Press release:

Samantha Call, of Stafford, is one of 360 young women selected to attend the 77th American Legion, Auxiliary (ALA) Girls State session in Brockport.

As part of the annual program, outstanding students are chosen from their local high schools to spend a week learning about the inner workings of state, local and county government.  

This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.

A key component of the ALA Girls State program is the mock legislative sessions in which the girls write and debate bills. Campaigns are held to elect local officials and an ALA Girls State governor.

In addition to their government forums, the delegates hear distinguished guest speakers, learn various aspects of Americanism and learn about the sacrifices of the American military.

“The ALA Girls State experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young women across our state,” said Lucille Mozzillo, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State chairman.

“After attending ALA Girls State, the girls come back to their communities filled with patriotism and pride, having gained new leadership skills and built strong connections with the other girls.”

About ALA Girls State: The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls State program, first presented in 1937, is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the United States. The program epitomizes the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.

About the American Legion Auxiliary: Members of the American Legion Auxiliary, which was founded in 1919, have dedicated themselves to meeting the needs of the United States’ veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $3 billion.

As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

Press release:

Spots are still open for Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp at the Genesee County Park & Forest! Explore 10 different careers in Environmental Science with outdoor activities guided by professionals.

This program is intended for students entering eighth, ninth, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall.

This weeklong adventure includes wildlife surveys, wetland studies, a K9-assisted investigation, a field trip, and more. Camp meets Monday through Friday, July 16th – 20th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

All materials, lunch and snacks are provided each day along with a camp T-shirt. Cost is $95/camper for the entire week. Registration deadline has been extended to Monday July 9th.

To register, download the registration form from the website here.

Return completed forms with payment to:

Main Office
Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center

153 Cedar St.
Batavia, NY 14020

Registration ends Monday, July 9th.

For more information visit here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or 344-1122.

Press release:

More than 1,000 constituents have signed an online petition demanding that Chris Collins debate his Democratic challenger Nate McMurray. A further 150 signatures have been collected in person at events across the district.

The McMurray campaign reached out to Chris Collins' office with a formal request for debate but received no response.

Western New York hasn't had a debate between their candidates for the House since Chris Collins challenged Kathy Hochul in 2012. American democracy is a marketplace of ideas. Debates between candidates running for elected office are crucial to a functioning democracy.

Nate McMurray does not believe that elected officials get to hide from the people they serve.

McMurray said, "I hope one of the local news stations will host a debate between us. The people of the district want this debate. We hear it at every event we go to.

"We see it from how quickly the petition broke 1,000 signatures. It's the right thing to do and it's the only way for the voters of NY-27 to make an informed decision in November."

Roof full tear off 4 yrs. ago, furnace 5 yrs. Beautiful cherry cabinetry with granite countertops, all stainless appliances to stay. plus washer/dryer! Nice formal dining with extra large living room area with cozy gas fireplace–great for entertaining.

Upstairs bath fully gutted with super convenient upstairs laundry area and three large bedrooms. All new carpeting throughout as well!

Outside features an extra wide drive and double lot and nice back deck...Inexpensive utilities and no flood insurance, what more do you want?

Check it out -- click here for more details on this listing or call Lynn Bezon at Reliant Real Estate today 585-344-HOME!

Jacob John Sponaugle, 19, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd, and criminal possession of a weapon,4th. Sponaugle allegedly pointed a shotgun at another person during a road rage incident reported at 2:52 p.m. Friday at Main and Bank streets in Downtown Batavia.

Jeremiah Lamar Gregory Burt, 23, of Victoria Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Burt was stopped at 6:45 p.m. Saturday on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Jacob Lee Jasinski, 20, of Akron Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, moving from lane unsafely, and unsafe tires. Jasinski was reportedly involved in a one-car accident at 3:55 a.m. Sunday on Main Road, Pembroke. A utility pole was broken in the accident. The accident was investigated by Deputy Ryan Young.

Stephen Michael Milroy, 23, of Junction Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Milroy was arrested on a warrant and jailed on $500 bail or $2,000 bond.

Matthew Richard Jackson, 27, of Vernon Avenue, of Batavia, is charged with: DWI; driving with a BAC of .08 or greater; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; driving left of pavement markings; and moving from lane unsafely. Jackson was stopped at 3:14 p.m. Sunday on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Mathew Clor.

John Kelly, 27, of Parkway, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, and harassment, 2nd. Kelly was charged following an investigation into an incident reported at 10 p.m. June 17 at a residence on Bethany Le Roy Road, Stafford, by Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Cherie M. Oddo, 57, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Oddo is accused of stealing $7.69 worth of merchandise from Tops Friendly Market.

Joseph Thomas Burr, 24, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with robbery, 3rd, two counts of grand larceny, 4th, and endangering the welfare of a child. Burr is accused of stealing another person's wallet during an argument reported at 3:30 p.m., Friday.

Danny D. Williams, 29, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal mischief, 4th. Williams was allegedly involved in an incident on Central Avenue reported at 8:45 p.m. June 11. Williams was also charged with petit larceny for allegedly shoplifting at Tops Friendly Market on June 17. He was also arrested on a warrant out of City Court.

John A. Snook, 30, of Oak Orchard Road, Albion, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to comply with a court-ordered program. 

Joseph W. Freeman, 34, of Platten Road, Lyndonville, was arrested on a warrant and ordered held on $1,000 bail. No further details about the charges released.

Christine Marie Wagner, 37, of East Main Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Wagner was charged following an investigation into possible employee theft at a local business. Also charged with petit larceny, Irisa M. Hill, 22, of Wood Street, Batavia. 

John D. Radley, 57, of Route 20A, Warsaw, is charged with DWI and driving while impaired by alcohol. At 4:37 p.m. on June 22, police were alerted to a person reportedly drinking alcohol in a running motor vehicle in the parking lot of Tops Friendly Market. Upon arrival, police allegedly found Radley slumped over the wheel, asleep.

A 16-year-old resident of Batavia is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and criminal possession of stolen property. 

Joshua P. Fields, 21, of Batavia Bethany Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and unsafe backing. Fields was arrested on a warrant. He posted bail and was released.

Thomas Andrew Woldford, 42, of Ringquist Street, Las Vegas, is charged with DWI and failure to dim headlights. Woldford was stopped at 1:19 a.m. Monday on Route 33, Stafford, by Deputy Jeremy McClellan after Woldford allegedly failed to dim his headlights for oncoming traffic.

Brittany A. Young, 23, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, unlawful possession of marijuana, unlicensed operation, 3rd, and speeding. Young was stopped by State Police on Route 77 in Darien at 3:45 p.m. on June 25. While interviewing the driver, troopers detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Young was allegedly found to be driving on a suspended license and was also found to be in possession of marijuana and a controlled substance. Young posted $500 bail and was released from jail pending her next court appearance in Darien Town Court.

Vikki L. Sullivan, 32, of Norfolk, Va., is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. State Police came into contact with Sullivan at 2:39 a.m. Sunday at an undisclosed location in the Town of Darien.

Shawn R. Bowick, 32, of Leicester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and a license plate violation. Bowick was stopped by State Police at 6:15 p.m. Friday on Route 63, Batavia.

Rahiim J. Collazo, 40, of Rochester, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, speeding, obstructed vision, license plate violation, and no license. Tiffany M. Santos, 35, of Rochester, is charged with permitting unlicensed operation and facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation. Callazo was stopped by State Police at 7:40 p.m. Friday on Batavia Elba Townline Road, Batavia.

A 17-year-old resident of Attica was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana by State Police during a traffic stop on Route 98 in Alexander at 1:54 a.m. on Sunday.

Press release:

Due to high energy demand caused by this week’s extreme heat and humidity, National Grid is asking Upstate New York customers to reduce unnecessary electricity usage for the remainder of the week. Electricity supply to the area is adequate, but continued heavy demand and high temperatures could pose a threat to network reliability.

The company recommends a few simple customer actions to help reduce demand on utility equipment and maintain system reliability. These small actions, combined with those of your neighbors, can make a big difference -- and they can help you better manage your energy bill.

  Draw blinds, shades, drapes to prevent the sun from making your home too hot.

  Slightly increase air conditioner settings, change the filter, use fans – The lower your air conditioner temperature, the more costly it is to operate. For example, a 75-degree setting will cost about 18 percent more than a 78-degree setting. Set the thermostat as high as comfort will permit. In addition, check your window air conditioner filter and replace or clean it if necessary. If your home has central air conditioning, check the condition of the furnace filter and replace it if dirty. Using fans instead of air conditioning also reduces energy usage.

  Consider a programmable thermostat – You could save up to $180 annually by adjusting cooling temperatures when rooms are unoccupied.

  Turn off lights when they are not needed.

  Delay the use of hot water appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.

  Unplug electronics – Even though your electronics, like televisions and computers, are turned off they may still draw electricity. Unplug any unnecessary electronics and chargers. In addition, using an advanced power strip on your entertainment system reduces phantom load energy use and can save you up to $60 annually.

  Turn off your pool pump – Pool pumps are one of the largest consumers of household energy—second only to the air conditioning unit.

Reminder to Remain Diligent Regarding Heat Stress

National Grid also reminds customers that prolonged temperatures of 90°F or higher can lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for the elderly, young children and those with chronic illnesses. More information on heat stress can be found here.

Paula Savage looks forward to her regular visits to Batavia’s Peace Garden, a concept she founded in 2012 for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

Her visit on Monday morning, however, was met with shock, when she discovered someone had stolen two large urns and a ceramic snail lawn ornament from the Garden on Main Street.

“I come about every other day to water the urns and pull weeds,” Savage said Tuesday morning, as she waited for police to arrive. “This is terrible. I know people in our community respect this garden.”

The large footed urns were purchased by Savage and placed on either side of a marble bench near the flags.

She was alerted to the theft by a man who said he frequently walks his dog in the area. He noticed loose dirt on the footbridge over Tonawanda Creek, which leads Savage to believe the thieves came from the other side of the creek.

“Possibly the urns got too heavy and they dumped some of the dirt out on the bridge,” she said. “There had to have been a group of people to carry those two big urns and the ceramic lawn ornament.”

Savage said this garden is revered by the community and is promoted by New York state. It was the first Peace Garden on the New York State Bicentennial Peace Garden Trail.

“There is such an emphasis on keeping this garden beautiful, and a lot of effort goes into maintaining it,” Savage said. “I came to water the urns because I wanted the garden to look pristine for the Fourth of July.”

Batavia Patrolman C.J. Lindsay said they will be checking security cameras at businesses across the street.

Savage said the Peace Garden Committee will be investigating the possibility of security cameras and/or motion lights in the area.

“We don’t want this to happen again,” she said.

The urns stolen were dark colored and made of a resin, and the lawn ornament was a ceramic snail. Savage said if anyone sees anything resembling them, they should contact the Batavia Police Department.

Top photo: Paula Savage, founder of the International Peace Garden, shows Batavia Police Officer C.J. Lindsay where someone stole two large urns from the Peace Garden on Main Street during the weekend.

Paula Savage holds a handful of flowers which were pulled from two large urns before vandals stole them out of Batavia’s Peace Garden, presumably during Sunday night. Photos by Virginia Kropf.

A deputy and a trooper are responding to Broadway Road, west of Route 238, Darien, for an attempted theft of an ATV from a residence.

The suspects fled on foot heading into the cemetery after ditching the ATV. They are described as black males and one white male.

UPDATE 12:01 p.m.: The caller is in the cemetery and has found what appears to be a long gun wrapped in tent material. The caller did not see any vehicles in the area. There are several barns in the area. One suspect is described is described as wearing a gray T-shirt with a Buffalo Sabres logo and blue shorts.

UPDATE 12:04 p.m.: The subjects are spotted by an officer in a cornfield running east. The corn is tall enough that the officer is having a hard time keeping an eye on them. 

UPDATE 12:09 p.m.: All units requested to communicate on LE secure.

The Batavia Muckdogs struck first in their match against West Virginia on Monday night, scoring a run in the first on a double by first baseman Sean Reynolds but couldn't hold the lead and lost in nine to Black Bears 3-1.

The home team fell to 7-9 on the season.

Alberto Guerrero (2-1, 3.99) took the loss, giving up all three WV runs in the fourth inning. 

Demetrius Sims had two hits.

The Muckdogs face off against the Black Bears again tonight. Game time is 7:05. Since there is no home game tomorrow, July 4th fireworks will immediately follow tonight's game. Reserved seating is $9 per adult and general admission is $7 per adult and $5 for children and seniors.

Photo: The pink sky over Dwyer last night by Melanie Case.

Press release:

The second Annual Faith at the Fair event will held at the Genesee County Fair from 4 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17.

This will be an evening of Spirit filled music.

Admission to this event and the Fair itself is free. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

Press release:

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge will offer for bid 198 acres of grasslands for hay in three different fields ranging in size from 50 to 90 acres.

The Refuge annually provides a total of 1,100 acres of grassland habitat for migratory birds and resident wildlife. Active management of these grasslands is necessary to provide the highest quality nesting and migration habitat. The Refuge haying program helps in this management process by reducing encroachment of broad leaf weeds and shrubs.

Units will be allocated on a highest bid per field basis for each field. Sealed bids will be accepted until close-of-business (COB) on Wednesday, July 11. Bids will be opened on Thursday, July 12.

An official Bid Sheet and a Commercial Activities Special Use Permit Application, both available from the Refuge headquarters, are required to make a bid.

Completed Bid Sheets and Permit Applications can be mailed to or dropped off at the Refuge headquarters at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013 and must contain all the information requested.

If you have any questions about the haying program or would like to see the fields, please call Paul Hess at 585-948-5445, ext. 7032.

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is located midway between Rochester and Buffalo, and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

A teenage male fell and struck his head at Buttermilk Falls, which is private property in Le Roy. Extrication will not be needed; everyone's out of the water. He has a head laceration. An 18-year-old female there is said to feel lightheaded and dizzy and the medics are called for her in non-emergency mode.

The location is 8395 Lake Street Road. Le Roy Fire Department and medics are responding.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: Equipment held to responders on scene. No additional apparatus needed.

Volunteers are wanted to help with setup, traffic control, food and cleanup at the upcoming GLOW Corporate Cup on Thursday, Aug. 2.

If interested, register at the front desk at GLOW YMCA Inc., located at 209 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Volunteers are needed for various times between 4:30 and 8 p.m. on race day Aug. 2. You must be at least 18 years old.

For questions, contact Rachel Hale, Community Development coordinator, at 344-1664 or email her at  Rhale@glowymca.org

• 18 holes of golf at BCC with cart
• Grilled lunch with draft beer and soda at registration
• Beverage service throughout the tournament including beer specials
• Buffet Dinner
• Prizes, Skins and 50/50
• Giveaways and goody bags for all!

GRAND PRIZE: Three-night stay at Captain Pip's Marina & Hideaway, with one-day boat rental and snorkeling for two from Spirit Snorkeling, in beautiful Marathon, Fla.!

Send payment via check or credit card for tournament registration and/or hole sponsorship -- with golfers' names and/or organization and contact person, addresses, emails and phone numbers -- to:

Alex's Place

c/o  Colleen Kemp

8322 Park Place

Batavia, NY 14020

(FAX: 585-219-4303)

(If paying by credit card, include name on card, card number, expiration date, amount to be charged on paper with your signature.)

Matty

Matthew Gray
Alex's Place
Managing Partner

Buffalo Brothers
Marketing Manager

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Chris Stapleton Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday:

Nicholas A. Gallo, 27, of Ridge Road, Spencerport, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a baggie of marijuana while entering the concert venue.

Joseph J. Proia, 40, of West Creek Drive, Spencerport, arrested criminal trespass, 3rd, and harassment, 2nd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return and grabbing a Live Nation employee by the hand and wrist while being ejected.

Dominic M. Brunette, 19, of Little Briggins Circle, Fairport, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana while entering the concert venue.

Press release:

Batavia – The annual Genesee County Fair returns for its 179th year on July 16 – 21. This year’s fair will include a demolition derby, cowgirl couture barrel racing, an Empire State Pullers tractor pull, an expanded midway with nearly 20 rides and a host of other exciting changes and events to be enjoyed by the whole family.

New this year, the fair will be giving away tickets to the demolition derby and tractor pull on their Facebook page in the weeks leading up to the fair. Anyone wishing to win tickets can reply to a trivia question on the fair’s Facebook page for a chance.

The fair is also hosting a Battle of the Bands on Thursday night, July 19. Several local bands will go head-to-head in the musical competition, with the winner playing the main stage on Friday night. The fair is pleased to announce the return of the talent show on July 21.

One of the longest consecutively running county fair in New York State is a short drive from both Rochester and Buffalo. Admission is $5 per carload, also making it one of the more affordable family activities of the summer.

Since 1839, Upstate New York families have attended the annual fair at the Genesee County Fairgrounds to enjoy classic fair foods, meet and greet with animals (more than 800 will be at the fair this year!), hop on the kids' rides and more.

Attendees of the six-day fair will be treated to live music at Faith at the Fair on July 17, Under the Gun on July 21, as well as the winner of the battle of the bands competition on July 20, a creative container garden contest, and chainsaw carvings. There will also be 4-H animal shows, tractor pulls, car shows, draft horse shows, stock car racing, a Fair Queen pageant and more.  

Event Highlights:

7/16 -- Emergency Responder Night and Grande Parade through the Fairgrounds

7/17 -- Senior Citizens' Day and Midway opens, Faith at the Fair

7/18 -- Children’s Day, 4H and Fair Queen Pageant

7/19 -- Veterans' Day at the Fair, Battle of the Bands and Special Stock Car races

7/20 -- Grand Demolition Derby and Cowgirl Couture Barrel Racing

7/21 -- Bring Your Tractor to the Fair: all day tractor pulls, Empire State Pullers, Talent Show

For a complete list of events, visit gcfair.com/fair-schedule/. To keep up-to-date on the latest happenings of the fair, visit the Genesee County Fair’s Facebook page.

The fair is also accepting applications for both sponsors and volunteers. For more information visit gcfair.com

Parking is available in the fairgrounds and admission is $5 per carload. The Genesee County Fairgrounds are located at 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

The Muckdogs were in danger of dropping a fourth straight game after leading 4-0 after the sixth inning at Dwyer Stadium on Sunday afternoon. However, dramatics that led to heroics sent the Muckdogs home winners with a walk-off grand slam from Brayan Hernandez in the bottom of the ninth.

Chris Vallimont also made his professional debut in the series opener against West Virginia on Sunday. Vallimont’s start saw him work three scoreless innings, only giving up two hits, walking one, and striking one out. He threw strikes early and often, as the right-hander threw 41 pitches, and 27 of them went for strikes.

Batavia would get him some run support in the second inning. Albert Guaimaro hit a one-out triple to get things going. Denis Karas would immediately follow that up with a sac fly to right field to make the score 1-0 Batavia. Then, with two outs, Batavia strung together three straight two-out singles between Demetrius Sims, Luke Jarvis, and Igor Baez. Baez’s knock would score Sims and make the score 2-0 after two.

Batavia would tack on one more run in each the third and fourth innings. A leadoff double for Hernandez would quickly find himself on third base after a double-steal with himself and Michael Donadio. Guaimaro then grounded out, but in doing so, brought Hernandez home to make it a 3-0 lead.

The fourth inning saw another leadoff double, this time from Sims, who scored on a sac fly from Baez in a quick inning but put the Muckdogs in front 4-0 after four innings.

Manuel Rodriguez was having a good night in relief with the exception of the seventh inning when he gave up two base runners, and then a three-run home run to Michael de la Cruz to cut the Batavia lead to just one. He did bounce back with a 1-2-3 inning the next time out to maintain the Muckdogs’ lead.

Elkin Alcala came on to slam the door in the ninth but surrendered a solo home run to tie the game. However, Batavia had some energy left despite the stifling 98º temperature that was constant throughout the game.

In the bottom of the ninth, Sims picked up his third hit of the ballgame to lead off the inning. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and then tagged up to third after Luke Jarvis flew out to right. Batavia was then 90 feet away from winning the game.

Baez would be intentionally walked to bring up Matt Brooks, who was 0-4 on the game. He drew a 2-0 count, and then the Black Bears decided to intentionally walk him to get to Hernandez, who is hitting sub-.200. Hernandez accepted the challenge and smacked a walk-off grand slam that cleared the left-field wall and sent the Muckdogs home with their seventh win of the season.

Games two and three of the series start at 7:05 p.m. from Dwyer Stadium on Monday and Tuesday.

A dump fire in Byron has rekindled at 5955 Transit Road. It was first reported Friday evening about 7:30. All manpower from Byron Fire Department and South Byron is called to the scene along with mutual aid and tankers from Elba, Clarendon and Barre.

"It was dead for two days. I have pictures," says a responder. "It's going good now," is the reply.

This is a "fill site at CY Farms," according to a dispatcher, who is asked to contact the Department of Environmental Conservation about the rekindle.

The farm has "an excavator on the way" to the blaze.