Josephina Varland, a student at St. Paul Lutheran School, got a ride to school on Thursday morning in Batavia Fire's Engine 12.
The ride was Varland's reward for winning CIty Fire's safety coloring contest for her school.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
After getting some class and post relief from her last two starts, Won Surreal Deal impressively toured the facility at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 30) evening en route to her sixth win of the year in the $12,000 upper-level conditioned pace for fillies and mares.
Kyle Cummings and Won Surreal Deal grabbed the initial lead from their pylon-position start before Louie The Lilac (Kevin Cummings) overtook them at the eighth pole. But Won Surreal Deal didn’t want the trip and re-took control before the :28.1 quarter. From there, Won Surreal Deal got to the half in a measured :57.1 half where Hes Express (Drew Monti) pulled first-over to challenge as they made their way onto the second circuit.
Hes Express drew alongside Louie The Lilac, but second was as far as he got as Won Surreal Deal continued to chug along on the engine and started to separate at three-quarters as Louie The Lilac tried to keep pace, which she did. But she could not make up any ground on Won Surreal Deal as the cruising leader won in-hand by 1-¾ lengths in 1:54 flat.
Won Surreal Deal ($3.50) is owned by Parsimonious Racing Stable and trained by Jeff Sorenson.
Later in the $9,500 conditioned event for fillies and mares, Oaxaca Dream N (Dave McNeight III) took the lead at the quarter from Shooting Brooke (Joe Chindano Jr.), who then sat the trip behind the leader through quarters of :28.4, :58.2 and 1:27.1. At the top of the stretch, Shooting Brooke pulled the pocket and blasted down the lane, gaining on Oaxacan Dream N with every stride. The race went down to the wire where Oaxacan Dream N hung on by a neck and won in 1:55.4.
It was the ninth win of the year for the heavily-backed Oaxacan Dream N ($2.90) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags and trained by Maria Rice.
In the fourth race, 10-year-old Prairie Panther (Drew Monti) finished first in 1:56 and chalked up his 75th career victory for owners Joel Warner and Mike Deters, who also trains the habitual winner.
Brett Beckwith was visiting from The Spa and left as the leading driver on Wednesday after he won three races during the night. Two of those winners were conditioned by Chris Petrelli, who tied Maria Rice for top trainer honors with a double.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (November 1) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $1,621 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
Press Release:
The Genesee County Jail has a new fax number effective immediately. Please update your records. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
New Fax Number: (585) 815-7977
Press Release:
As Halloween approaches, the Batavia Police Department wants to ensure a fun and safe experience for all trick-or-treaters and their families. To make this Halloween a memorable one, we've put together some essential safety tips for both pedestrians and drivers.
Pedestrian Safety:
- Stay on the sidewalk: Whenever possible, stick to sidewalks and avoid walking in the street. If there's no sidewalk, walk on the edge of the road facing traffic.
- Use crosswalks: When crossing the road, use designated crosswalks and follow traffic signals. Be visible: Wear bright or reflective costumes to increase visibility, especially at night.
- Stay in groups: Trick-or-treat in groups, and make sure there's adult supervision for children.
- Avoid distractions: Put away phones and other electronic devices to minimize distractions while walking.
Driver Safety:
- Slow down: Be cautious and reduce speed in residential areas, especially during peak trick-or-treat hours.
- Be aware of pedestrians: Keep an eye out for children and adults walking, as they may be difficult to see in dark costumes.
- Use headlights: Turn on your headlights to increase visibility, even during the day.
- Avoid distractions: Put away phones and other electronic devices to minimize distractions while driving.
By following these simple safety tips, we can all contribute to a fun and safe Halloween experience for everyone. Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility! Happy Halloween from the Batavia Police Department!
Eight-year-old Amara Thomas got a ride in City Fire's Ladder Truck 15 to school at John Kennedy on Wednesday.
Amara was the John Kennedy winner in the department's annual fire safety poster contest, sponsored by IAFF Local 896.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
The City of Batavia Water Department is repairing a water main break in the area of Watson Street.
Water loss is to be expected in the surrounding area while repairs are being completed. Work will resume on Thursday morning, Oct. 31, 2024. The amount of time the water will be turned off to complete these repairs is uncertain at this time.
As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.
We apologize for any inconvenience, and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.
Press Release:
Parishioners of Ascension Parish mailed their appeal to the Bishop on October 28 requesting that he keep our parish open.
This is only the first step in the process. We want to thank all the folks who worked on the appeal, that helped to publicize our situation, that gathered and signed mandates, and that are supporting us, and praying for us.
We are grateful to all of you. Please remember to attend Mass at our church, to donate to our parish so we can pay our expenses, and to join us for activities and events.
Reminder, we pray the Rosary weekly at 6 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in the church. All are welcome.
For more information visit our Facebook Page - FriendsofAscension or email us at FriendsofAscensionParish@gmail.com.
For the eighth year, City Church hosted its annual Fall Festival at its St. Anthony's campus on Liberty Street in Batavia.
Photos by Howard Owens.
Brigette K. Thornton, 33, of Glenhaven Drive, Amherst, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th, grand larceny 4th, and act in a manner injurious to a child less than 17. Deputies responded at 5:41 p.m. to a report of a larceny in progress at Dick’s Sporting Goods on Veterans Memorial Drive. Deputies were told the suspect fled in a white Nissan Sentra. Deputies located a vehicle matching the vehicle description within moments of the initial report. Thorton was allegedly found in possession of stolen goods with a child in the car. The value of the stolen goods was not disclosed. Thornton was issued an appearance ticket.
Johnathan David Fuhrman, 37, of Covington Road, Leicester, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, harassment 2nd, and menacing 3rd. Fuhrman was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 28 in connection with an incident reported at 10 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2023, at a location on Park Road, Batavia. He was held pending arraignment.
Janell M. Sauer, 48, of West Main Street, Pembroke, is charged with burglary 34d and petit larceny, and Sean M. Conway, 47, of Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th. On Oct. 23, deputies responded to a report of a theft in progress at Walmart. Sauer allegedly walked out with $101.71 in stolen merchandise. As an asset protection agent approached her, Sauer reported walking away and dropping the bag. Conway is accused of picking up the bag, knowing it contained stolen merchandise, and leaving with it. Batavia patrol officers later located Conway on Lockport Road. Sauer had previously been barred from Walmart property. Conway was released on an appearance ticket. Sauer was located the following day, arrested, and held pending arraignment.
Marissa Bea Torres, 34, no address provided, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Torres is accused of possessing Fentanyl and drug paraphernalia at 10:45 a.m. on Oct. 17 at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Peter Joseph Mancuso, 36, of Deerfield Drive, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Mancuso was arrested based on a complaint received at 9:56 a.m. on Oct. 19 at a location on X Main Street, Batavia (whether it was East or West Main was redacted from the report). No narrative was provided regarding Mancuso's conduct. He was held pending arraignment.
Susan Marie Da Silveira, 43, no permanent address, is charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and trespass. Da Silveira is accused of harassing employees and customers at a gas station on Park Road, Batavia, at 6:36 p.m. on Oct. 10, and she allegedly tried to prevent deputies from arresting her. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Clarence Arthur Johnson, 66, of Griswold Road, Le Roy, is charged with a sex offender, failure to appear for a photo. Johnson was arrested on Sept. 20 on a warrant and held pending arraignment.
Joseph William Freeman, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Freeman is accused of reentering Batavia Downs after being barred from the property at 8:52 p.m. on Oct. 19. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Juan Luis Figoura, 21, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Figoura was the subject of a traffic stop at 2:21 p.m. on Oct. 23. A person he was ordered to stay away from was allegedly in the vehicle. He was held for arraignment.
Candace De Dibartolomeo, 27, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Dibartolomeo is accused of failure to properly take care of a child after deputies responded to a complaint at Big Tree Glen at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 24. Dibartolomeo was released on an appearance ticket.
Christopher James Johnston, 48, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Johnston allegedly entered Batavia Downs at noon on Oct. 26 after previously being barred from the facility. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Jennifer Lynne Fraser, 36, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Fraser is accused of stealing $51.20 in merchandise from Walmart at 4:17 p.m. on Oct. 28. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Press Release:
The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will offer a free education program on understanding the role of caregiver for people living with dementia at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, at the Genesee Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St. in Batavia.
“Understanding the key aspects of caregiving can help to ensure the delivery of person-centered care while managing your own emotional and physical well-being,” says Andrea Koch, director of community engagement for the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The program, part of the Association’s new “Empowered Caregiver” education series, will cover how dementia changes relationships over time, the benefit of person-centered care approaches, how to create a supportive care team and steps to identify and manage caregiver stress.
Individuals can register online at bit.ly/BuildingFoundationsGEN24Nov or by calling 800.272.3900.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, or for help 24/7, call the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org.
Press Release:
Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM) (“Graham” or “the Company”), a global leader in the design and manufacture of mission-critical fluid, power, heat transfer and vacuum technologies for the defense, space, energy, and process industries, announced today the successful launch of its NextGen steam ejector nozzle with a customer installation in a Gulf Coast refinery. This marks a significant achievement for the Company's new technology, which was designed to offer efficiency improvements, environmental benefits, and enhanced profitability for customers.
Dan Thoren, Graham Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are very proud to see our NextGen nozzle technology deliver such tangible results. The successful demonstration of our R&D investments through this installation proves the value of innovation in improving efficiency and sustainability. A key benefit of reducing steam consumption is the corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions, which can have a meaningful impact on a plant’s emissions profile and carbon credit position. By optimizing vacuum systems with this new technology, we help our customers improve both their operational efficiency and profitability, while also enhancing their environmental impact.”
Press Release:
The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Genesee and Leadership Genesee offices will close for the day at 12 p.m. on November 14 for a staff in-service. The offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, November 15.
Press Release:
Genesee Community College's (GCC) Stuart Steiner Theatre will stage the chilling thriller Misery, adapted by William Goldman from the iconic Stephen King novel, this November. Performances will take place on November 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on November 10 at 2 p.m.
Goldman's gripping adaptation, which first premiered on Broadway in 2015, brings King's horror masterpiece to the stage, telling the story of novelist Paul Sheldon and his unsettling encounter with fan-turned-captor, Annie Wilkes.
As Paul recovers from a car accident at Annie's isolated home, he soon realizes that her obsession with his work goes far beyond admiration. Held captive and forced to write under terrifying conditions, Paul's survival hinges on his ability to appease his captor-creating a tense and suspenseful psychological battle.
Misery has been described as a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller. "There are no lulls in famed screenwriter William Goldman's 90-minute stage adaptation of the Stephen King story, which Goldman himself translated into the 1990 film," said WNBC NY.
Directed by Maryanne Arena, the production will feature Paul Sheldon played by Tony Haitz, and Maryanne Arena taking on the role of Annie Wilkes. Joshua Lang, a fellow graduate of the GCC Theatre Arts program, will portray Buster. Scenic, lighting and sound design will be overseen by Sandor Nagar.
Content Warning: This production contains graphic violence, explicit language, gunshots, frightening moments, adult themes, strobe lights and the use of fake blood. Viewer discretion is advised.
Ticket Information:
- General Admission: $10
- Non-GCC Students, Seniors (55+), and Children (under 16): $5
- GCC Students, Faculty and Staff (with valid ID): Free admission (available only at the box office)
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.genesee.edu/campus-life/center-for-the-arts, at the campus art gallery during operating hours, or at the box office, which opens one hour before each performance.
For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Maryanne Arena at mcarena@genesee.edu or the box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu.
Press Release:
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell will be hosting “An Afternoon with Anne Burrell” at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel in the Park Place Events Center on Sunday, November 24 at 3 p.m.
Attendees will see Chef Anne prepare an entrée, side, and dessert and hear about all the fun she has hosting her hit show Worst Cooks In America on Food Network. Come see one of America’s favorite chefs!
Following the show, Anne will be hosting a small reception for those with Meet and Greet tickets. Dinner with the same items Anne demonstrated making will be held at two different seating times (5 p.m. and 7 p.m.) in the Genesee Room upstairs.
Show only tickets are $60, Show and Dinner Tickets are $110 (choose seatings at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.), Show and Meet and Greet Only are $150, and VIP (show, 7 p.m. dinner & meet and greet) are $200.
Tickets are on sale now at BataviaConcerts.com.
“With the Buffalo Bills on a bye week and Thanksgiving the week after, we thought it would be a perfect time for folks to come see this famous upstate New Yorker, “ said Byron Brown, President & CEO of Batavia Downs. “I know our patrons will be looking forward to her demonstrating her culinary skills and hearing stories about her time as a TV Star.”
Press Release:
The Point Breeze Yacht Club held its annual Members Meeting and Election of Officers at Godfreys Pond on Saturday, October 26. Boaters interested in membership may find information at PBYCNY.com.
Press Release:
Eco Waste Solutions held a VIP event at the company’s newly renovated manufacturing facility on Cedar Street in Batavia. Among the attendees were members of the United States Military, various City of Batavia and Genesee County officials, and representatives from state and federal offices.
Eco Waste Solutions anticipates hiring up to 30 employees at this location, to manufacture and support its line of thermal treatment technologies. The facility is specifically designed for mass production of the Expeditionary Solid Waste Disposal Systems (ESWDS) for the United States Army. The ESWDS eliminates the need to rely on burn pits which were a long-standing source of toxic exposure on overseas missions, resulting in cancers and other health issues among personnel.
“The health and safety of our personnel is of paramount importance, and the ESWDS manufactured by Eco Waste Solutions, gives us a safe and critically important tool to address waste management in conflict zones,” said United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Reuben Joseph, Product Manager, Force Sustainment Systems Program Executive Office Combat Support & Combat Service Support.
The ESWDS product represents the culmination of over a decade of product development, including thousands of operational hours, and testing to rigorous military standards. The result is a product that is robust, capable, and easy to transport, set-up, and use.
“Today marks an important milestone for our company. The opening of this facility significantly enhances our production, support, and engineering capabilities; an investment that reflects our commitment to building high-quality, innovative, and sustainable products,” said Jean Lucas, President & Chief Executive Officer, Eco Waste Solutions. “We are proud to be
doing this work, and excited to be part of this vibrant community.”
The sixth annual Rotary Trick or Trot 5k drew a total of 58 runners and walkers to the event Saturday evening at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia.
Zak Jantzi was the 1st place male winner with a time of 17:17.
Abbey Jantzi was the 1st place female winner with a time of 22:47.
Photos by Kara Richenberg.
Saturday (October 26) at Batavia Downs means double-feature night and two Open Handicaps valued at $13,000 each went to post with full fields.
The Open pace was first and Lanjo Lee (Kyle Cummings) drafted to his 25th career victory.
Lanjo Lee was sent to the front and got there by the quarter before letting Vel Mr Nice Guy (Joe Chindano Jr.) come right back and be leader of the pack from there. After passing the half in :56.2, Lip Reader A (Drew Monti) came first up and pressured Vel Mr Nice Guy from there to the top of the stretch, while Lanjo Lee was getting the perfect pocket trip. When they straightened for home, Cummings shot Lanjo Lee into the passing lane and blasted to the lead by a half length at the line in 1:54.1.
It was the second straight win and sixth win of the year for Lanjo Lee ($4.30) who is owned by Gordon Swift and trained by Jeff Sorenson.
Cummings ended the night with a grand slam after also winning with Catch A Lefty A (1:57.1, $6.10), Dougadougadew (1:58.3, $13.80) and Beach Boogie (1:56.2, $3.40).
Then later in the Open trot, Valentine Express (Joe Chindano Jr.) put in a big effort to claim his second consecutive win.
Valentine Express, Credarena (Dave McNeight III) and Biscoe (Jim McNeight Jr.) sprinted three across the track off the gate and to the :28 quarter where Biscoe took command with Credarena and Valentine Express settling in behind. But Chindano had Valentine Express out and moving again at three-eighths and drew near the leader by the half. As they made their way around turn three, Valentine Express and Biscoe continued to spar all the way up the backstretch before Valentine Express was able to take the lead at three-quarters. Once in front, Valentine Express opened up two lengths at the top of the stretch and made his way down the lane with a four length advantage and won in 1:55.4, which was a new seasonal mark.
It was the sixth win of the year for Valentine Express ($6.40) who is owned by Rock 01 Stable and trained by Jerry Nugent Jr.
In the night’s third race. 13-year-old YS Lotus (1:55.4, $5.60) scored a 3-½ length victory to register his 60th career win. Kevin Cummings drove for trainer Sam Smith and owner Mike Torcello.
Several horse people scored doubles on Saturday including drivers Joe Chindano Jr., John Cummings Jr., Kevin Cummings and Drew Monti and trainers Tammy Cummings and Mike Deters.
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (October 30) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a carryover of $1,244 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
Great Unknown has lived up to his name recently concerning winner’s circle visits, as he hasn’t been to one since May 8 at Harrington Raceway. But his 12 start drought ended on Friday (October 25) night at Batavia Downs when he was a willing participant and jogged home first in the $9,500 trotting feature.
John Cummings Jr. left with Great Unknown and then strung out Crazy Ritz (Jim McNeight Jr.) before releasing him to the front at the quarter in :28.1. Now with the pocket trip, Great Unknown followed Crazy Ritz to the half in :58.3 and three-quarters in 1:28.1. At that point, Paya Tuesday (Joe Chindano Jr.) was trotting alongside Great Unknown third heading into the last turn, and Famous Dan (Kyle Cummings) had joined the group three-deep around him, leaving Great Unknown locked in the box halfway through the bend. But Paya Tuesday began to fade, leaving room for Great Unknown to get out between Crazy Ritz and Famous Dan. At the top of the stretch, Great Unknown was trotting up a storm with his tail flagging with every stride. He bolted to the lead by two lengths and won impressively in 1:57.4.
Great Unknown ($5.00) is owned by Marissa Russo and trained by Dave Russo, who had two winners on the card.
Joe Chindano Jr. scored a grand slam at the lines on Friday, winning with Machaholic (1:55, $6.20), SS Tys Aflyin (1:59, $17.80), Lootable (1:54, $3.10) and Chumlee A (1:56.4, $21.60).
Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday (October 26) with post time at 6 p.m. and there will be a $1,659 carryover in the Pick-5 in the first race and a $963 carryover in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in the 14th race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs’ website (bataviadownsgaming.com) under the “Live Racing” tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.
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