Friday, July 19th – CELEBRATE 4H DAY

• 9 a.m. – 4-H Horse Show – English & Dressage Division (Horse Arena)
• 9 a.m. – 4-H Beef Team Fitting Competition (Main Show Ring)
• 10 a.m. – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
• Noon – 4-H Horses must be removed from 4-H Horse Barn
• Noon – 4-H Livestock Master Showman Contest (Main Show Ring)
• 1 p.m. – 4-H Dairy Club Butter Making Activity (Kennedy Building)
• 4 p.m. – Midway Opens
• 5:30 p.m. – 4-H Tractor Driving Contest
• 6 p.m. – NIOGA Dairy Showmanship (Main Show Ring)
• 7 p.m. – Demolition Derby (Grandstands)
• 7 to 11 p.m. – Band – MAC (Entertainment Tent)
• 10 p.m. – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Events & times subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with changes.

A semi-truck has come off the Thruway and landed on Route 5 in Pembroke and overturned.

One person was pinned by the trailer.

Mercy Flight is requested to the scene

Pembroke fire and Indian Falls fire dispatched and East Pembroke requested to scene to assist with a landing zone.

All responding units requested to park on the east side of the overpass or under the bridge because of the lack of a guard rail on the Thruway.

UPDATE 7 a.m.: The driver of a semi-truck on the Thruway may have fallen asleep before the truck struck a guard rail and flew off the Route 5 overpass landing on the roadway below. No other vehicles were involved. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to ECMC by Mercy EMS. A female passenger suffered leg injuries, and possibly other injuries, and was flown to ECMC by Mercy Flight. There were two dogs in the truck. One was located and taken to the animal shelter where it was given a bath to clean off diesel fuel. The dog appears to be in good health. The other dog is missing. The accident is under investigation by troopers from Troop T. There was nobody pinned under the trailer as initially reported. The woman was trapped in the cab of the truck and was being tended to by the male driver when firefighters arrived on the scene. There was a lengthy extrication process by volunteer firefighters. Route 5 is expected to be closed at least through noon.

UPDATE 8:50 a.m.: Pembroke's interim chief reports the second dog is in custody and uninjured. The dog was spotted on Route 5 and when first responders tried to corral him, he ran onto the Thruway. Somebody on the Thruway was able to catch him before he was harmed and an animal control officer is in route to pick him up and take him to the shelter.

Submitted photo.

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A car has reportedly rear-ended a semi-truck on Ellicott Street at Liberty Street in the City of Batavia.

Unknown injuries.

City fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 10:58 p.m.: No injuries. The truck driver said he stopped at the intersection for a red light.

Children who participated in this year's annual theater summer camp sponsored by Batavia Players will perform "Seussical KIDS" this Friday and Saturday at the Harvester 56 Theater on Harvester Avenue.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at the door.

The National Weather Service this afternoon issued a heat advisory for noon Friday, July 19, through 6 p.m. Saturday, July 20. for portions of Western and North Central New York.

A few brief rounds of thunderstorms are also expected Friday through Sunday night. A few of these storms may be severe, with isolated damaging winds and torrential downpours.

Heat index values of up to 100 degrees are expected during the day Friday and Saturday. Overnight low temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s with continued muggy conditions Friday night.

Prolonged exposure or any strenuous activity may lead to heat related illnesses that require immediate medical attention.

A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible.

Drink plenty of fluids; stay in an air-conditioned room; stay out of the sun; and check in on relatives and neighbors.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

By Dan McComb:

A.J. Marcello delivered a hard hit single up the middle in the bottom of the seventh inning to propel Batavia to a 4-3 win over North Town of Williamsville on Wednesday. Zeke Lynn scored the winning run.

The Batavia 24U Baseball Team scored three runs in the top of the first inning. Tristan Aldinger led off with a walk and went to third in a double by Jerry Reinhardt. Casey Radka then delivered a two-run single and came home to score on two throwing errors.

Batavia would not score again until the dramatic single by Marcello in the bottom of the seventh inning, snapping a 3-3 tie.

Trevor Sherwood pitched the first five innings of the game, striking out seven and allowing three runs. Radka came in to earn the win going the last two innings without surrendering a run.

Batavia banged out six hits (including a triple by Josh Bradley) and only struck out twice in the game.

Batavia turned over a beautiful double play in the first inning when Luke McComb fielded a grounder behind second base, back-handed a throw to Radka at short stop, who touched second base and fired to Marcello at first base to complete the double play. 

Batavia improves their record to 10–0. They next play tomorrow against the defending champs, Clarence, who Batavia beat earlier in the season, 10-5, in Clarence. This game will be played at 6 p.m. at Genesee Community College.

Important Notice:

The Ricky Palermo spinal injury golf tournament SOCCER CLINIC scheduled for tomorrow Friday, July 19, has been postponed until next Friday, July 26.

Same time – 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Same place – Batavia Sports Park on Bank Street Road, Batavia.

We have been notified to postpone our event tomorrow because of the dangerous high heat index (110°) that will be dangerous for the kids to be exposed to.

Any questions call Roger Hume at 585-345-1701 or Ricky Palermo at 585-739-8522

A Statement from Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) on Gov. Cuomo signing the Farm Labor Bill into law July 17:

“The largest farm in New York City is a seasonal pumpkin patch but that didn’t stop radical politicians from dictating how our farms should operate. This disastrous legislation, ironically signed in a place with no farms, has the potential to single-handedly destroy family farming in New York as we know it.

“To make matters worse, the newly-created Wage Board, stacked with more big-labor, big-union interests than actual farmers, can unilaterally alter the labor laws how they see fit moving forward.

“Altering the maximum number of hours allowed per week or reversing the ‘no strike clause’ at any moment, goes completely against the farming industry’s standard practices where crop yields, weather patterns and labor needs are consistently fluid. If a farm can’t operate because of unavoidable weather conditions or  because workers are mandated time off – the repercussions will be devastating.

“What these big-city politicians don’t understand is that our family farms are always under the gun since our growing season is virtually half of California and Florida – making reliable labor, many times seven days of week, a necessity.

“As the former owner and operator of our family farm in Batavia, I know first hand how devastating this could be to our industry. As a former president of the Genesee County Farm Bureau and 14-year member of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, I’ve spoken with many farmers and producers about this bill and its devastating effects unlike the New York City politicians who crafted this disaster. Their concerns were voiced yet ignored.

“Our family farms are not corporations, they are not run by money-hungry business people, they are ordinary families like yours and mine who have learned this art from prior generations and intend to pass it on to their children. It’s what they love, and I will always stand behind them to fight these new regulations in any way I can.”

Dakota Bennett, an 11th-round draft pick of the Miami Marlins, picked up a win last night in an 11-0 win over Auburn for the Batavia Muckdogs.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs have increased the lead in first place in the Pinckney Division to 3.0 over the West Virginia Black Bears, the Pirates affiliate in the New York-Penn League.

Batavia (19-12) hosts the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 tonight at Dwyer Stadium.

The team, featuring mainly recent draft picks and signings by the parent club, the Miami Marlins, won 11-0 on Wednesday night over Auburn.

Three pitchers combined for a three-hitter, each given up just one hit.

Dakota Miller pitched five innings in relief to pick up the win. Miller, an 11th round draft pick of the Miami Marlins in 2017, improve to 2-1 on the season. He struck out one, gave up a single hit and walked one.

Easton Lucas, a 15th-round draft pick of the Marlins this year, threw the first three innings and struck out two, gave just one hit and no walks or runs. His ERA dropped to 2.35 on the season.

Joey Steele, another 2019 draft pick, kept his ERA at 0.00 as he threw the ninth innings, striking out two.

Muckdogs Manager Tom Lawless gave two of his best hitters the night off, Milton Smith II (hitting a NYPL leading .402) and Sean Reynolds (two home runs, 33 home runs in three years).

However, the offense scored 11 runs led by the electric J.D. Orr, a 10th-round 2019 draft pick out of Wright State in Dayton, Ohio.

Orr is second to Smith II in hitting for the lead league and had a triple and a double to increase his average to .357 while scoring three runs. He also drove in two runs, stole a base and walked.

Shortstop Dalvy Rosario tripled and drove in four runs on the night.

Troy Johnston, a 17th-round draft pick out of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., this year, is now hitting .300 on the season as he went.

Catcher Keegan Fish, a 13th-round pick of the Marlins in 2018, went 2-for-3 wth two runs, Nic Ready belted a RBI double and Brayan Hernandez had a single and stole a base.

On tap tonight: It's Labatt's Blur Thirsty Thursday as all 16-ounce Labatt Blue products are just $2 until the seventh inning.

Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.

Press release from the Genesee County Economic Development Center:

Several projects designed to create play spaces for thousands of kids will receiving funding from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation's "Built to Play" initiative, in conjunction with the nonprofit organization KaBOOM!

One of the projects includes space along an existing art trail in Batavia that will feature interactive musical instruments, and a musical-themed mural. The project from the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, or GO ART!, is called "Play Me a Tune Garden," and should be completed by the end of August.

“I know as a kid, my parents could send me outside and I could go play,” said Gregory Hallock, executive director of GO ART! “And now it takes a little extra work to do that because you have to be out there with your kids. So I'm excited they're making it possible for parents to go out with their kids and have fun with them at the same time.”

Hallock says GO ART! received $70,000 from the “Play Everywhere Challenge” for the project, which will be part of a larger cultural garden along East Main Street in Batavia.

“Eleven drums going out there, there's chimes, xylophones, there's 18 instruments in all that are going to be taking up this entire space," he said. "They're meant for little kids, all the way up to teenagers, and I'm pretty sure adults will be playing with them as well."

Hallock says the “Built to Play” initiative is about making play happen in everyday places.

The City of Batavia has completely renovated the landscaping in front of City Hall.

A supervisor yesterday explained that the old landscaping was more than 15 years old and had become difficult to maintain and control weeds.

The topsoil was replaced (see bottom photo) and new shrubs and flowers were planted today.

Above is a Batavian file photo from the 2018 races.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Registration for one of the most popular promotions of the season at Batavia Downs Gaming --- the annual “Dachshund Dash” wiener dog races --- begins on today (July 18) and will remain open until entry capacity is met. 

These races are scheduled to take place on Sunday (Aug. 25).

If you have a dog that has competed in this event in the past or have one you would like to enter for the first time, please call Sara Tenney at 585-343-3750, ext. 439, to register or for more information. If you leave a message you will receive a call back for confirmation. 

Please be aware that entries are limited to the first 80 dogs and the fields have filled fast the last several years.

This is the 15^th year Batavia Downs has hosted the annual races that are sponsored by Genesee Feeds of Batavia.

A total of 10 heats will be contested with eight dogs competing in each heat. The first race will begin after the last live harness race of the day, which will be approximately 4:30 p.m. 

All those who enter will receive doggie bags full of treats courtesy of Genesee Feeds of Batavia, the official sponsor of the race. The owners of all heat winners will receive $25 in gaming Free Play and the top three finishers in the championship race will receive two clubhouse buffet certificates and $100, $75 and $50 (first through third) in Free Play for the gaming floor. The top winner’s total prize package including the gaming Free Play is valued at $200.

The wiener dog races are the final part of Family Fun Day at Batavia Downs Gaming that runs from 2 until 4 p.m. This fun-filled event includes many activities for kids including free pony rides courtesy of Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Also on that day there will be $1 hot dogs and sodas from noon until last race.

Last year a crowd of nearly 3,000 people showed up to watch “Louie” nose out “Jasper” in a photo finish with “Dexter Tyberius” finishing a close third in the championship heat. The very friendly Louie, who is owned by Bruce Hummel, of Pittsford, quickly became a fan favorite in the Purple Haze winner’s circle after the race. 

Track officials expect to host a similar sized crowd again this year. 

Important notice from the City of Batavia Youth Bureau:

Due to the extreme temperatures forecasted for tomorrow Friday, July 19, the City of Batavia Summer Recreation Program will be closed. 

But the Youth Center at 12 MacArthur Drive will remain open from 1-6 p.m. for children ages 10-18.

We apologize for the inconvenience, but this decision has been made for the safety of everybody concerned.

The Summer Recreation Program will resume as scheduled on Monday July 22^nd.

Please feel free to contact the City of Batavia Youth Bureau with any questions or concerns (345-6422). Please stay safe and cool!

Lydia Schauf, program coordinator 

City of Batavia Youth Bureau

Phone: (585)345-6422

Email: lschauf@batavianewyork.com

A teenage resident of Alabama who just 18 months ago was sentenced to prison for making a terroristic threat against a police officer was arrested again Tuesday night for allegedly threatening another person with a baseball bat.

Isaac Abrams, 19, of Sky Road, is charged with menacing, 2nd.

At 11:26 p.m., Tuesday, Abrams allegedly threatened to injure another person using a metal baseball bat.

He was arrested by deputies Austin Heberlein and Travis DeMuth.

In February 2018, Judge Charles Zambito sentenced Abrams to one-and-one-third to four years in prison following his earlier guilty plea to the Class D felony of making a terroristic threat.

Zambito also granted Abrams youthful offender status (his juvenile record would be sealed) if he could stay out of trouble. 

In September 2017, Abrams threatened to shoot deputies during an incident on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. Two days before that, Abrams was accused of trying to seriously hurt or kill a person with a motor vehicle at a fast-food restaurant in Batavia.

Thursday, July 18th – KId's Day / HP HOOD DAY

• 9 a.m. – 4-H Dairy Cattle Show (Main Show Ring)
• 9 a.m. – 4-H Horse Show – Western Division (Horse Arena)
• 10 a.m. – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
• 12 - 10 p.m. – Midway Opens - Kids 16 & Under Ride for $10/wristband
• 12:30 p.m. – Small Fry Tractor Pull (Exhibition Building) Sponsored by Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Genesee County Pamona Grange, and Duane Schmigel
• 6:45 p.m. – 4-H Market Animal Auction Awards Ceremony (Main Show Ring)
• 7 p.m. – 4-H Market Animal Auction Sale Begins (Main Show Ring)
• 7:30 – 10 p.m. – Band – Savage Cabbage (Entertainment Tent)
• 10 p.m. – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close

Events & times subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with changes.

Red Creek performed at the Genesee County Fair on Wednesday. Here's their version of "What I Like About You."

Tonight, Savage Cabbage takes the stage at 7:30.

A two-car accident with serious injuries is reported on Route 20 at Harlow Road, Darien, is reported.

One person may be lying in the roadway.

A third ambulance is requested to the scene.

Darien fire and ambulance were dispatched.

UPDATE 10:52 p.m.: Entrapment reported.

UPDATE 11 p.m.: Mercy Flight dispatched.

UPDATE 11:50 p.m. (via Alecia Kaus/Video News Service, at the scene): A vehicle with four young women (ages 18 to 20) from Pennsylvania was southbound on Harlow Road when the driver allegedly ran a stop sign and crossed into Route 20 where it was struck by a westbound Jeep. The male driver and three female occupants of the Jeep are from Jamestown. The driver of the southbound car was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC. The front passenger was taken by ground ambulance to ECMC, as were the four occupants of the Jeep. The backseat passengers of the southbound car were wearing seatbelts and were uninjured. Trooper Parucki said neither drinking nor drugs were a factor in the accident. (Photos by Alecia Kaus.)