A woman accused of injuring an animal after her dog overdosed three times on narcotics earlier this summer once again failed to appear in City Court on Thursday.

Cassandra Elmore was ordered to appear at 1:30 p.m. and was not seen in court by the time Judge Thomas Burns called her case at 3:20 p.m.

He said a court clerk had received a call earlier in the day from a man who claimed to be an attorney from Pennsylvania and that he was calling on Elmore's behalf, claiming that Elmore had tried contacting her assigned attorney multiple times and her calls were not returned.

Burns said the man provided only a partial address, no phone number, and said his secretary would be in touch with the court.  The man also did not file a motion to change attorneys, Burns noted.

At no time, Burns said, did the clerk say Elmore was excused from her scheduled appearance today.

Elmore faces three counts of injuring an animal under New York Ag and Markets Law Section 353.  She reportedly took her dog, Oddey, to veterinarians with apparent drug overdoses after the dog, according to police reports, licked up white powder from the kitchen floor.

See Also: OPINION: Due process often neglects animal victims

Elmore did make her initial court appearance on the case on July 26, when she asked for time to hire an attorney.

On Aug. 11, Elmore failed to show for an ordered court appearance. On that date, a woman who identified herself as a friend of Elmore called and said Elmore was hospitalized.  The caller was informed that the court needed proof of the hospitalization but no proof was sent to the court before her scheduled appearance.

Burns issued a warrant for Elmore's arrest but when The Batavian checked with Batavia PD on the status of the warrant more than a week later, a spokesman for the department said the department never received a warrant for Elmore.

Elmore was arrested on Aug. 30 following a traffic stop in Batavia and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and obstruction of governmental administration.

During today's hearing, Jamie Welch, with the Public Defender's Office, said he was unaware of any messages left for him by Elmore. 

Assistant District Attorney Jenna Bauer told Burns that her office was not contacted by any other attorney claiming to represent Elmore.  She also noted that it took Elmore two months to complete the paperwork required for the Public Defender's Office to represent her.

Following her Aug. 30 arrest, Elmore was ordered to appear in City Court on those charges at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13.

Burns said she was going to be arraigned on those charges today, so he issued an arrest warrant related to those charges. He also issued two bench warrants for her failure to appear on the two injuring an animal charges.

At the time of her arrest on the animal charges, Elmore lived on River Street.  Welch provided the court with a new residential address for her on East Main Street.  Welch said he would be sending her a letter informing her of her court appearances and would attempt to reach her by phone.

Oddey remains at the animal shelter. Oddey is doing well, according to a member of Volunteers for Animals, but he can't be sent to a foster home or put up for adoption while the legal case against Elmore is pending or until she surrenders ownership.

Previously:

• Woman charged after dog treated repeatedly for narcotics overdose
• Vet told police Oddey was showing signs of drug intoxication during emergency visit
• Elmore asks for time to hire attorney while Oddey waits at shelter
• Warrant issued for woman accused of letting dog OD after she fails to appear in court
• Law and Order: Woman charged in dog's drug overdose arrested again after traffic stop

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation will be celebrating its 30th season of Encore a little earlier this year on Saturday, Nov., 19. This year's event, held in the William W. Stuart Forum, will feature entertainment by Hanna PK and The Blue Hearts.

The annual Encore Gala raises funds for student scholarships giving the local community the opportunity to support students through the College Foundation, while enjoying a very special evening that kicks off the holiday season. This year, co-chairs Robert and Zje Savage are working with GCC's Foundation to plan something truly exciting for the 2022 Encore Gala under the theme "A Night in Casablanca." "We are looking forward to presenting this year's Encore and have many surprises planned for the evening," said Robert Savage.

Bob Savage is a native of Livingston County, where he has operated The WYSL Stations for the last 35 of his 55 years in media. He returned to build the news-and-talk outlet after a career spanning on-air and management duties at stations in New York City, Philadelphia, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis and Knoxville. Western New York native Zje Savage is active in the local arts community in metal sculpture and photography. Zje has been a clothing buyer for the past 20 years. Bob and Zje reside in Brighton with their son, Jaz.

"Both Zje and I recognize the importance of education and supporting the Foundation Scholarship program at Genesee Community College. We are honored to be co-chairs of Encore 2022." This year's event theme "A Night in Casablanca" will embrace the essence of this Academy Award-winning feature film.

Proceeds from Encore support scholarships for students attending Genesee Community College. Sponsorship opportunities are critically important to the event, and are available at the following levels:

• "We'll Always Have Paris" Hors D'oeuvres Station Sponsor - $3,000
• "Last Plane to Lisbon" Dessert Station Sponsor - $3,000
• "Sam's Jazz Trio" Entertainment Sponsor - $2,000
• "Inspector Renault's High Roller" Thank You Gift Sponsor - $2,000
• "Here's Looking at you Kid" Photo Booth Sponsor - $2,000
• "The French Resistance" Lighting Sponsor - $2,000

To become a 2022 Encore sponsor or event information, please visit https://gccfoundationinc.org/encore/ or contact the Foundation Office directly at (585) 345-6809 foundation@genesee.edu.

According to Deputy Robert Henning with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, an SUV facing west on McVean road failed to yield at the stop sign at Route 77 and was struck by a box truck that was traveling south on Route 77.

The female driver of the SUV, in her late 70s, may have suffered a medical event and was conscious and alert, but transported by Mercy Flight to ECMC. The male driver of the box truck, in his early 60s, suffered cuts to the face and was transported to ECMC via ambulance.

According to Deputy Henning, the driver of the SUV will be charged with failure to yield.

Previously: Possible serious injury accident reported in Darien

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Myrin and Dannielle Lumpkin are excited, to say the least.

The Batavia couple is in progress for an October ribbon-cutting of Mama Dee’z Kitchen in its new location at Eli Fish Brewing Company.

“It’s happening,” Dannielle said. “October 1st.”

In August, the Lumpkins shared with The Batavian at the Italian Fest that their hopes were on the possibility of moving into the downtown restaurant and brewery. 

At a more recent event, they informally disclosed that it’s coming true, and Eli Fish co-owner Matt Gray confirmed the news this week. Papers have been signed, he said.

The former catering company will now be serving dine-in meals and takeouts, plus be available through Grub Hub, Dannielle said.

She has also posted the news online: “what a blessing,” she said.

The Eli Fish site at 109 Main St., Batavia, has housed prior catering and restaurant set-ups as an incubator style: starting small and learning the ropes before expanding into bigger solo establishments.

Eden Cafe & Bakeshop was the last occupant at Eli, and it moved over to Ellicott Street a few months ago as a successful vegan eatery.

Mama Dee’z specializes in homemade sauces and features soul food and Caribbean flavors, barbecues, chicken wings and a slew of spicy jerk and saucy glazed meats and fish.

For more information about Mama Dee'z, click HERE.

Top File Photo: Dannielle Lumpkin serves up some rasta pasta during this year's Italian Festival downtown. Photo by Joanne Beck. Above, she stands in front of her new work space at Eli Fish on Main Street, Batavia. Photo from the Mama Dee'z online site.

• $8 Presale tickets
• $10 at door

A two-vehicle accident with possible serious injuries is reported on Route 77 at Reynolds Road, Darien.

One person is trapped, unconscious but breathing.

Darien Fire along with Corfu Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Mercy Flight out of Olean is on an in-air standby.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m.: Mercy Flight #6 out of Olean is dispatched.  A truck is involved that was hauling about 30,000 pounds.

UPDATE 1:09 p.m.: Mercy Flight will land at Darien's fire hall.

The Batavia boys soccer team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 5-0 win on Wednesday over East/LAFYM/SWN/NE N Douglass.

Owen Halpin led the way with a hat trick with Alex Bartz and Dima Havens also scoring.

Both of Batavia's wins have been shutouts led by goalkeeper Jack Pickard and the defensive line of Ryan Dillon, Hunter Mileham, Rashawd Christie, and Trevor Tryon. 

Photo and info submitted by Graham Halpin, Batavia Boys Soccer Varsity Coach

Press Release

The City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing an emergency water main break in front of 129 Walnut Street.  The water will be shut off from the Walnut Street and Law Street intersection, heading north to the train tracks on Walnut Street.

Traffic may be delayed in the area of the water main break.  Please use alternate routes if possible.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.  As always, when the water is restored, it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience, and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.

 

Still, it’s only fitting that the nation sets apart a time to honor those fighting their way back from substance use disorder and mental illness.

“Although every day at The Recovery Station we focus on recovery, Recovery Month is the time to recognize and celebrate the gains made by those men and women who have not given up or given in,” said Harry Rascoe, (photo at right), who recently was hired by Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse as coordinator of the social event center on Clinton Street Road.

Rascoe and his staff have put together some special events that highlight their support of new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedicated service providers and community members who help make recovery in all of its forms possible.

Additionally, the Genesee County Legislature will be issuing proclamations on Sept. 14 in commemoration of Recovery Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention Month (which also is in September).

The agency's activities through The Recovery Station include fishing trips to Medina and the DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia; visits to Genesee County Park, Stony Brook State Park, Hamlin Beach State Park and Niagara Falls State Park, roller skating in Buffalo; shopping trips, and health and fitness group sessions.

On Sept. 13, the “Give Me S’more Recovery” event is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and on Sept. 27, Speaker Jam – featuring stories of hope by people in recovery – is set for 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Other activities during the month (and just about every month at The Recovery Station) include CORE education and work goal setting, creative writing in recovery, guided yoga, open art classes, karaoke night, spirituality in recovery, and open men’s and women’s groups.

Rascoe, 35, a native of Plattsburgh, said his plan is to expand the center’s focus on physical fitness and wellness while increasing the public’s awareness of The Recovery Station, which is located at the former Bohn’s Restaurant.

“What I’m finding is the biggest issue thus far is that a lot of Batavians don’t even know that we exist,” said Rascoe, a former Marine who did a combat tour in Afghanistan. “We’re looking to make connections with as many agencies and groups as possible to let people know that we’re here for them when they’re ready to start their road to recovery.”

An alcohol and substance use counselor for several years, Rascoe is a proponent of adventure-based counseling where those in recovery are encouraged to “connect with nature” through hiking, kayaking and similar experiences.

“Health and fitness is so important,” said Rascoe, who earned an associate’s degree in Human Services from Genesee Community College before taking counseling positions in Saranac Lake and Plattsburgh. “I am hoping to be able to upgrade our gym and camping equipment and establish some peer-led groups along the lines of what is happening at ROCovery Fitness in Rochester.”

Rascoe also said plans include conducting Narcotics Anonymous meetings on Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (starting Sept. 12) and possibly opening the center on Sundays for people to watch the Buffalo Bills’ games in a sober environment.

“We’re doing a lot now but there’s so much more that can be done,” he said. “With the support of the community and staff, the future here is bright.”

Now residing in Elba, Rascoe is engaged to Tara Sweet and has three children. He is active in the community as a youth football and baseball coach and co-director of an adult flag football league.

Disclosure: Mike Pettinella is the publicist for GCASA.

When he left his job at the Chamber of Commerce to work for Genesee County, Steven Falitico had a shade of concern.

“I’m new to all of this, I’m from the private sector. I have tried to ingrain myself,” he said during a county meeting Wednesday. “I thought the job was going to be a little boring, but a lot of things are coming at me fast.”

Falitico is the county’s new public communications and web design specialist. Not only is he new to the position, but it is new to the county. Falitico will be responsible for developing, designing and coordinating websites and various social media platforms, and disseminating news and information through a variety of media outlets.

Wednesday he was given a different charge: promote vacancies in the county, including corrections officers and election inspectors. Many county directors have been reporting a lack of candidates for openings in their departments, from Mental Health and Veterans Services to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Board of Elections.

Not that county officials haven’t already taken steps to boost interest. Earlier this year the county agreed to waive all Civil Service test fees for the remaining year. 

Legislators are considering an amendment to a public officers law that would allow candidates to live in contiguous counties, such as Erie and Monroe. 

Requirements for election poll workers have also been revised.

“All counties are having a difficult time getting poll workers,” County Manager Matt Landers said. “We’re going after a new demographic.”

People 18 and older can apply for the position, and county staff are promoting it as an opportunity to make some extra cash.

“That's the kind of stuff that we're gonna be targeting. So Steven, jump right on that, along with meeting with all the department heads and revamping our website,” Landers said. “But things that come to mind that you need help with or want help or ideas for initiatives, you know, Steven is going to be critical for us in that regard.”

As for Falitico’s new role, the county’s contract with e3 Communications out of Buffalo will end on Sept. 30. It was evident, Landers said, that “as great a job as e3 was doing … you can’t replace a person.”

“There's nuances, having a person embedded who understands what's going on, and making changes here and there and really make it make a difference,” he said. “So we're thrilled to have Steven and want to make sure that you had an opportunity to meet him.”

Top Photo: Steven Falitico, being introduced to members of Genesee County Legislature on Wednesday; County Manager Matt Landers discusses Falitico's role as Assistant Manager Tammi Ferringer listens. Photos by Joanne Beck.

Press release:

The Batavia Cemetery Association is excited to announce that the annual Halloween Candlelight Ghostwalk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22. 

Join us for some spooky fun on a ghost walk through the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue in Batavia to meet the famous and infamous movers and shakers who not only shaped and influenced the City of Batavia but the United States and the world.

The guided tour on candlelit paths will bring guests to meet men and women of Batavia, who, for various reasons, held great power and exerted great influence in their day, were victims of tragic events, or both. Philemon Tracy, one of the few Confederate officers buried in the north, Joseph Ellicott, a man of great power and great flaws, and William Morgan, the man who disappeared and was allegedly murdered before he could reveal the secrets of the Masons, are some of the ghosts who will tell their stories on the tour.

New visitors this year include Albert Brisbane, a utopian socialist and the chief popularizer of the theories of Charles Fourier in the United States, Mary Elizabeth Wood, the first librarian at the Richmond Memorial Library who is best known for her work in promoting Western librarianship practices and programs and founding the first library school in China, and Dr. Martha Morgan, who spent most of her professional life working at the State Lunatic Hospital in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

You will meet Civil War veteran General John H. Martindale, who was Military Governor of the District of Columbia in 1865, James Holden, a sergeant in the American Revolution and Eli Fish, maltster and brewer. Dean and Mary Richmond, who greatly influenced business and civic life in western New York in the 1800s, will greet guests in their beautiful mausoleum on the last stop of the tour. Mr. Richmond amassed a great fortune in Great Lakes shipping and was the second president of the New York Central Railroad. Mrs. Richmond vastly expanded her husband’s fortune after his death and sat on the boards of many businesses and civic organizations. 

Tours begin at 7 p.m. and run every fifteen minutes until 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10. Reservations are required. Proceeds benefit the upkeep and restoration of the cemetery. For more information, or to make reservations, contact (585) 943-5662.

Don’t forget the Holland Land Office Museum’s first West Side Ghost Stories program on Friday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. Join Connie Boyd as she shares the sinister and weird documented stories from the West Side of Batavia’s past. Tickets are $5/3$ for museum members. And back and expanded by popular demand, the HLOM will host the West Side Ghost Walk on October 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 7 p.m. Hear tales of murders, hangings, grave robbing, ghosts and other eerie happenings from Batavia’s past. Tickets at $15/$10 for members. For reservations call 343-4727.

Press release:

Lovers Lane will be closed to all through traffic beginning Monday, Sept.12 for roadwork. 

A 400-foot portion of the roadway is being lowered to improve sight distance.  In order to complete this work, the roadway will be removed.  Motorists will have to access properties from either the North or South and will not be able to travel through.

Residents of properties #8480 through 8611 Lovers Lane will need to access and egress their properties from the North utilizing South Main Street Road (Including 3560 and 3576 South Main Street Road)

Residents of properties 8714 through 8740 Lovers Lane will need to access and egress their properties from the South, utilizing Pearl Street Road.

The lowering of the road is anticipated to take approximately two weeks.

Paving of the remainder of Lovers Lane will be scheduled upon the completion of this work.  Date to be determined.

All through traffic is asked to seek alternate routes. 

Press release:

This is a hands-on class that will show you all the basics of hot water bath canning.  The Master Food Preserver will demonstrate both the hot and cold pack methods of canning.  There will also be a discussion on canning jams and jellies.

Recipes and handouts will be provided.  When the class is done, you will have a quart of tomatoes, but they will be too hot to take home that night.  You will be able to pick them up at the CCE office the next day.

The class will be held at the Stafford Methodist Church, 6134 Main St., Stafford.  Pre-registration is required as class size is limited.  No walk-in participants, please.  The cost for the class is $20 per person.  Registration and payment are due by Friday, September 23.  Contact Mandy at 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or stop by our office to register.  You can also register and pay online by going to our website at: https://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events/2022/09/27/master-preserver-presents-canning-tomatoes .

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C, I-Batavia) is expressing disappointment following a decision by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to advance a recommendation to Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon to lower the farm laborer overtime threshold from 60 hours to 40. For months, Hawley has stood alongside farmers, farm workers, agricultural advocates, owners of agri-businesses and other lawmakers to call on the board to reject a proposed reduction to the overtime threshold, warning of the devastating effects such a decision would have on rural communities and all who work in the agricultural sector. 

As the board considered whether or not to implement a lower threshold, they collected testimony regarding the proposal during a series of virtual hearings. During those hearings, the vast majority of testimony provided by farmers and farm workers opposed its implementation, warning that it threatened the livelihoods of both farm owners and laborers. 

The concerns expressed by those opposed to lowering the threshold have been corroborated by a number of studies, as a report by Farm Credit East has stated that the total cost of lowering the overtime threshold to 40 hours, coupled with minimum wage increases, would result in an increase in labor costs by over 40 percent for New York’s farms. Another study by Cornell University found that 70 percent of New York farm labor guest workers would not return to New York were the threshold to be lowered and would instead seek work in other states where they have the opportunity to work longer hours.

Following the advancement of the Wage Board’s final report and recommendation, the fate of the farm overtime threshold rests in the hands of Reardon, who has 45 days to decide whether to accept or reject it.

“Now that the fate of farming as we know it here in New York state has been put in jeopardy by the Wage Board, even after hearing how their decision will jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and farm laborers, I sincerely hope that Commissioner Reardon will step in to prevent what would prove to be a catastrophic event for rural communities and the entire agricultural sector,” said Hawley. “Lowering this threshold helps nobody while threatening the existence of multi-generational family farms and an entire way of life, so I sincerely hope that ultimately both the threshold and the continued viability of our farms will be preserved.”

A 29-year-old man from Batavia entered a guilty plea Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Rochester to the production of child pornography and possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors. 

Derek Hagen faces at least 15 years in federal prison and could face up to a $250,000 fine. 

Hagen worked in several WNY teaching, substitute teaching, and child-care positions in the Western District of New York, including at the Brockport Childhood Development Center, the Batavia City School District, the Pembroke Central School District, and most recently with the Dansville Central School District.

Between May and July 19, 2018, Hagen was employed as an assistant teacher at the Brockport Childhood Development Center in the infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms, according to federal prosecutors.

During this time, he produced and possessed sexually explicit images of children entrusted to his care.

The children ranged in age from six months to five years.

Hagen produced these images while changing diapers and assisting children who were learning to use the bathroom.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who prosecuted the case, said in a release that between January 2018 and July 21, 2021, Hagen engaged in a pattern of prohibited sexual conduct with a victim between the ages of 4 and 8. Hagen, he said, photographed and videoed himself subjecting the child to sexual contact. Hagen then distributed the images of the child to other individuals over the internet.

Hagen also possessed approximately 50,000 images and videos of child pornography that he received from others via the internet.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, Homeland Security, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

There has been no information released indicating that Hagen exploited children in Batavia.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.  

Pembroke pulled out a 4-3 OT win in overtime in girls soccer at home on Tuesday night.

Attica Goals: 

• Skylar Savage (28 min)
• MacKenzie McLeod (42 min) 
• Skylar Savage (45 min)  

• Kayla Weyrauch (10th grade) (49 min) assisted by senior captain Karli Houseknecht
• Kayla Weyrauch (10th grade) (52 min) assisted by Morgan Coniber
• Morgan Coniber (9th grade) (79 min) to tie game, assisted by senior captain Karli Houseknecht
• Morgan Coniber (9th grade) (87 min overtime goal to win) assisted by captain Seneca Calderon

The Dragon's goalkeeper, Arianna Hale, made 12 saves. 

Leaders on defense were Ameilia Berghorn, Isabel Breeden, and Emma Groff, who all contributed multiple stops and a strong defensive line, said Head Coach April Meier.

Photos by Kristine Groves

Rehearsals start soon for the Genesee Chorale and the chorale is eager to accept new members into the group.

Rehearsals are Monday evenings starting at 7 p.m. and wrapping up by 9 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church. 

The first rehearsal is on Sept. 12.

The chorale is planning its seasonal concert for December.

Singers of all levels of experience are welcome. 

To register, visit https://www.geneseechorale.com/members

More information is also available at https://www.geneseechorale.com/join

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens

Corrections officers are badly needed for Genesee County Jail, and it’s time to expand the search, Sheriff William Sheron says.

Now that a new jail is under construction, there are to be male and female inmates, which creates a need for more, and more diverse, officers, Sheron said during Wednesday’s Ways & Means meeting.

“We’re looking for candidates for corrections officers, especially females,” he said.

He asked legislators for approval of an amendment to allow officers to be from contiguous counties as well as from the desired first choice of Genesee. Less than 40 people took the last Civil Service test, compared to 80 previously. The pool of candidates is growing "leaner and leaner," he said.

Sheron hopes that by enlarging the pool to include other counties, there will be more candidates to choose from.

Several years after initial planning, saving and getting documentation in place for a new Genesee County Jail, the first shovels struck the ground in May for the $70 million, 184-bed facility on West Main Street Road, adjacent to County Building #2. It’s on track for a March 2024 completion.

Once the jail is completed, there are to be male and female inmates, and therefore female officers would be required for the facility. Legislative Chairwoman Shelley Stein remarked that it’s “going to be a beautiful facility” to work in, to which Sheron replied “night and day.”

A public hearing must take place before the proposed amendment — to expand the residency territorial area to employ corrections officers — is officially adopted. The committee agreed to set that for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Genesee County Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia.

The resolution states that “The County of Genesee Legislature hereby finds that in order to ensure an adequate pool of qualified applicants as Correction Officer, it is necessary and advisable that such Correction Officer may be permitted to reside within the County of Genesee or any county contiguous to the County of Genesee: namely, Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Livingston, or Wyoming Counties.”

As it stands now, state public officers law requires a person to be a resident of the political subdivision or municipal corporation of the state for which such person is chosen or within such person’s official functions. That law can only be revised by an act of the Legislature.

For anyone interested in taking the related test, the next one is on Dec. 10.

For more information, go to Genesee County. 

File Photo of Sheriff William Sheron being sworn in as first new sheriff in nearly 30 years. Photo by Howard Owens.

“It’s going to be exciting and we anticipate large crowds, but that is not an excuse for unruly behavior, so our officers are going to be strictly enforcing parking measures and any violations related to safety and security,” Batavia Police Chief Shawn Heubusch said in a press release. “We are going to be working closely with the school district’s security firm and personnel working the games, as safety is the number one priority for fans, players and the surrounding neighborhood.”

Chief Heubusch noted that construction work near the stadium on Richmond Avenue to Oak Street and Park Road west of the stadium is ongoing throughout the fall. Those traveling in the area should use caution and plan ahead.  There may be road work that could impact parking, he said.

“We will be issuing tickets for any car that is illegally parked. For any public event where there is going to be a large crowd, we encourage those attending the game to arrive early and be respectful of people’s properties.” Heubusch said. “Parking is available in the designated lots at Van Detta Stadium and Robert Morris School. If necessary to park on adjacent streets, please adhere to the parking regulations as per the posted signage and do not block driveways. Officers will be monitoring the areas surrounding the stadium for parking violations and issuing parking tickets as necessary.”

In addition to Batavia Police officers and the district’s security firm being on site in and around the stadium, all attendees will be wand-checked to ensure no prohibited items are brought into the facility, he said.

School Superintendent Jason Smith sent a letter home to families last month informing them of the updated security measures to be used at home games. The fact that these football games are popular and well-attended has created a need for additional protection, Smith said. 

“In collaboration with the Batavia Police Department, we continue to make safety our number one priority for students, staff, and community members attending events at Van Detta Stadium,” Smith said in the release. “We’re anticipating a large crowd Friday night and throughout the season, and we want to continue to get the word out about enhanced safety protocols, guidelines, and expectations for those attending.”

In addition to coverage by city police, the city schools board approved a contract with Armor Security in May. The agreement is for services through Dec. 31 of this year and is with Armor Security and Protection Inc. of Rochester. The company is to provide state-certified security guards “to provide security and safety services for property located at 120 Richmond Ave., Batavia,” the contract states. Work includes monitoring venues for inappropriate, illegal behavior or actions, reporting of safety concerns within the venue and assisting with safe entry and exits.

The guards are to notify law enforcement or other emergency service providers as deemed necessary. Documentation is to be provided to the school district about any incidents deemed a reportable event or at the request of the district, according to the contract. Guards will be wearing an Armor Security uniform of black pants and shoes, and an Armor uniform shirt, layered with an Armor jacket during colder months.