For 2015, there will be no Mud King, no Mud Queen, no racing champion, no big muddy, soggy mess in East Pembroke.

The volunteer fire department has decided to forego the event for at least one year, Chief Don Newton said, because the small department always struggles to have enough volunteers working on race day.

"It's very hard work, difficult work, with not very many people for not a lot of money," Newton said.

This October, the department will hold a gun raffle in its recently refurbished pavilion behind the fire hall.

There are 32 active volunteers in the department and not all of them can help on race day. The event needs race officials, mud groomers, ticket takers, concession stand workers along with several other behind-the-scenes roles to fill, Newton said.  

"We put this on for the community and community members want to come and enjoy the event," Newton said. "It's hard to ask them to work when they just want to enjoy the show."

The department isn't ruling out bringing the mud races back for 2016. Newton said there's hope of getting the event reorganized and going again, especially with so many people expressing disappointment that it's been canceled this year.

Photo: File photo. A photo from the 2011 mud races.

Kevin M. Waleski Jr., 27, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI with a BAC of .18 percent or greater, breath test refusal, unlawful operation of an ATV and operating an ATV without a helmet following an investigation into a disturbance on June 6. Waleski allegedly crashed the ATV near the Oakfield Hotel and refused a roadside breath test. He was jailed without bail.

William J. Bick, 26, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or greater; DWI; moving from a lane unsafely; and failing to keep right, following an investigation into a motor-vehicle accident on Dodgeson Road in Darien.

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GOP-endorsed candidates joined Assemblyman Steve Hawley in Kiwanis Park on Wednesday to dedicate a newly donated U.S. flag and a state flag.

Earlier this week, City firefighters paid a visit to the History Heroes summer education program at the Holland Land Office Museum.

Photos submitted by Jeffrey M. Fischer, assistant director.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today released the following statement after introducing H.R. 3327, the Kids Before Cons Act, which will block the Obama administration’s plans to use Pell grants to fund college programs for prisoners.

“The Obama administration’s plan to put the cost of a free college education for criminals on the backs of the taxpayers is consistent with their policy of rewarding lawbreakers while penalizing hardworking Americans,” Congressman Collins said. “The Kids Before Cons Act closes the loophole the Obama administration is trying to exploit, and protects taxpayers from footing the bill for criminals’ educations. This legislation ensures that Pell grants will be used for their intended purpose of assisting financially disadvantaged students struggling to attain a college education.”

H.R. 3327 does the following:

·         Upholds the 1994 law that prohibits prisoners from receiving federal Pell grants by forbidding the Department of Education from using its experimental authority to provide funding for higher education for prisoners;

·         Instructs the Department of Education to conduct a study on whether students enrolled in a charter school or in private schools as a result of participation in a voucher program run a higher or lower risk of incarceration than students who attend public school.

Full text of the legislation can be read here.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Tim McGraw concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Thursday:

Reannon M. Rohring, 32 of Olcott, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being told to leave numerous times. Rohring was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $300 bail.

Angela E. Wiechett, 20 of Wheelock Street, Buffalo, is charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and three counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking another patron, two deputies and then resisting arrest. Wiechett was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $200 bail.

Elizabeth J. Warren, 19 of Howe Terrace, Wellsville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Jason M. Kopatz, 19 of Schang Road, East Aurora, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Brandon M. Burgess, 25 of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with concert security personnel.

The United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol presented awards in a ceremony Thursday evening at The Northgate Free Methodist, 350 Bank St., Batavia.

The CAP Cadet Program introduces thousands of young people between the ages of 12 and 18 to aviation, and offers them summer programs, including some that offer an opportunity to solo in a light airplane at low cost. The CAP Cadet Program is designed to motivate and develop well-rounded young people, who in turn will become model citizens and the future leaders of our nation.

CAP cadets progress at their own pace through a 15-step program that includes aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership. Cadets can compete for academic scholarships to further their studies in such areas as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics and aerospace medicine. They can also compete for scholarships leading to solo flight training. Cadets have an opportunity to go overseas in exchange programs; some of these exchange cadets get a chance to fly with foreign air forces.

Photo from left is: Cadet Commander C/Capt. Kristen Stewart (Batavia Composite Squadron), Lt. Col. Charles Miller, NY Wing Cadet Programs Officer who presented the awards, C/Capt. Alex Dougherty (Condor Composite Squadron, Perry/Warsaw), and Cadet Deputy Commander  C/Capt. Andersen Campbell (Batavia Composite Squadron) for earning their Amelia Earhart Award.

Not pictured but who earned the General Billy Mitchell Award is C/Capt. Kristen Blue (Condor Composite Squadron, Perry/Warsaw).   

For more information to join the Batavia Composite Squadron , contact Commander 1st Lt. John H. VanderSypen http://falcons253.weebly.com or the Perry location contact: Commander Captain Michael Akey http://www.nywcap.org/CONDOR

Tomorrow is Don Burkel's last day as the executive director of the Batavia Business Improvement District.

Burkel just has to tidy up his desk before he passes the torch to incoming director Laurie Oltramari.

Burkel was the first director of the BID and has been leading the not-for-profit organization for almost 17 years. He has witnessed Downtown Batavia undergo many changes.

"When I started as the director, there was a variety of retail businesses in the city," Burkel said. "Now there are fewer businesses and properties are harder to fill with retail."

Although there has been a decline in the number of businesses, Burkel has overseen many positive changes as well. Some of his favorite projects include the transformation of buildings on Main Street and Jackson Street.

"I will miss working with the people of Downtown Batavia and seeing various projects completed," Burkel said.

Burkel believes people should focus on the positive aspects of Downtown Batavia and all of the potential small business opportunities it has to offer. In the future, he foresees development of the old Carr building and the construction of a boutique hotel. He also predicts more pop-up businesses will come to Downtown.

"I want to thank everyone Downtown for supporting me," Burkel said. "I know the BID's Board of Directors and committees will continue to further the vision for Downtown Batavia. I look forward to their accomplishments in the future and as I always say 'Shop Downtown!' "

To kick off his retirement, he is traveling to Maine with his wife to do some kayaking. He also plans to continue his photography and expand his collection.

(Picture from Barclay Oudersluys's Facebook page.)

A 23-year-old Michigan man stopped in Batavia for a rest last night on his journey across the United States to raise money for charity.

Barclay Oudersluys is running to benefit the Hall STEPS Foundation, a runner-related organization that aims to fight global poverty. Currently he has raised about $8,000 for the foundation. His goal is $10,000. 

"The money will be used to build a well in a village in Mozambique that does not have easy access to clean water," Oudersluys said.

Oudersluys named his fundraiser Project Gump after his favorite movie "Forrest Gump." He based his route on the movie and started his marathon at the Santa Monica Pier in California on May 9. He plans to finish at the Marshall Point Lighthouse in Rockland, Maine, on Aug. 15.

By the end of the marathon, he will have ran 3,200 miles across 15 states in less than 100 days.

Oudersluys runs approximately 31 miles each day. He starts running at 6 a.m. and stops around noon. He has ran in all kinds of weather conditions including snow, thunderstorms and extreme heat. 

Finding a place to stay every night has been a challenge. His friends follow behind him in a minivan with water, food and his gear. 

So far, Oudersluys has ran through 12 states. He has about a quarter of the marathon left to finish.

"I have met a lot of cool people and seen many sites along the way," Oudersluys said. "Running is fun and relaxing for me."

After he completes the marathon, he has one week to rest up before he starts law school at the University of California, Berkeley.

A tractor-trailer rollover accident is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 377. The driver is said to be trapped inside. Le Roy fire and Mercy medics are responding. Bergen fire is asked to stand by in its quarters in case mutual aid is needed.

UPDATE 5:16 p.m.: Le Roy command requests the Bergen crew to stage at the Le Roy Park & Ride lot.

UPDATE 5:17 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called and will land in the median adjacent to the accident scene.

UPDATE 5:54 p.m.: Bergen went back in service about 15 minutes ago. Le Roy is going back in service now and a responder tells dispatch that Thruway traffic "is backed up quite a bit." Didn't catch the destination of Mercy Flight.

A 9-year-old-child is reportedly stuck in a swing set at Lambert Park, 100 Verona Ave. City firefighters just arrived on scene to extricate the child.

UPDATE 5:08 p.m.: The child is safely out of the swing now.

Officials with the Batavia Bulldawgs, a youth football program with about 150 participants, were surprised recently to learn from city officials that they wouldn't have full use of Kibbe Park for practices, said John Reigle, Bulldawgs president.

Reigle said the four age-bracketed teams need a lot of space and a lot of parking for parents and coaches on practice days and only Kibbe Park provides enough space.

A newly formed men's softball league reserved the ball field at Kibbe, creating a scheduling conflict between the two uses.

City Manager Jason Molino said the city has seen an increase in the number of organized groups looking to use city parks over the past couple of years and that means the city needs to find a way to juggle the interests of all those groups.

"It's a new issue," Molino said. "It's not a bad issue. It's a good issue. There are multiple different organizations wanting to use the parks. In the past, the parks were available on a first-come, first-served basis, but as we get different organizations, football, softball, tennis, it creates conflicts. We need to figure out a way to get with all parties and work out a schedule."

Reigle said the Bulldawgs were a little caught off-guard by change in park use. For several years, going back at least 10 years if you include Batavia Youth Football, local youth football programs have used Kibbe Park for practice without reservations. Reigle said he wishes city officials had informed the Bulldawgs it needed to reserve the space for the first time before giving the time and space to another group.

This season, the Bulldawgs will practice where they play, at Lion's Park.

That's not an ideal situation because of limited parking in the area.

Riegle fears the increase in traffic four days a week will have a negative impact on residents on Wallace Street.

"On Saturday game days, as a courtesy to the neighbors, we put out cones in front of their front yards and driveways so people won't park there," Riegle said. "It's a small street and traffic flow in and out of the park is difficult."

Molino offered the team a city-owned field on Cedar Street, in front of the County Highway Department, but that field hasn't been used in years. At one time, before Batavia Sports Park, it was used for youth soccer. It hasn't been maintained since and Riegle said the ground is too hard and rutted now to be used safely for practice.

Which brings up another issue Molino said the city is facing as recreational sports use of the parks increases -- field prep and maintenance.

The city doesn't have a recreation department and doesn't have the resources to perform the kind of prep work that might be common for recreational leagues in other cities.

"In a way, this comes up at a good time," Molino said. "Our strategic plan outlines the need to do a recreational needs assessment. That can be done through the comprehensive planning process. We can look at what the needs are and develop that into the comprehensive plan so we know what these services cost and what it will take to fund them. It's a good public process that will help us understand the needs and demands on our parks."

Molino said he realizes Reigle isn't 100-percent satisfied with the outcome of their discussions about the situation, but both men are open to exploring the use of the field on Cedar Street for next season.

"The Bulldawgs are committed to continue providing a great program for the kids," Reigle said. "We'll make do with what's best for the safety of the kids."

A minor-injury accident is reported at 8715 Lake Street Road, north of the Village of Le Roy. A vehicle was on fire, but the fire has been extinguished. Law enforcement on scene. Le Roy fire and ambulance, as well as fire police, requested to the scene. The location is in front of Orcon Industries.

The Third Annual Fired Up Fundraiser for the Pavilion Fire Department will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, at BW's, located at 11070 Perry Road, Pavilion.

Organizers say please come and support the men and women who volunteer their time to make our community a safer place to live and work. "Thanks for all you do!" And thanks also to all those who have so graciously donated to this great cause.

The day kicks off at 11 a.m. with an 18-hole golf tournament.

Basket raffles will take place from 2 to 5 p.m.

Plus, live music from 7 p.m. 'til midnight! Rock the night away with Audibull & Talon.

Food available from JMT Enterprises.

A live bid auction starts at 5:30 featuring donations from:

• Country Hill -- Vera Bradley travel tote in Midnight Pasiley, slim travel organizer in Midnight Stripe, and a campus backpack in Pink Swirls;
• O'Neill Excavating -- Two yards of topsoil;
• BW's & Davis Countryside Meadows -- 2016 season golf pass;
• R.W. Taylor Trucking -- Three yards of topsoil;
• Wright family -- One face cord of wood;
• Linwood Turf -- String trimmer;
• Davis Trailer World -- Gas grill;
• Jazzy Creations -- Two manicures and two pedicures;
• Morg's Sawz and Stoves -- Simplifire electric fireplace with oak mantel (model is "Crestwood");
• Monkey Business, and Sue & Jim Rudgers -- Bouncy house rental and two hours of face painting;
• Rainbow Design -- 4' by 4' Barn Quilt;
• Hanson Aggregates -- four tickets to Syracuse basketball game (date will be given at auction);
• Cedar Street Rentals -- "Weekend Getaway" with basket of wine.

To make a donation, get more information, or otherwise help this worthy cause, contact (585) 721-0559.

The American Red Cross is closing its Downtown Batavia location Aug. 15.

The office was used primarily for storage and meetings, said Joseph Bonafede, chief communications officer for the ARC in WNY. It has been staffed exclusively by volunteers since November.

The Red Cross is working with other community groups to provide meeting space in the future, Bonafede said. He doesn't anticipate any reduction of service for the residents of Genesee County.

Volunteer response to fires, disasters and other emergencies along with health and safety training, services for military members and blood services have always been performed by volunteers in the field, with no need for a local office, Bonafede said.

Wyoming County hasn't had an office for years, Bonafede said, and, as an example for maintaining a high level of service to local residents, Bonafede used the recent flooding in Warsaw.

"Our volunteers were able to have a shelter ready shortly after being contacted by local emergency officials," Bonafede said. "While the shelter didn’t end up being necessary, our volunteers met with several families that were affected, providing temporary housing for one person and making sure others had the help they needed. They also distributed clean-up kits in the days immediately following the floods, helping neighbors in their recovery process."

The closure is part of a reorganization by American Red Cross in WNY that will help it better service its clients, Bonafede said.

"The reorganization allows us to provide additional services to the community by eliminating duplicate back-end functions and making more efficient use of our donor dollars," he said.

Press release:

U.S. senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $39,200 in federal funding for the Pavilion Fire District in Genesee County. The money was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. This federal funding will allow the Pavilion Fire District to purchase new protective gear and safety equipment.

“It is critical that we provide our local fire companies with the most up-to-date protective equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and keep residents safe,” Senator Schumer said. “Our first responders are our local heros and our primary line of defense – it is crucial we provide them with the resources they need to do their important work of saving lives.”

“The Pavilion Fire District will use this funding to invest in critical equipment that will help keep firefighters safe during emergency situations and enable them able to carry out their lifesaving work more effectively,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Our first responders are on the frontlines during emergencies and should have the most up-to-date equipment as they do their job protecting our community.”

“The Pavilion Fire District would like to inform the Pavilion Community that the Board of Fire Commissioners is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant in the amount of $39,200 for Protective Gear and Safety Equipment through Homeland Security/FEMA funding. Thank you to the offices of Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for the assistance,” said Chief Chad Freeman, Pavilion Fire District.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the Department's United States Fire Administration. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis to the applicants that most closely address the program's priorities and demonstrate financial need. Funding is allocated to strengthen the overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards.

Funding is allocated to strengthen emergency preparedness and ability to respond to fire and related hazards. More information on the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program can be accessed at http://www.firegrantsupport.com/.

A large screen TV reportedly fell into a wave pool at Darien Lake Theme Park earlier this afternoon and injured a 7-year-old boy. He suffered a cut on his leg.  

Darien Lake issued the following statement about the incident:

Darien Lake confirms that today at 12:30 p.m., the outdoor movie screen set up for Darien Lake’s “Dive-In Movie” series fell into the park’s wave pool.

The screen was installed at the deep end of the wave pool this morning, in the same location and with the same installation contractor and process used for previous Dive-In Movie nights. The cause of today’s incident is currently under investigation.

Darien Lake’s emergency medical personnel were on scene within minutes and treated three guests who received minor injuries. The park’s maintenance crew removed the screen and reopened the wave pool within one hour of the incident.

Tomorrow night’s Dive-In Movie, "Finding Nemo," will proceed as planned. We will work with our contractors to reinstall the screen with extra precautions to ensure this situation does not happen again.

- Chris Thorpe, General Manager, Darien Lake

Photo from our news partner 13WHAM.

(Laurie Oltramari, Derick Kane, Stephanie Crean, and Corey Wolcott)

The Ellicottville Brewing Company accepted its Beertavia plaque for its famous Blueberry Wheat Beer at Angotti's Beers of the World this morning.

The brewing company's Blueberry Wheat Beer won "2015 Western New York's Brew of the Year" for the best brew at the Beertavia event held on May 16, hosted by the Batavia Business Improvement District.

"It's fantastic to be receiving the award today," said Stephanie Crean, brewery sales representative. "Ellicottville Brewing Company is celebrating its 20-year anniversary and we have been making the Blueberry Wheat Beer for 15 years. The beer is one of our customers' favorites."

Corey Wolcott, manager at Angotti's Beers of the World, said the Blueberry Wheat Beer is a crowd favorite among the locals as well and sells out fast.

According to Laurie Oltramari, the incoming executive director of the BID, Beertavia was a huge success and she plans to make it an annual event. More than 14 craft brewers attended the event and two breweries are looking at spaces Downtown.

Two teens were arrested after they allegedly went through vehicles in the T.F. Brown's parking lot and stole items including change. A 17-year-old male from Batavia is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy, 6th. A 16-year-old male from Oakfield is charged with petit larceny, obstruction of governmental administration and conspiracy, 6th. The 16-year-old male is accused of leading Batavia Police on a bicycle pursuit and a brief foot pursuit after being advised that he was under arrest and refusing to adhere to verbal commands. Both subjects were put in the Genesee County Jail on $1,000 bail.

Kishonti D. Williams, 23, of Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Williams was allegedly found to be in possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia during an investigation into an unrelated incident on Pearl Street in Batavia.

Frank L. Morrison, 33, of South Byron Road, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, and obstructed view following a traffic stop by officer Mitchell Cowen on Clinton Street in Batavia. Morrison was allegedly driving on a revoked non-driver ID with other active suspensions. He was held on bail in the Genesee County Jail.

Timothy A. Banks, 24, of Columbia Avenue, Batavia, is charged with an open container. Banks was allegedly found in possession of an open container of alcohol on Summit Street. An hour later, Banks was arrested again for allegedly having an open container on Columbia Avenue. He was released on his own recognizance.

Cynthia Abounader, 64, of Knapp Road, Akron, is charged with petit larceny. Abounader allegedly stole $318 worth of grocery items from Tops Market in Batavia.

James E. Wroten, 48, of Olyn Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th, following an alleged domestic incident.