At a time in the evening when the outcome of the national election was still in doubt, both local Democrats and Republicans expressed hope that regardless of the final results, the country would come together and support whoever won the presidential election.

The Democrats were gathered at the Dibble Family Center to watch both national and local election results coming in and the Republicans were at Terry Hills.

"The country has to, number one, accept the democratic process that we just went through and realize that things are never as good as they seem nor as bad as they seem," said Rachael Tabelski, the chair of the Genesee County Republican Women and wife of Adam Tabelski , who won his race for City Council (both, pictured above). "In the words of my friend, Rome survived for 500 years, so we’re going to be just fine. Everybody needs to just relax and move on and hope it’s better for all of us no matter who the victor is."

For Democrats, especially, there was a sense that this was a historic election, a chance to elect our first woman president.

Diana Kastenbaum, herself running for Congress against incumbent Chris Collins (who won), said as the campaign wrapped up today, she and her daughter were in Rochester and decided to stop by the grave of Susan B. Anthony, whose activism helped secure women's right to vote.

"It was just amazing," Kastenbaum said. "It was like everyone converged on this one spot, putting stickers on her gravestone. It was just so phenomenal and I was so glad to be there with my daughter. It reminded me, when we were at the Democratic National Convention together, to see the first woman nominated for president of the United States. It was just so emotional for me."

Michael Plitt, chair of the Genesee County Democratic Committee, said he was primarily focused on local races, from supporting Kastenbaum, the first local candidate for congress in many years, to City Council race and other various town and village elections.

He said he's concerned the rancor of the 2016 campaign will make it harder to attract local candidates.

"It’s great to see people voting," Plitt said. "I hope it encourages more people to get involved locally. I think the mudslinging and all that at the national level kind of turns off local participation, which is not good. There are lots and lots of races. There are village councils. They are town boards. They are always coming up and it’s hard to get people to run for these seats due to the negativity at the presidential level."

Kastenbaum's husband, Hiram Kasten, an entertainer who performs all over the nation and is host of a weekly radio show on WBTA, said he thought a lot of the negativity might be the fault of the media, who always seem to want to cast an election as a horse race and obsess over tiny margins of votes.

"I think they exaggerated things," Kasten said, and then complained about the early night coverage concentrating on swing states before even the first vote was counted. 

Few at the Republic gathering spoke in terms of "a historic election," even as network election coverage was starting to show Donald Trump was on a path to victory.

It was an election, many said, including William Zipfel, where many voters saw it as a chance to throw off the shackles of Washington politics and change the direction of the country.

Zipfel said he disagreed with pundits who characterized this as the most important election in our lifetimes.

"I don’t think that’s the case," Zipfel said. "I’m not sure we’ve seen the most important election of our lifetimes. Things always change. If you look historically, some of our forefathers, some of them went through what we would probably consider the most important of a lifetime. Reagan-Carter was perhaps one of the most important elections, so it remains to be seen."

John Duyssen, a Town of Le Roy board member, farmer, and former deputy sheriff, said he was all-in for Trump in this election, even as he acknowledged the campaign was, at times, less than civil.

"I'm sick of negative campaigning, sick of all the mudslinging," Duyssen said. "There's been a lot of he-said, she-said bickering BS and not enough of what are we doing to do with this country and how to lead this country, and what are we going to do for trade, what are we going to do for our military, what are we going to do for our retired people, and what are we going to do really with this health insurance. Don’t tell me you’re going to fix it. I’m sick of hearing fix it for the last 20 years. Our rates just keep going up. I wasn’t impressed with any of the campaigning to be honest with you, but I think Trump’s the guy."

With the election still in the balance at 10 p.m., Duyssen said he hoped the country would come together despite the brutal campaign no matter who won.

"No matter what those two do, every day we’re going to awake and go to work," Duyssen said. "We’re going to continue to feed our families and we’re going to continue to pay our bills. A good leader steps up and leads our country. I hope Clinton and Trump, whichever one pulls it off, that’s really what they do and lead this country the way they’re supposed to lead and not their special interest and everything else. Represent the people."

Eugene Jankowski, president of the Batavia City Council and a retired police officer, also hopes for unity.

He supported Trump and opposed Clinton.

"I think either way, we wake up tomorrow, either way, we need to go forward," Jankowski said. "Nobody is going to be happy. One side is going to be upset that their candidate didn’t win. It’s a whole process, not just one person that runs our country. We have a legislative process. It’s up to them to listen to the will of the people and make the best choices on each issue that comes up.

"I don’t see where that process is going to be stopped in anyway shape or form by one person getting in the White House. Our country is great because we have checks and balances to prevent person from becoming a dictator. So no matter who gets in, both sides should be able to air their grievances and go through the process and they should be aired out in Congress through the House of Representatives like we’ve done for 200 years."

Diana Kastenbaum, center, and Hiram Kasten at the Democratic gathering.

David Saleh announces election results for the GOP.

Adam Tabelski speaks to fellow Republicans after it was clear he was going to win the City Council election.

The GOP's local winners, William Sheron, sheriff, Charles Zambito, county judge, Steve Hawley, Assembly, Scott German, treasurer, and Adam Tabelski, City Council.

The next Sheriff, Bill Sheron, second from left, and his family.

Incumbent Republican Adam Tabelski recorded a resounding victory Tuesday night, outpolling his Democratic opponent Duane Preston in all six wards to hold onto his Councilman-At-Large seat on the Batavia City Council.

Tabelski, 37, a former mayor of the Village of Medina, tallied (unofficially) 2,660 votes to 1,979 for Preston, a Batavia businessman who currently serves as the chair of the city's Planning & Development Committee.

UPDATE (by Howard): The initial totals for this story came from canvassing conducted by the GOP. The county's election site reports totals of 2,776 for Tabelski and 2,006 for Preston.

The unofficial ward totals were as follows:

Ward 1 -- 564-447
Ward 2 -- 292-173
Ward 3 -- 613-478
Ward 4 -- 599-365
Ward 5 -- 226-174
Ward 6 -- 366-342

"I'm really excited -- excited and ready to keep working for the residents of this city," Tabelski said at Terry Hills Restaurant, the Republican Party's election-night headquarters. "I work hard throughout the year, and when the election comes around, the results will speak for themselves."

Tabelski has held the seat since January when former Council member John Deleo left to run (successfully) for a seat on the Genesee County Legislature.

An account manager for Wendel Engineering, he has many years of experience in the political arena, having served as a trustee and then mayor in Medina for five and a half years, and having worked for a state legislator for 12 years.

He said that winning every ward was a "great feeling," but it's not something to dwell upon.

"I'm more concerned about smart planning, and I believe the city is on the right track," he said. "And I want to be part of the process going forward."

Tabelski said he wants to keep taxes "as low as possible" but noted that residents want services, and it's "a balancing act" to weigh the services provided against the cost of such services.

Preston, a longtime Batavian, said he appreciated the chance to run for the position, and hopes his stance of no more tax increases hits a chord with City Council going forward.

"We gave it a try," Preston said at Dibble Family Center, host of the Democrats' election-night gathering.

"I think I shook it up a bit. We've had tax increases in nine out of the last 10 years -- all 10 if you county the trash (pickup). At least I hope it's in Council's head that we don't need to raise taxes every year, and that we can think outside of the box."

Adam Tabelski gives a brief "acceptance speech" at Terry Hills Restaurant after being informed of his win over Duane Preston in voting for the Batavia City Council Councilman-At-Large seat. Preston, left, and Michael Plitt, the new Genesee County Democratic Party chairperson, converse at the Dibble Family Center. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

While most Americans have amenities like a vehicle, a home, food to eat, fresh water to drink and nice shoes to wear, there are many adults and children who around the world face each day with minimal clothes, little food and no shoes.

This Thursday Nov. 10^th from 6-9 p.m. at the New Hope Life Center, 8052 Bank Street Road, Batavia will host a community volunteering event to provide shoes to children and adults of Uganda to protect their feet from jiggers.  

Jiggers are small chigoe fleas that live in the dust, and are found on the dirt floors in schools and the homes of many families in Uganda and other similar climates.

These parasitic insects cling to and infest livestock, transferring jiggers into homes primarily in rural areas. The female jiggers burrow into the surface of skin that has been exposed to the flea. Once embedded in the body, the jigger lays eggs and creates up to pea-size egg sacks and continues to multiply by laying more eggs.

Materials needed for this event are denim blue or black jeans, a pair of fabric scissors and monetary donations will be accepted. Suggested donation is $10 but will accept any donations.

The $10 donation covers costs to:

$3 -- pay the tailor

$3 -- for the shoemaker

$2 -- purchase supplies, tires, thread and glue to finish the shoes.

$2 -- to get the shoes overseas to Uganda.

Sole Hope is also in need for foot washing and jigger removal supplies like, Emla numbing cream, stickers for children, large safety pins, surgical gloves, cotton balls, medical tape, gauze, band aids, suckers or lollipops.

For more information and or to make a donation contact Michelle at 585-297-0779. 

Pictured above from left to right are Pastor Tammy J. Smith from New Hope ministries and Michelle Gillard.

Notre Dame may be looking at a 2016-17 ice hockey season without a player or players who Section V officials deemed was inappropriately recruited or influenced to attend the school.

Kathy Hoyt, executive director of Section V, confirmed Section V officials held a hearing on the eligibility of the player or players. She declined to discuss details. She said the school has appealed the decision and New York Public High School Athletic Association will consider the appeal next week.

A source said two players were affected. Another Section V official who is not authorized to speak on behalf of the section said he was aware that players had been deemed unduly recruited or influenced, but he didn't know how many players were affected.

Hoyt said regardless of the outcome of the process, Notre Dame will retain its 2015-16 Section V Class B crown. 

The only question is whether the players will be eligible for the 2016-17 season.

The Batavian received no response to our request for comment made via email yesterday and today from either Notre Dame Athletic Directory Mike Rapone nor Head Coach Marc Staley.

A source says the complaint that led to Section V holding its hearing came from a team outside of Genesee County.

The names of the players involved have not been released.

The Memphis Belle, a New York State Police rescue helicopter, was in Batavia today for a short training session with City of Batavia firefighters in the parking lot next to Falleti Ice Arena. The training, which did not include any flying, covered the apparatus on the helicopter and how it worked and how the helicopter was used in various rescue scenarios.  

The helicopter crew is Trooper Jamie Schweiger and Trooper Adam Marciniak (top photo, left and center). Dan Cordell, a Department of Environmental Conservation forest ranger, is a trained crew chief, and he was also on hand to talk about his role in rescues. A crew chief directs much of the operations during a rescue.

Alabama Volunteer Fire Department held its annual awards banquet and installation of officers.

Sid Eick achieved the rare distinction of winning both the Service Award, selected by the chief, and the Fireman of the Year Award, selected by the previous three winners of the award.

Eick has been active for 44 years and is currently a captain.

Several members were also honored for their years in service, including Gloria Abrams and Barbara Lee Hendershott for 15 years, Robert Eick for 20 years, Todd Thompson and Jeffrey Sage, for 30 years, and at 50 years -- Henry Brunea.

Brunea received a watch and a citation from Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The installed fire officers are: Chief -- Gary Patnode; 1st Assistant Chief -- Nikkolas Bruner; 2nd Assistant Chief -- William Schutt; Captains -- Patrick Buczek &  Sidney Eick; Lieutenants -- Aron Kehlenbeck & Ashley Covel; EMS Captain -- Richard Brunea; EMS Lieutenant -- Terry Thompson; Fire Police Captain -- Ryan Thompson; Health & Safety Officer -- David Kinney.

Service officers: President --Robert Crossen; Vice President -- Patrick Buczek; Treasurer -- Anthony Mudrzynski; Secretary -- Michelle Patnode; Financial Secretary --Rebecca Borkholder; Board of Directors -- Henry Mudrzynski, Rick Brunea, Edwin Schoenthal, Donald Sage, & Gary Patnode Sr.; Chaplain -- Ralph Bauer; Bell Jar Secretary -- Clayton Fry.

The theme of the event was "Prom," so of course, there were Prom King and Queen and their Court. Prom King -- Tony Mudrzynski; Prom Queen -- Jo Anna Benaquist; Prince -- Ryan Thompson; Princess -- Jenna Wozniak; Jester -- Chad Pratt.

Photos and info provided by Alison Thompson.

A possible fire on a school bus is reported at the gas station at 8204 Park Road, Batavia.

The passengers, if any, are off the bus.

Town of Batavia fire responding.

There were four people in line at the polling station on Evans Street, inside the Fire Hall, before the polls even opened at 6 a.m., this morning.

Within minutes of the polls opening, another five or six voters showed up.

Local officials are expecting a record-level turnout for this election, driven mainly by a highly contentious presidential election fronted by major-party candidates who are polarizing on both sides -- Hillary Clinton, the first woman who is a major party nominee, and Donald Trump, a celebrity and real estate mogul.

There are other contested offices on the ballot, including U.S. Senator, State Senator and Batavia City Council.

Laurie Thomas was the first voter at the Fire Hall this morning and we asked her why this election was important to her.

"I think it’s probably the most important election in my lifetime," Thomas said. "You know, people look at the economy and say it’s good and they have to be blind. That’s one reason I’m voting for somebody who has taken a business and built it up and knows a thing or two about the economy."

It's been a long, bruising campaign and some people have been saying they're happy that it's over, but Thomas said she doesn't necessarily feel that way.

"I’m excited about this election," Thomas said. "I voted for Trump. I think there’s going to be a sweep for him. There are people out there who are really mad with the government we have and when you look at Hillary and see the corruption and the lying. I would much rather have somebody who is a little crude, OK. My dad was crude, but he was a great guy. I would much rather have that than somebody who just puts everything in the dark and you never see anything until somebody digs it up."

UPDATE 9:17 a.m.: Turnout has been strong and steady throughout the county this morning, according to an elections official. There was one glitch. A vote scanning machine in Bethany malfunctioned. It was quickly replaced.

Press release:

On Tuesday, Nov. 8th beginning at approximately 10 a.m. the City of Batavia Fire Department and the New York State Police Aviation Unit will be conducting training in the area of Evans Street. During this training residents can expect to see and hear a low-flying helicopter in the area.

Press release:

Our 2017 Season will kick off with our Annual Gala on Jan. 7th and include many tremendous performances and interesting works by a varied list of playwrights and musicians. Plays and musicals will include classic literature, Shakespeare and timeless upbeat performances, thus the seasonal theme of “Astonishment, Disbelief & Disclosure.”

This year’s productions range from traditional to avant-garde looks at familiar and not so familiar performances, throwing in a dash of the bizarre and horror and ending with a holiday tradition. Sure to please our theater audiences and provide a comprehensive theatrical experience for all. 

Annual Gala - Une Nuit Blanch A’ Paris (A White Night in Paris) -- Saturday, Jan.  7^th @ 7:30 p.m.

This French-themed evening will pay homage to a traditional Parisian event. White dress, white lights, white decorations and all underlined by flowing champagne, basket raffles and our Annual Harvester 56 Theater Performance Awards and our most memorable performances. A sure not to miss event as we kick off the 2017 Season and celebrate the amazing 2016 Season! 

On Broadway 8 – The Magic Kingdom on Broadway – Feb. 10^th, 11^th, 17^th & 18^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Feb. 12^th @ 2 p.m. – Directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & Kathy White.

Sure to be a huge hit and a tremendous family event, as special performances loved by all come from that Magical Kingdom to our stage. The combination of new songs and longtime favorites are brought alive with colorful costumes, dance and song. Expertly directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & musically directed by Kathy White, this is sure to be a great spirited start to our 2017 Season.

This Ain’t Your Mamma’s Shakespeare  – March 10^th & 11^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – March 13^th @ 2 p.m. – Produced by E. Jane Burk and directed by Susan Buckley, Joan Cirillo & Michele Stamp.

An irreverent look at the English Bard and his works by contemporary authors which include William Shakespeare having inspiring dreams, a community theater’s disaster with the play Hamlet and a college themed farce the night before a very special exam. Full of fun, fantasy and colorful characters, this is a great way to enjoy the themes and of Shakespeare while getting quite a few laughs.

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet – April 21^st, 22^nd, 28^th & 29^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – April 23^rd @ 2 p.m. – directed by E. Jane Burk & assisted by Michele Stamp – Shakespeare in Springtime Production.

The perils, clashes and revenge of the young Danish Prince Hamlet as he tries to avenge his father’s murder and subsequent marriage of his mother to his uncle, the play explodes on stage with all the drama of Shakespearean tragedy.  Acutely directed and conceived by E. Jane Burk, this study into love, tragedy, revenge, madness and terror is sure to be incredible.

The Last Five Years  – May 12^th & 13^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – May 14^th @ 2 p.m.  -- Produced by Kathy White & directed and starring Amy Martin and Joe Kusmierczak in this very special performance.

You are sure to enjoy Jason Robert Brown’s musical experience in the life of a five-year relationship from the beginning to the end. This compelling award-winning musical is told in the unique aspect of an aspiring young actress and a novelist meet, fall in and out of love. The actress’ story is told in reverse narrative from the end of the relationship to the beginning and the novelist’s story from the beginning to the end.  Only once do the characters interact in a poignant wedding scene. This is a truly amazing musical offering.

Grey Gardens – June 9^th, 10^th, 16^th & 17^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – June 11^th @ 2 p.m. – Produced, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk with musical direction by Kathy White. 

Based on the Documentary of the same name, this is a compelling look at the lives of Edith Ewing Bovier Beale and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale, aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  Once the bright lights of East Hampton, Long Island society, this musical delves into the complicated dynamics of this unique and tragic mother/daughter relationship as they diminish from the rich and polished society lovelies to their isolated and demented lives. Written by Doug Wright with Music written by Scott Frankel and Lyrics by Michael Korie this production is set at their palatial estate Grey Gardens as it too declines into disarray.

Kids Camp Presents -- A Midsummer’s Night Eve – July 21^st & 22^nd @ 7:30 p.m. – Kids Camp runs from July 10^th -  22^nd with this musical rendition of Shakespeare’s classic as the culmination of a fantastic program.

Led by trained and knowledgeable staff, our theater opens its doors to the 12 and under crowd to experience all aspects of theater work from conception to design.  This year’s program is a fun curriculum that will expand the experiences of the young actor and musician.  Included will be voice, dance, movement, design and acting.  Auditions will be held for the roles in the performance and campers will work to perfect their final performance for the public.  Lauded as “one of the best summer experiences around,” this summer staple of the Harvester 56 Theater will once again be supervised by Wendy Williams, Education Director & Musical Director, Kathy White. Camp spots are limited so watch for auditions and signs ups on our website.

21^st Summer Youth Theater - FAME – The Musical – August 11^th, 12^th, 18^th & 19^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Aug. 13^th @ 2 p.m.  Directed by Patrick D. Burk and musical direction by Kathy White. 

This high-energy musical based on the 1980’s television show was conceived and developed by David De Silva.  Book by Jose’ Fernandez, Lyrics by Jacques Levi and Music by Steve Margoshes.  Set in the famed School of the Performing Arts in New York City, this production looks at the highs and lows of the education and training aspect of a career in the arts.  Packed with memorable songs and amazing dance numbers, Fame will become a theatrical highlight for all to see.  Directed by Patrick D. Burk and Musically Directed by Kathy White along with a solid number of professionals, this will make our 21^st Summer Youth Theater, a huge success.  A must see for the entire family this show is jam-packed with great characters and tremendous performances.  

The Laramie Project – Sept. 15^th & 16^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Sept. 17^th @ 2 p.m.
Directed by Norm Argulski as a special 2017 Tribute Performance of this moving American masterpiece.

The Laramie Project is a true American masterpiece that abruptly and pointedly takes on the horrors of prejudice and the tribute of love and resolution. Written by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project, this play explores the aftermath of the torture and murder of a gay University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard, in 1998.  This memorable and moving piece of American theater is sure to be a sober and reflective piece in our theater season. Expertly directed by Norm Argulski, who appeared in the first Laramie Project performance in Batavia, this indeed is a Tribute Performance and a very special offering this year.

Frankenstein the Musical – Nov. 3^rd, 4^th, 10^th & 11^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Nov. 5^th @ 2 p.m. Produced, directed  & designed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.

Mary Shelley’s classic story comes to life at the Harvester 56 Theater stage with a tremendous score and soaring musical numbers. Set in Europe and the Arctic in the late 1790s this spectacle of the stage, with music by Mark Baron and book and lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson was originally adapted by Gary P. Cohen. Painstakingly performed and adapted for our stage, the audience will be immersed in the horror, madness and tragedy that Shelley put on the pages of her most famous novel. Enter the world of Frankenstein as he creates his creature and realizes the impact this has on his family and all mankind. 

Whispers in the Snow – Dec. 15^th & 16^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Dec. 17^th @ 2 p.m.
Written, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.

Our magical year ends with an astonishing look at the Christmas Season. This production, written by Patrick D. Burk includes this area’s brightest and best performers, our younger artists as well as dance and song to tell a poignant tale of Christmas, community and love. It is a companion piece to last year’s The Christmas Gift. Full of the awe and wonder of the Holiday Season, Whispers in the Snow will be the performance that will put you in the spirit of joy and giving. It is indeed a wonderful and colorful way to end our 2017 Season, perfect for the entire family and kids of all ages.  

Eric Jon Merritt, 27, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and operating out of class. Merritt was allegedly exceeding the posted speed limit of 55 mph on Route 5 in Batavia at 2:40 a.m. Sunday while operating a motorcycle on a learner's permit when he was stopped by Deputy Ryan Young.

Dashawn Devan Hazel, 22, of Saint Mary Street, Bronx, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hazel was arrested on a warrant during a traffic stop.

Treshaun David Perry, 21, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and speeding. Perry was stopped on Prole Road, Stafford, at 3:29 p.m. Saturday by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Genesee County’s own Comic-Con style event is making its return to Batavia on Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Nov. 20th. The 2nd annual Foxprowl-Con is where the world of comics, movies, television shows come together for a wonderful celebration of fun. The event will be taking place at the Quality Inn & Suites, 8250 Park Road in Batavia.

Foxprowl-Con is produced by Foxprowl Collectibles, 97 Main St. in Batavia. The store is a major destination for fans of vintage and new toys, figurines, ceramics and collectibles.

Foxprowl owner and event producer Bill Hume said, “Foxprowl-Con is a great place where parents and children can connect over sharing their love for comic books, television shows and certain movies. There are a lot of interactive activities for people to enjoy.”

He added, “A lot of people enjoy meeting the celebrities and attending the celebrity panels, where they do Q&As and tell behind the scene stories. People love browsing the large vendors room, browsing thousands of comics, toys, crafts and costumes. There are over 60 free panel discussions, cosplay contests, live music, games and more included in your admission. There’s something for everyone.”

The celebrity appearances are a big draw of Foxprowl-Con. Attendees can meet the special guests free of charge, with there being a fee for autographs. Special celebrities include: Ari Lehman, who was “Jason” in the first “Friday the 13th” movie. Lydia Criss, photographer and ex-wife of KISS drummer Peter Criss. Steve Geiger, Marvel Comics artist, Rashaad Santiago, Season 6 winner of the TV show “FaceOff.” Hanna Hall from “Forrest Gump” and Rob Zombie’s “Halloween.” Mark Dodson, voice actor from “Star Wars.” Kurt Lehner, character designer and animation artist for Disney.

The event times and admission are as follows: Friday, Nov. 18th – 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19th -- 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20th -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for the days are: Friday $10, Saturday $20 and Sunday $15. Children 12 and under free with paid adult.

For up-to-date info, visit www.FoxprowlCon.com.

Visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more...

Le Roy beat Bath-Haverling on Saturday to become Section V champions in Class C1 in volleyball.

The team next plays Cal-Mum in a Far-West Regional playoff. Game time is time is 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, in Avon.

Photos by Tim McArdle.

Now I can reveal a little more about what's been going on the past few days and why Billie and I haven't been around.  I had to be a little cagey in my previous post about our absence a few days ago in the chance that my dad might look at the site.

I just returned from a trip to Bakersfield, Calif., for my dad's surprise 80th birthday party.  He may have had some inkling there was a party, but he had no idea I was coming.

That trip was planned for some time, but what was unexpected was that Billie had to have a medical procedure done the day before I left.  It's nothing serious but needed to be done and she will be fine, but it will be a little while yet before she returns to work.

The main point is, news coverage should largely return to its normal flow.  

As always, thank you for your support.

Several bowlers hit the 700 mark last week in league action at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia and at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

Click on the Pin Points link at the top of this page to see who's hot on the lanes.

League secretaries from other bowling centers in the area are invited to email their high scores for posting on this website to mikepett2002@yahoo.com.

Watch for a new Pin Points column this Thursday -- exclusively on The Batavian, the area's No. 1 source for online news -- and support the advertisers who support bowling in the Genesee Region.

(Photo by Roberta Jeanne White.) 

A man was struck by a train in Byron.

The train is stopped at Caswell Road.

Byron and South Byron fire responded to the scene.

Mercy Flight was dispatched but then canceled.

UPDATE: David Swinton, 60, was killed after being struck by a train that was traveling southwest on CSX trains near Route 237 at about 10:30 a.m. He had been hunting but may have been photographing deer at the time of the accident, according to State Police.

UPDATE: Additional photos from our news partner, 13WHAM. For 13WHAM's coverage, click here. 

UPDATE: Press release from NYSP, Troop A:

On Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m., a CSX train was traveling westbound between State Route 237 and Caswell Road in the Town of Byron struck David T. Swinton, 60 of Byron. Investigation shows Swinton was possibly taking pictures of the area when the train struck him. Foul play is not a factor in this investigation.

UPDATE: Statement from BOCES:

On Nov. 6, the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership was made aware of the tragic death of David Swinton, a Crisis Intervention specialist at the Batavia Academy. The Trauma, Illness and Grief team (TIG) team has met and counselors will be available to support students and staff members on Monday, Nov. 7 and throughout the week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Swinton family at this difficult time.

The Batavia Blue Devils defeated the Hornell Red Raiders today in a 41 to 20 victory.

Batavia scored first five minutes into the game. Hornell quickly responded with a touchdown of their own. At the end of the first quarter, the score was Hornell 7 Batavia 6.

Batavia scored soon after the start of the second quarter with Hornell answering with a touchdown again, making the score 12 to 14. Batavia tried unsuccessfully twice for a two-point conversion after their touchdowns missing both times. Hornell went for a field goal after both of their touchdowns converting for one point both times. It looked as if the game had settled into a rhythm of both teams scoring equally with the outcome to be determined by extra points.

Midway through the second quarter, number 51 Jzon Richardson came up with a forced Hornell fumble and stopped their progress deep in Batavia territory. This play knocked the wind out of Hornell, even though late in the second Batavia fumbled with Hornell recovering the ball. Hornell never got their rhythm back and never threatened Batavia’s lead again. The second quarter ended with Batavia leading 28 to 14.

Hornell looked like they were going to come within one touchdown of Batavia in the third but Batavia’s defense stopped them. After that, it was Batavia in charge of the ground and the air, never looking back and cruising to victory. 

The standout players of the game where number 2 Jerry Reinhart, number 12 Chandler Baker, and the Sec V MVP number 34 Bubba Leach. 

More picture of the game are here, www.jimburns.org

 

The Batavia Blue Devils meet Hornell this afternoon in the Sec V Class B finals. Both teams are undefeated at 9 and 0. The Batavia Blue Devils are favored over Hornell, but not by much.  The game starts at 3 pm in Rochester at Rhino Stadium. 

We will be posting updates during the game with full coverage to follow this evening. 

*Update. Class C game ran late. Kickoff now scheduled for 3:30. 

* End of first quarter. Hornell 7 Batavia 6

*Half Time Hornell 14 Batavia 28!

*End of 3, Hornell 21 Batavia 34

**** Final score Hornell 21 Batavia 40!!!****

 

Alexander's defense came through again, forcing six turnovers and recording six sacks, in route to a 19-6 win over Clyde Savannah to win the Section V Class D championship.

It's the first Section V football championship in school history.

Outside linebacker Derrick Busch has five tackles and three interceptions.

Adding to the Trojans' interception total were Chris McClinic and Dane Heberlein. 

Dustin Schmieder, who set a Section playoff record last week for sacks, had 2.5 of the team's total on Friday. Adding to the sack totals were Erik Scharlau, Zach Jasen and Mitch Gordon. 

QB P.J. Brennan was part of all three TD scores for Alexander, rushing for 77 yards on nine carries. He tossed a TD pass to Busch. Heberlein had 112 yards on 21 carries.

Alexander will now contend for the regional title against the state's #1 ranked Class D team, Maple Grove.

More photos can be found at: http://francletography.photoshelter.com/gallery/2016-11-04-Alexander-Varsity-v-Clyde-Savannah/G0000hw7fveE08f8/C0000f1tHYlmnDIE