Press release

This is an invitation to all members of the community to participate in this year’s Batavia Memorial Day parade on Memorial Day -- Monday, May 31st.

The City of Batavia is sponsoring the parade and we are looking forward to a great turnout. The parade will kick off at 9:45 a.m. from the Eastown Plaza and end at the Alva Place parking lot.  

Any veterans wishing to participate in the parade can just show up at 9:15. Veterans needing a ride in the parade please contact me.

Any groups wishing to participate please let us know as all are welcome. Please keep the theme of respect to all our veterans and first responders.

We will be handing out small American flags to the children.

Let’s show our support to our veterans and first responders! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy our annual parade!

Thank you,

Bob Bialkowski

City of Batavia

Councilmember at Large

 (585) 409-3624

Press release:

It is no secret that the heroes of this past year are those in the healthcare industry, on the front lines, holding our loved ones hands and working hard to take care of those who were and still are, sick.

However, what most don't know, is that there are ways to launch careers in the healthcare industry that don't take years to complete, and perhaps just as importantly, don't rack up the student loan debit that a traditional four-year degree program could.

Last month, the BEST (Business Employee Skills Training) Center at Genesee Community College officially opened registration for its newest program, the Certified Nursing Assistant training program to fast-track eligible individuals into the rewarding and high-stakes healthcare industry.

With minimal eligibility requirements which are listed online at www.bestcenter.org, this 132-hour New York State of Education Certification program teaches basic nursing and personal care skills, Mental Health and Social Service Needs, the Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents, the Basic Restorative Services and Residence Rights and more!

Program students also spend time gaining priceless real-life, hands-on experience during clinical rotations at in-patient, local facilities in both Le Roy and Medina.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Dr. John McGowan, director of the BEST Center today at jmmcgowan@genesee.edu or by calling (585) 345-6868 as this program starts on July 6.

Week 1 Classes will be held from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, Wednesday, July 7 and Friday, July 8. Weeks 2 thru 5 classes will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays beginning July 12 and continuing through Aug. 13.

Some students may be eligible to receive funding for this program through the Genesee County Job Development Bureau. To find out more, contact Teresa VonSon at (585) 344-2024, ext.4223, or at Teresa.VonSon@co.genesee.ny.us

A brawl in which about 20 juveniles are reportedly beating up a female is reported on Washington Avenue in the city. Batavia PD is responding.

Bennie Wright, no age provided, is charged with third-degree assault, endangering the welfare of a child, obstructing governmental administration, and resisting arrest. He was arrested at 8:14 p.m. April 27, on Thorpe Street, Batavia. It is alleged that during a domestic incident that Wright struck a female multiple times in front of children playing in the neighborhood, then fled on foot after being told BPD had been called. A male matching his description was observed and when officers attempted to stop Wright, he allegedly tried to evade police by running. A short foot pursuit ensued and Wright allegedly continued to be combative and physically resist arrest. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $1 cash bail. Wright was on parole and held in jail on a NYS Parole violation.

Thomas Tacito, 61, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and public lewdness. He was arrested at 6:22 a.m. April 26 after allegedly making obscense gestures and exposing his bare buttocks to a neighbor during a dispute. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. At 4:20 p.m. the next day, April 27, Tacito was arrested and charged with criminal tampering for allegedly taping the car windows and doors of a vehicle owned by another person without their consent. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia City Court on May 4 to answer all charges.

Alisia Compton, 37, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 5:04 p.m. April 27 after a report of a physical altercation on the front lawn of her residence. It is alleged that Compton subjected another person to unwanted physical contact. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. Compton is due in Batavia City Court May 4.

Erin Connolly, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. She was arrested at 5:04 p.m. April 27 following a report of a physical altercation on the front lawn of her residence. It is alleged that Connolly intentionally damaged a lawn mower belonging to another person. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is due in Batavia City Court on May 4.

Marcus Hill, 38, was arrested at 9:45 p.m. April 25 following a traffic stop after Batavia police patrols allegedly observed a trailer being towed without a license plate. Upon further investigation it was learned that Hill was operating while having a revoked NYS non-driver ID with a total of 62 suspensions. Hill is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; unlicensed operation in the first degree; and having an unregistered trailer.

Scott Graham, 56, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI -- with a BAC of .18 percent or more. He was arrested at 1:51 p.m. April 26 after an investigation into a property damage accident that occurred in the parking lot of an apartment complex. It is alleged that he pulled into the parking lot and struck an unoccupied, legally parked vehicle. He was issued appearance tickets and released.

Melissa Wetmore, 48, of Richmond Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Wetmore was arrested at 1:44 a.m. on March 21 after a traffic stop. It is alleged that at the time she possessed cocaine, which a Batavia police reports says was confirmed by the Monroe County Crime Lab. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on May 4.

Randy L. Sharock was arrested for: allegedly driving while intoxicated -- first offense; driving while having a BAC of .08 percent or more; speed unreasonable or imprudent; and failure to maintain lane. Sharock was arrested at 12:42 a.m. on Main Road, Pembroke, April 30, after a property damage auto accident. Sharock was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on May 12. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Heberlein, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

Heather Ann Larock, 44, of Summit Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated, moving from lane unsafely, and speed not reasonable and prudent. At 1:20 a.m. on May 1, Larock was arrested on Byron Road in the Town of Stafford after the investigation of a motor-vehicle accident. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on June 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Alajandro, assisted by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun.

Press release:

In April, the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) Chapter announced the names of 40 career and technical student inductees. These students met the rigorous criteria set forth by this national organization.

The minimum grade-point average for acceptance is a 3.0. Students are also selected based upon credit hours completed, attendance, volunteer service, and membership in other student organizations.

Due to COVID-19 event attendance restrictions, this ceremony will held be during the school day later in May. 

The 2021 Batavia Career and Technical Education Center NTHS Inductees

​Alexander Central School District

• Norah Crawford, Metal Trades
• Allision Kelly, Cosmetology
• Julia Lennon, Cosmetology
• Courtney Seymour, Criminal Justice
• Brayden Woods, Building Trades

Attica Central School District

• Hope Bell, Building Trades
• Samantha Cordier, Criminal Justice
• Matthew Parkhurst, Metal Trades
• Olivia Rudolph, Criminal Justice
• Katie Stockschlaeder, Health Dimensions
• Brooke Whitton, Building Trades

Batavia Central School District

• Jack Bruggman, Graphic Arts
• Liliana Espinoza, Culinary Arts
• Alaina Every, Cosmetology
• KayLeigh Mayeu, Criminal Justice
• Alannah Penkszyk, Animal Science
• Robin Scroger, Animal Science
• Kurstin Smith, Graphic Arts
• Skarlette Tellier-Wilcox, Cosmetology

Byron-Bergen Central School District

• Aleigha Shallenberger, Graphic Arts

Caledonia-Mumford Central School District

• Lillias Bell, Metal Trades
• Molly Ryan, Health Dimensions
• Jayden Thompson, Diesel Mechanics

Le Roy Central School District

• David Gracie, Auto Trades: Collision, Custom and Restoration
• MaKayla Grant, Criminal Justice
• Adam Risewick, Electro-Mechanical Trades
• Taeya Starkey, Diesel Mechanics
• Garrett Talbot, Building Trades
• Zach Vanderhoof, Electro-Mechanical Trades

Oakfield-Alabama Central School District

• Zachary Bradt, Graphic Arts

Pavilion Central School District

• Ayrianna Hurlburt, Health Dimensions
• Nikolai Hutchings, Animal Science
• Savanna Kenyon, Diesel Mechanics
• Toby Stappenbeck, Building Trades 
• Alanso True, Building Trades
• Alexa Wolcott, Culinary Arts

Pembroke Central School District

• Alex Lamb, Building Trades
• Ashley Pfalzer, Cosmetology
• Tia Stone, Criminal Justice
• Riley Yager, Graphic Arts

JoAnne Meiser shared this photo of a sunset this weekend in Indian Falls.

Press release:

Nominations are being accepted for the 2021 BCSD Foundation Inc. Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Batavia High School.

The nominee has been successful in his/her educational program and has sought out skills to further his/her career. In addition, he or she has exemplified our Batavia school culture and climate of “Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, Be Connected and Be Ambitious.”

Any member of the local community may nominate a Batavia HS senior who meets the above criteria. Nomination forms are available on the Batavia City School District website. You may complete the Google Form or this pdf document to nominate a deserving senior.

All nominations need to be received by May 21.

BCSD Foundation -- Our Mission:

To develop, procure, and manage resources, contributions, and educational funding and ensure that these will be used directly to support the City of Batavia School District, its population, programming, property development, and student scholarship funding.

As a member of the Town/Village of Le Roy Planning Board, Tom Frew supports the development of new housing throughout the municipality – as long as he sees the project as a good fit with the surrounding neighborhood.

When looking at a venture proposed by Batavia developer Eric Biscaro to construct 30 duplex patio home rentals for seniors on a 20-acre parcel east of East Avenue in the village, however, Frew said that he has some concerns.

“I am not against development back there, as long as they were a continuation of residences like the rest of this neighborhood,” Frew said on Saturday as he took this reporter on a tour of the area. Frew’s home on Poplar Lane is located about 500 feet north of the development site.

Frew said that others living on Poplar Lane, East Avenue and Orchard Drive agree with him, prompting him to distribute a flyer to all residents of those streets to attend a public hearing on the matter at 7 p.m. May 19 at the Village of Le Roy Hall at 3 W. Main St.

Biscaro recently said that the project would be larger than his Clinton Crossings Adult Community on Clinton Street in the Town of Batavia. The Le Roy plan also includes blocking out eight building lots along the west perimeter of the site to be made available for purchase.

In order to make this happen, the area would have to be rezoned from Residential to Planned Unit Development, action that already has been recommended for approval (with modifications) by the Genesee County Planning Board.

Frew believes that a senior housing complex near an upper-end residential neighborhood is comparing apples to oranges.

“The south end of East Avenue intersects with Poplar Lane, and then Poplar Lane intersects with Orchard Drive, and the homes on these streets are valued in the $150,000 to $250,000 range – they’re all in the same ballpark,” Frew said. “So, now we’re taking property that is zoned Residential and asking to zone it as a PUD.

“If somebody was coming in here and wanted to put a development in – let’s say 15 houses of a couple hundred thousand dollars each, I wouldn’t have an issue. But I have an issue with the effect could be on the value of my home and the additional traffic. There’s only one outlet now, although I know that the county said they’d like to see the development of South Avenue.”

Frew, who said he was the lone dissenter at a recent planning board meeting, advised that South Avenue would be a new street that would run to South Street.

“Their plan is, and this is from the mayor (Greg Rogers) himself, is for the time being, they will gravel it and put a chain link fence up, which the emergency services people will have a key to,” Frew said.

The Batavian reached out to Rogers and Biscaro for comment.

Frew also said he is uneasy about the additional traffic created by the development – predicting an increase of 70 to 100 more vehicles “in a quiet, residential area” with the only access to Route 5 via East Avenue.

He also said he believes the village is endorsing the project and is committed to installing the necessary infrastructure.

“There is 800 feet of new road, new storm sewers, new sanitary sewers, new water, new gas, all those utilities,” Frew said. “The village is committed to run down the length of East Avenue to give Eric access – and Eric will take care of backing his development – but Eric has got no skin in the game regarding the cost.”

Frew estimates the cost of those utilities plus curbing would be around $700,000.

“I’m looking at 30 buildings at let’s say $200,000 each,” he said. “They’re not fancy. The revenue that they would generate from those buildings versus the cost of that infrastructure will blow your mind. It would be an eigh-t to 10-year payback to get even, and I don’t see that as a good investment of my tax dollars.”

Contacted this morning, Le Roy entrepreneur Jim Gomborone said his “main concern” is the potential for flooding on his Mercy Grove and Le Roy Country Club properties along East Main Street from a stream that flows through the area.

“When they had a four-acre school up there, I got extremely flooded. We couldn’t handle three inches of rain. So, you saw the impact with just four acres,” he said. “Twenty acres, with roads and houses and all that other stuff, probably 70 percent of it will be buildings and roads. I’ve got a strong suspicion that I’m not going to be able to handle the water from it.”

Gomborone also said the village’s decision to fund the infrastructure is a disservice to taxpayers.

“Why are we spending village taxpayers’ money for a guy that who’s in business for himself, running rental units? He’s going to have 60 rental units back there,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, there’s going to be a substantial amount of rent from that thing, and I don’t think the taxpayers should pay someone in private enterprise for infrastructure. I wouldn’t ask them to pave my driveway.”

Previous: Biscaro proposes Clinton Crossings-type adult community for East Avenue in the Village of Le Roy.

Photo at top: Poplar Lane resident Tom Frew holds site plan as he stands on the north end of a 20-acre parcel proposed for a senior housing project off East Avenue in the Village of Le Roy. Photo at bottom: The end of East Avenue that would be expanded and paved to create a new street to connect to South Street. Photos by Mike Pettinella.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is pleased to announce that Vince Neil -- the legendary voice of Mötley Crüe "currently and proudly and always" -- has been added to the Rockin’ the Downs Concert Series and will perform on Friday, June 18^th.

Neil* will be performing all of the hits to kick off our Rockin' the Downs Summer Concert Series, lending his unmistakable voice to some of the greatest rock songs of a generation, including “Wild Side," “Shout at the Devil,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Dr. Feelgood,” “Kickstart My Heart,” “Same Ol’ Situation,” and many others.

Tickets are already on sale for all other Rockin’ the Downs Concerts, tickets for Vince Neil will go on sale today, May 3^rd at noon at www.BataviaConcerts.com.

Tickets will be available for purchase at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby ONLY on concert days if any tickets remain unsold on concert date.

Due to limited capacity, concert attendees MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. A limit of four tickets purchased per person will be enforced.

As per guidance from New York State, capacity for all concerts at this time will be 2,500 ticket holders but more tickets will be added if capacity increases. All concert goers MUST show proof of:

• a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of show time;

OR

• a negative Antigen COVID-19 test within six hours of show time;

OR

• must show proof of completed immunization (14 days since final vaccination prior to event date).

There will be a Rapid Antigen test site in the parking lot the day of the concerts in order to allow ticket holders to get a rapid test on event dates.   

It his highly recommended that concer goers get a vaccine or test prior to concert date in order to avoid any wait times on the day of the show. Concertgoers are responsible for scheduling and paying for any tests.

As per New York State Regulations, pairs of seats will be 6 feet apart and masks must be worn unless a person is seated and eating or drinking. 

If between now and the concert date the regulations change, then Batavia Downs will adopt any modifications. Ticket holders are encouraged to visit www.bataviadownsgaming.com or their social media pages to stay up to date on any new information.

*Neil will not be performing with Mötley Crüe at the Downs -- Mötley Crüe has nothing to do with the Downs' event.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) Board of Directors will consider approving incentives for projects proposing $13.5 million of new investments at its May 6 board meeting.  

Forefront Power LLC (Elba Solar) is proposing to invest $9.7 million to build a 5 megawatt community solar project on Norton Road in the Town of Elba. The project would generate approximately $518,803 in new revenue to Genesee County, the Town of Elba, and the Elba Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement.  

The project also would fund a community benefit agreement for workforce development and economic development projects in Genesee County. Forefront Power LLC is seeking approximately $1.416 million in sales and property tax exemptions. A public hearing on the project incentives was held March 22.

Batavia Special Needs Apartments LP is proposing to invest $3.75 million to add 20 living units to an existing special needs housing campus on East Main Street in the City of Batavia. The project would increase the existing annual PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) payment by approximately $6,000 per year for the remainder of the current PILOT.  Batavia Special Needs Apartments LP is seeking approximately $772,000 in sales and property tax exemptions. A public hearing on the proposed incentives was held April 14.

The GCEDC will also consider initial review of an application by NY CDG Genesee 1 LLC (BW Solar). The proposed project would invest $7.326 million to build a 5 megawatt community solar project on Oak Orchard Road in the Town of Elba. The project would generate approximately $518,803 in new revenue to Genesee County, the Town of Elba, and the Elba Central School District over the proposed 15-year agreement.

If the initial application is accepted, a public hearing on the project will be scheduled, as the project is requesting incentives in excess of $100,000.

The GCEDC Board meeting will at 4 p.m. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic the meeting will be conducted via conference and online at www.gcedc.com.

Submitted photo and press release:

New York State Senator Sean Ryan (NY 60th) has announced Josselyn Borowiec (photo above), director of the Hollwedel Memorial Library in Pavilion, as a winner of one of the 2021 NYS Outstanding Librarian Awards.

To mark National Library Week, Senator Ryan solicited nominations from across New York for librarians who go above and beyond to serve their communities. Nominations came in from every corner of the state, and a total of 11 winners were chosen. As an award winner, Borowiec received a framed New York State Senate Proclamation, which will be on display at the Hollwedel Memorial Library, located a 5 Woodrow Drive. 

Specifically, Senator Ryan recognized her leadership in growing the library’s innovative programming, improving technology use and knowledge, effective use of the library’s social media presence, and connecting with the Pavilion community. In addition, Senator Ryan noted that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she has worked tirelessly to maintain services for patrons.

National Library Week took place from April 4-10 this year in libraries all across the country. This annual celebration was first sponsored in 1958 by the American Library Association (ALA). 

The ALA’s theme for 2021 is “Welcome to Your Library,” and it promotes the idea that libraries extend beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs.

According to the Senator, “Libraries are pillars of our communities and our librarians are dedicated public servants who work every day to keep all of us informed, educate young people, and ensure our libraries are centers of knowledge and learning. During the past year, being a librarian has been especially difficult.”

“I feel this award is a reflection on our great community and our Board of Trustees. It also speaks to what a terrific community treasure the Hollwedel Memorial Library really is. I am happy to be a part of it,” says Borowiec. 

“Senator Ryan’s recognition of the dedication of our library staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is a wonderful thank you for all of their efforts,” says Joan Gray, president of the Board of Trustees. “But it is the community that inspires us."

Residents can find more information about the Hollwedel Memorial Library’s programs and services on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org  or contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843. 

Current library hours are: Monday and Wednesday 2 to 7 p.m. / Friday 1 to 5 p.m. / Saturday 10 a.m. to noon / Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Press release:

This week the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) have "One & Done" single dose Johnson & Johnson Janssen (J&J) vaccination clinics with appointments and walk-ins available targeting those who are 18 and older and open for any New York State individuals, who reside, work or study in the state.

“With proms, graduations, weddings, fairs, etc., getting the J&J vaccine now means that two weeks after the date of your shot you are considered fully vaccinated,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for GO Health.

“It takes more planning to get the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines as they are two doses and it will take two weeks following the second dose to be fully vaccinated, which would be 5-6 more weeks before you can participate in large events without the time and expense of testing.

"To learn more about the safety of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine please visit the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). We encourage everyone to talk with their primary care provider if they have concerns about any of the vaccines. With the options we currently have we continue to encourage everyone who is able to get vaccinated with the vaccine they are comfortable receiving.”

All clinics offer walk-in opportunities; however, we encourage you to register via the vaccination webpage or use the vaccine registration help lines below, and choose the appropriate J&J link.

• The GCC clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5^th from 9 – 11 a.m.  
• Special Clinic -- Genesee County Office for the Aging, Downtown Batavia is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5^th from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. 
• The Ridgeway Fire Hall clinic is scheduled for Thursday, May 6^th from 9 – 11 a.m. 
• Special Clinic -- Orleans County Health Department is scheduled for Friday, May 7^th from 10 a.m. – noon.

For those who do not have internet, they can call the GO Health Vaccine Registration Help Lines:  

• Genesee:  (585) 815-7168
• Orleans:  (585) 589-3170

These lines are ONLY to make vaccine appointments, are not able to answer COVID-19-related questions, and are not associated with either health department.  

“We continue to see positive cases in unvaccinated individuals and it will continue as we work toward getting more of our population vaccinated,” Pettit said. “There are plenty of options to get any of the three vaccines offered. For your health and the health of others we encourage everyone who is able to be vaccinated to get vaccinated now.”

If you are interested in making an appointment to get your COVID-19 vaccination, now is the time to do it locally!  

If you are a business/church/organization that is interested in hosting a vaccination clinic at your location, please fill out the survey. One of our staff members will be in contact with you.

For those who are seeking testing, both health departments provide limited free rapid testing for those without symptoms at the respective health departments. For Genesee County, a rapid test drive-through clinic is scheduled for May 6^th at County Building #2, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. For Orleans County, a rapid test clinic is scheduled for May 5^th at the Orleans County Health Department at 14016 Route 31 West, Albion.

To register for testing go to the GO Health testing page and choose your preferred clinic location.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.90, up 1 cent from last week. One year ago, the price was $1.78. The New York State average is $2.95 – up 3 cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.16.

AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.89 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.88 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.90 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.91 (up 3 cents since last week)
• Rome -- $2.97 (up 2 cents since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.89 (up 1 cent since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.97 (up 2 cents since last week)

Gasoline stocks increased in the United States last week and oil prices remain up over $60 per barrel. Prices jumped after OPEC confirmed plans to increase crude production in May. 

From GasBuddy:

"The nation's gas prices perked up again last week as oil prices advanced to fresh multi-year highs on Covid improvements overseas and the switch to summer gasoline, which is basically now complete," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "Last week saw the national average hit its highest level in two years, and with continued recovery in gasoline demand, the increase in price is likely to continue into the future.

"Americans may now want to brace themselves for the possibility of a $3/gal national average in the weeks ahead, as demand remains strong as Americans take to the roads. The question going forward is how much demand will continue to recover and rise -- will it lead to record summer gasoline demand? We indeed may see some weeks with new records as Americans get in their cars this summer -- but the question is, how many will do so? That will determine how much higher prices will go."

The facility manager for the Batavia Soccer Park on Bank Street Road said that he is pleasantly surprised over the number of teams signed up to compete in the 2021 edition of the annual Empire Cup & College Showcase.

About 90 boys teams and 70 girls teams will make their way to the 16-field soccer complex over the next two weekends. That is about 40-percent less than usual, but a positive sign when considering the tournament was canceled last year.

“It’s definitely a better turnout that I expected, which is great. That leads me to believe that things are opening up again, including sports,” said Michael Henderson, of Fairport, coordinator of this and other activities at the park, which is owned and maintained by CY Farms and Batavia Turf.

Henderson, a teacher at Northeast College Preparatory High in Rochester, said teams from all over New York, plus Connecticut and Western Pennsylvania have entered. Competition will take place in age groups starting at 10 years old, all the way up to 19 years old.

The first weekend (May 8-9) is for the boys and the second weekend (May 15-16) is for the girls. Games are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Henderson said the schedule is “pretty active,” with 12 to 13 games going on at once. Each team will play a minimum of three games.

“We’re careful, however, working with the New York State Governor’s Office, to make sure we follow the (COVID-19) guidelines,” he said. “Unfortunately, we won’t have any teams from Canada, which usually sends a large amount, due to travel restrictions.”

In its sixth year, the Empire Cup & College Showcase features clubs at different levels of play – some Elite or Premier as well as strong travel league teams, Henderson said. Youth in the 15-19 age groups will have more than family watching them as the tournament serves as a venue for college coaches to see potential recruits.

Henderson called the tournament – one of several on the soccer park’s schedule this season – “an economic kick to the area.”

“We always give a heads-up to our local restaurants because if we don’t they will be inundated,” he said. “A group of 15 to 20 kids coming into eat, it fills you up fast. Also, we contract with local hotels and try to keep it within the Batavia area.”

He credited the staff at Batavia Turf and CY Farms for continuing to do “an amazing job” for the community.

“For the local people, if you have a couple kids in the family, you can go to one place to watch them play rather than running all over the city to watch them,” he said. “It’s an awesome park.”

The park, located across the road from Cornerstone Church, hosts the Rochester District Youth Soccer League, which includes teams from Batavia, Le Roy, Pavilion and other Western New York communities.

For more about the Empire Cup & College Showcase and other information, go to www.bataviasoccerpark.com.

Batavia and Honeoye Falls-Lima went toe-to-toe throughout much of the first half of Saturday's Section V championship game at HFL, but a touchdown as the clock expired at the end of the second quarter gave the Cougars a lead they would never relinquish.

By the end, it was HFL 49, the Blue Devils 28.

Terrez Smith ran 17 times for 133 yards and TD and Jesse Reinhart was 12-16 passing for 104 yards and two TDs.

Aiden Anderson carried the ball four times for 80 yards, including a 75-yard TD in the fourth quarter that briefly put Batavia back in striking distance.

Alex Hale had a TD catch on three receptions for 31 yards.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Yesterday, Pembroke lost the Section 8-Man Championship game to Red Jacket 82-6.

Photos by Elizabeth Gabby.

Alexander's football season didn't end the way the Trojans hoped as the team lost to Avon in Avon on Saturday 42-7 in their sectional championship game.

Brayden Woods rushed for 46 yards on 14 carries. Devin Dean, eight carries for 64 yards and a TD.

Nick Kramer injured and taken out of the game in the first quarter.

Defensively, Dean led the team with 7 tackles. Maverick Bump had four tackles.  Connor Hollands had three tackles and an interception.  

Trojans end the season 6-2.

Photos by Philip Casper. Top photo: Devin Dean (24) charging around the Avon Braves' line.

QB Nick Kramer (3)

LB Nick Kramer (3) chasing down Avon RB Thomas Welch (7).

WR Jay Morrison (1) being tacken down by OLB William Greenwood (1).

RB Thomas Welch (7) on the run.

RB Jay Morrison (1), DT Lucas Findlay (62), DB Thomas Welch (7)

RB Thomas Welch (7) shedding the tackle from LB Devin Dean (24).

RB Brayden Woods (5) picking his way through the Braves' defense.

Eugene Jankowski Jr., of Batavia, placed first last month in the Senior Division at the Peterson Cartridge Challenge in Kennerdell, Pa.

More than 135 shooters from throughout the United States competed in the two-day, 20-stage event as part of the Precision Rifle Series.

Participants used precision rifles to engage eight to 10 steel targets of various sizes from awkward shooting positions under a 90-second par time. Target distances ranged from 365 to 1,127 yards, with one target moving at the rate of 3 miles per hour across the range at a distance of 635 yards.

Jankowski, who has captured numerous shooting titles over the years, is sponsored locally by Offhaus Farms and Pheasant on the Flats shooting range.

Photo at top: Eugene Jankowski Jr., right, of Batavia, receives a plaque from Matt Steiner, match director, after placing first in a rifle shooting event in Pennsylvania. Photo at bottom: Jankowski sets his sights on a target 365 yards away. Submitted photos.

The Le Roy volleyball team plays for a sectional championship this afternoon at home against #2 seed Bloomfield after beating Wellsville in the semifinal on Friday night.

Le Roy won 25-13, 25-17, 25-12 and enters the final undefeated on the season.

Photos by Tim McArdle.