A pedestrian has reportedly been struck in the area of 518 East Main St., Batavia.

The pedestrian is reportedly down in the roadway.

City Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE: An officer on scene said the pedestrian sustained minor injuries and was transported to UMMC.

Elba's annual scholarship fund game on Tuesday was also a fundraiser for the family of Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello.

Proceeds were split between the scholarship fund and for support of the family.

Sanfratello died in the line of duty while trying to arrest two individuals at Batavia Downs on March 10. 

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Tacarie M. Broadbent, 18, of Batavia, was arrested on May 23 on a warrant. He is charged with menacing 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon 4th, criminal mischief 4th, obstruction of governmental administration 2nd, and assault 2nd. The warrant stemmed from an incident reported on May 3. Broadbent was accused of threatening another person with a knife. When police arrived on scene, he allegedly attacked and injured responding officers. He was arraigned in City Court and jailed.

Jennifer Moore, 38, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, inadequate muffler, and insufficient tail lamp. Akeem Gibson, 34, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. A vehicle driven by Moore was stopped by deputies at 1:45 a.m. on June 1 in the area of Park Road and Oak Street, Batavia. During the traffic stop, deputies requested the assistance of Officer Stephen Quider and K-9 Batu, Batavia PD. As a result of the investigation, Moore and Gibson were accused of possessing a large quantity of narcotics. Moore and Gibson were held pending arraignment.

Norman P. Michael, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, tampering with physical evidence, and construction of governmental administration. Michael was arrested on May 27 after an officer working with the Neighborhood Enforcement Team allegedly witnessed Michael make a drug transaction. Michael allegedly fled from the officer and that he threw a large quantity of narcotics down a storm drain. The police did not release whether the drugs were recovered. Michael was arraigned in City Court.

Paul Harrison Pelton-Wibbe, 26, of Lewiston Road, is charged with criminal possession of a firearm or knife. At 6:35 p.m. on May 30, deputies were dispatched to the town of Alabama. The nature of the call is redacted from the press release.  The suspect, Pelton-Wibbe, reportedly left on a bicycle prior to the deputies arriving. he was located but allegedly refused to stop for deputies. He was taken into custody after an alleged brief struggle. A search allegedly revealed his possession of a 4 Kung Fu Stars. A further section of the press release was redacted. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Rachel A. Baehr, 37, of Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Baehr is accused of not returning a friend's dog she was caring for. She allegedly sold the dog to another person. Baehr was issued an appearance ticket.

Michael D. Strobele, 46, of Buffalo, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Strobele is accused of attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into the UMMC emergency room on Sept. 23. Strobele was arrested on May 21 and issued an appearance ticket.

Samuel R. Blackshear, 23, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd and endangering the welfare of a child. Blackshear is accused of fighting and causing injury to another person while in the presence of a child. Blackshear was arraigned in City Court and was released.

Nathan W. Campbell, 43, of Batavia, is charged with burglary and petit larceny. Campbell is accused of stealing merchandise from Tops on May 11 after previously being barred from the property. He was arraigned and released. Campbell was arrested again on May 23 on a trespass charge for allegedly entering Tops again. He was issued an appearance ticket. On May 17, Campbell allegedly entered a church on East Main Street where he had been previously ordered not to enter. He was charged with trespass and issued an appearance ticket. He allegedly entered the same church again and was charged again. He was also charged with open alcoholic container in public.  He was again issued an appearance ticket and released.

Alicia M. Lyons, 44, of Batavia, was arrested on May 14 on seven warrants. She is charged with resisting arrest after allegedly failing to appear in court on seven prior charges and fighting with an officer when the officer attempted to take her into custody in the warrants. She was arraigned in City Court and ordered held in jail.

Nancy L. Lawrence, 72, of Batavia, is charged with soliciting alms. Lawrence is accused of being in the area of M&T Bank asking people for money. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Alice E. Torres, 59, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Torres is accused of hitting another person during a fight on Woodrow Road on May 12. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Katie L. Farewell, 35, of Batavia, is charged with unnecessary noise. Farewell is accused of playing loud music on May 11 in violation of Batavia Municipal Code. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Ronald W. Ball, 58, of Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass 2nd and harassment 2nd. Ball is accused of entering another person's residence without permission and striking and shoving that person. He was arraigned and released.

Valeria A. Antonetty, 43, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Antonetty was charged following a vehicle accident on May 11 in the drive-thru of McDonald's on East Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Paul W. Schwandt, 56, of Alexander, is charged with DWI. Schwandt was allegedly involved in a fight in the McDonald's parking lot on East Main Street on May 11. He was arraigned and released.

Michael C. Mirabal, 51, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on May 15. He was initially charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs on Dec. 8. He allegedly failed to appear in court as ordered. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Jennifer L. Allegue, 52, of Batavia, was arrested on May 14 on a warrant. Allegue was initially charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 3rd, after a traffic stop on Jan. 25. The warrant was issued after she allegedly failed to appear in court. Allegue was arraigned and released. 

Garret J. Walker, 21, of West Seneca, is charged with DWI. Walker was stopped on May 7 on West Main Street by a Batavia patrol officer. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Douglas G. Goodwin, 33, of Basom, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation 1st. Goodwin is accused of driving a motorcycle in the city of Batavia on May 26 while his driver's license was restricted by more than 10 suspensions. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Alvin E. Way, 63, of Batavia, is charged with burglary 2nd and criminal contempt 2nd. Way was arrested on May 18, accused of entering a residence on River Street in violation of an order of protection. He was arraigned and jailed.

Steven J. Godinho, 39, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Godinho was arrested on May 17, accused of damaging a TV during a fight on Richmond Avenue. He was arraigned in City Court and released.

Donald D. Ryan, 40, of Pembroke, and Melvin G. Draper, 40, of Pembroke, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Ryan and Draper were reportedly in a vehicle stopped for an alleged infraction on May 22 in the city of Batavia. K-9 Officer Stephen Quider and K-9 Batu were requested to the scene. After a positive alert, police searched the vehicle and reportedly located a quantity of narcotics. Ryan and Draper were issued appearance tickets. 

Alena N. Burr, 23, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Burr is accused of pushing a Batavia patrol officer on May 19 during a disturbance at a residence on South Main Street. Burr was issued an appearance ticket.

Kevin Q. Thomas, 35, of Batavia, was arrested on a warrant on May 22. He is charged with criminal trespass 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and harassment 2nd. Thomas is accused of entering a residence on Feb. 10 and fighting with another person in the presence of a child. He was arraigned and released.

Justin M. Wotherspoon, 27, of Batavia, was charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Wotherspoon was arrested on May 22 and accused of violating an order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Amanda L Dennis, 43, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Dennis is accused of shoplifting at Tops. She was issued an appearance ticket.

John W Biasell, 55, of Batavia, and Bill A. Thomas, 64, of Batavia, are charged with open containers in public. They were charged on May 16. They were allegedly found in the Peace Garden with open alcoholic beverage containers. They were issued appearance tickets.

Peter C. Ayala, 59, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Ayala was stopped on May 17 on School Street by a Batavia patrol officer. He was issued several tickets and released.

Alice E. Torres, 59, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Torres is accused of punching and kicking another person at a residence on Woodrow Road on May 12. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Michele A. Struzyk, 64, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4 and two counts of harassment 2nd. Struzyk is accused of hitting another person and of damaging property during a fight on Richmond Avenue on May 16. Struzyk is accused of intentionally slamming a door into a responding officer. She was arraigned in City Court and released.

Michael S. Mault, 29, of Batavia, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol. Mault was stopped on June 8 for allegedly speeding. He was issued traffic tickets and released.

Jeremy Lyons, 39, of Mount Morris, was arrested on a warrant on May 18. On April 28, he was charged with DWI. A warrant was issued after he allegedly failed to appear in court. Lyons was arraigned and released. 

William E. Tolliver, 61, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Tolliver was stopped on June 10 by a Batavia patrol officer on Washingto Avenue on possible vehicle and traffic law violations. He was issued traffic tickets and released.

Jacob W. Patterson, 28, of Batavia, was arrested on June 7 on a warrant. Patterson was located by a Batavia patrol officer in the area of Jackson Street and Central Avenue. When the officer attempted to stop him, he allegedly ran from police. He was taken into custody in the back yard of a residence on Dawson Place. He was arraigned and released.

Ryan A. Maxwell, 20 of Batavia, is charged with two counts of harassment 2nd. Maxwell is accused of punching a male and slapping a female during an argument in Austin Park on June 6. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Michael S. Mattern, 50, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd and trespass. Mattern is accused of refusing to leave a business on June 7 and attempting to punch an employee. He was arraigned and released.

John T. Grande, 54, of Buffalo, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs. He was arrested June 5. Following an investigation by a Batavia police officer, Grande was arrested on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle on April 22 under the influence of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket. 

Danny J. Torok, 37, of Rochester, was arrested on a warrant on June 7. Torok allegedly failed to appear in court as ordered on a driving while ability impaired by drugs charge. Torok entered to a guilty plea and was sentenced to 15 days in jail.

Dannie J. Sims, 68, of Albion, is charged with grand larceny 4th and petit larceny. He is also charged in a separate incident with petit larceny and harassment 2nd. Sims is accused of stealing a wallet from a customer at Tops. He was arrested on May 31 when he returned to Tops and was identified as the suspected thief after allegedly stealing merchandise from the store. Sims was issued an appearance ticket.

Paul W. Schwandt, 56, of Alexander, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd and menacing 2nd. Schwandt is accused of threatening another person with a golf club during a confrontation on East Main Street on June 3. He was arraigned and released.

Mark A. Remington, 50, of Batavia, is charged with sex offender failure to register, 2nd offense. He was arrested on May 30. Remington is a registered sex offender. It’s alleged that Remington possessed an unregistered social media account and phone number.  He was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. 

Benjamin G. Evans, 35, of Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd. Evans was charged on May 30 after patrol officers reportedly observed him riding a bicycle. They attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant, but Evans allegedly fled from police on his bike. He was eventually taken into custody in the backyard of a residence on State Street. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jeanna M. Hattaway, 37, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Hattaway is accused of shoplifting from Family Dollar on East Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Christopher William Fowler, 35, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI. Fowler was stopped at 7:23 on May 15 on Pearl Street, Oakfield, by Deputy Nicholas Chamoun. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Sean Michael Conway, 47, of Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operator, and unlicensed driver. Conway was stopped at 10:38 a.m. on May 17 by Deputy Jenna Ferrando on West Main Street Road, Batavia. He was held pending arraignment.

Brandon J. March, 39, of South Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st.  March is accused of using the Genesee County Jail 13 times to call a person he was ordered by a court to not contact. He was arrested on May 12 and held pending arraignment.

Jason W. Warner, 42, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Warner was stopped on May 31 for allegedly running a red light. She is accused of driving while intoxicated and also having switched plates on her vehicle. She was arraigned and released.

James Carl Malone, 27, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Malone is accused of striking a woman with an open hand during a disagreement at 6:45 a.m. on May 31 at a location on Clinton Street Road. He is also accused of scratching the woman on her chest. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Ryan Philip-Harrison Clarke, 34, of North Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd. Clarke is accused of throwing objects at a moving vehicle on West Main Street, Le Roy, at 2:02 p.m. on June 3. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Layliana Monet Shine, 19, of Albion, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and harassment 2nd. Shine was charged following an incident reported at 9:18 a.m. on June 8 on Pratt Road, Batavia. She was held pending arraignment.

Laurie A. Pearse, 53, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of a firearm 2nd, grand larceny 4th, and falsely reporting an incident. Peare was arrested on June 5 for allegedly stealing a firearm from a location in Pembroke. She is also accused of calling 9-1-1 to make a false report of a domestic incident to obtain a police response. Pearse was held pending arraignment.

Mark David Heidenreich, 34, of Colony Run, Attica, is charged with harassment 2nd. Heidenreich is accused of threatening to beat somebody up at 2:30 p.m. on June 9 at a location on Hyde Park in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Allyson Paige Lawrence, 29, no fixed address, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Lawrence was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine at 1:30 a.m. on June 3 on Veterans Memorial Drive.  The narcotic was allegedly found in her purse during a custody search. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Jordan Richard Rose, 23, of Oakfield, is charged with criminal contempt 1st.  Rose is accused of violating an order of protection on April 21 on Prole Road, Stafford. He was arrested on June 10. He was arraigned and released under supervision.

Christopher George Mayorga, 48, of Telephone Road, Pavilion, is charged with three counts of criminal possession of a weapon 4th.  He is accused of possessing on June 13 two shotguns and a rifle as a convicted felon. He was held pending arraignment. 

Danny Devon Williams, 35, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd. Williams is accused of fighting at 3 p.m. on June 11 in the Genesee County Jail, resulting in an injury to another inmate. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Marissa Bea Torres, 33, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 3rd, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Torres is accused of breaking the windshield of a vehicle during an argument at 11:11 a.m. on June 18 at a location on Park Road, Batavia. There were allegedly two children in the victim's car at the time. She is also accused of possessing a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He was processed at the Genesee County Jail and released.

Andres Manuel Cabrera, 29, of Pershing Parkway, Mineola, is charged with obstructing government administration, driving left of pavement markings, unsafe passing, making a U-turn on a grade or curve, and signaling illegally from a parked position. Cabrera is accused of fleeing from a traffic stop at 8:21 on June 15. He eventually stopped on Route 5 at Boyce Road. He allegedly refused to leave the vehicle and locked the doors. He was arrested, processed at the Genesee County Jail, and released on an appearance ticket.

And so it begins — announcements of daily air quality index reports, with New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley hitting upon orange zones of “unhealthy for sensitive groups” while remaining regions in New York State rest in the yellow moderate zones as temperatures soar into the 90s this week.

Genesee Orleans Health Department officials have issued a set of heat advisory precautions to take, and cooling centers are opening on Wednesday — a newly proclaimed Juneteenth holiday that will give many folks, municipalities and school districts the day off — to provide a respite from the choking heat.

People of all ages are susceptible to the heat, especially senior citizens, and the Alzheimer’s Association recommends several safety tips for seniors and their caregivers to keep in mind during these blazing days of summer that officially begins on Thursday.  

Make a plan. Family and friends should prepare accordingly and make plans to regularly check-in on a person living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias during extreme heat. Arrange alternative plans for cooler spaces, if air conditioning is unavailable, and dress in loose, light clothing.

Pay attention at night. Keep people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias cool by using fans and keeping the air conditioning on. At night, low temperatures can still exceed 75 degrees with little fluctuation in humidity levels, making for difficult and exacerbating sleeping conditions, heightened anxiety and increased agitation.

Prepare for behavioral challenges. Research shows that heat can increase agitation and confusion in people. Try to remove behavioral triggers by addressing the person’s physical needs related to the heat, then tending to their emotional needs.

Stay hydrated. Increased water intake is essential to maintaining good hydration and health during extreme heat. Know the signs of heat exhaustion to avoid heat stroke. Dehydration may be difficult to notice in a person living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as signs like increased fatigue, dry mouth and headache may be difficult to detect. People taking diuretics, sedatives, or certain heart medication may not sweat as much as others, but this does not mean that they are not hot.

Stay indoors and out of the sun. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion may occur in extreme heat conditions but symptoms may be difficult to detect in people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Keep individuals cool by using air conditioning at home or move to a public place, such as a senior center or shopping mall. If you must go outside, be sure to dress appropriately, loose, light clothing, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher.  For a list of things to do in the area that indoors and out, go to The Batavian's calendar.

Stay informed. Keep an eye on local weather forecasts. High temperatures are not the only cause for concern. Humidity and air pollution indices can cause breathing difficulties. The person should be monitored regularly and seek medical attention if symptoms arise of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, call 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org.

Want to stay cool and perhaps save a few bucks as well? National Grid is offering summertime energy efficiency tips and payment options to help customers stay safe and save money on their bills.

Taking steps like raising your thermostat one degree or keeping curtains drawn during the sunniest parts of the day can create measurable savings on your monthly energy bill, the company says. 

"For our most economically vulnerable customers, summer cooling assistance programs provide additional support to manage their energy costs. There are a number of other low- and no-cost steps our customers can take to reduce their energy usage and save money, as well as programs to assist those who need assistance during the summer months," National Grid officials said in a press release.

Here are some energy efficient tips to try while trying to cool down your home situation:

• Running fans along with your air conditioning creates a windchill effect by distributing and circulating cold air throughout a room, allowing you to turn up your thermostat. 
• Changing or cleaning the reusable filter in your air conditioner can improve air flow and efficiency.
• Have your central air conditioner checked. Just like you have your furnace serviced and cleaned each fall, you should have your central air conditioning system checked prior to summer. Professionals will perform a comprehensive examination on your outside condenser and inside fan to ensure your system is working at peak efficiency.
• Replace your air filter. Dirty air filters on central and room air conditioning systems can choke off the flow of air to your home’s ventilation system. Changing your filter as directed by the manufacturer not only permits air to flow freely, but it helps your air conditioning run more efficiently.
• Vacuum your air intake vents and keep them clear. Dust builds up on your home’s air returns and a couple of minutes with a vacuum can keep the air flow moving. Move toys, furniture and other objects away from the intake vent to keep air moving.
• Consider rearranging furniture near your thermostat or room air conditioner. Lamps and televisions radiate heat and if they are too close to the thermostat, your air conditioning could run more and longer than necessary to cool a room.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs are inefficient to use and emit more heat than an LED bulb. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
• Turn off lights when you’re not using them. This can help save money by reducing your electricity bills, extend the life of your light bulbs, and result in buying bulbs less often.
• Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to run your air conditioning on a schedule. Smart thermostats offer the ability to control your home’s temperature from your mobile device or computer. Preset your schedule, adjust temperatures remotely, and take full control of your cooling. Smart thermostats could lower your energy bills by up to $180 a year.
• Prep your home when you go on vacation. If there’s a road trip or beach vacation on your calendar, take a couple of extra steps such as turning up your thermostat to keep your air conditioning from running while no one is home. Unplug electronics with remote control or “instant on” features and save $4 a month.
• Once the heat arrives, turn up the temperature on your thermostat. The lower you set your air conditioning temperature, the more costly it is to operate. For example, a 75-degree setting costs about 18% more than a 78-degree setting. Don’t compromise your comfort or safety, but use this to test how cool you really need it.
• Close your window coverings. Ambient sunlight can heat a room, and drawing your curtains and blinds can reduce the sun’s heating of your home and keep your air conditioning from running more than necessary.
• Think twice before starting your oven. Conventional and convection ovens can add unnecessary heat to your home and force your air conditioner to run unnecessarily. Keep the heat outside by using a grill or, if that’s not an option, consider using a microwave orslow cooker to do the job.
• Know the signs of heat-related illness. Heavy sweating, muscle cramps and a fast pulse aren’t just signs of being warm. They are symptoms of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Know the signs and pay extra attention to children, seniors and other vulnerable groups when the temperature and humidity rise.
• Visit ngrid.com/ee to learn about National Grid’s residential, multi-family, and commercial energy efficiency programs, and find more information on ways to reduce your energy costs. 

The Home Energy Affordability Program, or HEAP, provides assistance to New Yorkers looking to stay cool through the summer season. Applications for 2024 HEAP Cooling Assistance benefits opened in April. 

Customers who meet qualifying income and residency criteria may receive up to $800 to purchase and install a portable air conditioner or fan, or up to $1,000 for a wall-sleeve air conditioning unit. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis through your HEAP local district contact.

For more information about National Grid programs and budget billing, go HERE. 

There are consumer advocates available to provide assistance in multiple languages at 1-800-642-4272 or at consumeradvocatesuny@nationalgrid.com.

Press Release:

The Batavia Concert Band will be returning for its 100th year of free public concerts in Batavia’s Centennial Park (the rain venue is the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College).

Concerts will be held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, and August 7. Light refreshments will be available for purchase, including freshly popped popcorn–an audience favorite!

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire has something for everyone: marches, Big Band and swing numbers, popular songs from musicals and movies, rock favorites, classical adaptations, and everything in between. 

This year, the Band has some special treats and performers to honor the centennial anniversary, so check out the website and Facebook pages throughout the season. 

The Band consists of 45-55 brass, woodwind, and percussion players ranging from talented high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience, and others are advanced amateur musicians, but one thing is for sure, all love to play!

Returning for his eleventh season as conductor is John Bailey, Instrumental Music teacher at Pembroke Central School District and the organization is under the leadership of General Manager Jason Smith, along with a talented group of officers and a dedicated Board, led by Board President Dan Fischer. 

The June 26 concert will be conducted by Batavia native and resident Joshua Pacino, current band director at Batavia’s Notre Dame High School. The Perry High School band director, Dillon Hirsch, will conduct the July 10 concert. 

Guest performers this year include BHS graduate and professional trumpet player Joey Pero, who will be joining us on July 17. On July 24, accomplished organist Jeremy Rath, and Kendall graduate and musician, will be our Pam Frisby Guest Artist. 

In celebration of the Band’s 100th anniversary, local composer Larry Tallman has written a special piece for the Band, and the premiere of that piece will be at our final concert on August 7.

Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during World War II and in 2020 during COVID.

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!

Concerts are also currently supported and funded in part by Platinum Sponsors Genesee Community College, Brighton Securities, Farm Credit East, and WBTA, as well as local businesses, program advertisers, service organizations, and individual patrons. Individuals or businesses interested in supporting the Band should contact a band member at any concert. 

The Batavia Concert Band is also excited to announce the return of radio station WBTA (AM 1490 / FM 100.1) as the Official Media Sponsor for our 2024 summer concert series! Be on the lookout for appearances by band members on WBTA’s “Main & Center” program, where we will go into some depth about the band’s makeup and its history. Also, be listening for weekly radio ads promoting the musical selections for the upcoming concerts and announcing our weekly sponsors.

For information, please visit our Facebook page and www.bataviaconcertband.net to learn more about the Band and our sponsors, and “we will see you in the park!”

With 15 retirements and 10 resignations, including the newly hired director of health, physical education and athletics and Batavia Middle School’s principal, the city school district has a hefty to-do list this summer to replace some posts.

Middle School Principal Nate Korzelius, who was hired for the position in April 2022, after working as interim principal since July 1, 2021, and also worked at the district as a science teacher for 23 years and assistant principal of Batavia High School for five years, will resign effective June 30. He has accepted a familiar position as assistant principal at BHS effective July 1, Superintendent Jason Smith said.

“We are appointing an interim principal tonight at BMS effective July 1, which will be announced tonight to our staff and tomorrow to our families,” Smith said Monday. “Applications closed today for BMS principal, an interim principal is being appointed tonight and the interview process will start shortly.”

Mike Davis, the district’s interim assistant principal at Robert Morris appointed to replace Jessica Torrey, who left for an elementary principal job at Alexander Central, will temporarily fill in for Korzelius’ absence as interim principal while the district conducts a search.

"I have been pleased with both the quality and quantity of administrator applications and look forward to the next steps in the process. We hope to have the hiring process completed by early to mid August,” Smith said.

Ryan Winchip, who was hired last fall to replace Michael Bromley as the district’s athletic director, will be leaving for a principal position at Warsaw Central School.  Timm Slade, who stepped in when Bromley announced he was leaving prior to Winchip’s hiring, will be returning as interim AD, effective Monday. The recruitment process has been in place for this position, as well as other personnel vacancies, Smith said.

“We have been pleased with the applicants so far, and are currently interviewing for art teacher, several clerical positions, and the admin position I already mentioned,” he said. “We also hope to have the AD position filled by early to mid August.”

Meanwhile, the role of full-time community coordinator is to be cut in half as of July 1, and former coordinator Julia Rogers will be moving back into an assistant principal role, but not at the high school where she formerly was stationed, but at the middle school, Smith said.

Trisha Jordan was hired during Monday’s board meeting to fill an open assistant principal slot at the high school, as assistant principal Omar Hussein is moving on to take a middle school principal position at Rush Henrietta School District.

Most of the assistant principal salaries are listed as "per the BAA (Batavia Administrators Association) contract" versus an actual number. The newest assistant principal hire's salary was listed as $80,000. 

Travis Byrnes has resigned as assistant principal of the middle school to return as a health teacher at BHS for $66,750.

Batavia's Board of Education bid a warm farewell during Monday's meeting to several people who retired from the district this past year. They represented a collective 300 years of experience at Batavia, and included:

• Karen Barber - Secretary, Batavia High School Health Office
• Mike Bromley - Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics
• Jennifer Corbelli - English Language Arts Teacher, Batavia High School
• Gail DiGregorio - Secretary, School Counseling Office, Batavia High School
• Jeff Donahue - Custodial Worker, Batavia High School 
• Nancy Haitz - School Nurse Practitioner, Batavia High School 
• Mary Hall - Counseling Center, Batavia Middle School 
• Susan Lukaszewicz - Physical Therapist, John Kennedy Intermediate 
• Paula Mosman - Teacher, John Kennedy Intermediate 
• Frank Panepento - Intro to Technology Teacher, Batavia Middle School 
• Wayde Scott Pickert - Maintenance Staff, Batavia Middle School 
• Sharon Reigle - Customer Support Technician, BCSD IT 
• Scott Rozanski - Business Administrator 
• Jackie Schumacher - Special Education, Batavia High School 
• Deborah Tourville - Custodial Worker, Robert Morris

Dispatchers have received notification that an iPhone has detected a crash in the area of 6483 Townline Road, Byron.

There is no subscriber contact.

Byron Fire, South Byron Fire, and Mercy EMS dispatched.

Press Release:

With an extreme heat wave sweeping across New York State this week, Genesee County Emergency Management Services, in partnership with Public Health Emergency Preparedness (Genesee and Orleans Health Departments), is committed to ensuring residents have access to safe, cool environments.

Local Cooling Centers: The following cooling centers will be open on the Juneteenth holiday (June 19, 2024):

• Byron-Bergen Public Library, 13 South Lake Ave, Bergen, NY 14416
Phone: 585-494-1120
Open 6/19/24: 10 AM - 1 PM, 2-7 PM
• Genesee County Office For The Aging, 2 Bank St, Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: 585-343-1611
Open 6/19/24: 8 AM-4:30 PM
• Grace Baptist Church, 238 Vine St, Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: 585-343-0729
Open 6/19/24: 12-5 PM

We urge residents to share this information widely to assist those at risk of heat-related illnesses.

A full listing of cooling centers in Genesee County with hours of operation can be found at:
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/

If you are a local business, organization, agency, or other entity willing to serve as a cooling center, please contact David Bell at david.bell@geneseeny.gov or call 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.

Press Release:

Genesee and Orleans Counties are expecting unusually hot weather this week, which was to begin Monday and last through Friday evening, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday.

“The duration of the heat will include both daytime and nighttime temperatures, with little or no relief during the overnight hours,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health). “This poses an elevated risk of causing heat-related illnesses.” 

GO Health is reminding residents to take necessary precautions during this week’s extreme heat event. Follow the steps below to stay cool, hydrated, and safe:

• Stay in a cool or air-conditioned building as much as possible. Spend time in public places, and if you are looking for a cooling center, visit https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning canhelp your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

• Cover windows with drapes or shades.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugaryor alcoholic beverages. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.

• Schedule outdoor activities carefully. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity and find shade where you can. Limit strenuous activities and exercise. Drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks.

• Wear appropriate clothing. Choose clothing that is lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting.

• Take a cool shower or bath using mildly warm water. Sudden temperature changes may make you feel dizzy or sick.

• Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.

• Do not leave kids, pets, or anyone else in cars.Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open.

• Wear sunscreen. Sunburn can impact how your body cools down and can cause you to become dehydrated.

• Check on your neighbors, family, and friends, especially those who are at higher risk. Those most at risk include older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with disabilities, people with chronic conditions, and outdoor workers.

• Keep your pets safe. Don’t keep your pets outdoors for too long, and provide them with plenty of fresh water. Avoid asphalt and dark pavement, which can be very hot.

• Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and if it is suspected, call 911 immediately. To learn more, visit https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/index.html.

To monitor the potential heat risk, visit the National Weather Service HeatRisk map at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/.

For updates on the heat advisory and tips to stay safe, follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram, and X at GOHealthNY. You can also visit GOHealthNY.org. 

Press Release:

Summer Reading for all ages kicks off on Monday, June 24 at Richmond Memorial Library! This year’s theme is “Adventure Begins at the Library.” 

Children

Celebrate Smokey the Bear’s 80th birthday with this year’s kids’ summer reading program! Kids up to age 12 will receive a chain and reading log with sign-up. Read or be read to and earn beads, brag tags, and more!

Starting June 24, weekly 10 a.m. programs for kids include Family Yoga with Nana Yoga (begins July 1 on Mondays), All Ages Story Time (Tuesdays), Play Café (Wednesdays), Nature Story and Craft (Ages 5-10 on Thursdays) and Little Scientists (Ages 7-11 on Fridays). Some programs require registration, please call the library or visit our website for more info!

Family Fun Fridays: Join us every Friday at 2 p.m. for a fun adventure for the whole family! No registration is required.

• June 28: Paris and Popsicles – Sign up for summer reading, have a popsicle, and meet the NYS Trooper dog!
• July 5: Seneca Park Zoomobile
• July 12: African Drumming with Mayukwa
• July 19: Wondermakers Interactive Storytelling
• July 26: Nickle City Reptiles
• August 2: Benjamin Berry 
• August 9: To be announced
• August 16: Buffalo Museum

Teens & Tweens

Teens ages 13 -17 are invited to play Summer Reading BINGO! Complete reading and library challenges for a chance to win weekly and grand prizes. Weekly prizes include gift cards generously donated by Dave’s Ice Cream, Sprinkles Creamery, Mancuso’s Bowling Center, The Coffee Press, Cinquino’s, and The Vintage Cow. Thank you to our generous local sponsors! Grand prizes include a bookish basket, a gift card to Lift Bridge Books, and more. Anyone can play but you must have a valid library card in the NIOGA system to be eligible for prizes. Register at the library or batavialibrary.org starting June 24.

Weekly teen/tween programs: 

• Silent Reading Club: Tuesdays at 2 p.m. – all ages welcome! 
• STEAM Adventures with Challenge Island: Wednesdays at 2 p.m. – ages 8 and up 
• Adventures with Food Series- Thursdays at 3 p.m.
• Board Games – Fridays at 2 p.m.

Some programs require registration, please visit our website for all the info. 

Adults

Play Adult Summer Reading BINGO starting June 24! 

Open to adults ages 18 and up. Complete reading and library challenges for a chance to win weekly and grand prizes! Weekly prizes include an Oliver’s Basket, gift cards to The Coffee Press, Dave’s Ice Cream, Sprinkle’s Creamery, Batavia’s Original, and Harrington’s (this prize donated by the Friends of RML). Thank you to our local sponsors! Grand Prizes include a bookish basket, a gift card to Lift Bridge Books, and more. Anyone can play but you must have a valid library card in the NIOGA system to be eligible for prizes. Register at batavialibrary.org or at the library starting June 24. Check our calendar for events throughout the summer!

Library Adventure Map program with NIOGA: 

Library patrons are invited to participate in Nioga Library System’s “Library Adventure Map” program this summer, beginning June 24! This program is open to all patrons and community members within Niagara, Genesee and Orleans Counties. A library card is not required to participate in the program! To participate, patrons will pick up a Library Adventure Map and first sticker at their local Nioga library. Patrons may visit any of the public libraries listed on the map and show their map to a staff member to receive a unique library-specific sticker. Think of the stickers as badges! Learn more at the library!

Summer Reading is sponsored by the Friends of the Richmond Memorial Library.

Press Release:

“Another session has concluded and with it, the hope that this would be the year when those in power would finally tackle the problems New Yorkers care about most.

If my Democratic colleagues read the same public surveys that I do, then they’ve seen that approximately  60 percent of New Yorkers believe the state is on the wrong track and that their top concerns are the cost of living in New York State, the migrant influx, and crime.  However, judging by the bills and priorities they pushed again this year, it is clear that Albany Democrats aren’t letting New Yorkers’ top concerns influence their agenda.

Here is a yardstick of their ‘progress’:  

• Due to New York’s sanctuary policies, over 200,000 migrants have flooded into the state in the past two years, creating enormous logistical strains, a $4.3 billion burden on taxpayers, and increased pressure on city services. One city official this week reported that they have more migrants in their DHS system than New Yorkers. My Republican colleagues and I have urged state leaders to rescind sanctuary policies to stop the influx. We’ve also pushed for Laken’s Law to allow law enforcement to cooperate with ICE on migrants who’ve committed crimes. The response to both proposals has been silence and inaction.
• Five years into their failed experiment, the toll of Democrats’ disastrous bail reform and other criminal justice changes continues to mount. In just a six-week period earlier this year, four police officers were killed and two others gravely wounded by suspects they apprehended. The National Guard was called in to patrol the dangerous subways, and NYC assault rates are at record levels. Robberies, shoplifting, and DWI offenses have surged to decades-high levels. The governor’s tough talk on retail theft amounted to a meager measure to create a low-level penalty for assaulting a retail worker. Numerous Republican proposals to reverse bail reform, combat antisemitism, and increase penalties for shoplifting, gun crimes, and DWI were ignored.
• Unaffordability and our highest-in-the-nation taxes continue to make New York State the number one state for outmigration. The fuel for higher taxes is excessive spending and that trend continued. The $237 billion state budget spends $8 billion more than last year, is twice the size of Florida’s budget and represents the second highest per capita spending plan in the nation. While Texas and Florida post double-digit budget surpluses and tax cuts through prudent spending and strong economic growth, New York State’s debt continues to rise and its productive, taxpaying residents and businesses continue to leave.
• Efforts to meet the reckless goals of the state’s Climate Agenda are driving us towards less reliable and more expensive energy sources. Thanks to our vocal opposition, the NY HEAT Act was removed from consideration this year, preserving our natural gas access, keeping energy costs down, and saving jobs.  

However, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Act is another extreme mandate that would impose costly and unworkable burdens on manufacturers without making any measurable impact on the environment. The mandated packaging reduction will result in manufacturers pulling their popular products out of stores in New York, leaving consumers without the option to purchase many of their favorite brands and grocery store staples. Other manufacturers will be forced to pass their added costs onto already inflation-strapped consumers. Either way, consumers lose, a fact that has become the defining feature of all of the left’s climate proposals. The truth is that banning things like cool whip containers won’t save the planet, it will only appease the radical left. But, it hasn’t yet passed the Assembly, so I urge them to protect New Yorkers from this terrible bill and let it die.  

Ultimately, the session concluded without the legislature’s majorities taking any steps towards addressing New York’s most serious problems and making it a place where people want to live, rather than leave.

Democrats will have to answer for that when they return home.

They will have to explain to their constituents why crime in the streets and subways isn’t improving and why their pharmacies are still locking up toothpaste and soap but allowing criminals to remain free.

They will have to answer for why their tax bill and their energy costs are three or four times higher than those of their friends and family members who live in other states.

They will have to answer for why our state continues to invite those who have violated our nation’s immigration laws to come to New York to access taxpayer-provided housing, food, healthcare, education, and legal services, and why we shield them from federal authorities, even when they have committed crimes.

I remain hopeful that the concerns and common sense of my Democratic colleagues’ constituents will finally prevail over the demands of the progressive activists who have run Albany’s agenda for the past six years. In the meantime, my advocacy for the hardworking, law-abiding people in our region will continue.”

Batavia City Schools celebrated its Pre-K students on Monday with a moving-up ceremony at Van Detta Stadium, where members of the class are likely to receive their high school diplomas in 2037.

The Pre-K students enter kindergarten in the fall.

Photos by Howard Owens.

A Town of Bethany justice has resigned following a complaint and investigation into alleged sexual harassment of a court clerk.

Judge Joseph Nowakowski was accused of sending unwanted text messages that were unrelated to the clerk's duties, according to a statement issued by the NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct.

The commission statement did not provide details on the content of the messages.

After the clerk reportedly asked Nowakowski to stop sending messages, he allegedly retaliated by seeking her termination as a court employee.

The judge resigned on June 1 as part of an agreement with the commission. Under the agreement, Nowakowski is barred from ever again serving in any judicial capacity.

Nowakowski, who is not an attorney, became a judge in 2022, and his term was set to expire in 2025.

The commission received a complaint about Nowakowski in February. 

A three-car motor vehicle accident is reported in the area of 5870 Ellicott Street Road, Bethany.

No word on injuries.

Bethany Fire and Stafford Fire dispatched. Mercy EMS dispatched.

On a clear, sunny Sunday morning, 158 people turned out to participate in the Batavia Downs Jackpot 5K, an event that benefited WNY Heroes, Inc.

Batavia resident Justin Vrooman, 24, had the best overall time at 15:09. Second, Matt Oberst, 43, of Farmington, at 15:31.

The top female runner was Miranda Gatto, 19, of Niagara Falls, at 15:22.

This was the second year of the event at Batavia Downs.

UPDATE: After this was posted, the family received a call, and Lyken is back home.

Lyken, a Golden Doodle puppy (less than a year old), is missing from her home at 233 South Swan St., Batavia.

She's been missing for more than 36 hours.

Lyken broke out of the yard on Saturday during fireworks.

Contacts:

• Jon, 585-483-1091
• Kaylynn, 585-813-3205
• Katie, 585-250-2721

Local organizations are increasingly relying on Facebook to announce their events and other important announcements without putting out a press release.

Click here to read why that's a bad idea.

Send press releases, announcements, calendar items, and media invites to news@thebatavian.com.