombos arrested Jackson on four warrants issued by City Court.  Jackson was a passenger in a traffic stop.  While officers were attempting to arrest Jackson, she allegedly refused to comply with verbal commands and resisted being handcuffed.  The first warrant stemmed from an incident on June 20, on State Street, where Jackson was charged with harassment 2nd and released on an appearance ticket, after which she allegedly failed to appear.  The second warrant was issued after Jackson was arrested on a charge of criminal contempt 2nd on June 28 for an incident on East Main Street for which she reportedly failed to appear.  The third warrant was issued for a trespass arrest on July 8 at an apartment complex on East Main Street, resulting in another appearance ticket.  The fourth warrant was issued after Jackson was arrested on Aug. 28 on a charge of criminal contempt 1st, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd during an incident on State Street.  Jackson was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Part Court on Feb 11 and released on her own recognizance. 

Joseph C. Jeffords, 31, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Jeffords was arrested on a warrant out of City Court on Feb. 6 and released on his own recognizance.

Raymond J. Vickers, 55, of Dellinger Avenue,  Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and harassment 2nd. Vickers was arrested on Feb. 2, unspecified time, following an incident at a local business. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jason S. Neth, 28, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, suspended registration and speeding. Neth was stopped on Feb. 5 at an unspecified time at an unspecified location in the City of Batavia by Joseph Weglarski. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Amber L. Turner, 29, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and unlicensed operator. Batavia PD K-9 Batu was reportedly alerted on Turner's car during a traffic stop on Feb. 10 at an undisclosed location in the City of Batavia, and she is accused of possession of crack cocaine.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

James N. Difalco, 26, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Batavia PD K-9 Batu was reportedly alerted on a vehicle Difalco was riding in during a traffic stop on Feb. 10 at an undisclosed location in the City of Batavia, and Difalco is accused of possession of crack cocaine.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

LEGAL NOTICE:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town of Batavia Planning Board regarding an application by Hix Snedeker Companies LLC, 8727 Lewiston Rd., Batavia, NY for a major subdivision and retail building for Tractor Supply Store.  This is located on approximately a 52 acre parcel (8.-1-7) in the Town of Batavia, Genesee County, New York.   The land is zoned Commercial.

Said hearing will be held at the Batavia Town of Batavia Town Hall, 3833 West Main St. Rd.,  Batavia, NY on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at which time all interested persons will be heard.  If you cannot attend, you may send your comments and concerns to the Chairman at kjasinski@townofbatavia.com  before the hearing.  A copy of the application is on file at the Town Hall for review.

By order of the Town of Batavia Planning Board
Kathleen Jasinski, Chairman.

Press release:

Byron-Bergen’s defending interscholastic mathematics champions have topped their division for the fourth year in a row. Led by veteran coach, and math teacher Jon DiLaura, the Bees finished in first place out of 14 schools, and six members were named all-stars. The six all-stars will compete at the state tournament in April.

“These 20 students genuinely worked as a team,” said DiLaura. “They show up for practice and really help each other.”

The math league members agree that teamwork and friendship play a role in their success.

“The best part is the people who participate in math league,” said senior Frank Hersom. “We have a great team and it is nice to see our hard work pay off.”

“We always find ways to make math league fun,” said senior Zoey Shepard. “I would tell any younger student who is thinking of joining to absolutely do it. I’ve met some wonderful people and learned a lot.”

“I like to challenge myself and extend my knowledge of math,” said 10th grader Connor Moran. “The best part of it, however, is definitely hanging out with the team afterward.”

The math competitions take place over a series of rounds. The competitors solve math questions in advanced topics such as logarithms, trigonometry, systems of equations, and matrices. The test results are tabulated based on a point system.

“I am most proud of our team this year for getting so many individuals to the state competition,” said 10th grader Jackson Lundfelt. Lundfelt was awarded a medal for achieving the highest overall score in this season’s competitions. “The best part about mathletes is the high stakes competition and the lunch with friends afterward.”

“I am very proud of our Math Team,” said Jr./Sr. High School Principal Ashley John Grillo. “It is great to see students take so much pride in excelling in Mathematics. Our students have worked very hard to be the best in this area. Congratulations to this outstanding group of students on their accomplishment.”

For younger students who might be interested in joining the team, Lundfelt offers this advice. “Don’t be intimidated or afraid to join. We have meetings where we are able to learn all the skills we need beforehand.”

“I would tell younger students to 100% join their math league team as it is a wonderful opportunity,” Connor added. “I am proud of everyone on the team for being able to take home the trophy again, for the fourth year in a row.”

Shepard summed it up. “The best thing about math league is the team.” 

Submitted photos.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum. This month's topic is Julius Caesar. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit at the Holland Land Office Museum with Batavia natives No Blarney! as they return to get us off our feet and dancing to traditional Irish music on Friday, March 10th at 7 pm. Tickets $5 per person and $4 for museum members. Please R.S.V.P. to the museum by email at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com or call the museum at 585-343-4727. Seating is limited, so get your spots now.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, March 23rd at 9 am. This month's presenter is Don Burkel. "There were thirteen children in the Upton Family, six were girls. The first was born in 1822, and the last in 1846. They became the primary correspondents of their brother, Emory, while pursuing careers and goals which were examples to other women. This is their brief yet interesting story of their contributions."

Admission is free, and coffee and donuts will be provided. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, March 30th at 7 pm. The presenter will be Holly Watson of the Linwood Gardens. Linwood Gardens is a rare example of a Western New York country place from the early 1900s with a unique horticultural history and enduring connections to its community. Join family member Holly Watson for a behind-the-scenes look at the history of the people, peonies, and property during this presentation. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Due to the mix of snow and ice forecast for tonight and Thursday, the following school districts have made announcements that they will be closed on Thursday. This list will be updated as we receive submissions. Send your closures to news@thebatavian.com.

• Byron-Bergen Central School
• Oakfield-Alabama Central School
• Pavilion Central School
• St. Joseph's School
• Notre Dame High School
• St. James Episcopal Thrift Store is closed on Thursday
• Creative Arts Camp at GO ART! Is canceled for Thursday  
• Haxton Memorial Library will be closed Thursday
• Offices for Independent Living of the Genesee Region will be closed due to weather, but staff will be working remotely. Email or call (585) 815-8501 for staff directory. 
• Le Roy Central Schools are closed on Thursday.

The Alexander Trojans won a first-round Class C2 playoff in Boys Basketball over Kendall at home on Tuesday, 68-55.

Dylan Pohl scored 25 points for Alexander, and Trent Woods scored 17. 

The Trojans seeded #8 at 7-14, face #1 seed Pembroke (19-1) in Pembroke on Thursday. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Driving too fast through a curve is the likely cause of a traffic accident on Simonds Road in Darien at 1:43 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a Sheriff's Office accident report.

Charles Chesley, 52, of Varysburg, the sole occupant and driver of a 2016 Western truck, reportedly hauling manure, was entrapped in the cab of the vehicle and needed to be extricated by crews from Darien, Corfu and East Pembroke.

He was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight Central.  He is listed in "guarded" condition. At Strong, patients in the Intensive Care Unit are listed as "guarded."

No citations are listed on the accident report, which Deputy Kevin McCarthy prepared.

Previous report: Manure truck rollover reported on Simonds Road, Darien

Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service