Pawtucket, R.I., doesn't look like a good bet for a future home of the Batavia Muckdogs franchise according to a report in the Providence Journal.

A PawSox spokesperson said Thursday the organization has no current plans to acquire any other baseball franchises and move them to the city as a sort of parting gift. Franchise Chairman Larry Lucchino and President Charles Steinberg are focused on building a 10,000-seat stadium in Worcester’s Canal District and redeveloping the surrounding area. 

The Pawtucket mayor's office also told the Journal that no ownership group has contacted the city about using McCoy Stadium once it's vacant in 2021.

And if another owner wanted to bring a team into McCoy, they would face substantial renovation costs for the aging complex.

The cracking concrete and widespread leaking ceilings and floors are among the issues faced by any tenants, as the stadium wrapped up its 77th season of baseball earlier this week. Renovation costs would run into the millions of dollars, and the day-to-day costs of maintaining the playing surface and surrounding grounds run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

As previously reported by The Batavian, there would also be territorial agreements to overcome in Pawtucket, which is Red Sox territory. The Red Sox currently have an affiliate to Lowell and if the Muckdogs moved to Pawtucket, Lowell would have to move, putting the New York-Penn League in the same bind it has with Batavia -- where to locate the team that doesn't run afoul of territory restrictions and has a baseball-ready facility.

The Oatkan Knights had a chance to win their home opener against the Wellsville Lions at Hartwood Park on Friday night but didn't make the plays they needed to make.

That will be an area of focus in the coming week of practice, said Head Coach Brian Herdlein after the game.

"The biggest thing is they came out and they (Wellsville) wanted to play tonight," Herdlein said. "I thought that we came out a little bit slow. You know they stayed in the game which gave them a lot of confidence. We had some opportunities to make plays that we didn't make...."

The final score was 12-7.

For Le Roy, Kyle LaCarte carried the ball 18 times for 85 yards. At QB, Jake Hill was 10-22 for 139 yards and TD. He was picked off twice. Cody Lytle lead the receivers with six receptions for 67 yards and a TD.

The Knights are a young team and Wellsville seemed to have the size advantage but Herdlein didn't think that made a big difference in the game. Technique and execution can overcome size.

"I do think up front that they beat us up a little bit today and again we'll look at the film and we'll see what we have to do to make adjustments," Herdlein said.

Le Roy is now 1-1 on the season. After two weeks of ball, Herdlein sees room for improvement.

"We have we have some young guys hopefully they learn from this," Herdlein said. "I don't think that we had the best week of practice and I told the guys that. Hopefully, we can come back and have a better practice.

The team is going to work on being more focused and disciplined, Herdlein said.

"Like I said, there were definitely opportunities where we had a chance to make plays," Herdlein said. "It was maybe little alignment issues that we weren't doing right or some plays that we weren't running correctly and we just need to tighten those things up."

In other Friday night action:

• Batavia beat Livonia 26-14. Alex Rood carried the ball 22 times for 121 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 11 tackles. Ethan Biscaro was 11-14 passing for 194 yards and a TD. Taiyo Iburi‐Bethel had five receptions for 87 yards and Andrew Frances had three receptions for 65 yards and a TD.
• Alexander crushed Canisteo-Greenwood 28-0. Chris McClinic carried the ball 15 times for 147 yards and three TDs. Dylan Busch tossed a TD pass to Takari Lang-Smith. The defense held Canisteo to 50 yards rushing. Jake Jasen and Hayden Walton each had six tackles.
• York/Pavilion beat Bolivar-Richburg 32-0.
• Pembroke fell to Cuba-Rushford 26-14.
• Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen fell to Letchworth/Warsaw 14-0.

There are no local football games today. Notre Dame has no game this week because Oakfield-Alabama/Elba switched to eight-man football.

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Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce’s tourism program has partnered with Channel 13-WHAM to create a featured promotion that will air on FOX, The CW, and ABC.

The 30-minute show, called "It's Closer than You Think," is a sampling of what’s new in Genesee County, along with some of the county’s best outdoor recreational opportunities. It debuts tomorrow morning at 7.

“The promotion is designed to raise awareness to Rochester area residents that Genesee County is just a short drive that offers great 'close to home' recreation, dining and shopping options,” said Kelly Rapone, Tourism Marketing director for the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. “We’d like to do another future episode that highlights even more of the county’s treasures."

Be sure to tune in to see special interviews with some of our local tourism businesses in Le Roy and Batavia, as well as outdoor recreation hot spots across the county.

The broadcast schedule is as follows:

• 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, on 13-WHAM
• 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9, on The CW
• 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, on FOX
• In addition it will also air:
  • 2 a.m. Sept., 12, 13 and 19 on 13-WHAM
  • 6 a.m. Sept. 10, 11 and 13 on FOX

If you happen to miss the airing or don’t have access to broadcast channels, you can see the full episode at:  YouTube.com/GeneseeCountyNY

Over the spring and summer, we also included commercials under this theme that highlighted concerts, Batavia Muckdogs home games, golf packages, racing at Genesee Speedway, the Oatka Festival, as well as The Ramble Music & Arts Festival.

For more information on all of our local offerings, check out www.VisitGeneseeNY.com

During his eight-year journalism career, Jim Krencik covered economic development in Orleans County and Genesee County, and has often happens with a lot of reporters, he took a keen interest in the topic he was covering.

A week ago, he left his job at the Batavia Daily News and went to work for the Genesee County Economic Development Center as the new director of marketing and communications. He replaces Rachael Tabelski, who is now director of the Batavia Development Corp.

"I started to cover the GCEDC and explaining the big projects and how deals come together, what's happening in our community, that was just really spurred an interest," Krencik said. "I've always been impressed by the work they do here. I think their vision is outstanding and I want to help that mission however I can in this role."

Krenick left the Daily News after five and a half years as a hard-working reporter covering local government, mostly, in Genesee County for a job that will pay him $47,000 a year, which is substantially more than a typical reporter makes at a small-circulation paper.

"It was just very interesting looking at the variety of sites that we have here in Genesee County," Krenick said. "It's interesting looking at the number of businesses that are coming in and thinking if I could do something to help, that's beneficial to the whole community. It is wonderful to not only to share that with the public, but to help the team make that happen; that is very attractive."

Dakota R. White, 20, of Central Avenue, Batavia, and Meghan B. Blodgett, 22, of Soccio Street, Batavia, were both arrested at 3:20 a.m. on Aug. 27 at Williams Park at 101 Pearl St. in the City of Batavia. Batavia police were called there for subjects in a physical altercation. After an investigation, the defendants were arrested for a Batavia Municipal Code violation -- In Park After Hours ( 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). They were released with appearance tickets and were due in City Court on Aug. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Nicole McGinnis, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Stefanie M. Lawlis, 35, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with having a dog running at large, having an unlicensed dog and having an unvaccinated dog. She was arrested at 7:20 p.m. on Aug. 22 on Central Avenue in Batavia following an animal bite complaint. She was issued an appearance ticket for City Court and was due there Sept. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

David J. Barton, 54, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with forcible touching. At 5:15 p.m. on Aug. 28, Barton was arrested Batavia police following a complaint that Barton allegedly touched a female companion inappropriately with her consent. He was issued an appearance ticket and was due in City Court Sept. 4. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Aaron L. Klein, 47, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia was arrested at 10:08 p.m. on Aug. 26 after a traffic stop on Monclair Avenue, where it was found the he was driving on a suspended license. It was also found that he was in violation of an ignition interlock device restriction and he allegedly had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. He was issued tickets and is due in City Court on Sept. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Jeffery C. Rogers, 33, of Old Washington Pike, Knoxville, Tenn., was arrested at 7:56 p.m. on Aug. 25 on West Main Street Road in Batavia following an investigation into a possible hit-and-run accident. He is charged with DWI; aggravated DWI; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree; unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; speeding; and unlawful possession of maijuana. He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 bail or bond and was due in City Court on Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Derek Elijah Wilcox, 30, of Congress Avenue, Rochester, is charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of  controlled substance. The arrest was made at 9:55 p.m. on Aug. 23 on Ellicott Street in Batavia following the investigation into a suspicious vehicle where Wilcox was allegedly found to possess crack cocaine. He was due in City Court Aug. 28 to answer the charge. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Noah Charles Stiles, 18, of Westcott Road, Medina, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 27 on South Main Street in Batavia after it was determined he allegedly stole several items from a house. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in City Court on Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

A 16-year-old male lives in the City of Batavia was arrested at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 after he allegedly stole an iPhone was another person. The incident occurred on Lewis Place, Batavia. He was processed and released with a ticket to appear in City Court on Aug. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Bailey M. Burns, of Prospect Street, Attica, was arrested on a bench warrant on Aug. 23 after he failed to appear at the Genesee County Jail for his sentenced weekend incarceration. He was jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail or bond and was due back in City Court on Aug. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Bleyke Z. Culver, 22, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Aug. 16 on a bench warrant out of City Court for failing to appear on a charge was second-degree criminal contempt. He was jailed in lieu of $1,500 bail or bond and is due in City Court on Sept. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Photo, from left: Melissa Keller, Chase Zuber and Ben Kron.

Submitted photos and press release:

Members of the Genesee County 4-H Swine Club competed in the Youth Swine Competitions at the 2018 New York State Fair.

Melissa Keller, Ben Kron, and Chase Zuber each exhibited Market Hogs and Breeding Hogs in the 4-H/youth swine competitions.

In addition to competing with their hogs, youth members were also able to participate in many other knowledge contests and public presentations.

Each contest awards points to the youth’s overall score, those points were then used to award Empire Youth Swine Scholarships.

The scholarships were presented by the New York Pork Producers.

The following Genesee County youth participated in the contest: Cheyanne Isaman, Melissa Keller, Ben Kron, and Chase Zuber.

Genesee County’s own senior 4-H member, Melissa Keller capped off her 11 year 4-H career by winning Grand Champion -- Empire Youth Swine Scholarship Winner.

There were 40 youth from across New York competing in the contest and Genesee County 4-H Swine members won several top-five placings in the different contest areas. 

Senior Project Records:

• Melissa Keller -- 1^st
• Ben Kron – 3^rd

Senior Interviews:

• Melissa Keller -- 1^st

Knowledge Swine Review/ Quiz:

• Senior Division -- Melissa Keller -- 1^st
• Junior Divisions -- Cheyanne Isaman -- 3^rd

Public Presentations:

• Senior Division -- Melissa Keller -- 1^st
• Junior Division -- Chase Zuber -- 5^th

Senior Swine Judging:

• Senior Division -- Melissa Keller -- 1^st
• Junior Division -- Chase Zuber -- 3^rd

Senior Skillathon:

• Melissa Keller -- 2^nd  

Educational Poster:

• Senior Division- Melissa Keller -- 1^st
• Junior Division- Chase Zuber -- 5^th

Top 10 in Each Division:

• Division A:  Melissa Keller – 1^st, Grand Champion
• Division B:  Cheyanne Isaman -- 6^th place

Congratulations Genesee County 4-H Swine Club Members on Doing your Best at the 2018 New York State Fair!  To learn more about Genesee County 4-H visit: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/

A three-car collision, with unknown injuries, is reported at 220 Ellicott St. in the City of Batavia. It is blocking traffic. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Press release:

The Finger Lakes region will be among 35 statewide recipients of federal funding through the Opioid State Target Response Grant, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced Thursday.

The initiative, which will appropriate $25.2 million in grants across the state to aid in the fight against substance abuse, provides assistance to programs that offer prevention, treatment and recovery services, increasing access to treatment for individuals in high-need areas in an effort to combat this statewide crisis.

The Opioid State Target Response Grant program, currently in its second year, announced Genesee County will be among 19 new counties that will receive funding to assist in the fight against opioid abuse this year. The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) will directly benefit from this support, receiving a $650,000 grant through the program.

Additional programs throughout the Finger Lakes region will receive grants through this federally-funded program, including the Delphi Drug and Alcohol Council Inc.

“The far-reaching effects of the heroin and opioid epidemic are well documented, not only here in our community, but across our state and nation,” Hawley said. “As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to pursue any and all opportunities to secure support, at both the state and federal level, to assist the dedicated programs providing recovery and addiction treatment to the individuals affected by this statewide crisis.

"I am thrilled to see our community among the recipients of these grants and will remain committed to protecting our local families from the dangers of opioid abuse.”

To discuss the ongoing work being done to fight heroin and opioid abuse in our community, or any additional state matters, please contact Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, assistance can be found by calling state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

The House Ethics Committee has announced it will convene a special panel to investigate Rep. Chris Collins and his alleged insider trading activities as a member of Congress.

The investigation will be led by Rep. Mimi Walters, a Republican from California but will not begin until federal criminal proceedings against Collins have run their course.

Collins was arrested Aug. 3 and accused of securities fraud, wire fraud, and lying to the FBI.

The Erie County businessman is accused of calling his son, Cameron Collins, with a stock tip after receiving word, as a member of the board of Innate Innate Immunotherapeutics, that a drug under development to treat secondary multiple sclerosis had failed a key clinical trial.

After receiving the call, according to Federal documents, Cameron began selling his holdings in Innate after receiving the call but before the news of the failed trail had been released to the public, as well as calling other friends and family to share the news with them. As a result, the group of stockholders reportedly sold off more than 1.4 million shares of stock.

According to House rules, the Ethics Committee must open an investigation anytime a member of Congress is arrested. Politico reported its unusual for the committee, which is controlled by Republicans, to announce an investigation so close to mid-term elections.

The committee will also investigate Rep. Duncan Hunter, a Republican representing Eastern San Diego County, including El Cajon. Hunter is accused, like his father, who held the same seat for 21 years prior to his son, of using campaign funds for personal expenses. Collins and Hunter where the first two members of Congress to endorse Donald Trump during the GOP primaries.

Officer Arick Perkins with Lilly after Lilly escaped from the stables at the Genesee County Fairgrounds last night.

Perkins happened to spot Lilly on Cedar Street, and after a brief foot pursuit, with the assistance of Officer Felicia DeGroot, Perkins was able to corral Lilly. Lilly was returned to her owner, Meg Hayes.

Photo below of Perkins and DeGroot with Lilly, courtesy Meg Hayes.

Batavia Middle School invited parents to an open house Thursday evening, after the first day of school, for a chance to meet teachers and find out about their children's classes and expectations. 

There were also activities and food trucks for the families.

Above, Tricia Grillo, with her son Dom, meet with teacher Gigi Dombrowski about his eighth-grade math class.

Spanish teacher Julie Trzaska with eighth-grader Hailey Smith, her father Charles Richmond, and her brother Noah, who is in fifth grade.

Long-term sub Kayleigh Meyers in the ELA class with the four books eighth-graders will read this year: "Inside Out and Back Again," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Omnivore's Dilemma," and "Unbroken."

Press release:

This week was the first day of school not just for students returning from summer break, but for returning and new School Resource officers in Genesee County.

Students entering school doors this week at Pembroke, Alexander, Pavilion, Byron-Bergen and Genesee Valley Educational Partnership’s (BOCES) Batavia Campus were greeted with familiar faces and new faces as Genesee County School Resource officers begin the school year. 

New SROs Deputy Patrick J. Reeves (Pembroke), Deputy Eric J. Meyer (Alexander) and Deputy Cory W. Mower (Pavilion) are excited to embark on this new assignment.

They have recently completed School Resource Officer training and have shadowed existing SROs Deputy Chad P. Cummings (Genesee Valley Educational Partnership’s –BOCES, Batavia Campus) and Deputy Matthew R. Butler (Byron-Bergen) to learn  from experiences both have had over the years in this position.

Sheriff William Sheron stated that it is his goal to establish a School Resource Officer in all county schools to ensure the safety and protection of the students and faculty.

“Although the cost associated with placing a School Resource Officer in the schools is significant, I believe the safety and security of our children should be of the utmost precedence,” the sheriff said. 

Press release:

The Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation (GGLDC) today approved a loan for Rest & Revival Float Center LLC’s renovation of a City of Batavia facility.

The startup company will be the first health and wellness center in Batavia and Genesee County to provide floatation therapy services.

The renovation includes the purchase of new machinery and equipment. The project has a capital investment of $355,000 and will retain two jobs and create three new jobs.

The company will receive a $100,000 loan from the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation’s Revolving Loan Fund.

Rest & Revive will provide floatation therapy and retail sales of floatation sleep therapy systems.

“Businesses are developing new ideas to grow with our economy,” said GGLDC Board Chairman Tom Felton. “The Revolving Loan Fund offers assistance to create more opportunities for companies and our community.”

Press release:

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

Amada Tool in the city of Batavia is planning an $8.8 million capital investment to increase the company’s manufacturing facility by approximately 19,000 square feet in the City of Batavia.  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. Approximately $85 will be generated in the regional economy for every one dollar of private-sector investment by Amada.

Six Flags Darien Lake LLC is one of the largest sales tax revenue generators in Genesee County and one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations is planning to build and open a new $2.150 million ride in 2019.  The company is seeking approximately $166,000 in sales tax exemptions.    

Both projects will require public hearings as the companies are seeking incentives of more than $100,000.

Press release:

Darien Lake, a Six Flags Theme Park, and the Coaster Capital of New York, is holding its fourth annual Harvest Festival Sept. 8 through 23, featuring local performers, food trucks, crafters and fun activities throughout the park, all set against the beautiful fall foliage of the season.

Harvest Festival activities that are included with park admission:

• Local food trucks including Eat Greek, The Cheesy Chick and Center Street Smokehous, plus seasonal in-park fall treats;
• Stage entertainment with international bands, local performers and dance groups;
• Regional arts and craft vendors;
• Hay-mazing Adventure – a fun kids’ maze;
• Harvest Fest Express hayrides;
• Keg Tap and Beer Slides (for ages 21 and up); and
• Ignite the Night Laser show on the lawn Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Vacationing guests will have access to special harvest-themed activities each Friday evening before the Festival, including Magical Pumpkin Forest, when guests will plant seeds at night and “harvest” their pumpkins the next morning. There will also be fall-themed crafts in the hotel and a family-friendly movie on the laser lawn at 9 p.m.

The Harvest Festival takes place Sept. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23; and Saturdays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.        

Darien Lake is also announcing the extension of its special Flash Sale, now through Sunday, Sept. 9, featuring the best deal of the year — savings up to 70 percent off on a 2019 Season Pass, which also includes admission to 2018 Fright Fest^®, a new Halloween event this October.

Guests who take advantage of this special offer will receive a free upgrade to a Gold Season Pass with every Pass purchased. Gold Season Passes include admission to Six Flags Darien Lake and any other Six Flags theme park, as well as free parking, special admission offers for friends and a free drink bottle with paid refills.

During the Flash Sale guests can also join the Six Flags Membership program for 65 percent off the Season Price and receive three free bonus months. Six Flags Membership includes all of the benefits of Season Pass plus more than 50 additional benefits such as unlimited soft drinks, preferred parking, walk-on passes for rides, and exclusive waterpark seating. Members can also participate in Six Flags Membership Rewards, a new loyalty program that allows guests to earn valuable prizes for just for riding rides, seeing shows, and having a great time at the park.

It still remains likely that the Muckdogs will be back in Batavia for the 2019 season but General Manager Dave Chase said today he won't be back.

"It was a one-year deal," Chase said. "I finished that year. Ben and I have talked about me continuing as a consultant for some period of time but I don’t think I’ll be here next season."

Chase has lived at the Quality Inn & Suites this summer but at one point thought about renting an apartment downtown with the idea of staying longer but decided against it.

"I will admit I go back and forth," Chase said. "There are parts of Batavia that I really like but I did it for a year and that’s what I wanted to do and it was a difficult year, professionally and personally."

Chase said he has had medical issues doing the year that made things more difficult.

"The reality is this is my third city in four years," Chase said. "I’ve sort of developed a reputation of going into troubled markets and none of them have failed yet so I might have one or two more years of that lifestyle left in me."

He thinks he will leave Batavia in good shape but the day the Muckdogs leave Batavia is still close at hand. It gives the team two or three more years before moving.

"That's still better than it was a year ago," he said.

At the start of the season, associates of one of baseball's top executives, Larry Lucchino, former president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox and co-owner of the AAA team in Pawtucket, inquired about the Batavia franchise, Chase said.

The scenario discussed at that time involved the Muckdogs either moving to Pawtucket or Worcester. 

There have been no further discussions since but it's been announced that the Pawtucket franchise will move to Worcester, where a new stadium is being built.

The problem with any such move is that the Red Sox have territorial rights over the area and currently, the NYPL team in that market is Lowell, a Red Sox affiliate. For the Muckdogs to move to Pawtucket, the team would need to become the NYPL Red Sox affiliate and the Lowell franchise would have to move to another city.

One reason the Muckdogs haven't moved yet is there appears to be no city in the Northeast that has the facility and market availability to accommodate a short season Class A team, so if Lowell had to move the league would face the same difficulty in trying to relocate that team.

The earliest, apparently, any of this can happen, is 2021.

Meanwhile, the affiliate agreement between Batavia (which has not gone bankrupt, contrary to a story in the Lowell Sun), and the Marlins is up for renewal. The renewal is expected to take place by the end of the month. The length of any such agreement could complicate a move by Batavia to New England.

Chase is confident the Marlins will return to Batavia in 2019. He said when the team packed up after the last game, they left a lot of equipment behind.

"That seems to indicate a desire to come back," Chase said.