News of the theft of urns from the Batavia Peace Garden has prompted community members to come forward and help both with the replacement of the urns as well improving security at the park.

Carol Grasso told WBTA this morning that Michael Tomaszewski, owner of Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, has offered to replace the urns.

Another anonymous donor has offered to help pay for security cameras and improved lighting.

"Michael Tomaszewski, he's such a great guy; he goes so much for our community," Grasso said. "He called Paula (Savage) up and he said, 'I'm going to replace those for you.' We were just the ecstatic. He was kind enough to do this for us. He's just always been such a good supporter of the Peace Garden."

As for security, the Peace Garden board had already decided to purchase a video camera and lighting but still needed to raise more money for it. The anonymous donation helps.

"It's not cheap, you know, and then you have to have them installed," Grasso said. "We don't have any money coming into the Peace Garden. Everything we do is through donations and fundraisers. We're very fortunate to have a community that is supportive of us."

Grasso thinks it took more than one person to steal the urns.

"They were two huge, large -- they probably come up to your waist, that's how big they are," Grasso said. "They are heavy and solid granite. They're just beautiful, black. They are just gorgeous ... whoever took them, it had to be a couple of people because you can't just move them."

WBTA is news partners with The Batavian.

A caller is apparently distraught after hitting a raccoon with her car in the City of Batavia.

A dispatcher has asked an officer to stop and speak with her to calm her down and "let her know it's OK."

No location was given for the accident.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: About 10 minutes ago, the caller decided "she's moving on" after determining that she suffered no injuries and her vehicle is not damaged.

The Muckdogs topped Pinckney Division-leaders Mahoning Valley 4-3 on Independence Day for their third win in four games. RJ Peace had another strong start, and as a result, he secured his second win of the season. He was able to keep the league’s top offense to just one run through five innings.

The only run Peace gave up was in the first inning. A leadoff triple by Gabriel Mejia set the Scrappers in motion to start the game. Jose Fermin followed it up immediately with a single to make the game 1-0 after just two batters. In the second inning though, Peace found his groove. He retired seven straight batters and put Batavia in a position to take the lead.

The Muckdogs did just that in the top of the fourth inning. Three straight batters for Batavia would come around to score. Michael Donadio hit a single to start things off for a ninth game in the last 13 where he would get at least one hit. Sean Reynolds reached on an error to put runners on first and second. Albert Guaimaro ripped another RBI single, following up a performance where he had three last night. Demetrius Sims then extended his hit streak to six games with another RBI single. His hit also made it four straight multi-hit games for Sims.

Luke Jarvis continued the fun by knocking in his first professional RBI to make it 3-1.

The game would come across two consecutive scoreless innings until the seventh inning. Igor Baez then launched a home run over the left field wall to make it a 4-1 ballgame.

Bryce Howe would work his second inning of relief after the seventh inning stretch. He allowed two baserunners to start the inning. They would both come to score, but only one was earned as a result of a throwing error.

While it was a 4-3 game, Elkin Alcala came on to shut the door in the eighth and struck out the side. In the ninth, he would allow a leadoff walk. However, he was able to get a strikeout because of a foul bunt with two strikes. Then, a tailor-made double play ended the game and gave the Muckdogs the win.

Game two of the series is Thursday night, with a 7:05 first pitch from Eastwood Field. The Scrappers haven’t lost a series all season, and Batavia has a chance to deal them their first tomorrow.

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported in the area of 6499 Lyman Road, Bryon.

Byron and South Byron fire departments dispatched.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m.: There is one truck off the road into the trees. 

UPDATE 8:23 p.m.: One patient, outside the vehicle.

The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford presented GO ART!'s 40th annual Picnic in the Park today in Centennial Park. There were many local nonprofit sponsored booths along with food, arts and crafts vendors.  

A variety of bands were showcased on the main stage and Buffalo Aerial Dance performed next to the stage. A kiddie parade kicked things off and children's activities continued throughout the day.

Kelly's Old Timers band

Bill Buckenmeyer crossed the finish line first in the annual Fourth of July Kiwanis 5K at Centennial Park in Batavia.

More than 280 runners and walkers participated this year.

A two-vehicle accident is reported at Route 98 (Quaker Hill Road) and Lockport Road, Elba, with possible serious injuries.

One vehicle rolled over. Two people are entrapped.

Mercy Flight requested to the scene. Town of Batavia fire requested to the Elba rec hall to set up a landing zone.

Elba fire and three ambulances dispatched.

UPDATE(S) (By Billie) 3:13 p.m.: An ambulance from Byron is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 3:49 p.m.: One person is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital via Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 4:02 p.m.: Preliminary details indicate a pickup truck and a sedan collided at the intersection after one of the vehicles failed to yield the right of way. Two people were in each vehicle. In addition to the person airlifted to Strong, two others were transported there by Mercy medics. All three suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The fourth person involved was a sign-off. The Byron ambulance was called in for evaluation and rehab for firefighters. No firefighters were injured.

UPDATE 4:36 p.m. (By Howard): The roads are being reopened. A trooper on scene State Police will release more information tomorrow.

Photo: Paul Draper and Stephen Kowalcyk, co-directors of the 2018 Batavia Ramble Music and Arts Festival.

Press release:

The 2018 Batavia Ramble Music & Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, July 7th, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. This year we will have two main stages that will feature live performances from 34 local bands & artists.

The "Eli Fish" stage will be located in Jackson Square and the "Center Street" stage will be located in the parking lot across from Center Street Smoke House.

Along with musical performances, we will also have local artists, craft vendors and food trucks lined up all along Center Street.

As always, The Batavia Ramble is free to the public so bring a chair and a few friends and come and check out the biggest show in Batavia! For additional information, please email Paul Draper III at TheBataviaRamble@gmail.com

The 2018 music lineup:

 Eli Fish Stage:

• Ghost Riders
• Me & Red
• Koko & The Moon Crickets
• Justin Williams Band
• Shotgun Pauly
• Trolls 2.0
• Genesee Ted
• Driven
• Zero
• Old Hippies
• Sierra
• Noahs Reign
• Bluesway Band
• Warren Skye & Friends
• Eagle Creek
• Justin Crossett Band
• Audibull

Center Street Stage:

• J. Hopkins
• Grizzwoode
• PD3
• Dave Holnbeck
• Steve Kruppner
• Kruppner Brothers
• Jenny & Michelle
• Beethovan's Dream Group Again
• The Live Bait Band
• The Pedestrians
• Lonesome Road
• Rock Soulgers
• Gretchen & The Girls
• Blues Daddios
• Mercury Express
• Conspiracy Theory
• We are Groot

Submitted photos and press release from Pat Iamon.

On June 21, during the Le Roy High School awards night, the premier Rochelle "Willie" Wilson Award was presented to the inaugural recipient, Haley Scripp.

The award was initiated by Tom White, and after a few emails many members of his Class of 1970, reciprocated with donations and a vow to continue this tribute in honor of one of their most loved classmates, Rochelle “Willie” Wilson.

The Class of 1970 was the largest class ever at LHS, however, Wilson stood out. She was regarded highly by both her classmates and the faculty and was a friend of everyone.

White spoke during awards night about Wilson and how she was respected by everyone.

He said, “She was a great athlete and a great person, but almost no one but the people from class knew that because the only place she could display her talent was on the playground. Willie unfortunately missed out on what is now called 'Title Nine' (AKA Title IX) -- which requires collages to give equal scholarships to men and women.

"No doubt Willie would have received an athletic scholarship if her talent and character had been seen.”

White talked of becoming an adult during such turbulent times. The Vietnam War, race riots and women demanding equal rights were constantly in the forefront and shown graphically on TV during the evening news.

Unfortunately, there were no organized women sports for Wilson. Following high school, Wilson joined the Army and served her country. She moved to Alabama had a daughter, Naomi, and lived quietly.

Wilson died of lung disease in January of 2014, believed to be the result of serving overseas during the burning of oil fields in the Middle East (Kuwait, 1990-).

Patty McQuillen Daansen, another member of the Class of 1970, summarized what the annual award is and announced the winner who was nominated by teachers and administrators. A committee from the Class of 1970 chose the debut recipient. The award was presented to Scripp by White and Daansen.

Scripp was described by her teachers as a terrific student, outstanding athlete, a kind personality and a pleasure to be around.

She will be attending RIT and majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology in the fall.

Scripp will was given a plaque acknowledging the award. Her name will be entered as the first recipient of the Rochelle “Willie” Wilson Award plaque, which will remain in the LHS hallway.

Scripp will receive her $500 from the award upon successful completion of her first semester of college.

Photo below, from left: Haley Scripp, the first recipient of the Rochelle “Willie” Wilson Award, with LRHS Class of 1970's Tom White and Patty McQuillen Daansen​.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Logic Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday:

Devon R. Westerfield, 18, of Franklin Street, Penn Yann, arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a baggie of marijuana while in the venue parking lot. 

A 17-year-old resident of Grove Street, Buffalo, arrested for harassment, 2nd, after allegedly shoving a Live Nation employee inside the venue.

Steven L. Pufpaff, 18, of Windham Court, Grand Island, arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a bag containing marijuana while in the venue parking lot.

Krista R. Smith, 27, of Cronk Road, Wallkill, arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana while entering the concert venue.

A 17-year-old resident of Ferndale Road, Williamsville, arrested for disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the concert parking lot after the concert ended.

Sabrina T. Ramsey, 46, of Mt. Vernon Road, Snyder, arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Amanda G. Wolfe, 25, of Burke Park, Buffalo, arrested for criminal possession of marijuana, 4th, after allegedly being found in possession of more than two ounces of marijuana. 

Michael P. Stutzman, 27, of Lakewood Avenue, Hamburg, arrested for DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more after allegedly being involved in an accident in the concert parking lot.

K-9 "Destro" flushed out three suspected teenage criminals from Buffalo yesterday afternoon after they got caught allegedly trying to steal a pair of ATVs from a residence at 1888 Broadway Road, Darien.

Multiple deputies and troopers responded to the area at 1:31 p.m. after a caller reported catching three people trying to leave with his house with the ATVs. 

The apparent thieves abandoned the ATVs and fled west on Broadway, through a cemetery, and into a cornfield.

Officers surrounded the area while another kept an eye on an abandoned vehicle parked near the farm field that had apparently been stolen from a location in Lackawanna.

Deputy Chris Erion and Destro were among the officers who responded.

Erion said one subject surrendered as soon as he heard Destro become vocal at the start of the search. The other two were located by Destro about 10 minutes later hunkered down in the corn.

Destro also located a backpack that appeared to contain stolen items, Erion said.

David C. Edwards, 19, of Buffalo, attempted grand larceny, 3rd, and criminal possession of stolen property.

The other two suspects are 17 years old. One was charged with attempted grand larceny, 3rd, criminal possession of stolen property, 3rd, and criminal mischief, 2nd. The other was charged with criminal mischief, 2nd.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.

Others responding to the incident included deputies Kevin McCarthy, Corey Mower, Ryan Delong, Rich Schildwaster, Patrick Reeves, and investigators Howard Carlson, Chad Minuto, Joe Loftus, and Chris Parker, and Sgt. Brad Mazur and Chief Deputy Joseph Graff. The State Police, Corfu PD, and Environmental Conservation officers also assisted.

(Initial Post)

The Muckdogs got their third walk-off win of the season on Tuesday night against the West Virginia Black Bears. Batavia clinched the series win as the team topped West Virginia for the bottom of the ninth for the second time in three nights.

The game had an eerily similar start to the game that was played on Monday night: Muckdogs score one in the top of the first, give up multiple runs a few innings later, and then have to come back late in the game. Brayan Hernandez came around to score in the top of the first on the first of three RBI singles from Albert Guaimaro.

Martin Anderson, who made his first Muckdogs start in the game, was excellent through the first 2.2 IP. However, getting that third out of the third inning would prove to be difficult, and would result in four runs crossing the plate in the inning. Dylan Cyphert would come on in relief to get Batavia out of the inning.

The Muckdogs found multiple chances to score again in the game. They loaded the bases in the sixth and Guaimaro would drive in another run to make it 4-2, but Pablo Garcia bounced into an inning-ending 3-2-3 double play. Garcia made up for it on the defensive side, where he picked off two runners from behind the plate.

The seventh inning had some fireworks of its own before the Independence Eve show even started. Batavia loaded up the bases for the second straight inning. After a pair of infield singles from Gerardo Nunez and Matt Brooks, Hernandez would look to make it three in a row. He squared to bunt, and the throw from the pitcher to first base was too far away to catch, which allowed one run to score, and put runners on second and third base after the error. Michael Donadio got hit by a pitch after to load the bases.

Guaimaro roped a line drive into left field with one out. A diving catch was made by Edison Lantigua and by the time he got up to throw, Brooks had supposedly tagged up and nearly scored to tie the game at four. Shortly after the celebration, the Black Bears appealed to third to see if Brooks had left early, and home plate umpire Tyler Witte called Brooks out.

That was then the third out and reversed the score to 4-3. Mike Jacobs was ejected after arguing the call, leaving the Muckdogs with one less run and a manager than they thought they would have after the seventh inning.           

In the eighth and ninth innings, Batavia’s bullpen was able to shut the door on the Black Bear bats, leaving things up to the bottom of the ninth. Hernandez smacked a leadoff double to start the frame.

Sean Reynolds would draw a one-out walk two batters later to set up Guaimaro to hit his third RBI single of the game. Hernandez scored to make it a tie game and both Reynolds and Guaimaro moved into scoring position on the throw.

Since the Muckdogs had the winning run 90 feet away, the Black Bears decided to walk Denis Karas to load the bases for a third straight inning. Hoping to get the out at the plate, West Virginia was going to take their chances with Demetrius Sims, who is on a five-game hit streak. He collected a total seven hits in the series, with the last one coming in the game’s final at-bat.

Sims hit s short ground ball to the first baseman Luke Mangieri, who couldn’t make a play before Reynolds scored from third to win the game 5-4. That was the third walk-off win of the season for Batavia and the second of the series against the Black Bears.

The Muckdogs head out on the road for a three-game series against the Pinckney Division leaders: the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Afterward, they will return home for another three-game set against the State College Spikes.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Top Photo and second photo: Muckdogs Manager Mike Jacobs getting tossed from the game by a seemingly smiling home plate umpire Tyler Witte in the seventh inning. After getting tossed, Jacobs walked over to home plate and methodically and meticulously covered it with dirt. Jacobs disputed a call by Witte that Matt Brooks left third base too soon when he tagged up on a fly out to left field. Instead of scoring the tying run, Brooks became the third out of the inning as a result of the call.

Dylan Cyphert pitched two-and-one-third innings, giving up two hits and no runs. He walked one.

Center fielder Brayan Hernandez had three hits in five at bats and scored twice. One of his hits was a double.

Albert Guaimaro had three hits in five at bats.

Brayan Hernandez

Eight years ago voters turned down a proposal to shift the years served in a single term for a county legislator from two years to four but the idea has resurfaced again and the county is scheduling a public hearing on the proposal for 5:30 p.m., Aug. 8, in the Old Courthouse.

The proposed change in the local law would take effect with the 2019 election and have four current members of the legislature run for four-year terms and five would run for two-year terms; then in 2021, those five final two-year term seats would become four-year terms in that election. Thus, the terms of legislators would be staggered instead of all nine members running at once.

That, said Marianne Clattenburg, chair of the Ways and Means Committee, raises the possibility that at some point in the future a majority of the legislature could consist of all new members with few experienced members.

"There's a lot to learn in this job," Clattenburg said.

Members on Monday shared a common experience: Voters surprised that somebody they seemingly just voted for coming around and asking for petition signatures for office.

"I know," Clattenberg said, "I’ll be passing out petitions and they’ll say, ‘what are you doing?’ and I’ll say, ‘I have to run again.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Well, it’s only two years.’ ‘It is?’ They just sometimes automatically assume we’re like the City Council."

Clattenberg said the County Legislature is the last elected body in the county with two-year terms.

Legislator Shelly Stein agreed.

"Whenever I’m at people’s doors with petitions they say, ‘why are you here again?’ " Stein said. "It really is the fact that they expect our terms to mirror everybody else’s in the county.”

It's up to voters to change the local law that governs the length of terms for legislators, Legislator Andrew Young noted, and said, "I think it just makes sense."

At the public hearing in 2010, two people spoke in favor of the change and two against, including former Legislator John Sackett.

"I believe that you cannot have representative government by having longer terms of office," Sackett said.

The proposal failed among voters, however, despite getting popular support in The Batavian's admittedly unscientific online polls. The Batavian ran three polls about the topic (one, two, three).

Press release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

“As we wade into the dog days of summer, Independence Day is a cherished reminder that the American Dream is alive and well and the right of any nation and its people to live free should not be infringed upon.

“Our founding fathers, the patriots who forged our nation through a crucible of revolution, knew that the will of men and women to live free, govern themselves and choose their own destiny was undeniable and worth any sacrifice they may endure.

“The strength and courage of our founders to break from the tyranny of Great Britain, their home country, ultimately gave rise to the greatest military, economic and social power in world history, the United States of America.

“It is a true gift to have a sense of patriotism and it will forever be our responsibility to remember the brave men and women who made our country what it is today. The fight for liberty and justice is never complete; and as Americans it is our duty to remember and cherish our independence.

"It is a day to celebrate our freedom, our country, our triumphs and to remember all those men and women who have served our nation and who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of those ideals.

“Although this holiday is a joyous occasion, I encourage everyone to stay safe and to celebrate responsibly with family and friends. Happy Independence Day!”

The Le Roy Democratic caucus for Town Board position will be held at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall of Le Roy on July 31. Open to all registered Democrats.

Thinking about running for office? Or thinking about one day thinking about running for office? We want to talk to you!

If you care about your community and if you’re willing to work hard, we think you’d be a great candidate and we want to help you.

Contact the Le Roy Democratic Committee at LeRoyDems@gmail.com

Join us at our next meeting held at 7 p.m. on July 24th in the Le Roy Town Hall. It is located at 48 E. Main St. in Le Roy.

Contact Info:

Nikki Calhoun
Chair Le Roy Democratic Committee
585.519.3170

It's not exactly a facelift Gen. Emery Upton will get on the Soldier's Monument at the corner of Ellicott and Main streets in the City of Batavia, but when his bronze sculpture turns 100 next year, you should be able to see it better at night.

Lighting Design Innovations, a Batavia-based company, is planning to install new lighting on the monument next month thanks to $1,500 in donations the company has received for the project.

The county's Ways and Means Committee is recommending the Legislature accept the donation.

Assistant County Manager Matt Landers said company officials describe the current lighting as "flood lights" and their designers will come up with a plan to appropriately light the monument with more modern fixtures to make it more attractive when viewed at night.

LDI, which donated the rotating color lighting for the cupola of the Old Courthouse last year, is also trying to secure $6,500 in donations to pay for colored lighting on two of the pillars of the Old Courthouse.

"They are obviously very passionate about lighting," Landers said.

The offer was well received by the members of the Legislature.

"I think it’s very generous of them," said Marianne Clattenburg, who is chair of Ways and Means.

The Soldier's Monument was first conceived by local citizens in 1882 as a way to pay tribute to those from the area who died in the Civil War. A committee was formed to champion the idea but fundraising, apparently, didn't start until 1903. The first donation came from Albert Knapp.

By the end of the year, the fund reached $1,713.66.

In 1904, voters approved a $10,000 expenditure for the monument. The city agreed to pay another $15,000.

In 1907, there was a move to put Lincoln's bust atop the monument.

The next year, there was an effort to locate the monument in what is now Centennial Park (then called State Park) instead of its present -- and originally proposed -- location.

In 1911, the Genesee County Soldier's Monument Association was formed.

In 1917, the Board of Supervisors viewed a wooden model of the proposed monument and appropriated $10,000 for the project.

The city, at that point, was willing to chip in $5,000.

The granite structure was constructed in Barre, Vt., in 1918. C.A. Worden, a New Yorker, was the designer.

The base was placed in August 1918.

By October 1918, crews were ready to affix the eagle at the top, with a 3-foot, 10-inch tail, and an eight-foot wingspan. The bronze figure of Gen. Emory Upton was paid for by his sister, Sarah Edwards. Another sister, Sara Upton Evans, also made a contribution.

Supervisors accepted monument in January 1919.

As of February 1919, the City had not yet paid for its share of the monument. The county threatened to sue the city and after the county paid the $5,000 due from its contingency fund, the City Council approved paying its $5,000 share In April 1919.

The monument was dedicated Aug. 6, 1919. 

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens.

Press release:

Samantha Call, of Stafford, is one of 360 young women selected to attend the 77th American Legion, Auxiliary (ALA) Girls State session in Brockport.

As part of the annual program, outstanding students are chosen from their local high schools to spend a week learning about the inner workings of state, local and county government.  

This premier leadership conference is designed to provide practical insight into the workings of the government, promote youth civic engagement, instill a sense of pride in America, and empower the next generation of women leaders, providing them with a network that lasts a lifetime.

A key component of the ALA Girls State program is the mock legislative sessions in which the girls write and debate bills. Campaigns are held to elect local officials and an ALA Girls State governor.

In addition to their government forums, the delegates hear distinguished guest speakers, learn various aspects of Americanism and learn about the sacrifices of the American military.

“The ALA Girls State experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young women across our state,” said Lucille Mozzillo, American Legion Auxiliary Girls State chairman.

“After attending ALA Girls State, the girls come back to their communities filled with patriotism and pride, having gained new leadership skills and built strong connections with the other girls.”

About ALA Girls State: The American Legion Auxiliary’s marquee Girls State program, first presented in 1937, is one of the most respected and coveted experiential learning programs presented in the United States. The program epitomizes the ALA’s mission to honor those who have brought us our freedom through our enduring commitment to develop young women as future leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. The young women become knowledgeable of the democratic process and how our republic form of government works at the state and national levels.

About the American Legion Auxiliary: Members of the American Legion Auxiliary, which was founded in 1919, have dedicated themselves to meeting the needs of the United States’ veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of nearly $3 billion.

As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA Girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism. To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

Press release:

Spots are still open for Environmental Science Career Exploration Camp at the Genesee County Park & Forest! Explore 10 different careers in Environmental Science with outdoor activities guided by professionals.

This program is intended for students entering eighth, ninth, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall.

This weeklong adventure includes wildlife surveys, wetland studies, a K9-assisted investigation, a field trip, and more. Camp meets Monday through Friday, July 16th – 20th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

All materials, lunch and snacks are provided each day along with a camp T-shirt. Cost is $95/camper for the entire week. Registration deadline has been extended to Monday July 9th.

To register, download the registration form from the website here.

Return completed forms with payment to:

Main Office
Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center

153 Cedar St.
Batavia, NY 14020

Registration ends Monday, July 9th.

For more information visit here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or 344-1122.