If and when iGaming comes to New York State, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. officials say they want a piece of the action.

Speaking about the corporation’s lobbying efforts in Albany, President and Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek said that he is keeping abreast of a bill that would allow iGaming in New York.

“Six states actually have it already and they’re reporting record levels (of revenue),” he said during this morning’s board of directors meeting at Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road.

An internet search of iGaming reveals that it’s an increasingly popular form of mobile betting or gambling that includes Casino games, real money slot games, sports betting and horse race betting. Per Transparency Market Research, the iGaming sector is set to generate $100 billion by 2024.

“iGaming is something that’s being proposed by State Senator (Joseph) Abbaddo (Jr.), who’s the chair of the Senate Gaming Committee,” Wojtaszek said. “He’s submitted it as a bill and it allows for mobile or remote gaming on your computer or on your phone.”

Wojtaszek said Batavia Downs Gaming would be asking to be included in this opportunity, along with Finger Lakes and Buffalo Raceway.

“We would be looking to establish an online platform, as well as other casinos across the state, so that we can be competitive within the industry,” he said, noting that WROTB’s Batavia Bets interactive online platform covers harness race betting only.

Currently, the other six states that permit iGaming are New Jersey, West Virginia, Michigan, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, he said.

Abbaddo, a Democrat who represents the 15^th District (Queens), recently spoke about the bill, which moved forward into the State Assembly on Feb. 3.

He cited projections that iGaming would surpass mobile sports betting (which already is legal in New York State) and urged his colleagues to pass the bill into law.

“Every year we don’t do iGaming in New York, if you do the math, there’s roughly $4 billion lost – if you think of it that way; revenue lost – and lost to another state and to the illegal market,” he was quoted as saying.

Abbaddo said his goal was to get the bill passed by the end of this year’s legislative session.

In other developments:

• WROTB directors approved the promotion of Danielle Fleming to the Director of Human Resources position, a move up from her current role as payroll supervisor.

“We had three excellent candidates from within who applied and Danielle is the one who has been recommended for hire,” Wojtaszek said, adding that she started in the marketing department before moving to payroll. “She is very smart and very talented and we’re glad to have her here.”

• Batavia Downs harness racing’s handle in January and February 2023 represented a 35 percent increase from the handle at Buffalo Raceway for those two months in 2022. There had been no January-February racing at Batavia Downs previous to this year, when WROTB officials reached an agreement with the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association to conduct a slate two or three days a week during those months.

Wojtaszek called the limited meet a “great success” and will be exploring continuing it in 2024 depending on the WNYHHA’s position.

• Directors voted to enter into a contract with PPR Energy to provide the infrastructure needed to prepare for the installation of 16 electric vehicle charging stations at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Wojtaszek said the stations would be built in two locations – 12 of them in the general parking lot and four in the valet parking area. Right now, there are two EV charging stations in the valet parking lot.

• WNY Tile and Stone Corp. of North Tonawanda has been hired to install new floor and wall tile on the second floor in the restroom area at Batavia Downs Gaming and the same in the Park Place banquet room and boardroom on the first floor at a total cost of $160,000.

It was reported that the expense would be covered by insurance, stemming from flooding at the facility several months ago.

Additionally, directors approved a $69,900 contract with Painters Plus Home Decorating of North Tonawanda as the lowest bidder to paint the 67 rooms at the Hotel at Batavia Downs.

• Directors voted to purchase a block of eight tickets with parking from Live Nation for the 2023 concert series at Darien Lake at an amount not to exceed $30,000.

Pending verification by the public benefit company’s outside auditing firm, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. generated a record $8.4 million in earnings and surcharge for its 17 member municipalities in 2022.

WROTB Chief Financial Officer Jacquelyne Leach, reporting at this morning’s board of directors meeting at the Park Road facility, put the total earnings and surcharge distribution number for last year at $8,454,261 – an increase of $2,661,077 from 2021.

“Since the corporation’s inception – we started in May of 1974 – this is the highest earnings’ distribution ever paid out to our municipalities,” Leach said.

When asked to explain the 46 percent jump from the previous year, Leach mentioned branch consolidation, the Hotel at Batavia Downs and the company’s ongoing marketing campaigns.

“On the branch side, we minimized our losses through closures and consolidations, so that helped, and then on the Batavia Downs Gaming side, one of the best additions is the hotel – because it’s such a great marketing tool,” she said. “We can get our patrons in and then let them enjoy their experience, including the free play (vouchers) and the food coupons, so it’s a win-win for everyone.

“Plus, all of our events here help contribute and, as always, we value our employees the most and we’re providing good customer service. And (Marketing Director) Ryan’s (Hasenauer) marketing efforts are a big part of it as well.”

Genesee County’s share for 2022 is at $178,732, about $50,000 more than Orleans and Wyoming counties’ amount. In 2021, Genesee received $123,409.

December 2022 numbers show $642 in surcharge while fourth-quarter earnings indicate that $26,701 will go into Genesee County coffers.

The corporation distributes earnings and surcharge to 15 Western New York counties plus the cities of Buffalo and Rochester.

WROTB President/Chief Executive Officer Henry Wojtaszek said the historic dollar amounts represent “a lot of hard work, great marketing strategies, great events and the strength of the hotel.”

“It’s really become a destination,” he said. “We provide, we believe, the best customer service in the industry. We hear it constantly on the floor, so it is no surprise that we had such a banner year … and we’re very happy to share that with our municipalities and give that money back.”

Amelia McCulley scored 22 points as Notre Dame won its opening-round sectional playoff game in Class C2, 59-16.

Avelin Tomidy scored 16 points and Sofia Falleti scored 10.

Also, on Wednesday:

• After 20 straight losses, Batavia picked up its first win of the season in its opening-round sectional playoff game, beating Young Woman's Prep, 49-39. Anna Varland scored 15 points. Isabella Walsh scored 13 and had 14 rebounds. She also had seven steals. Ady Odonell scored 10 points. Jaimin Macdonald had 11 rebounds.
• Byron-Bergen beat Bolivar-Richburg, 64-36
• Pavilion beat Red Jacket, 69-37. Karlee Zinkievich scored 29 points and Lauren Kingsley scored 21.
• Alexander beat Pembroke, 51-34. Madison Boyce scored 15 points for the Trojans. Melanie Pohl, 12. For Pembroke, Karli Houseknecht scored 11 points and had eight rebounds. Regan Schneider scored seven points and had 11 rebounds.
• Oakfield-Alabama beat Red Creek, 54-26.  Alea Groff, 14 points, six rebounds, four steals, Emma Wray, 13 points, Brooke Reding, 12 points, six rebounds, five steals.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Latoya D. Jackson, 37, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with resisting arrest while being arrested on four bench warrants. Officer John Gombos arrested Jackson on four warrants issued by City Court.  Jackson was a passenger in a traffic stop.  While officers were attempting to arrest Jackson, she allegedly refused to comply with verbal commands and resisted being handcuffed.  The first warrant stemmed from an incident on June 20, on State Street, where Jackson was charged with harassment 2nd and released on an appearance ticket, after which she allegedly failed to appear.  The second warrant was issued after Jackson was arrested on a charge of criminal contempt 2nd on June 28 for an incident on East Main Street for which she reportedly failed to appear.  The third warrant was issued for a trespass arrest on July 8 at an apartment complex on East Main Street, resulting in another appearance ticket.  The fourth warrant was issued after Jackson was arrested on Aug. 28 on a charge of criminal contempt 1st, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd during an incident on State Street.  Jackson was arraigned in Centralized Arraignment Part Court on Feb 11 and released on her own recognizance. 

Joseph C. Jeffords, 31, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Jeffords was arrested on a warrant out of City Court on Feb. 6 and released on his own recognizance.

Raymond J. Vickers, 55, of Dellinger Avenue,  Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and harassment 2nd. Vickers was arrested on Feb. 2, unspecified time, following an incident at a local business. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jason S. Neth, 28, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, suspended registration and speeding. Neth was stopped on Feb. 5 at an unspecified time at an unspecified location in the City of Batavia by Joseph Weglarski. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Amber L. Turner, 29, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th and unlicensed operator. Batavia PD K-9 Batu was reportedly alerted on Turner's car during a traffic stop on Feb. 10 at an undisclosed location in the City of Batavia, and she is accused of possession of crack cocaine.  She was issued an appearance ticket.

James N. Difalco, 26, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Batavia PD K-9 Batu was reportedly alerted on a vehicle Difalco was riding in during a traffic stop on Feb. 10 at an undisclosed location in the City of Batavia, and Difalco is accused of possession of crack cocaine.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

LEGAL NOTICE:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town of Batavia Planning Board regarding an application by Hix Snedeker Companies LLC, 8727 Lewiston Rd., Batavia, NY for a major subdivision and retail building for Tractor Supply Store.  This is located on approximately a 52 acre parcel (8.-1-7) in the Town of Batavia, Genesee County, New York.   The land is zoned Commercial.

Said hearing will be held at the Batavia Town of Batavia Town Hall, 3833 West Main St. Rd.,  Batavia, NY on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at which time all interested persons will be heard.  If you cannot attend, you may send your comments and concerns to the Chairman at kjasinski@townofbatavia.com  before the hearing.  A copy of the application is on file at the Town Hall for review.

By order of the Town of Batavia Planning Board
Kathleen Jasinski, Chairman.

Press release:

Byron-Bergen’s defending interscholastic mathematics champions have topped their division for the fourth year in a row. Led by veteran coach, and math teacher Jon DiLaura, the Bees finished in first place out of 14 schools, and six members were named all-stars. The six all-stars will compete at the state tournament in April.

“These 20 students genuinely worked as a team,” said DiLaura. “They show up for practice and really help each other.”

The math league members agree that teamwork and friendship play a role in their success.

“The best part is the people who participate in math league,” said senior Frank Hersom. “We have a great team and it is nice to see our hard work pay off.”

“We always find ways to make math league fun,” said senior Zoey Shepard. “I would tell any younger student who is thinking of joining to absolutely do it. I’ve met some wonderful people and learned a lot.”

“I like to challenge myself and extend my knowledge of math,” said 10th grader Connor Moran. “The best part of it, however, is definitely hanging out with the team afterward.”

The math competitions take place over a series of rounds. The competitors solve math questions in advanced topics such as logarithms, trigonometry, systems of equations, and matrices. The test results are tabulated based on a point system.

“I am most proud of our team this year for getting so many individuals to the state competition,” said 10th grader Jackson Lundfelt. Lundfelt was awarded a medal for achieving the highest overall score in this season’s competitions. “The best part about mathletes is the high stakes competition and the lunch with friends afterward.”

“I am very proud of our Math Team,” said Jr./Sr. High School Principal Ashley John Grillo. “It is great to see students take so much pride in excelling in Mathematics. Our students have worked very hard to be the best in this area. Congratulations to this outstanding group of students on their accomplishment.”

For younger students who might be interested in joining the team, Lundfelt offers this advice. “Don’t be intimidated or afraid to join. We have meetings where we are able to learn all the skills we need beforehand.”

“I would tell younger students to 100% join their math league team as it is a wonderful opportunity,” Connor added. “I am proud of everyone on the team for being able to take home the trophy again, for the fourth year in a row.”

Shepard summed it up. “The best thing about math league is the team.” 

Submitted photos.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum. This month's topic is Julius Caesar. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit at the Holland Land Office Museum with Batavia natives No Blarney! as they return to get us off our feet and dancing to traditional Irish music on Friday, March 10th at 7 pm. Tickets $5 per person and $4 for museum members. Please R.S.V.P. to the museum by email at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com or call the museum at 585-343-4727. Seating is limited, so get your spots now.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, March 23rd at 9 am. This month's presenter is Don Burkel. "There were thirteen children in the Upton Family, six were girls. The first was born in 1822, and the last in 1846. They became the primary correspondents of their brother, Emory, while pursuing careers and goals which were examples to other women. This is their brief yet interesting story of their contributions."

Admission is free, and coffee and donuts will be provided. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, March 30th at 7 pm. The presenter will be Holly Watson of the Linwood Gardens. Linwood Gardens is a rare example of a Western New York country place from the early 1900s with a unique horticultural history and enduring connections to its community. Join family member Holly Watson for a behind-the-scenes look at the history of the people, peonies, and property during this presentation. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Due to the mix of snow and ice forecast for tonight and Thursday, the following school districts have made announcements that they will be closed on Thursday. This list will be updated as we receive submissions. Send your closures to news@thebatavian.com.

• Byron-Bergen Central School
• Oakfield-Alabama Central School
• Pavilion Central School
• St. Joseph's School
• Notre Dame High School
• St. James Episcopal Thrift Store is closed on Thursday
• Creative Arts Camp at GO ART! Is canceled for Thursday  
• Haxton Memorial Library will be closed Thursday
• Offices for Independent Living of the Genesee Region will be closed due to weather, but staff will be working remotely. Email or call (585) 815-8501 for staff directory. 
• Le Roy Central Schools are closed on Thursday.

The Alexander Trojans won a first-round Class C2 playoff in Boys Basketball over Kendall at home on Tuesday, 68-55.

Dylan Pohl scored 25 points for Alexander, and Trent Woods scored 17. 

The Trojans seeded #8 at 7-14, face #1 seed Pembroke (19-1) in Pembroke on Thursday. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Driving too fast through a curve is the likely cause of a traffic accident on Simonds Road in Darien at 1:43 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a Sheriff's Office accident report.

Charles Chesley, 52, of Varysburg, the sole occupant and driver of a 2016 Western truck, reportedly hauling manure, was entrapped in the cab of the vehicle and needed to be extricated by crews from Darien, Corfu and East Pembroke.

He was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight Central.  He is listed in "guarded" condition. At Strong, patients in the Intensive Care Unit are listed as "guarded."

No citations are listed on the accident report, which Deputy Kevin McCarthy prepared.

Previous report: Manure truck rollover reported on Simonds Road, Darien

Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

Press release:

With another winter storm heading our way, National Grid has increased staffing and is extending evening and overnight work shifts in preparation for snow, sleet, ice and potential high winds across portions of upstate New York Wednesday and Thursday. In addition, the company has activated its comprehensive emergency response plan, including:

• Securing external resources and mobilizing line, tree, service, damage assessment, and public safety workers.
• Pre-staging crews and materials in areas anticipated to be most severely impacted.
• Proactively reaching out to elected, municipal and emergency management officials to keep them updated on our preparations and provide safety information.
• Reaching out directly to customers through traditional and social media, email and texts and on our website to provide safety information and to urge them to be prepared.
• Conducting outbound calls to life support and critical facility customers to ensure they are prepared.

In anticipation of the storm, the company is encouraging customers to keep safety a priority with the following reminders:

Electricity & Generator Safety 

• If a power outage occurs, customers can notify National Grid online to expedite restoration.
• Never touch downed power lines; always assume they are carrying live electricity. Downed lines should be immediately reported to National Grid at 1-800-867-5222 or by calling 911. Click here for more information on downed power line safety.
• Generators used to supply power during an outage must be operated outdoors to prevent the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Before operating a generator, be sure to disconnect from National Grid’s system by shutting off the main breaker, located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could endanger our crews and your neighbors. 
• Customers who depend on electrically powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should register as a life support customer by calling National Grid at 1-800-642-4272. In a medical emergency, always dial 911. 
• Keep working flashlights and an extra supply of batteries in your home and be sure to charge all electronic devices before the storm. 
• Please use caution when driving near emergency responders and crews restoring power. 
• Be sure to check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage. 
• Find more powerline safety information here.

Click here for details on how National Grid prepares for storms.

Photo courtesy National Grid.

Since the first application went in for Ellicott Station, local folks were excited about the prospects of longtime vacant and toxic property along the south side street getting cleaned up, renovated and repurposed.

Funding snags delayed the process from 2016 until it finally —literally — began to get off the ground in 2022. A 55-unit “workforce” apartment complex, alongside mixed-use properties of office, restaurant and brewery space, began to take shape at the site of the former electric and Soccio Della Penna buildings at 30-50 Ellicott St., Batavia.

As the apartments are coming to fruition, a bomb was dropped Friday with an online posting of the application, income requirements and related rents for one- and two-bedroom apartments for up to four people. What once was touted as workforce or affordable rentals were now low-income and Section 8.

City Council President Eugene Jankowski Jr. refrained from saying much about the issue before he obtained more information. But he wasn’t pleased by the news.

“I’m very disappointed,” he said.

Councilman Bob Bialkowski said that he had a feeling this would be the outcome about a month ago, and isn’t happy that he was right.

“I’m disappointed that all the things that were promised didn’t come to fruition,” he said. “The DRI money would have been worth spending if it was built as promised.”

To clarify about that DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) grant money. New York State doled out the grant money for several initiatives, including $425,000 to Sam Savarino of Savarino Companies, the contractor for Ellicott Station. The state granted a total of $10 million of DRI monies within the city of Batavia, but only a portion of that directly to the city, and the remainder of it directly to specific projects, including Ellicott Station.

During the groundbreaking ceremony last year, Savarino talked about the project at 50 Ellicott St. being for workforce people earning in the range of $18 to $20 an hour, and looking for quality housing at an affordable price.

Part of the Ellicott Station project is to include a restaurant and brewery, which Bialkowski doubts will ever get off the ground.  There haven’t been any takers yet, and Savarino has been advertising the opportunity on the Ellicott Station website.

One upside the Councilman-at-large does see with this new complex is that the old Della Penna site has been renovated and will be back on the tax rolls, he said.

They were the only council members to respond to requests for comment.

The project was “billed as mixed-income” and not strictly a low-income complex, City Manager Rachael Tabelski said.

“Ellicott Station has been a moving target over the last several years as the developer made various and multiple overtures to funding entities with regards to making the project financially viable. In 2019, the City supported the project’s housing component as being mixed-income that would provide housing for residents that were employed in local manufacturing in an application submitted to New York State Homes and Community Renewal from the developer,” Tabelski said Tuesday. “Furthermore, in 2020, it was confirmed that people living at Ellicott Station must be employed and not receiving government assistance." 

Tabelski referred to a letter sent to HCR in 2019 by former City Manager Martin Moore, in which he confirms the city’s intent for what type of housing they expected Ellicott Station to provide.

It states, in part:

I am writing to express support for the Ellicott Station housing project in Batavia, which provides mixed-income/affordable living quarters, and cleans up a blighted site in the heart of the City. The Ellicott Station project phases include construction for 55 mixed-income/affordable housing units, and construction of commercial buildings. The housing project phase provides high quality, well maintained residential units within walking distance of employers, shopping, medical facilities, public transportation, and other amenities. We look forward to the brownfield remediation, and dilapidated building demolition that will occur prior to new construction. 

The Ellicott Station portion of the DRI grant was awarded as a high priority project to address housing and economic development needs. City planning documents also recognize the site as a major component of brownfield cleanup, increased workforce housing availability, and commercial revitalization. 

We request that the Division of Housing and Community Renewal approve the funding for the Ellicott Station housing project. The project aligns with your mission to build and support affordable housing, and supports our goals to increase housing availability and promote economic growth in Batavia. 

Tabelski believes that additional talks have shifted the tenor of the project’s income qualifications, and is pursuing further communication about the issue.

“Unfortunately, the City has not been included in various discussions since then as it pertains to the housing component of the project and is surprised to learn only recently about the (annual median income) and lack of mixed-income housing,” she said. “The City is requesting that the developer work with HCR and economic development agencies to raise the AMI to reflect current manufacturing wages in a good faith effort to remain true to the intent of the project that was originally proposed and subsequently supported by the City.”

She is not certain where exactly the city will go from here, but "we owe it to ourselves and our citizens" to try something and not just let it go. 

Savarino has announced that applications are being taken, and a lottery will be conducted on May 2 in Buffalo to select tenants for the apartment complex. For more information, go to Ellicott Station. 

See also: OPINION: Ellicott Station is not looking like a 'Pathway to Prosperity

Valentine’s Day may be over, but Genesee County is feeling the love, at least for sharing its excess 2022 revenues with the city, towns and villages.

County Manager Matt Landers has proposed the distribution of sharing unanticipated and unbudgeted revenue growth as a voluntary payment of between $12,090 and $392,465 to the county municipalities for a total $2 million distribution payment.

The county Legislature is to vote on the proposal during its meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Old Courthouse. The measure has already been approved by the Ways & Means Committee.

Payments include:

• City of Batavia: $392,465
• Town of Alabama: $64,844
• Village of Alexander: $12,090
• Town of Alexander $66,697
• Town of Batavia: $284,446
• Village of Bergen: $31,528
• Town of Bergen: $80,599
• Town of Bethany: $65,573
• Town of Byron: $73,009
• Village of Corfu: $23,300
• Town of Darien: $146,589
• Village of Elba: $17,248
• Town of Elba: $57,522
• Village of LeRoy: $114,300
• Town of LeRoy: $130,530
• Village of Oakfield: $32,178
• Town of Oakfield: $48,190
• Town of Pavilion: $86,458
• Town of Pembroke: $173,282
• Town of Stafford:  $99,152
• Total Distribution $2,000,000

The Batavian asked City Manager Rachael Tabelski if this money could be used to offset the city's proposed tax levy of $6.6 million, which will require a tax cap override, or how it would otherwise be used. She said it would go toward current expenses.

“This is a one-time revenue of $392,464 that will be distributed in this fiscal year (22/23).  This revenue distribution is above and beyond the current sales tax agreement, and we are grateful to the County for the distribution payment,” Tabelski said Tuesday. “The funding will help us with current capital projects, including the police station, the fire and (Bureau of Maintenance) project, the City Centre Project, as well as vehicle replacement reserve funds.

“I would not recommend using this in next year’s budget on operational items as it is not a guaranteed revenue that we can count on to support operations,” she said. 

Landers has also proposed a resolution to counter the state’s 2024 budget proposal to end the Affordable Care Act enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, a measure to keep all of the federal savings from now on and use them to cover further expansions of Medicaid eligibility and benefits.

This change would also increase payments to healthcare providers and require the 57 counties to spend at least $280 million more in the 2024 budget year, Landers said. Ways & Means has already approved the resolution, and it will go onto the Legislature to approve that “Genesee County calls on the State to continue to share these federal funds with counties as has been precedent for over 20 years” and that copies of the resolution be sent to Inter-County Association of Western New York, the Governor of the State of New York, the New York State Legislature representative, the New York State Congressional representative, and all others deemed necessary and proper.

Batavia's Winter Guard team performed a show called "Safe Flight" at the 23rd Fantastic Vision Winter Guard Competition in the school's auditorium on Saturday night.

"The show takes you through a tumultuous flight from take-off to the landing," said the show's director, Jane Haggett. "Our 19 guards all performed well.  It was a beautiful culmination of a well-planned event."

Photos by Howard Owens

Press release:

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that former Buffalo football legend and Hall of Famer, Thurman Thomas, will be attending the upcoming Fur Ball Gala Fundraiser set to take place at Batavia Downs on Saturday, March 4..

The Fur Ball Gala is a benefit to raise money for the Animal Shelter of Genesee County & SPCA of Wyoming County. The event runs from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, March 4. Tickets are $75, and attendees receive a buffet dinner, open bar, tastings, $50 in free play and access to a basket raffle with more than 40 items from Batavia Downs and other local businesses. Thurman will be on hand to take photos with all event attendees, and a DJ will be on-site as well.

There is a hotel package available - $275 plus tax includes two tickets to the event along with a hotel room for the night of the event.

To book tickets or the hotel package, interested persons can call Sara at 585-344-6155 to book now. Anyone that calls and reserves the hotel package will receive a free limited-edition Josh Allen bobblehead when they arrive on site that evening.

"We are so excited to host the first annual Fur Ball Gala," said Jacquelyne Leach, CFO for Western OTB/Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. "Raising money for local animal charities is near and dear to our hearts. We look forward to seeing everyone have a great time at the event alongside a Buffalo football Hall of Famer!"

A manure truck rollover accident is reported in the area of 10067 Simonds Road, Darien.

Darien Fire, Corfu Fire and East Pembroke Fire were dispatched.

"Heavy entrapment," reported.

Law enforcement on scene requested Mercy Flight on standby.

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: Mercy Flight Central requested to the scene.  There is a 30-minute ETA.

UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: Patient is alert.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground.

UPDATE 2:53 p.m.: DEC is responding though the manure spill is flowing into a field. "No waterways involved."  A heavy wrecker is canceled. The owner is apparently going to take care of moving it.

UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: The patient is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

It worked exactly as it was supposed to, and maybe even quicker than expected.

Dannielle Lumpkin began as a small catering company out of her home, and also sold her soul and Caribbean fare at festivals and special events.

Then she seized an opportunity in October 2022 and moved into the incubator space at Eli Fish on Main Street, Batavia, and set up shop as Mama Dee’z Kitchen. It was a family-run operation, and her food was a hot commodity.

Eli Fish owners Matt Gray and Jon Mager, and staff members guided Lumpkin along the way with business, marketing, and restaurant advice. The premise of an incubator is to allow a small business to learn the ropes and then move out on its own to expand and grow.

Lumpkin lasted four months. No, Mama D’eez didn’t fail — it did so well, Lumpkin signed a lease for two years at the former Fishtales Hideaway at 107 Evans St.

“It’s kind of surreal. I’m going to miss the people at Matty’s. Some of them are family now. I’m thankful for those connections,” she said Sunday. “We will start hiring soon. I want to balance it out, the traffic flow, and see how many I want to hire.”

Her restaurant will expand to a full menu, which she couldn’t do at the smaller space inside Eli Fish, she said. There’s “a lot more space and prep room,” Lumpkin said.

“We’re working on changes now. A lot is going to change,” she said. “The hours, we’ll be open later in the evening, to 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday."

She is also planning to have a liquor license eventually.

Mama Dee'z will have a ribbon-cutting in mid-March, and Lumpkin will publicize more details soon, she said.

File photo: the former Fishtales will soon house Mama Dee'z Kitchen at 107 Evans St., Batavia. Photo by Howard Owens.

While most businesses make big splashes out of those hefty decades-old anniversaries, Eli Fish owners and staff are plenty happy with turning five this year, brewmaster Adam Burnett says.

And the brewery and restaurant that’s already become a staple of downtown’s Main Street will be celebrating on March 3 and 4.

“It’s to celebrate the successes I don’t think any of us saw coming,” Burnett said.

It was in March 2018 when owners Matt Gray and Jon Mager opened Eli Fish Brewing Company in the deceptively large building that stretched from Main Street back to Jackson Square. That included an on-site brewery, a kitchen for Eli and one for an incubator to temporarily house a start-up restaurant for training and experience before ideally moving on to a larger space of its own.

There was also plenty of seating and room for cornhole tournaments, special event bookings and trivia nights and occasional live musical groups.

The place has closed every March since opening to upgrade the brewery — with a minimum 20 percent growth each year, Burnett said — for production capacity that “more than doubled from when I got here four years ago,” he said.

The brewery has a distribution spanning across Western New York and just signed a contract with a major name that can’t be disclosed just yet, plus Eli Fish was invited to participate in a Rochester brew expo, which is newer territory for the more western-based brew, he said.

During its shutdown next month, the property will be filled with activity to build a banquet hall for parties up to 100, continue work on the outdoor deck next to Jackson Square, refine an elevated food menu, and expand Matty’s Pizza into the former Mama Dee’z Kitchen area. (See related story.)

As for the outdoor deck? “I would love to see it functioning before the first concert in Jackson Square,” Burnett said.

How’s the food? “We still do more food sales than beer sales,” he said. “It’s all about the full experience. With Matty’s expansion, that can take a load off of our kitchen. People come now expecting new things with an international flair.”

The anniversary celebration will feature “throwback” food specials from the last five years that include shrimp and grits, bahn mi sandwich, potstickers and more. Craft brews should bring on some nostalgia, he said, with the Brewer’s Wife, a blonde ale, Madam Edna, a nod to the infamous Edna Gruber of Batavia’s pre-urban renewal days, and Church Shoes.

Funny thing is, the Edna was created without anyone knowing that she was Burnett’s great-great-grandmother — a madam, for sure, she ran a brothel on Jackson Street and was reportedly rather philanthropic with her proceeds, donating money to those in need.

The celebration is just that, Burnett said: it's a way to acknowledge that Eli Fish has not just survived.

“But we’ve been thriving,” he said.

Eli Fish Brewing Company Chef Sam Hilburger and Master Brewer Adam Burnett prepare for the five-year celebration March 3 and 4 at 109 Main St., Batavia with food specials and nostalgic craft brews from the first year of operation. Photo by Howard Owens.

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