Colin Fitts, a retired sergeant first class, says he is alive because of David Bellavia, the Batavia resident who will receive the Medal of Honor tomorrow in a ceremony at the White House.

On Nov. 10, 2004, Fitts and Bellavia and their men walked into an ambush in a house in Fallujah. Five insurgents had barricaded themselves in the house and didn't reveal their positions until after the platoon had entered. The platoon couldn't exit the house without exposing themselves to hostile fire. Bellavia commenced suppression fire allowing the men to escape.

Later, Bellavia reentered the house to try and finish the job because his men were still exposed to hostile fire from the insurgents in the house while they were on the street and single-handedly killed all of the insurgents in the house.

David Bellavia

Col. Douglas R. Walter, who was a company commander in Iraq and nominated Bellavia for the Medal of Honor in 2005, along with Maj. Joaquin Meno, who was a lieutenant in Bellavia's unit in Iraq, and Bellavia.

Michael Ware, a journalist embedded Bellavia's unit, discusses what he witnessed Nov. 10, 2004. Ware entered the house with Bellavia and attempted to film the ensuing battle. Because he didn't have night vision goggles, he lost contact with David and when the house fell silent, Ware exited and said he had lost contact with "Sgt. Bell." Men from Bellavia's unit entered the house and by the time they located Bellavia he had already killed all of the insurgents in the house.

We'll have video from the press conference, along with interviews wiht Walter, Meno, and Fitts later.

Story by Dan McComb:

Casey Radka delivered a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the seventh to propel the Batavia 24U Blue Devils to a dramatic 6-5 win over Lockport Sunday night.

With two outs, Jerry Reinhardt singled, stole second and third base and came home on the Radka winner.

In the top of the seventh, with the score tied at 5-5, Burnie Jonis gunned down the potential game wining runner at home plate with a great throw from left field.

Ryan Mullen received the throw from Jonis from his catcher’s position to tag out the runner.

Trevor Sherwood went the distance on the mound, giving up 5 runs, however all of them were unearned.

The Blue Devils who entered the game committing only three errors all season, unfortunately, committed six errors but overcame the shaky defense with a win.

Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the third inning, Josh Bradley singled and went to third on a Dion Rosalina double. Bradley would later score on a wild pitch.

Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth, Radka led off with a walk and went to third on a Zeke Lynn double.

Both runners would score on ground outs by Mullen and AJ Marcello to tie the score at 3 after four innings.

Batavia moved ahead in the bottom of the fifth inning, 5-4. Jonis doubled and came around to score on a Rosalina double.

Lockport tied the game in the top of the seventh inning at 5, setting up the dramatic two-out single by Radka to give Batavia the 6-5 win.

Trevor Sherwood won his second game for the Blue Devils, going the distance and striking out 10.

Batavia’s next game is against the 3-1 Blue Wahoos on Tuesday night (June 25) at home at Genesee Community College.

Bourbon & Burger Co. would like to let everyone know that the restaurant will be closed for remodeling July 1-4.

The business will reopen and resume normal business hours on Friday, July 5.

They would like to thank all their loyal customers who have been supportive of them and helped them thrive.

A disturbance is reported on Holland Avenue in Batavia. The caller says she can see sticks being used. City police are responding.

An accident is reported in Pavilion at 1200 South Street Road, near Telephone Road.

A car is wedged in trees and a pregnant woman is unable to exit.

A second vehicle is roadside.

The accident is partially blocking traffic.

Pavilion fire and Mercy medics are responding along with State Police.

Darien ambulance is also called to respond.

One lane of traffic will be closed.

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: The female was extricated and transported to a hospital for evaluation. The roadway is reopened. The assignment is back in service.

At his arraignment, his attorney Marshall Kelly said his client pleads not to: criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony; and criminal use of drug paraphernalia, 2nd, a Class B misdemeanor.

On March 27, law enforcement allegedly found 56 bags of crack cocaine at a house on Liberty Street, Batavia. Wilcox was one of five individuals arrested as a result a joint investigation a result of a joint investigation by the Probation Department, Child Protective Services, and the Local Drug Task Force.

Wilcox’s $20,000 bail bond was also continued by Judge Charles Zambito.

Oral arguments for Wilcox's case will begin at 9 a.m. Aug. 26 at the Genesee County Courthouse.

The namesake scholarship originated five decades ago in memory of Scott, who was a Le Roy native, distinguished ROTC graduate in Syracuse and Army lieutenant.

When Scott was presented with a choice of which branch of the Army he would join, he challenged himself to enter the infantry.

Scott felt this dangerous assignment would be worthwhile because he could prove himself to be an African American role model who created leadership opportunities for others.

Sadly, at age 22, Scott was killed in action during the Vietnam War when he sacrificed his life to save a fellow soldier.   

Scott’s Syracuse University classmates and friends established a scholarship fund at Le Roy High School to honor Scott’s memory and encourage graduates to embody Scott’s ambition, courage and dedication.

“What inspires me to keep this on and have for 50 years is that we want to give back ... to the Le Roy community that’s embraced the Scott family and to give back to the students that receive the award and inspire them,” said Jim Bruen, a founder and lead coordinator of the scholarship fund.

Previous award recipients, Scott’s high school and university classmates, friends and family members are coming from across the country to celebrate Scott’s story together. This year, $8,000 will be awarded to a new scholarship recipient.

To set the 50th year of this scholarship apart, Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School will host a dinner in Scott’s name in the school cafeteria at 5:30 p.m Thursday (June 27).

The scholarship will be presented afterward at the annual awards ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

Bruen said, “Seeing the kids that come back that have received this award, it’s a very rewarding night for me and for others. It clearly encourages us to continue to do it.”

Bruen said that he and others who were close to Scott are comforted by the thought that the award recipients will achieve great things in the spirit of the local hero.

The scholarship founders are seeking additional support from the Le Roy community in order to fund the award in future years.

Bruen said that past award recipients and prospective donors are welcome to contact the high school for more information about the dinner, award ceremony and the Gary Scott Scholarship.

Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School is located at 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy. Phone is (585) 768-8131. Website is here.

Photos of Gary Scott provided by Rebecca LeClair.

Press release:

Genesee County Job Development Bureau is hosting a Job Fair from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, at the One Stop Career Center, 587 E. Main St., Eastown Plaza, Suite 100, Batavia.

No RSVP or fee is required – just show up on July 23rd, dressed professionally, bring plenty of resumes, and put your best foot forward!

Whether you are hoping to find a fresh start, a better job, or a new career direction; job seekers will find a wealth of exciting opportunities at the Job Fair.

“We are excited to partner with the GLOW Workforce Development Board and NYS Department of Labor to bring employers and job seekers together," said Teresa Van Son, director of the Genesee County Job Development Bureau.

Local employers will be here, from a variety of industry sectors, eager to hire for immediate openings in a wide range of fields. The job fair is open to the entire community.

“This opportunity connects workers with great employers looking to hire," Van Son said. "In line with our mission to help people discover their potential and support them in reaching their career goals and prosperity; while assisting businesses by providing driven and trained candidates to fill their needs, this job fair is a great way to connect face-to-face with employers."

Come prepared by attending our Job Fair Success Workshop on July 18th at 1:30 p.m. (call 344-2042 to register).

Learn how to make the most of a job fair and turn it into a job offer! This workshop gives you the tips you need to stand out from other job seekers, “sell” your skills, and make the connections to land jobs that may not have even been advertised yet.

Make your time with potential employers count for you – know how before you go to your next job fair!  

For more information, please contact the Genesee County Career Center, at 585-344-2042 or jdb@co.genesee.ny.us

From Tap Batavia Chair Erin Worbs:

The third annual Tap Batavia is set for 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, in Downtown Batavia, hosted by the Batavia Area Jaycees.

Tickets are $35 and the deadline to buy them is June 30.

Each ticket includes a Tap Batavia T-shirt, one beer ticket each at: Bourbon & Burger Co.; Center Street Smokehouse; Eli Fish Brewing Co., T.F. Brown's Restaurant; O'Lacy's Irish Pub. The price also includes pizza and wings donated by T.F. Brown's and Center Street Smokehouse.

Designated driver tickets are $10, and everything is included but the beer tickets.

A portion of the proceeds benefits Crossroads House.

Tickets can be purchased by cash or check given to any current member of the Batavia Area Jaycees, or by paying through Venom to @Erin-Worbs.

The Facebook event page for it can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/431218950791694/

Contact tapbatavia@gmail.com with any questions, or to set up a time to meet to pay for tickets with cash or check.

More than 170 fourth-grade students from John Kennedy Intermediate School celebrated Moving Up Day as they will enter in the Middle School this coming school year in September.

Principal Amanda Cook presented along with teachers for various academics, merit, arts, physical education and school based awards to students. Many parents, educators, family and friends celebrated today's ceremony.

A big bull-mastiff-type dog named "Giovanni" is missing. He became lost this afternoon in the vicinity of Liberty and South Jackson streets in the City of Batavia.

The owner, devoted reader Bernie Thompson, emplores citizens -- "DO NOT CHASE." We're guessing that to do so with this large, hunky charcoal-brindle-coated canine would be to risk possible injury, if not, daresay, worse.

He is most assuredly male, neutered, and microchipped. Giovanni was last seen wearing a robin's-egg-blue collar and leash.

If found, or if you have information about him, call 813-3087.

His left front paw, curiously, has two middle toes that have white tips. And he has a small white patch on his stout chest.

UPDATE June 24: This morning owner Bernie Thompson reported Giovanni is home safe and sound!

Batavia High School's 137th commencement occurred this afternoon at Genesee Community College in the Richard C. Call Arena.

Valedictorian Julia Spiotta (pictured below) encouraged members of the Class of 2019 to “fall forward” into their future endeavors in the face of both adversity and success.

She left this message with her class:

“Whatever we did over these years, we did it together knowing that the Class of 2019 was united, which is something I believe is very special about us.

“I’d like to thank you, members of the Class of 2019, for making high school so memorable. Today — June 23, 2019 — has been a day that we have all eagerly anticipated. Now that it is finally here, it is a very bittersweet day.”

During her speech, Salutatorian Tracy Lin remarked:

“Although we physically will no longer be in BHS, I have no doubt that each one of us will always carry in their memories the laughs, achievements, classes, sporting events and the homecomings we’ve experienced as a class."

Commencement speaker Mark Warren, a mathematics teacher at BHS, said: “A life of service is not always easy, which is why it must be a conscious decision. You have to be the person that decides to live your life in the service of others … It’s time to commence your life of service."

Loud applause filled the arena as graduate Antwan Odom, who was approved to attend commencement alongside his classmates, received his diploma.

Presentation of awards and diplomas was given by Paul Kesler, principal of BHS; Patrick Burk, president of the Board of Education; and Christopher Dailey, superintendent of schools. Sunday’s commencement was Dailey’s last BHS graduation prior to departing for his new superintendent position at Gates Chili Central School District.

To view or purchase photos go to steveognibenephotography.com or click here.

Below, Salutatorian Tracy Lin.

A three-vehicle collision is reported in the area of 5141 Clinton Street Road. It is blocking traffic and there is a lot of debris in the roadway. Minor injuries. The location is between Collegeview Drive and Shady Lane.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Crystal Lynn Kiebzak, 37, of Main Street, Wyoming, is charged with second-degree reckless endangerment. On June 22 at a campground on Francis Road in Bethany, Kiebzak was arrested at 7:35 p.m. following the investigation of a child who was resuscitated after drowning in a pool. She was arraigned in Bethany Town Court and issued an appearance ticket for 7 p.m. July 16 in Bethany Town Court. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

David George Morgan, 65, of Roanoke Road, Stafford, is charged with second-degree menacing. He was arrested at 6:56  p.m. on June 20 on Roanoke Road in Stafford. It is alleged that he intentionally placed an individual in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by displaying a dangerous instrument -- a screwdriver. He was arraigned in Stafford Town Court and released under supervision. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Travis DeMuth, assisted by Sgt. Andrew Hale.

Duane Kenneth Miller, 54, of Linwood Avenue, Warsaw, is charged with illegal use of toxic vapors. Following an investigation into a subject allegedly huffing in the Walmart parking lot in Batavia, Miller was arrested at 12:45 p.m. on June 21. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on July 8. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

An injured skunk is reported in the driveway at 248 Liberty St., Batavia. An animal control officer is responding.

First responders are out on an accident on Meadville Road, Basom, that was originally reported as a one-vehicle rollover accident with minor injuries.

A subsequent report said the accident occurred more than an hour ago.

The first caller said there were two occupants of the vehicle.

When a first responder arrived, he found one person on the ground. A passerby at the scene said he only saw one person.

The vehicle sustained heavy damage. A first responder is unsure if the patient got out of the vehicle on his own or was thrown out.

Either a chief or an officer learned the other occupant was picked up.

As a precaution for the patient at the scene, Mercy Flight is being put on in-air standby while the patient is evaluated.

Mercy EMS is in route.

Alabama fire is on scene.

The Dodgers and the Mets faced off today in the Batavia Little League Championship.

The Dodgers needed to win the first game to force a Game 2, or the Mets, if they won the first game, would have become champions.

The Dodgers did win the first game, 5-4 but the Mets came back in a big way in the second game to win 11-3.

Two people were rescued today in the Tonawanda Creek after their canoe overturned and became jammed against a log, which they managed to grab onto until help arrived.

East Pembroke Fire, Town of Batavia Fire, and Gary Patnode, head of the county's rope rescue team, responded.

Volunteer firefighters were able to get ropes to John R. Young, 24, of Basom, and Kaleigh Kasteli, 20, of Beaver Falls, Pa., along with life vests -- which they put over their own life vests -- and pull them safely to shore.

Both Young and Kasteli were examined by medics with Mercy EMS and released from care at the scene.

State Police also assisted at the scene.

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