Last season, the Irish suffered their first losing campaign in 11 years, and return in 2017 hoping for more out of their new leadership class.

Season Outlook

It’s no secret that ND Football took a major step back last season, and it would be incredibly disappointing for fans of the Fighting Irish to be forced to watch their team go through yet another dismal campaign. For, the ND Faithful is not used to watching its football team struggle through Divisional and even non-Divisional matchups.

In 2017, however, the Irish are hoping to ‘Wake Up the Echoes’ and restore the winning tradition of ND Football.

They feature a returning starting quarterback but welcome a load of talent coming up from the JV squad, which leaves this new-look squad with the expectation of making progress and climbing the ladder – beginning with the first step on Opening Night vs Canisteo-Greenwood.

Aside from C-G, all of ND’s 2017 opponents are from the newly-merged LCAA/GRAA League, with Le Roy serving as the only other non-Divisional matchup on their schedule. This merger has been a win for all involved, including the Irish who I believe will benefit from a more-familiar slate.

Key Matchups

Week 2 – Oakfield-Alabama/Elba

Notre Dame is ranked above O-A/E in my Preseason Power Rankings. If they hope to gain any traction within their Division, they must win this game. 

Week 4 – Holley

The Irish will be out for revenge in this game. 

Week 5 – Le Roy

This old-school rivalry comes back in 2017 with each side matching up well with one another.

Key Players

Brendin Klotzbach (QB/LB)

Brendin returns to lead the Irish offense during his senior season. He has the athleticism and arm strength to get the job done.

Eddy Skalny (OL/DL)

Eddy will provide leadership for a young ND offensive line.

Coach’s Quote

“This group of young men have been working very hard,” said Notre Dame Head Coach Rick Mancuso. ”And with the leadership of the senior class, we have progressed a little quicker than we anticipated.

"We have a good mix of seasoned players, plus talented newcomers. After enduring the programs first losing season last year in the last 11 years, this team has shown the work ethic it will take to get back on the competitive path.”

Clarence J. Carithers, 32, of West Academy Street, Albion, is charged with: unlawful fleeing a police officer; three counts of endangering the welfare of a child; reckless driving- speeding (86 in 55-mph zone); failure to stop at blinking red light; unsafe turn without signaling, speed in excess of 55 mph (111 mph); and inadequate lights. Carithers allegedly drove his vehicle past a Sheriff's patrol at an excessive speed on Lewiston Road, Alabama, at 12:44 a.m. and then failed to stop at a blinking red light at the intersection of Lewiston and Alleghany roads, continuing southbound on Route 77 at a high rate of speed. Carithers then allegedly turned onto Bloomingdale Road and failed to signal. He is accused of driving in excess of 55 mph on Bloomingdale before stopping at a gas mart located on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. He was arrested by Deputy Eric Meyer, arraigned in Town of Alabama Court and jailed without bail. Assisting were Sgt. John Baiocco, Sgt. Jason Saile, Deputy Ryan Young, and Deputy Howard Wilson.

Devan Dashaun Hazel, 23, of St. Mary's Street, NYC, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th. He was arrested on a warrant out of Town of Stafford Court and jailed on $250 bail.

Kalil T. Walker, 23, of Isabelle Street, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear in City Court. Walker posted bail and was released.

Timothy J. Wood, 28, no permanent address, was arrested on a warrant upon release from the Niagara County Correctional Facility. He was turned over to Batavia PD, arraigned in City Court and sentenced to 15 days in jail.

Nicholas D. Martino, 37, of Main Street, Alexander, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. 

Darryl Robinson, 53, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Robinson was taken into custody during an investigation into an unrelated incident. Robinson allegedly failed to appear in City Court on charges of harassment, 2nd, and unnecessary noise.

Robin A. Pickering, 33, of Electric Avenue, Lackawanna, was arrested on a warrant. Pickering allegedly failed to comply with terms of DWI conviction in 2015. She was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Shuvon J. Williams, 41, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Williams was allegedly involved in an altercation in the Dollar General parking lot on East Main Street, Batavia, at 6:10 p.m. Friday.

Kelly A. Morrison, 44, of Skyline Drive, Lady Lake, Fla., is charged with menacing, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal possession of a weapon (prior conviction). Morrison allegedly brandished a large pocket knife during an altercation at 6:10 p.m. Friday in the parking lot of Dollar General in Batavia. Morrison was jailed without bail.

A 17-year-old resident of Edward Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 2nd, resisting arrest, and unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth allegedly damaged a parked vehicle in the area of Bank Street and Washington Avenue, Batavia, and then resisted when officers attempted to place him under arrest. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Maria Katriliotis, 35, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Katriliotis allegedly kicked another person at 3:40 p.m. Saturday.

Brandon C. Smart, 40, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. Smart was arrested after police responded to a location on Hutchins Street to investigate a noise complaint.

A 17-year-old resident of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana at a location on Cedar Street, Batavia.

Dora L. Poodry, 23, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear on a petit larceny charge. Poodry is in custody on an unrelated charge.

Meredith H. Cutro, 40, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal trespass. Cutro allegedly entered the home of another person at 4:44 p.m. Aug. 22and refused to leave when told to leave. Cutro allegedly pushed another person when that person was trying to get her to leave.

Dustin L. Landin, 38, of James Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for an alleged violation of his release under supervision contract. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

Traci Lynn Abrams, 19, of Skye Road, Alabama, is charged with possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Abrams was arrested by Batavia PD and turned over to the Sheriff's Office on a warrant.

Rudy P. Bail, 23, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Bail was charged by State Police at 8:36 a.m. Thursday in the Town of Bethany.

An accident is reported in the area of mile marker 379.8 on the Thruway in Le Roy. 

A person may have been ejected. 

Mercy Flight is on ground standby. 

Le Roy fire, and ambulances from Le Roy, Caledonia, and Mercy EMS dispatched. 

UPDATE 9:37 p.m.: Mercy Flight was dispatched and is circling the scene pending further instructions. 

UPDATE 9:39 p.m.: Le Roy is all set with the ambulances they have on the ground and Mercy Flight can go back in service. 

UPDATE 10:32 p.m.: The person ejected was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Le Roy Ambulance. All other patients were sign-offs. 

Press release:

Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. It is a progressive and fatal brain disease that is the most common form of dementia.

“The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease” is a free class presented by the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter for anyone who would like to know more about the disease and related dementias.

The program will be offered in Le Roy at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14 at Woodward Memorial Library at 7 Wolcott St.

Attendees will learn:  

• Symptoms and effects of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia
• How Alzheimer’s affects the brain
• Causes and risk factors
• How to find out if it’s Alzheimer’s disease
• The benefits of early detection
• Treatment
• Resources in your community, including the Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter  

There is no cost to attend this public presentation, but reservations are encouraged by calling 1.800.272.3900.

A car reportedly struck a building at Byron-Bergen Central School, 6917 W. Bergen Road. Byron Fire Department and medics are responding.

Press release:

To all residents: Please be aware that the spray pad at Austin Park will be closing for the end of the summer season on Sept. 5.

Thank you for a wonderful year.

The spray pad is scheduled open again next Memorial Day.

Pictured from left are: Melissa Keller, Benjamin Kron, Becky Kron and Katelynn Rumsey.

Submitted photo and press release:

Youth from the Genesee County 4-H program represented their local 4-H Swine Club while at the Great New York State Fair.

Genesee County swine club members competed against youth from across the state in the Youth Swine Shows held on Aug. 30. Local participants were: Melissa Keller, Becky Kron, Benjamin Kron and Katelynn Rumsey.

Local 4-H swine club members also competed in the Empire Swine Youth Scholarship contest. Participants of the contest compete in several different categories including: Showmanship, Pork Quality Assurance Plus, Skillathon, Interviews and more.

Melissa Keller won the contest for the second year in a row. Becky Kron placed 11^th as a first-year participant and Benjamin Kron placed 15^th.

We would like to congratulate these youth for their participation at the New York State Fair and for representing Genesee County 4-H!

Off Gorton Road, Alabama.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the Village of Elba at 95 S. Main St. Elba fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 12:36 p.m.: A second ambulance is requested. Mutual aid from Byron's ambulance is called to the scene.

Passing through Oakfield yesterday evening, the classic cars were just starting to arrive at the Oak Grill & Cafe for their Wednesday night rally.

All summer, classic car owners have been bringing their cherry machines to the Oak Grill on Wednesdays, and will continue to rally there until the first snow of the season.

SEASONED ENTREPRENEUR TO BE YOUR KITCHEN GUIDE -- Proceeds benefit Batavia CTE Center Culinary Arts Club. 
The Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center is hosting the freshLAB Foodie Challenge competition on Saturday, September 23 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Competitor registration fee of $25 will cover all-day kitchen access and chef mentoring by Chef Tracy Burgio. Chef Burgio is a French Culinary Institute graduate, successful bakery entrepreneur and now the certified Culinary Arts Instructor at the Batavia CTE Center. Proceeds from this challenge will benefit the Batavia CTE Center Culinary Arts Club.

The Batavia CTE Center added Chef Burgio to its teaching staff in 2016. Now, this upcoming community collaboration enables Chef Burgio to share her education, skills and storied travels with freshLAB Foodie Challenge participants. Upon decades of managing some of Rochester’s finest restaurants, Chef Tracy pursued a Pastry Arts degree from New York City’s French Culinary Institute. Upon graduation, Chef Tracy landed in Chicago to work at the famed Bleeding Heart Bakery but soon after followed her heart to Italy. Chef Tracy was selected for an internship to learn from the esteemed Chef Malu Simoes da Cunha.

"My career has taken me all around the world where I have studied with culinary masters. I'm so pleased to be able to share my knowledge with my students at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center. The freshLAB Foodie Challenge is an excellent opportunity for anyone who is a budding culinary artist who wishes to experience the world of food service,” said Chef Burgio. “I look forward to hosting the challenge and encourage people to enter this contest." 

Leaning on Chef Tracy’s expertise, Batavia is hosting its first creative cook challenge. This one-day contest is open to seasoned cooks to homemakers and is limited to 25 participants. Each contestant will navigate the Batavia CTE Center teaching kitchen with chef leadership and student porter assistance for the Foodie Challenge.

“Tracy is certainly vivacious. We are fortunate to have her leading this challenge,” commented Mary Valle, Batavia Development Corporation Board member and freshLAB volunteer. “It’s worth $25 just to spend a day in the kitchen with her!”

Space is limited. Register online at www.freshLABBatavia.com. The deadline to enter is Sept. 9.

More than a decade of planning, preparation, promotion, lobbying, public hearings, and approvals have finally culminated in the first shovel in the ground for the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in the northwest corner of Genesee County.

Contractors are making room for roads along with water, sewer, and electrical transmission lines, clearing brush and trees and grading the ground to specifications.

"We're pretty excited to be moving forward on infrastructure and breaking ground and turning it into a modern business park," said Mark Masse, VP of operations for Genesee County Economic Development Corporation.

The infrastructure project, which includes a new water main being installed down Judge Road in Oakfield to Route 77 and then out to STAMP, is covered by a $33 million budget appropriations in New York's 2014 state budget. 

The new sewer system is still in the design and approval process and electrical won't be completed until the first tenant -- probably 1366 Technologies -- designs its project and specifies its electrical needs, but all of that infrastructure will be covered by the 2014 budget appropriations.

The new Oakfield-Alabama water line will carry 200,000 gallons of water a day to the Town of Alabama and STAMP. A second water line will also be installed from Pembroke to STAMP, which will provide 600,000 to 800,000 gallons per day of capacity, giving STAMP access to nearly one million gallons of water a day.

As for 1366, the company continues to be engaged with GCEDC in preparations for construction of its solar wafer manufacturing plant, but is still awaiting final approval of a loan guarantee by the Department of Energy. The Trump Administration has yet to fill vacancies on the DoE's board, which must authorize final approval.

Rachael J. Tabelski, GCEDC's director of marketing and communications, said both Rep. Chris Collins and the office of Sen. Charles Schumer have been engaged in trying to help move the process along.

Tabelski also said tech companies looking for locations such at STAMP have shown a good deal of interest in the project. GCEDC has received 14 requests for information and hosted 10 site visits. The projects combined represent a total of $11.5 billion in investments.

"The sales funnel is full," Tabelski said. "There's a lot of interest in STAMP, so it's a matter of when not if."

When that when arrives, Genesee County and the entire region will be expected to provide the employees for these new companies, so GCEDC is also aggressively pursuing workforce development projects with area schools, colleges and universities, Tabelski said.

"There is going to be a need in mechatronics, nano technology, and STEM at all levels of these companies," Tabelski said. "We will have a need for all of these kinds of workers."

(STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering (and) Math.)

A car has struck a pole, with unknown injuries, on East Avenue near Route 63, Bethany.

Bethany fire and ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE: Photos by Doug Yeomans. After the initial dispatch, we heard no more about this accident.

A Sheriff's deputy is responding to a complaint of a vehicle "doing donuts" on East Shelby Road, Oakfield. The location is on federal land at the Oak Orchard/Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area.

It took Rep. Chris Collins little time to turn news of a House Ethics Committee investigation into his financial dealings, and his continued involvement with the biotech firm at the center of the investigation, into a fundraising opportunity.

This morning, the Buffalo News reported that Collins has been re-elected to the board of Innate Immunotherapeutic and within hours Collins delivered a fundraising email to his supporters (and others on the list, including news media) into a request for a $12 donation (the price, he said, of a month's digital subscription to the Buffalo News) to his reelection campaign.

He didn't explicitly ask people to drop their subscriptions to the online version of the newspaper.

"Join us today and tell them we won't stand for their fake news," Collins wrote.

Controversy about Innate Immunotherapeutic and Collins involvement with the company have been swirling around the Congressman for months, including allegations that he bragged about making a lot of people in Buffalo rich on stock deals with the company, accusations that he steered other members of Congress to the stock, and speculation about whether he used his position in Congress to help pass key legislation that could have helped the firm.

When a clinical trial for drug developed by Innate showed negative results, the stock price plummeted and Collins reportedly suffered a paper loss of $17 million.

News broke two days ago that the House Ethics Committee was opening a probe into the stock deals. The Buffalo News followed up this morning with stories about the congressman's reelection to Innate's board and a story yesterday taking a closer look at what the probe means.

The term "fake news" grew out of a trend during the presidential campaign of completely fictional stories getting repeatedly passed around social media, no matter how outlandish and clearly false the stories were. The stories were generated by websites created with the sole purpose of making up fictitious stories in order to drive clicks and then generate revenue from ad networks.

President Donald Trump adopted the term to attack the legitimate media's truthful and generally accurate reporting of his administration. 

This isn't the first time Collins has referred to the Buffalo News, also a legitimate news outlet, with the false claim of publishing "fake news." Collins has offered no factual refutation of any reporting by the Buffalo News or other news outlets' reporting on the Innate dealings and ethical probe.

Collins’ Spokeswoman Sarah Minkel has told news outlets that the ethics announcement had been expected and denied Collins had engaged in any wrongdoing.

“Congressman Collins has followed all ethical and legal guidelines when it comes to his personal investments and he looks forward to their review," Minkel said.

Smoke is reportedly coming from the garage at 8 Prospect Ave. in the city. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 5:06 p.m.: The address is approximate -- either 8 or 10 Prospect -- the house is yellow with a flagpole out front; caller is from adjacent street (Ellicott Avenue).

UPDATE 5:08 p.m.: Fire command says may be a grill fire in back of 4 Prospect.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: It's a grill that's smoking due to food cooking; fireman is going to caller's house to speak about the fire concern.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: The assignment is returning to service.

Press release:

The Genesee County 4-H Fur and Feather Club is hosting a Youth Poultry Show on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds, 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

The show is open to all local youth ages 19 and younger, you do not need to be a 4-H member to participate.

Entries must be postmarked by Sept. 15, no day-of-show entries will be accepted.

Showroom opens at 7:30 a.m.;birds must be cooped by 9 a.m.

For complete show rules and entry form please visit: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events or contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

Press release:

The Genesee County Democratic Committee is proud to announce a fall fundraiser featuring Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, NYS Democrats Executive Director Basil Smile Jr. and several of the potential candidates interested in challenging Congressman Chris Collins in 2018.

The Committee will be honoring Lorie Longhany for all of her contributions to the community.

The fundraiser will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, at RCW (Rochester Club West) @ Bohn's, located at 5256 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Cost/suggested donations: $30 per person or $50 per couple.

To reserve your seat please email geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com. Please include your full name and physical address in the email.

Note: political donations are not tax deductible.

Information provided by GO ART!

In addition to GO ART!'s upcoming member exhibit "Guilty Pleasure," (Sept. 10 - Dec. 9) there are two more exhibits, both featuring photography, planned this fall at Seymour Place. It is located at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

"Complex Society" consists of photographs by Bob Doyle to be shown in the Bank of Castile Main Gallery.

Doyle says "These images are from the early stages of a current long-term project…I am attempting to illustrate a definition of civilization by the notation (of) various elements or evidence of a structure that supports our complex society."

It runs Sept. 14 to Nov 3. Artist Reception is 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 8.

"The Beauty of Ireland" shows photographs of that nation by Barbara Knight in Oliver's Gallery in the Seymour Dining Room. It runs Sept. 14 through Nov. 3.

Knight has been a freelance writer and photographer for the past 25 years, working for two newspapers in her area. She has always had a love for photography, expanding her knowledge along the way. She has also had a dream of traveling to Ireland.

In April, this dream came to fruition when she visited the Emerald Isle for 10 days. These photos are a culmination of the sites she saw during that visit. Defined by her as "One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen!", Ireland's beauty is outstanding! She is thrilled to be able to share that beauty with those who visit during the exhibit.

There will be an Artist Reception Sept. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. with music, light fare and beverages. The reception coincides with the one for the members' exhibit "Guilty Pleasure" (same day and time).

Regular Gallery Hours: Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and second Sunday of the month 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is looking for artists to participate in its fifth Members Challenge Show, which will be on display Sept. 10 through Dec. 9 at Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Batavia.

GO ART! is challenging artists to create artwork that invokes the idea of, feeling, meaning or experience of "Guilty Pleasure." All levels of artists are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Artists are encouraged to submit works that interpret this theme in any way they choose. One piece per artist requested. No media restrictions. Entries must be no larger than 3’ x 3’.

Artists interested in participating can drop artwork off, along with an application (download at www.goart.org/galleries,) to GO ART! at Seymour Place. For more information or to become a membervisit www.goart.org, or contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313 or info@goart.org. Entry Fee: Members -- FREE.

GO ART! will be accepting submissions Sept. 5-9. No submissions will be accepted after Sept. 9. Selected works will be displayed in the Bar Gallery.

This will be “The Public's Choice" show with an artist reception, 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 14 with music, light fare and beverages.

Gallery Hours: Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Also on the second Sunday of the month 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.