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A caller reports seeing a white male, wearing blue shorts and a blue shirt, standing atop a moving train on the CSX line in the area of Seven Springs Road.

A deputy is asked to look for the train at the Route 236 crossing.

Smoke is reportedly coming from an electrical panel in a residence at 9246 Glenwood Drive in the Town of Le Roy. Le Roy fire is on scene; Bergen's ladder truck is also called along with Le Roy ambulance. Light smoke is inside. Now an engine out of Stafford is called.

UPDATE 5:21 p.m.: An infrared camera will be used to detect heat in the walls.

Mark David Jackett, 48, of Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt of court. At about 5:30 p.m. on Labor Day (Sept. 3), deputies responded to the Oakfield Labor Daze Festival on Main Street in the Village of Oakfield for a report of a violation of an order of protection. Following an investigation, Jackett was arrested for allegedly violating a court order of protection against a protected party. He is due in Oakfield Town Court on Sept. 10 to answer the charge. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre.

Donald Oscar Summers Jr., 48, of Clinton Street, Buffalo, is charged with DWI and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or greater. On Sept. 3 following the investigation of a minor motor-vehicle accident on Alleghany Road in Darien, which led to the driver fleeing on foot, the defendant was arrested at 11:18 p.m. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Darien Court on Oct. 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Mathew Clor.

Colton Douglas Chappius, 29, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 1 on North Main Street in Elba after he allegedly violated an Orleans County Family Court Order of Protection directing him to refrain from offensive conduct. He is accused of refusing to return property and using loud and vulgar language during a custody exchange in the presence of protected persons. He was issued an appearance ticket for Elba Court and is due there Sept. 26. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Christine Charlene McBride, 24, of Kenmore Avenue in Buffalo, is charged with petit larceny. Following a larceny-in-progress complaint from a business on Veterans Memorial Drive, McBride was arrested at 8:38 p.m. on Sept. 2. She allegedly stole $366.45 worth of merchandise by concealing it in plastic bags and passing all points of purchase without paying for the items. She is due in Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Submitted photo and press release:

On Friday, Sept. 21, jazz will be in the air in Downtown Perry. The Arts Council for Wyoming County (ACWC) is presenting the Batavia Brass Society in their main gallery to play a "Light Evening of Jazz." This is the first time this group of musicians has played at the ACWC.

The Arts Council for Wyoming County is located at 31 S. Main St., Perry. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; concert begins at 7.

The Batavia Brass Society is made up of Derek Reiss (trumpet), Peter Mark (trombone), Edward VanZandt (trumpet), Roger Bolton (tuba), Elizabeth Kockler (horn), Scott Kockler (percussion).

Musicians are current, former, and retired music teachers from our area. They have been performing since 1980 playing a variety of music from classical to jazz and pop. You may have seen them at the Oakfield Labor Daze, Le Roy Oatka Festival, Genesee Community College, and the concert series in Holley and Akron. 

"I am pleased that the Arts Council will finally have the opportunity to present the the Batavia Brass Society in concert at the Gallery," says Jacqueline Hoyt, executive director of the Arts Council for Wyoming County, "This show will feature local musicians playing songs that are familiar to our ears."

Tickets for this concert are $15 ($13.50 for ACWC members). Purchase online at artswyco.org or by calling the ACWC at (585) 237-3517, ext. 101. Tickets are first come, first served, and early reservations are suggested.

If you would like to reserve tickets for parties larger than 10, please contact the ACWC directly at (585) 237-3517 or email info@artswyco.org.

About the Arts Council for Wyoming County

For more than 40 years, the Arts Council for Wyoming County (ACWC) has created opportunities to bring arts into their rural communities through programming, grants, and art events. The ACWC is also Wyoming County’s NYSCA Decentralization Site for Community Arts Grants. In addition to yearly programming, the ACWC produces the Letchworth Arts & Crafts Show and Sale. For more information on membership or advocacy in the arts, please visit www.artswyco.org.

Corky Shaw usually has a message for passing motorists on a sign out front of his place on Route 262 in Byron. This week, it's in honor of his wife, Pat, who died Aug. 22 at age 81.

You might recognize the property because the Shaws collected antique tractors and trucks and several old trucks can be seen from the roadway.

Here's Pat's full obituary.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider accepting applications for incentives for two capital projects at the agency’s Sept. 6^th board meeting.

Amada Tool in the City of Batavia is seeking incentives for an $8.8 million capital investment to increase the company’s manufacturing facility by approximately 19,000 square feet. The project would create 17 new jobs and retain 68 current jobs.

The proposed investment includes $2.3 million in construction costs and $6.5 million in new equipment. Amada Tool is seeking property and sales tax exemptions of approximately $266,000.

Six Flags Darien Lake LLC is seeking approximately $166,000 in sales tax exemption to build a new $2.150 million ride that is scheduled to open in 2019. Six Flags Darien Lake LLC is one of the largest sales tax revenue generator in Genesee County and one of the region’s most popular tourism destinations.

The board meeting begins at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. It will be held at the GCEDC, 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia.

Matthew J. Arelline, 49, of Wolcott, was arrested in the late evening of Sept. 3 by the Le Roy Police Department. Arelline was charged with: driving while intoxicated as a Class A misdemeanor; felony aggravated DWI with underage child passenger; failure to use designated lane; consumption/alcohol in a motor vehicle; and refusal to take breathe test. At approximately 10:47 p.m. on Sept. 3 an officer assigned to DWI Crackdown Patrol observed a vehicle allegedly operating failing to maintain its designated lane on Clay Street in the Village of Le Roy. Patrols initiated a lawful traffic stop and identified the operator as Arelline. After a subsequent investigation, it was believed he was intoxicated. Arelline had a child passenger in the vehicle. Arelline was taken into custody and processed without incident. He was arraigned in Le Roy Town Court put in County Jail on $2,500 cash/ $5,000 bond. Arelline is due back in court on Sept. 14^th and Oct. 1^st to answer the above charges.

Aaron G. Lynch, 27, of Churchville, was arrested in the early morning of Sept. 3 by the LeRoy Police Department. Lynch was charged with: driving while intoxicated; driving with a blood alcohol content greater than .08 of 1 percent, both class A misdemeanors; failure to use designated lane; driver's view obstructed; two counts of consumption/alcohol in a motor vehicle; and uninspected motor vehicle. At approximately 2:35 a.m. on Sept. 3, an officer assigned to DWI Crackdown Patrol observed a vehicle allegedly operating failing to maintain its designated lane on Wolcott Street in the Village of Le Roy. Patrols initiated a lawful traffic stop and identified the operator as Lynch and after a subsequent investigation, it was believed he was intoxicated. Lynch was taken into custody and processed without incident. Lynch was released with an appearance ticket and is due back in Town of Le Roy Court to answer the above charges on Oct. 1^st.

Press release:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $15 million is available to fund two initiatives that will promote clean energy workforce development and training programs on SUNY campuses.

Nearly $6 million was awarded to SUNY campuses to train more workers in the clean energy sector. In addition, a request for proposals was made available to all SUNY campuses for grants totaling $9 million to provide apprenticeships, internships, and educational programs and support through industry partnerships across the state.

These initiatives are part of Climate Jobs NY, a component of Clean Climate Careers initiative.
 
"As the federal government moves further away from responsible energy policy and clean energy production, New York is committed to fighting climate change and protecting our environment," Governor Cuomo said. "We will continue to take bold action to promote clean energy across the state and support job growth in cutting-edge, renewable industries."
 
"Funding for clean energy and workforce development programs at SUNY campuses across the state will help to promote environmental protection," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who delivered today's announcement. "Unlike the federal government, New York is advancing ambitious clean energy goals to address the important issue of climate change. These training programs will continue to support the industry and prepare individuals for jobs of the future."
 
As part of the $9 million RFP for additional grants, the SUNY university system will explore opportunities for partnerships with state and local agencies, including the Department of Labor, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Empire State Development, and Industrial Development Agencies. These partnerships will aim to meet existing and emerging critical workforce needs of New York's clean energy industry, drive regional economic development, and provide hands-on learning to students.
 
Up to $1 million of the RFP is allocated specifically for Community College Regional Council awards to develop events and workshops that will facilitate partnerships between clean energy industry players and SUNY community colleges in the region, share best practices amongst community colleges on curricula materials and tools to accelerate the pace of clean energy workforce development, and plan regional strategies to promote a culture of environmental sustainability.
  
SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson said, "The alarms have sounded again and again on the consequences of climate change, overdependence on fossil fuels, and increased energy use and costs. SUNY is proud to provide high-quality, hands-on, and the most up-to-date clean energy education and training to our students, building a diverse, preeminent talent pipeline for today and tomorrow's clean energy industry in New York State. We are proud to be a part of the governor's long-term energy solution."
 
Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "The lack of clean energy leadership at the federal level could threaten opportunities for New Yorkers, so I commend Governor Cuomo's commitment to ensuring that workforce development in green industries is a priority. The Department of Labor stands ready to support this innovative initiative that will benefit workers and businesses alike."
 
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Workforce training and development programs are crucial to the economic growth and sustainability of New York State. These funds will ensure that New York is generating trained employees for a growing industry, while furthering the Governor's commitment to clean energy."
 
Richard Kauffman, Chair of Energy and Finance for New York State said, "Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York continues to make significant investments in projects and initiatives that reduce the state's carbon footprint, ensure strong employment growth, and support our growing clean energy economy. Investing in workforce development and training programs on SUNY campuses will help prepare our next generation of clean energy workers to meet the workforce demands of an expanding and innovative job market."
 
Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, "As New York continues to lead the nation in its commitment to renewable energy and its fight against climate change, we need to work collaboratively with colleges and universities, as well as the business community, to best prepare students and workers for growing job opportunities in the clean energy sector. Today's announcement is another example of Governor Cuomo putting the well-being of all New Yorkers first by investing in strategic initiatives that support the state's ambitious clean energy goals." 
  
Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D., president of United University Professions, said, "We applaud the governor for embracing the crucial role of education and training in developing and expanding a clean energy workforce in New York state. UUP stands with the governor and SUNY in making New York a green energy leader, in the U.S. and worldwide."
 
Campus proposals awarded today were reviewed by a committee with representation from SUNY, NYSERDA, and the Department of Labor. The awarded proposals include the following:
 
Binghamton University will establish a Clean Energy Undergraduate Research Program within its Freshman Research Immersion program. The new clean energy program will provide a summer component, including research fellowships for under-represented minority students and internships with clean energy companies.
 
Buffalo State College will develop clean energy certificate programs in partnership with the New York Power Authority. The certificates will also earn students credits toward an associate or bachelor's degree.
 
University at Buffalo will develop a Western New York Clean Energy Workforce Development program to include a certification and micro-credentialing, which may take the form of digital badges or other micro-awards—to both meet business and industry expectations and motivate and prepare well-rounded students with highly marketable skills.
 
SUNY Canton will enhance its Solar Ready Vets program on site at Fort Drum. The training provides a micro-credential program in renewable energy specifically for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
 
Erie Community College will enhance its non-credit continuing education units for architects and engineers, as well as building and code inspectors, by including electrical/photovoltaic solar updates for curricula design.
 
Farmingdale State College will develop certificate and fast track training programs within its Renewable Energy and Sustainability Center to meet emerging needs of the clean energy industry. The Renewable Energy and Sustainability Center will partner with local industry to identify short- and long-term needs.
 
SUNY Maritime will receive funding for two programs. The first, through its Off-Shore Energy Center, will develop a wind operations technician training program, as well as dynamic positioning training and certification courses for off-shore vessel operators. The second will develop a certification in partnership with the liquid natural gas industry. Coursework from the program will also be incorporated into licensing programs for licensed mariners.
 
Nassau Community College will develop new curriculum to include Energy Industry Fundamentals certificates.
 
SUNY Oswego will develop and enhance the campus's energy laboratories to support the curriculum of multiple departments. The campus will also expand research and applied learning opportunities and strengthen collaboration and student transfer between SUNY Oswego and Onondaga Community College.
 
SUNY Polytechnic Institute will partner with SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and SUNY Oneonta to offer experiential learning opportunities for students to apply green building principles by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifying SUNY campus buildings. LEED Accredited Professionals will engage undergraduate students in the LEED Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance certification process and the LEED for Building Design and Construction via experiential learning projects tied to new courses.

Nate McMurray thinks the president should take a positive interest in his campaign for Congress.

After Donald J. Trump sent out a highly controversial tweet yesterday blasting his attorney general for prosecuting criminal cases against Rep. Chris Collins and Rep. Duncan Hunter, McMurray responded with two tweets of his own. 

Hey, @potus popular? Around here @RepChrisCollins is about as popular as Lyme Disease. You need to pick better friends, maybe someone who actually has a clue about helping working families...Call me.

The Batavian asked, via text message, for McMurray to clarify his statement, McMurray said, "Just like I said. He's picking the wrong people. The wrong policies. If the President is really interested in helping the people here, and not just talking about it, I want him to be successful."

He then added, "I can help."

Collins was arrested by federal agents a month ago on charges of securities fraud, wire fraud and lying to the FBI. The NY-27 representative is accused of disclosing to his son confidential information about Innate Immunotherapeutics Ltd. Collins served on the board of directors in 2017 and was notified in June of that year that a key clinical trial had failed. The call by Collins to Cameron Collins allegedly sparked a series of stock trades where Cameron, other family members, and associates dumped 1.4 million shares of the company's stock.

Hunter (who represents the eastern part of San Diego County, including El Cajon, filling a seat once held by his father) is accused of using campaign funds for personal expenses (a non-criminal accusation also levied in 1989 against his father). 

Contrary to Trump's claim in his tweet, neither investigation began during the Obama years. Both investigations started after Trump became president. In fact, the trigger for the investigation into Collins was Cameron's highly suspicious pattern of trades in June 2017, which led to investigators discovering the phone call made by Collins from the lawn of the Trump White House.

Two days after vowing to fight the charges and remain in the campaign for reelection at a press conference where he refused to take questions, Collins suspended his campaign. He promised to cooperate in an effort to get his name off the November ballot. So far, the eight GOP county chairs of the NY-27 haven't announced how they intend to get Collins off the ballot and there's even doubt among the chairs that it can be done.

The presidential tweet about the Collins arrest also prompted a press release from McMurray. He wrote:

“President Trump just acknowledged what we all know: what was long considered a slam-dunk election for Congressman Collins is now in doubt and the reasoning is clear – Congressman Collins spent more time worrying about making millions for his buddies than he did helping working families in Western New York,” McMurray said.

“The FBI finally confirmed what so many of us in Western New York know – that the system is corrupt. Now the same party officials that knew of Congressman Collins’ conduct want to fool voters into believing that they can pull a bait and switch to put someone new on the ballot. They want a mulligan. This isn’t democracy, this is fraud and the voters I meet as I crisscross the district won’t stand for it.

“I’m putting party politics aside to stand up for the working men and women of Western New York. I was proud to stand with many of them this Labor Day and I’ll be proud to work on their behalf in Congress.”

On Twitter, McMurray often portrays himself as fighting for the middle-class, working families of Western New York; however, where he aligns with Trump on issues is hard to say.

In a July 14 Tweet, McMurray he said:

MY PLATFORM:

—Medicare for all
—Unions
—Free, reduced tuition
—Agriculture as a nat security issue
—Green energy
—Broadband for all
—Marijuana legalization
—No more wasteful wars
—Human rights, safe immigration
—Smart trade
—Term limits
—Reproductive rights
—Fair tax laws

— Nate McMurray for Congress (@Nate_McMurray) July 14, 2018

Later in the month, he was critical of Collins' support of Trump's trade agenda, tweeting: 

TARIFFS ARE TAXES. My opponent supports them. I support smart trade, leveraging our strength to gain access to key foreign markets. We need to sell to more people. We don’t need to put up a barrier to the world and hide.

However, an email exchange with The Batavian on July 30, McMurray said Trump was 100 percent right in his assertion that the U.S. is being taken advantage of by trading partners. The Batavian had asked McMurray if he would seek the aid from the Koch Network, which is backing Democrats this cycle who support free trade. McMurray said he wouldn't, citing his agreement with the president that the world is taking advantage of the United States.

"We can’t bury our head in the sand," McMurray said. "We need to engage with the world. We just can’t do it the way we have done it, by getting taken advantage of and being willing to leverage our bargaining power."

One of the fears or Trump-supporting Republicans is that if the Democrats win control of the House in the mid-term elections, they will quickly move to impeach Donald Trump. McMurray has indicated on social media that he is not an automatic vote for impeachment.

OPEN LETTER TO NY27: CLEARING UP A FEW POINTS

"I have no intention of “voting to impeach” on my “first day in office.” My first day in office, I expect I’ll be spending most of my time unpacking and figuring out the best place to hang pictures."

READ https://t.co/JquVIvFq8Q

— Nate McMurray for Congress (@Nate_McMurray) August 27, 2018

McMurray has campaigned across the district since the arrest of Collins but has completely skipped over Genesee County during the past four weeks. Yesterday, he missed the Labor Daze parade in Oakfield.

Trump's Labor Day tweet has been criticized by both Republicans and Democrats as an attack on the criminal justice system and an attempt to subvert the rule of law.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who presented Genesee County in Congress before losing her seat to Collins in 2012 joined the chorus of boos this morning.

When I ran for re-election to Congress in 2012, I warned voters that @RepChrisCollins would put his own interests ahead of the people of Western NY.

Not surprised @realDonaldTrump would defend a man who was arrested for insider trading. Two corrupt men, made for each other. https://t.co/9WQkuX8K7c

— Kathy Hochul (@KathyHochul) September 4, 2018

"A Helping of Hope" is the theme of this year's Genesee, Orleans & Wyoming Suicide Prevention and Awareness Breakfast.

The free event will be held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility, located at 5122 Clinton Street Road in Batavia.

In recognition of September as National Suicide Prevention Month, the Genesee, Orleans & Wyoming County Suicide Prevention Coalitions will come together to share the work of the local coalitions as well as discuss current/forthcoming initiatives.

Invited presenters include:

• Missy Stolki, area director, WNY, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention;
• Kelly Deneka & Heidi Meides-Judge, Sources of Strength Suicide Prevention Program;
• Andy Prentice, Rochester Psychiatric Center, Mobil Integration Team;
• Meredith Menier, "A Survivor's Love Story."

Complementary breakfast. Space is limited.

RSVP by Sept. 17.

For more information or to register, in Genesee County contact Sue Gagne:  sgagne@wyomingco.net

This event is supported by the NYS Office of Mental Health and the Suicide Prevention Center of New York State.

Volunteers for Animals' 15th annual Fur Ball to benefit their Spay/Neuter Program at the Genesee County Animal Shelter will take place starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Days Inn in Batavia.

The hotel is located at 200 Oak St.

There will be food, fun, basket raffles and silent auctions.

Tickets are $25 each; tickets for children 12 and under are $15. A table of 10 -- with 10 seats -- costs $250.

The event is limited to 200 tickets.

Please make checks payable to: Volunteers for Animals -- Spay/Neuter Program.

They can be mailed to: P.O. Box 1621, Batavia NY 14021

Tickets are also available at the shelter.

Volunteers for Animals are now accepting new items for the Fur Ball raffle/auction. Items can be left at the shelter during adoption hours.

Lines are down across the roadway at 7578 Byron Holley Road and Byron and South Byron fire departments are responding.

Photo of Rochester artist Brian O'Neill, courtesy of Batavia Society of Artists.

Information provided by the Batavia Society of Artists:

The Batavia Society of Artists is excited to announce that the demonstrating artist at GO ART! on Tuesday, Sept. 11th, will be Brian O'Neill, a Rochester Art Club Signature Member and internationally known fine art painter.

The artist's contemporary, dynamic and expressive abstract paintings are really fantastic, says Nikki Tamfer, of the Batavia Society of Artists, and he is also known for his oil realism.

The demo will be held in the historic Seymour Place home of GO ART! in Downtown Batavia from 7 to 9 p.m. a week from today. It is located at 201 E. Main St.

The event is free for Batavia Society of Artists' members; $5 for non-members. 

"It's All Abstraction" will consist of an artist talk and PowerPoint presentation. O'Neill will illustrate through a visual presentation how all form can be broken down into simple, dark and light abstract shapes for more believable realism work. And he will offer insights into the inspirations for his abstract painting and relate them to environmental realities. 

O'Neill has a working and teaching studio in the Hungerford Building in Rochester, which is at 1115 E. Main St. His work has been showcased in galleries across the United States, Canada, England and Japan. He's a graduate of the Ani Art Academy apprenticeship program, where he trained with renowned realism painter Anthony Waichulis.

His formal training gave him the freedom to create in worlds both recognizable and imagined. 

In his bio statement, O'Neill, born in 1969, says: “My responsibility as an artist is one that asks me to create not because I want to, but because I have to. My goal with each painting is to infuse my passion for beauty in a language that can be read and felt by all people that view my work. I challenge myself to always remain open to learning and making work at the highest level possible.”

Find more examples of O'Neill’s work as well as student creations here.

Below, "Homestead," oil on canvas by Brian O'Neill.

Below, "Pause," oil, whitegold, gold, silverleaf by Brian O'Neill.

Below, "Turquoise Twilight," acrylic with silver, goldleaf by Brian O'Neill.

Below, "The Chase," oil on canvas by Brian O'Neill.

Bottom, "Winter Glow," oil on canvas by Brian O'Neill.

Above, Brad Jackson celebrates his win in the Downs' 39th annual Driver's Bicycle Race with a “flying leg” pose as he crosses the wire. 

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The 39^th annual Batavia Downs Labor Day driver's bicycle race took place on Monday (Sept. 3) with a full field of eight local reinsmen lining up to compete. And with three previous race winners in the 2018 field, a first time victor emerged from the pack. 

The starting car picked up the field at the top of the far turn and let them go at the head of the stretch for the one-eighth mile dash.

Billy Davis Jr. took a quick early lead but he was soon joined by Drew Monti and Denny Bucceri who flanked him inside and out. Then halfway down the stretch Brad Jackson, who was hindered by post eight, was cruising in the middle of the stretch and got by everyone to win by two lengths. Jackson celebrated the win with a “flying leg” pose as he crossed the wire. 

After the race, the bikes were given away via random drawing to eight lucky fans who correctly selected Jackson to win before the event.

Also on Monday afternoon, drivers Billy Davis Jr. and Kevin Cummings had the hot hands during the live card of racing, winning four and three races respectively. Davis piloted Bad Glamour Girl ($6.10), Dark Horse ($4), Peter Pumpkineater ($15) and Cashco ($5.40) while Cummings steered Dwntwnskeeterbrown ($28.40), Montezuma Bluechip ($3.70) and Our Last Photo ($7.20). 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 5) with the New York Sire Stakes 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings in the house.

Photos courtesy of Paul White.

Bottom photo: Harness racing drivers ride their bicycles down the stretch at Batavia Down's Monday afternoon.

On the final day of the season, the Batavia Muckdogs had a chance to play spoiler against their Thruway rivals, the Auburn Doubledays, but after falling behind 8-2 after three innings, the team couldn't crawl its way back and lost 8-5.

Starter Josh Roberson (1-1) was lifted after the second inning. He gave up four runs. Evan Estes gave up four runs in the third inning. Tyler Kolek came on and stopped the bleeding, giving up only one hit over three innings, striking out three.

The offense was led by Demetrius Sims, who was 2-4 with two doubles and two runs scored (seen in the top photo scoring in the fifth inning).

Sean Reynolds was 0-4 but finished the season as the league leader in home runs (17), RBIs (52), Runs (49) and walks (42). He's the team leader in stolen bases with 13 (also the highest success rate in the league). He is the only player in 2018 to play every inning of all 76 games. He also finishes with a batting average .193 and a new league record of 133 strikeouts.

With the win, Auburn becomes the wildcard team in the NYPL playoffs.

To purchase prints of parade photos, click here.

The store manager at Bed Bath & Beyond in Towne Center at Batavia confirmed this afternoon that the store is closing, but says there is no firm date yet.

The store's lease with mall owner COR Development Co. LLC expired, and either more favorable terms could not be negotiated or the decision was made to outright pull the plug on the store once the current lease expired.

The closure is not altogether unexpected given slumping stock performance for the New Jersey-based chain of home-goods stores, hard hit by online sales competition.

According to market analysts, BBB stock has declined 55 percent in the last year and 74 percent in the last five years.

The company is still profitable, but financial experts say it is not closing brick-and-mortar stores fast enough to continue competing online.

Company executives in 2018 forecasts talked of closing more than three dozen locations nationwide, while opening more Buy, Buy Baby and Cost Plus World Market stores, which are also owned by the parent company.

Analysts say a big issue for BBB is that it stocks a lot of nationally branded commodity items that can be found elsewhere, like Amazon, for less, even with BBB's ubiquitous 20-percent off coupons and oftentimes free shipping.

What has long been a strong suit of Bed, Bath & Beyond, its peerless in-store customer service -- on par with the likes of world-class Nordstrom -- will be missed by many shoppers who experienced it firsthand.

BBB has a reputation for running a tight ship. Straightaway, new hires are taught the acronym GOT A PEN, which codifies their customer-service ethos:

• Greet the customer;
• Offer them a cart;
• Thank the customer at the register when they make a purchase and invite them back;
• Always wear your name badge;
• Pass the buck -- if you don't have the answer to a customer's questions, find someone who does;
• Escort the customer to find an item (don't just point and say "It's down that aisle.");
• Never say the word "no" (find a solution that satifies the customer).