An attorney representing the Clarion Hotel and members of the community voiced concerns regarding the application submitted by ADK Hospitality, LLC, to Genesee County Economic Development Center for incentives to build a hotel at Batavia Downs.

A public hearing was held Monday night by the GCEDC to gain input from the community on the application they received from ADK, a private developer seeking to build a hotel at Batavia Downs, requesting approximately $630,000 in incentives.

Vivek Thiagarajan, attorney representing Clarion owner Chat Patel, argued that when his client looked into applying for GCEDC incentives to build the Palm Island Indoor Waterpark in 2012 he was told the project would be denied funding because it was not considered a tourist destination. Thiagarajan argued that ADK's hotel is not a tourist destination and Batavia Downs should not receive tax incentives either. 

"There is no tourist destination about the hotel itself," Thiagarajan said. "Maybe the name makes it look like it's affiliated with Batavia Downs but the hotel is merely just like any other hotel. As a result, the public shouldn't be forced to fund something that only benefits the private owners of that hotel."

Thiagarajan also argued that the purchase price of $600,000 is less than the $630,000 in incentives the project would receive from the GCEDC.

In addition to Thiagarajan's opposition, John Sackett, a past county legislator, questioned whether the hotel would create full-time jobs and believed the hotel should be built without incentives.

A representative from the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters expressed concern over whether Batavia Downs and ADK would use union construction workers to build the hotel. The union agreed it would support the hotel project if union construction workers were used.

A variety of local businesses wrote letters in support of the proposal. The businesses included Sport of Kings Restaurant, Harness Horse Breeders of New York State, Sloat Tire Shop, Genesee Feeds, Nothnagle Realtors, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, WNY Harness Horsemen's Association and U.S. Foods. The businesses stated that Batavia Downs is a primary asset for attracting tourism and the addition of the hotel would bring more people and business to the community.

Anthony Baynes, managing member of ADK, provided details on the hotel project and the economic impact it would have on Genesee County. In the presentation, Baynes stated the $5.5-million hotel will be a four-story structure with 84 rooms. Itl will also be connected to Batavia Downs Gaming and complement the design elements of the new gaming entrance. There will be no restaurant or bar in the hotel.

"The hotel will positively impact Batavia Downs and local tourism on a permanent basis," Baynes said. "It will generate incremental gaming, banquet, food and beverage revenue at Batavia Downs, which will result in increases in tax collection, jobs preserved and additional jobs created."

According to Michael Nolan, vice president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, the corporation that owns Batavia Downs, the hotel will help the gaming industry expand and allow them to compete with other casinos that are building hotels.

The hotel will result in the creation of 23 jobs. There also will be more job growth due to the number of wedding and conventions Batavia Downs will host because of the hotel.

"We think our banquet facility is going to multiple 10 times due to the hotel," Nolan said. "It's well within reason that there will be 50 jobs coming with the addition of the hotel."

According to statistics provided by Hotel & Leisure Advisors, a national hospitality consultant firm, the total impact of the new gaming revenue, new food and beverage sale and increased banquet business will be $2.6 million for the first year of operation. In the first 10 years of operation, the impact will be $31 million.

The GCEDC Board of Directors is having a special public meeting to consider a final resolution for the project. The meeting will be held at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday at the Innovation Zone Conference Room at MedTech Centre.

A woman who played a business role in a shop on Ellicott Street that became a flash point for a local spike in synthetic drug use in summer of 2012 received a probationary sentence from a federal district judge today. Amber Snover had entered a guilty plea stemming from her arrest three years ago.

The 24-year-old Rochester resident was an associate of Charles Fitzgerald, who was identified by authorities as the owner of the 420 Emporium, at 400 Ellicott St., Batavia.

Snover admitted previously to using a communication facility to facilitate a controlled substance. She was sentenced to five years probation and must forfeit her share of $771,109 seized in a raid July 25, 2012, of the residence in Greece she shared with Fitzgerald.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Noto, who handled the case, said that Snover used a telephone to order various synthetic controlled substance analogues for delivery and sale at the Batavia location of the chain of head shops.

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Trees and power lines are down due to a line of thunderstorms that swept through Genesee County early this morning.

As of 9 a.m., National Grid has reported hundreds of customers affected from the power outages in Le Roy, Pavilion and Attica. There are also scattered outages in other areas affecting less than 10 customers each.

Law enforcement advises motorists to use caution because debris could still be blocking some roads.

(Storm damage on North Street in Le Roy. Photo taken by Lucie Griffis.)

Gilbert Street at the corner of West Main Street in Le Roy is closed due to power lines down across the street. According to Tom Wood, 2nd assistant chief for Le Roy Fire Department, three power lines are down. Residents are waiting for National Grid crews to restore their power.

Pictured below a tree down on South Jackson Street, Batavia.

If the first four games are going to be indicative of the Muckdogs 2015 season, Batavia players and fans are going to be in for a long season.

Coming off a three-game series against Auburn, where Batavia was swept, the Muckdogs were looking forward to welcoming the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, to Dwyer Stadium on Monday night.

Besides their opening day shutout, the Muckdogs have had little problem scoring runs and that trend continued against the Scrappers.

In the Muckdogs first at-bat leadoff hitter Anfernee Seymour was hit by the first pitch he saw. The speedy shortstop quickly stole second for his third stolen base of the season.

He would then move to third on a past ball and later score on a ground out by Giovanny Alfonzo. Hot hitting Stone Garrett would then blast the first pitch he saw over the outfield fence for his second homerun of the season.

The bats continued to stay hot for the Muckdogs in second when Galvi Moscat would single but move to second on a throwing error by the pitcher.

After a ground out by Taylor Munden, Travis Brewster would work a walk and set up first and third with one out.

Moscat would score after a single by Seymour. Brewster would steal third and quickly score after another past ball making the score 4-1.

Garrett would then hit a SAC fly, scoring Seymour. Alfonzo, who was walked, would also score in the second. Before the Scrappers could even catch their breath the score was 6-1.

If we learned anything from watching these Muckdogs, it is that no lead is ever safe.

In the top of third, Mark Mathias started off the inning with a bloop single. DH Anthony Sanatander would then connect on his second double of the game.

Catcher Li-Jen Chu would follow with a double of his own, scoring both runners and cutting the Batavia lead to 6-3.

The scored remained at 6-3 until the fifth inning. The Scrappers would plate five runs during the frame.

Mathias would start off the inning with a leadoff single. Santander, who already has two homeruns on the young season, would connect on his third homerun as he blasted one over the left field fence that still hasn’t landed yet.

Sicnarf Loopstock, who replaced starting first baseman Emmanuel Tapia in the fifth inning, would work a walk. After a Nathan Lukes' infield single, both runners would move up 90 feet after a past ball.

With runners on third and second and two outs, D’vone McClure would single. Both runners would score making it 7-6.

Ninth-place hitter Ka’ai Tom would rope a double, which would score McClure and increase the Scrappers lead to 8-6.

The Muckdogs would tie the game back up in the sixth when Brewster and Seymour would hit back-to-back singles and move to third and second on yet another past ball.

Alfonzo then hit a high chopper to the shortstop Willi Castro. Brewster would score easily and Seymour would be right behind him. Alfonzo was caught in a rundown between first and second and was tag out but not before the score was tied 8-8.

In the seventh inning what could go wrong, went wrong for the Muckdogs.

Leurys De La Rosa, a right-handed relief pitcher, would have trouble finding the plate and did not get any help from his teammates in the field.

After all the smoke had settled, seven runs had scored. De La Rosa threw 35 pitches in the inning. He walked two, hit one, had a baulk and allowed four hits. There also were three errors made in the field, one by Seymour at shortstop and two by third baseman Munden. 

“It just goes back to keep working hard,” Manager Angel Espada would say about the error-filled play in the field.

“Come out early, take ground balls and just regroup and focus on what you are doing. It just comes down to that,” he said.

Down 15-8, the Muckdogs were able to get the game within reach when Garrett would hit his second homerun of the game and third on the season in the eighth inning.

Before the Garrett home run, Seymour and Alfonzo would each reach base with two-out singles. Garrett would then drive the Ryan Perez pitch over the centerfield wall making it 15-11.

“They are two big pieces of our team and two big pieces of our organization,” Espada said about Seymour and Garrett.

“The tools are there, they just got to keep playing the game,” he said.

The Muckdogs would threaten in the ninth when they would get the bases loaded and the tying run at the plate, but Seymour would ground out to shortstop and the come back would come up short, falling to the Scrappers by the score of 15-11. 

“When you are in this situation you have to have a short memory. You have to come ready to go tomorrow,” Espada said.

Seymour would finish the game 3-for-6 with three singles, four runs scored and a RBI. Garrett had a huge day at the plate where he collected five RBIs on three hits, two of which were homeruns.

Out of the ninth-place spot in the lineup, Brewster was able to go 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored for the Muckdogs.

Brock Hartson was the winning pitcher for the Scrappers while De La Rosa took the loss.

Nick Fuller pitched two scoreless innings in the eighth and ninth for Batavia. He struck out three while only allowing two hits. He has seven strikeouts on the season.

The Muckdogs will once again try for their first victory of the season on Tuesday against the Scrappers. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Call coming in at a location on Main Road, Corfu, between Church Street and Slusser Road, of a possible explosion. East Pembroke fire along with Corfu are dispatched.

UPDATE: Report of a small campfire, nothing major.

The initial call came in at 8:45 p.m. of a two-car accident in the area of 6312 Cole Road. Byron. Byron and South Byron fire departments are on the scene with Byron Rescue Squad and Mercy EMS.

More details pending investigation.

UPDATE (By Traci) 10:06 p.m.: According to State Trooper Stephen Kosowski, the driver of the Saturn was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the Saturn was traveling eastbound on Tower Hill Road and the pickup truck was traveling northbound on Route 237. Witnesses said the driver of the Saturn failed to yield and entered the intersection in front of the pickup truck causing the collision. 

(Jarrett Laskett, Shontee Allis and Allison Della Penna. Photo taken by Laura Tenebruso.)

It was Batavia senior Allison Della Penna's plan all along to give her crown to Shontee Allis, a senior with Down Syndrome, if she was named Batavia High School's 2015 Prom Queen on Saturday night.

When Della Penna was announced as Senior Prom Queen, she immediately went up on stage and declared Allis to take her place.

"I knew it would make her so happy and it doesn't really mean anything to me," Della Penna said. "I mean it's nice that people wanted to vote for me but it's something that she is going to remember for the rest of her life."

Allis was all smiles when Della Penna, her friend, called her up on stage and put the crown on her head. She had always dreamed of being named prom queen.

"I was excited," Allis said. "It's good to be queen."

( Allison Della Penna crowning Shontee Allis. Photo taken by Laura Tenebruso.)

Principal Scott Wilson has been to more than 40 proms and has never seen anything like it.

"It was absolutely wonderful," Wilson said. "I have never been a part of such a great group of kids and Allison just represented them so well. It was a very selfless thing to do."

Laura Tenebruso, English teacher and senior class advisor, has known Della Penna since she was in middle school and wasn't surprised when she made the selfless act because that is just the kind of person she is.

"Allison is a loving, giving and compassionate person," Tenebruso said.

After Allis was named Prom Queen, she and Prom King Jarrett Laskett danced to her favorite "Frozen" theme song, "Let It Go."

Allis told Della Penna she couldn't wait to watch "Frozen" and dance with her crown on. According to Allis's younger sister, Summer Mims-Allis, she wears the crown everywhere she goes.

Della Penna and Allis became friends on the school's senior trip last week. Della Penna really clicked with Allis's funny and friendly personality.

"She is always so happy and that is something that I really liked," Della Penna said. "She always wants to make sure everyone is happy and smiling. Everyone should have just a tiny bit of her happiness."

Nancy Brandon, Allis's mom, was amazed by how great the senior class has been to her daughter.

"The senior class has literally took Shontee underneath their arms and just made her feel so special," Brandon said. 

According to Wilson, Batavia High School has a saying "take care of BHS by taking care of others" and he feels Della Penna has really done that by honoring Allis as Prom Queen.

Most of the foundation for the Genesee County Airport's new eco-friendly terminal building and hangar has been completed.

According to Tim Hens, county highway superintendent, the terminal is being built to Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design standards. LEED is a green building certification program that certifies building projects and rates each project based on various environmental standards. The airport terminal project received a silver rating.

"The building is environmentally sensitive so it will be a very energy-efficient building," Hens said. "It will be Genesee County's first green building."

In addition to the foundation, contractors have begun working on plumbing and electrical and building the base of the elevator shaft. While many companies are working on the construction, the general contractor is Building Innovations Group.

Keeler construction workers were dressing the stone up from the edge of the black top to the edge of the building pad this afternoon. In the next few days, the fence near the road will be taken down and they will work on getting everything topsoiled.

The next big step is constructing the steel structure of the terminal building, which is set to begin on July 20. The structure of the hangar will start going up in August.

The project received approximately $1.5 million in state and federal grants. The rest of the building costs are being funded by the county. 

The target date for completion of the terminal and associated hangar is January or February.

Timothy C. Williamee, 45, of Clay Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, and endangering the welfare of a child, both class A misdemeanors, following a domestic dispute at the residence. Williamee allegedly threw an item at the victim while a small child was being held and put his arm around the victim's neck when the person attempted to leave. He was put in the Genesee County jail on $1,000 bail.

Linda L. Snyder, 32, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd, after an incident on June 12 on Liberty Street in Batavia. Snyder allegedly grabbed a juvenile by the shoulder during an altercation. Snyder is also charged with obstructing government administration following an incident on June 19 in Wendy's parking lot, Batavia. She is accused of attempting to prevent Batavia police from detaining a juvenile suspect who was allegedly involved in a criminal mischief complaint.

Richard H. Armstrong, 57, of Norwood Avenue, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 percent or greater, driving over hazardous markings and moving from a lane unsafely. Armstrong was pulled over by Deputy Chad Minuto after he was seen driving into a grass median and crossing the center line on Route 19 in the Town of Le Roy.

Shawn R. Klineline, 32, of State Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and speeding. Klineline was arrested by Deputy Joseph Corona following a traffic stop for alleged speeding on Route 237 in Stafford. 

Ronald M. Gerspach, 31, of Indian Church Road, West Seneca, is charged with DWI, driving a motor vehicle with greater then .08 BAC and moving from a lane unsafely following a single motor vehicle accident. Gerspach reportedly failed to negotiate the curve onto Snipery Road, Darien. He was accused of being intoxicated and arrested by Deputy Richard Schildwaster.

John D. Maloy is charged with aggravated DWI, speeding and moving from a lane unsafely following a traffic stop on Route 237 in Stafford.

Mark D. Tooley, 32, of Main Road, Stafford, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment, 2nd. Tooley was arrested following an incident on Main Road where he allegedly slapped another person who was holding a child. He left the scene and was later arrested by police. He jailed on $500 bail.

Henry W. Horton, 22, of West Sweden Road, Brockport, is charged with petit larceny and a class A misdemeanor. Horton allegedly took $97.51 worth of merchandise from Walgreens in the Village of Le Roy on June 14. He was jailed on $250 bail.

Jeremy D. Holmwood, 23, of Angling Road, Corfu, was arrested on a warrant issued by the City of Batavia. Holmwood was stopped by Deputy Richard Schildwaster for an alleged traffic violation on Alleghany Road in the Town of Pembroke. He was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. He was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Shannon L. Guiste, 44, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny following a shoplifting complaint on Veterans Memorial Drive, Town of Batavia. Guiste is accused of attempting to steal $661 worth of merchandise from a department store. 

A teenager, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court. After being released under supervision, the youth allegedly violated the conditions by failing a drug test. He was put in Genesee County Jail.

David B. Thompson Jr., 45, of Naramore Drive, Batavia, was arrested following a neighbor's complaint of his dogs habitually barking at the residence.

Morgan S. Fallon, 18, of Washington Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal tampering, 3rd, following a domestic dispute. 

A teenager from Batavia is charged with no bell or signal device on a bicycle, failure to keep right and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd. He was seen by Officer Kevin DeFelice riding his bicycle and impeding traffic on Jefferson Avenue and warned to ride properly on the street. After he continued to ride improperly, he was arrested.

The following people were arrested during the Fall Out Boy concert on Thursday at Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center.

Katie N. Cook, 18, of University Avenue, Atlanta, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Michael T. Smith, 18, of Maple Avenue, Cohocton, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jennitsia I Rodriguezis, 18, of Jude Road, Cohocton, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Keisean R. Canery, 18, of West Genesee Road, Camillus, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The following were issued appearance tickets for alleged unlawful possession of marijuana:

Benjamin R. Green, 21, of Cornwall Road, Palmyra
Austin J. Gieseke, 20, of Richmond Mills Livonia
Eric R. Curtis, 18, of Fuller Road, Corfu
Amanda M. Carroll, 20, of East Sciota Road, Scio
Name redacted, under age 18, of Old Route 99 McKean, Pa.
Name redacted, under age 18, of Hill Road, Waterford, Pa.
Kevin W. Cornelia, 25, of Longridge Avenue, Rochester
Austin S. Muscato, 18, of Falconer Road, North Tonawanda
Name redacted, under age 18, of Debra Lane, Niagara Falls
Dylan P. Boes, 18, of Hyde Park, Lockport
Dominic E. Williams, 18, of Carolina Avenue, Lockport
(name redacted upon request), 18, of First Road, Solvay
Cole J. Gloss, 19, of Diller Road, Orchard Park
Alexander W. Domkowski, 18, of Rochelle Drive, Churchville
Dominic J. Prisi, 19, of Hillside Parkway, Lancaster
Stephen A. Weimer, 18, of Holmcrest Drive, Amherst
Jack R. Cooper, 18, of Cree-Ton Drive, Amherst

The following people were issued citations for alleged possession of fraudulent, altered or use of another person's driver's license or ID by DMV investigators:

Ryan J. Wood, 19, of Merric Road, Buffalo (fake RI DL)
Richard D. Hillman Jr., 20, of Sharon Drive, Lockport (fake PA DL)
Timothy M. Kane, 19, of Winding Woods Hamburg (another’s DL)
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Cliffside Drive, East Clarence (altered , 2 fake CT’s, 1 fake MI ID)
Katherine A. Niedzielski, 20, of Claudette Ct.Depew (another’s FL DL)
Jacob B. Kopacz, 20, of Parkhaven Drive, Amherst (fake MI ID)
Peter F. Walsh, 19, of Woodcrest Drive, West Seneca (fake )
Joseph R. Higgins, 19, of Girard Blvd.Kenmore (another’s DL)
Lea M. Praller , 19, of Sder Road,Varysburg (fake OH DL)
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Blackberry Lane, Piseco (fake BC ID)
Adam D. Hodge, 19, of Del Verde Road,Rochester (fake MI ID)
Mark A. Passantino, 19, of Timothy Lane, E. Aurora (fake OH DL)
Name redacted, under age 18,, of Argyle Park, Buffalo (fake CT DL)
Richard J. Gicewicz, 19, of Wildwood Lane, Orchard Park (fake OH DL)
Alicia J. Wagner, 19, of Tampa Drive, Buffalo (fake PA DL)
Justin T. Gray, 18, of Overlook Avenue, Tonawanda (fake PA DL)
Nicholas Trajcevski, 19, of Sailboat Drive, Corsicana, TX (fake OH DL)
Michael J. Mauro, 19, of Pearl Road, Hornell (fake DE DL)
Matthew J. Eisenhauer, 19, of Coldwater Road, Rochester (fake NJ DL – x2)
Lavonte D. Lee, 19, of Rumson Road, Amherst (another’s DL)
Hunter D. Vangorder, 19, of Shortsville Road, Shortsville (fraud CT DL)
Aaron S. Scheff, 20, of E. Apache Blvd. Tempe, AZ. (fake AZ DL)
Nathan E. Mutka, 19, of Pinelake Drive, Williamsville (fake ME DL)
Andrew M. Kausch, 19, of Holmes Road, Rochester (fake OH DL)
Austin D. Pieniaszek, 19, of Raspberry Patch Rochester (fake CT DL)
Domenic A. Zendano, 18, of Lancelot Drive, Niagara Falls (fake MN DL)
Name redacted, under age 18, of Victor (fake MD DL)
Trevor J. Baum, 19, of Whittier Road, Spencerport (fake CT DL)
William A. Borema, 18, of Toll Drive, Tioga, Pa. (fake PA DL)
Odessa L. Werchowski, 20, of Oklahoma Avenue, Oriska (fake PA DL)
Mariah L. Bona, 19, of Meadowbrook Drive, Williamsville (fake RI DL)
James P. Rehak, 18, of The CMN, Williamsville (fake VA DL)
Benjamin A. Cambria, 18, of Saint Johns Avenue, Buffalo (fake PA DL)
Cal C. Goheen, 18, of Chablis Drive, Fairport (fake OH DL)
Jacob P. Alessi, 19, of Erie Road, Lancaster (fake OH DL)
Kayla I Bicknell, 18, of Ashford Place, Depew (fake OH DL)
Alexnader P. Gyles, 19, of Chillon Court, Fairport (fake CT DL)
Ryan C. Smith, 18, of Boston State Road, Boston (fake CT DL)
Long J.T. Voung, 20, of Naples Circle Amherst (fake OH DL)
Name redacted, under age 18, of Summit Road, Lancaster (fake OH DL)
Michael C. Elie, 18, of Pannell Circle Fairport (fake PA DL)

The following people were cited for alleged possession of more than one unexpired driver's license by DMV investigators:

Dylan M. Mosher, 19, of Chicken Coup Heights, Trumansburg
Austin J. Gieseke, 20, of Richmond Mills, Livonia
Name redacted, under age 18, of Third Road, Allega, 
Alexander W. Domkowski, 18, of Rochelle Drive, Churchville
Jack R. Cooper, 18, of Cree-Ton Drive, Amherst

Members of The Batavian Club receive more than $300 in gift certificates. These are gift certificates that be used in the same local businesses we all patronize every day.

An annual membership is a mere $60. So think about it, use your first $60 in gift certificates and the rest of your membership package is like getting free money. Who doesn't like free stuff?

Sign up with an annual recurring payment instead of a one-time payment, and save another $10 off your membership fee. More free stuff!

You're helping to support The Batavian's mission to bring you the best local coverage and supporting local businesses at the same time. Everybody wins.

Here's what you get:

• Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, $3
• Alex's Place, $5
• Alli's Cones & Dogs, $3
• Batavia Country Club, $5
• Batavia Muckdogs, Two free GA tickets
• Beds-N-Bones Pet Lodge, $5
• Blue Pearl Yoga, $10
• Center Street Smoke House,$5
• City Slickers, $4
• Dan's Tire & Auto, $5
• The Detail Shop, $2
• En Garde, $5
• Floral Fantasies, $3
• Great Kutz, $3 on haircuts
• Hardcor Audio, $20
• Jagged Edges Salon, $5
• The Mane Attraction, $5
• Main St. Pizza Company, $3
• Max Pies Furniture, $100 on $500 or more retail value
• Millennium Computer, $20 on $100 or more purchase
• R&D Outlet Center, $5
• R.W. Vapors, $5
• Santino's Pizza , $5
• Settler's Restaurant, $5
• Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, $5
• Sweet Pea's Cupcakery Cafe, $2
• Valle Jewelers, $25 on $100 or more retail value
• Vinyl Sticks
• West Main Wine and Spirits, $3

There are three ways to join: Use Paypal (buttons below) call us with your credit card information, or mail us a check.

Call us at (585) 250-4118 during regular business hours.

Download this form and mail it to us with a check.

Riders of all ages and their horses competed in the Genesee County Agricultural Society's first Summer Kick Off Classic Horse Show at the fairgrounds this Sunday.

The horse show had 44 English and Western classes and six sweepstakes classes. 

Proceeds from the show will be used to repair stalls and add a schooling area for horses to exercise at the fairgrounds. The Agricultural Society hopes to make the horse show an annual event.

Madison Drysdale wins First Place trophy in the Open Walk-Trot English Showmanship Class. 

Stella and Cherie Glosser show off their award ribbons they won in the Hunter Hack classes.

Liz Osborn sang the national anthem.

Show managers Crista Boldt and Amanda Gallo.

Mercy Flight & Mercy Emergency Medical Services held their annual open house Saturday afternoon at Home Depot in Batavia to showcase services they provide to the community.

Fire departments and law enforcement agencies in the county participated, too.

Children enjoyed getting a close-up look at fire trucks, ambulances and Mercy Flight's helicopter. The City of Batavia Fire Department offered child safety checks. Batavia police did a demonstration on bike safety and state troopers did a rollover-accident simulation.

“The open house is basically for kids to see the backside of EMS, so if an ambulance or helicopter comes they are not afraid," Lynn O'Donnell, Mercy Flight & Mercy EMS outreach coordinator. "Kids get to meet the crew members so they know we are all a part of the community and here to help out."

In addition to the tours, they had a Chinese auction and sold merchandise and food to help raise money for Mercy Flight's mission sponsor program, which assists people who cannot afford to pay medical transportation bills.

Stan's Harley-Davidson held its Cruise-In Car and Bike Show this afternoon. A variety of vintage, rare and customized motorcycles and cars participated in the show. Eight trophies were given out this year.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that a bill he introduced to provide tax incentives to renovate "zombie" properties in the City of Batavia, A.7570-A/S.5196A, was passed by the Assembly and Senate on Thursday.

The legislation establishes a program giving property-tax assessment incentives to residents of Batavia who purchase and renovate dilapidated single-family properties. The program, if successful, could be allowed in other cities statewide.

“I was pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Senator Ranzenhofer to ensure that this legislation passed both houses before the end of session,” Hawley said. “Zombie properties have plagued Batavia for years and this is a monumental step toward addressing the issue. Residents who purchase these dilapidated properties will be given a property-tax exemption to help alleviate the financial burden of repairs made to the home.

"This will ensure that home renovation costs do not exceed property value. Also, the legislation protects against large real estate companies buying many properties and subdividing them into apartments or multiple-family dwellings. The bill will now be sent to the governor for his signature. If it receives his approval the program will take effect immediately.”

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer carried the bill in the Senate and Hawley applauded his efforts and said he is pleased to have worked with him.

“By spurring redevelopment of vacant homes, this innovative program will help to benefit all taxpayers," Ranzenhofer said. "For prospective home buyers, it will provide a real incentive to make costly repairs to a distressed home. For neighbors, it will make their street a better place to live and prevent their home values from being depressed.

"For all taxpayers, it will help to dilute the burden of property taxes by adding more properties with higher valuations to the tax rolls,” Ranzenhofer said. “I am hopeful that the Governor will sign it into law.”

Don Dessert submitted this photo from the Stafford Carnival.

During the first couple weeks of a baseball season, it is very rare to see a team clicking on all cylinders. On opening night Friday, the Muckdogs came across just that in the Auburn Doubledays.

In front of a crowd of 2,004 excited and eager fans, the Muckdogs were unable to score and dropped their opening game by the score of 10-0.

From the very first inning, the Doubledays were locked in and jumped on Muckdog starting pitcher Gabriel Castellanos.

“He competed. He just wasn’t able to put any hitters away,” Head Coach Angel Espada said.

Clay Williamson started the scoring in the top of the first inning when he reached on a fielder’s choice and later scored on an RBI single by DH David Kerian.

The Doubledays plated another run in the second after first baseman Diomedes Eusebio singled with two outs and then scored on ninth-place hitter Edwin Lora’s RBI triple.

Auburn’s starting pitcher, Robbie Dickey, was sharp from the beginning.

Dickey would not let a Muckdog past second base until the third inning. In what was Batavia’s best chance at scoring all night, Anfernee Seymour singled and then stole second. The throw to second was miss played and the speedy shortstop moved to third.

Centerfielder Stone Garrett then was walked to set up first and third for the Muckdogs. Unfortunately, they were unable to plate any runs as first baseman Eric Fisher struck out to end the inning.

After the third inning the floodgates opened and the Doubledays broke the game wide open.

Behind leadoff hitter Bryan Mejia’s big night at the plate, Auburn was able to score three runs in the fourth, two runs in the fifth and another three runs in the seventh.

Mejia was 3-4 with two doubles, a single and three RBIs to lead the way for the Doubledays. Lora also started off the season hot with a triple, double and two RBIs.

Getting their only two hits of the game earlier on, it seemed after the score got out of hand the Muckdogs seemed to concede defeat at the plate.

“At this level, with young hitters, once the game gets one-sided you just try to push,” Espada said.

With starting the season off on such a low note offensively, Espada believes it is important they come back out tomorrow and get some runs on the board.

“After this type of game you want to get on the other team and put some pressure and feel some confidence,” he said.

Luis Torres got the win on the mound for Auburn. He pitched five innings of relief for Dickey. Torres keep the Muckdog hitters off balance all night. He had three strikeouts and one walk.

Picking up the loss was Castellanos as he only went three and two-thirds innings. He allowed five hits, four runs and walked two.

Although opening the season with a 10-0 defeat, Espada is still optimistic that this will be a successful 2015 campaign for the Muckdogs.

“Tomorrow’s another day and you just got to regroup. The good part about it is these guys got the jitters out.”

The Muckdogs continue their three-game series against the Doubledays tomorrow at 7:05 p.m.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Reliver Juan Guzman.

John Kennedy School's fourth-grade chorus singing at the seventh-inning stretch.