batavia

Batavia lost its bid on Saturday to become the first Flag Football champions in Section V history at Monroe Community College with a 20-0 loss to Canisteo-Greenwood.

Batavia entered the game undefeated at 8-0 and as the #1 seed.  Canisteo was 7-1 at the start of the game.

It would be tempting to blame the loss on turnover -- there were a couple but were mostly inconsequential -- and penalties -- there were a few.

But more, Canisteo-Greenwood outplayed the Blue Devils.

After stopping Batavia on its first possession, Canisteo scored on its first drive. And on its second.

Batavia advanced the ball to the opposing goal line at least three times, but Canisteo-Greenwood keep the Blue Devils out of the end zone each time. 

There are no stats available for the game.

Photos by Howard Owens.  For more photos and to purchase prints, click here.

The Batavia Muckdogs are back at Dwyer Stadium tonight (Saturday) after beating Geneva on their turf on Friday, 10-6.

Player stats:

• Julian Pichardo got the win after going six innings with no walks and 10 Strikeouts.
• Trey Bacon collected his five career save and a strikeout in 1 2/3 innings of work.
• Anthony Calabro went 2-4 with two runs, a double, an RBI, and a stolen base.
• Henry Daniels went 2-4 with two runs, and a double.
• Giuseppe Arcuri went 2-4 with two RBIs.
• Brice Mortillaro went 1-2 with two Runs, an RBI, a walk, and a stolen base.

Game time is 6:35 p.m.

Press Release:

On Friday at approximately 4:01 p.m., the Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting possible shots fired in the area of 25 Vine St., Batavia. Upon arrival, officers learned that an individual had possibly fired a weapon in the direction of a residence at that location following an earlier altercation between a group of individuals.

There were no reported injuries and it was determined that the act was targeted. Detectives from the City of Batavia Police Department's Detective Bureau were called in to investigate, and developed potential suspects early on in the investigation. 

After collecting evidence, witness accounts and video footage the detectives were able to narrow their focus to one individual who fired a single shot towards the rear area of the residence at 25 Vine St. following a verbal altercation at the residence. The altercation stemmed from an earlier altercation not at that location.

The suspect was taken into custody at a residence in Le Roy with the assistance of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police and Village of LeRoy Police Department. 

Luke A. Rose (age 19) of Batavia was charged with one count of Reckless Endangerment in the 1st degree and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd degree. He was arraigned in Central Arraignment Part (CAP) Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail on $20,000 cash bail/ $40,000 bond/ $60,000 partially secured bond and ordered to reappear on June 20, 2023 at 1 p.m. in City Court.

The Department wishes to acknowledge and thank the Genesee County Sheriff's Office Emergency Dispatch Center, Genesee County Sheriff's Deputies, New York State Police Troopers and Village of Le Roy Police Officers, along with citizens that assisted, in investigating and apprehending this individual.

Previously: Police investigating report of possible gunfire on Vine Street in Batavia

Eastridge got on the board first, but it was all Batavia after that, as the Blue Devils went on to win a smoke-delayed, and then rain-delayed, Flag Football sectional semifinal playoff game on Friday at Van Detta Stadium.

The final: 27-6. 

The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was canceled because of poor air quality due to wildfires in Canada.

On Friday, Batavia scored 27 unanswered points in the first half on scores by Julia Clark (twice), and Isabella Walsh and a TD keyed off an interception by Jaimin McDonald. Then the rain came, causing another delay.

There was no scoring in the second half.

Batavia plays in the first-ever Section V Flag Football final at 11 a.m. today (Saturday) at Monroe County Community College.  Batavia, the #1 seed, will take on #2 seed Canisteo-Greenwood (7-1) for the Class B title.

"We found ways to win," Coach Ben Buchholz told he team. "We found ways to make big plays, and that’s exactly what good teams do.   We finally started to click; big players made big plays.  

Of the defense, he told them, "We had girls in some spots that did not play there all year. You stepped up, made plays for us, and that’s exactly what we needed, and I’m super proud of you.  We have a lot of unfinished business. Tomorrow let’s go win a block, let’s win this.  Let’s come in with the best version of us that we have had all year and let’s win this thing."

Game Highlights:

• Isabella Walsh - four receptions, 87 yards, a TD and a two-point conversion.
• Anna Varland -18 carries, 112 yards
• Julia Preston - two receptions, 39 yards
• Julia Clark - 127 yards passing. one passing TD, two rushing TDs.
• Jaimin Mcdonald - four Interceptions and nine flag pulls
• Alyssa Talone - six Flag Pulls
• Hannah Carney – Interception

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Photos by Howard Owens

There may have been at least one gunshot fired late this afternoon in the vicinity of 23 and 25 Vine St., Batavia, according to police.

The report of gunfire is unconfirmed.

Witnesses reported to police that a person fired a shot down the driveway between two houses.

There were apparently people outside at the time of the incident, according to Det. Sgt. Matt Lutey, who managed to take cover or otherwise avoid the gunfire.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

Since no building was struck, Lutey said, there is no physical evidence at this time to confirm that shots were fired.  

Lutey said police do not know at this time what type of weapon might have been involved. There is no suspect description available at this time.

There are multiple residents in the area, including small children.  The residents were discussing the incident among themselves, that it was "crazy" and that children and pets could have been hurt.

A dedication to family and friends and the Italian-American community in Batavia is why James Saraceni was recognized on Wednesday night at Batavia Downs as the Paolo Busti Foundation's Italian-American of the Year.

In his remarks, Saraceni spoke about his friends and family more than about himself and recalled the difficulties that immigrant Italians faced in trying to come to this country.

"Between 1880 and 1920, an estimated four million mostly southern Italians arrived on U.S. shores during these years," Saraceni said. "The Italians primarily came seeking economic opportunities they could not find at home. Southern Italy at the time suffered from a combination of unemployment, overpopulation and natural disaster -- natural disasters being earthquakes. Today, Americans of Italian ancestry are the nation's fifth-largest ethnic group."

On both sides of his family, his ancestors faced struggles to get to America. 

"My grandfather immigrated here, and it was nine years before he would see his wife and daughter again," Saraceni said.  "So when you hear about immigrants going through tough times trying to get into this country now, legal or not, a lot of you had the same story that it was not easy to do. And that just astonishing to me that they do that."

As part of the introduction of Saraceni, Board President Michele Fuller noted that Saraceni has served on the board for more than 15 years. He's served as treasurer and helped the organization in any way he could.

He was the board's unanimous choice for this year's award.

"We selected Jim because of his commitment to family," Fuller said. "You know how Italians feel about their families. I don't know anyone that is as loyal, caring and loving as he is to his family. He not only loves his children, he loves his nieces, his nephews."

His daughter is Alexandra Zelinsky. She said her father is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

"My father's motive in life -- he dedicates everything he does to enable a more successful future for his family and prides himself on being hardworking," Zelinsky said. "As long as I can remember, he has instilled a work ethic in our family. He works tirelessly to ensure everyone around him is taken care of - his family, his friends, and his customers, which often includes working late into the evenings and answering calls no matter the time of day."

A big part of the annual dinner is the Foundation's scholarship awards.

This year's award winners are Sean Czyryca, Le Roy, Michael Marchese, Batavia, Cooper Fix, Batavia, Aden Chua, Batavia, and Kaylie Kratz, Notre Dame. For more information on each of the winners, click here.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, C - Batavia) joined fellow Minority assembly members today for a press conference calling for the holding of a bill that would seek to automatically seal criminal records after a predetermined period. 

Called “Clean Slate,” the bill has been pushed by the Assembly Majority in what is read as an effort to prioritize the welfare of criminals above law-abiding citizens.

“This measure will single-handedly make the review of convicted felons’ history much more difficult, inherently increasing threats to public safety,” Hawley said. “I don’t understand why this is the issue that has dominated the Majority’s focus at the end of our legislative session for 2023 when we’re in the midst of an affordability, public safety and immigration crisis.”

“For a victim of crime, the slate is never wiped clean, so the favoritism shown to former convicts astounds me. I call on my colleagues in the Majority to reject this proposal wholeheartedly,” Hawley concluded.

Press Release: 

As part of New York State's Path Through History, the Holland Land Office Museum will be hosting a War of 1812 Encampment on Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The event features re-enactors, encampments, and other displays both inside and outside of the museum. The re-enactors are from the local Genesee Militia, which was stationed in Batavia.

Batavia was the location that U.S. forces and refugees from Buffalo retreated to after the village of Buffalo was burned in December 1813. 

The event is included with regular admission to the museum. You can find other great events happening during the Path Through History Weekend by following the link below https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/path-through-history/.

Press Release:

The City of Batavia is “All-In” to revitalize our city through economic development and housing programs that will raise our standard of living and make our community one of the most attractive places to live, work, and play. The City is considering applying for Federal grant assistance to help income-eligible owner-occupied single-family homeowners with essential home improvements.

Sometimes the smallest things we can do for our neighborhoods can have the biggest impact. Home improvements are a catalyst for changing the look and feel of a neighborhood and improving residents’ quality of life. 

Here in Batavia, Summit Street is a perfect example of a street brought back to life with vibrancy and is now a model for other transformations across our City. When one resident makes improvements to their home, others follow.

Grant funds would enable homeowners to make home repairs with grant and deferred loan funding.  Any single-family homeowner is encouraged to apply.

If you own a single-family home in need of repairs, please click on the Residential Rehabilitation Survey button on the City’s homepage at www.batavianewyork.com.  You can also pick up a survey in the City Manager’s office, on the second floor, at City Hall. Surveys will also be available at the Richmond Memorial Library. 

The City’s goals include the following:

1. Create a viable urban community with decent housing
2. Ensure a suitable living environment for all (safe, sanitary, and habitable dwellings)
3. Expanding opportunities for all, including persons of low to moderate incomes
4. Rehabilitate the City one building at a time.

The City of Batavia is requesting your full cooperation to help us obtain housing rehabilitation grant funding. Please complete and mail in or drop off the surveys to the City Manager’s Office, One Batavia City Centre, by July 7.

Calling all investors!! Click here for S. 46 Main Street, Batavia.

Click here for 44 S. Main Street, Batavia.

Click here for 117 State Street, Batavia.

Click here for 194 Washington Street, Batavia.

A child pedestrian has been involved in a motor vehicle accident in front of Batavia Middle School Thursday afternoon. The patient is breathing, conscious and alert.

The child was apparently crossing in the middle of a block on Washington Avenue near Ross Street when the accident occurred, according to city police Detective Eric Hill. It is not believed that the child sustained any serious injuries, and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital as a precaution, Hill said. 

Dispatchers have received a report of "multiple poles" taken down on Harvester Avenue.

A pole is reportedly down at Main and Harvester.

The cause of the accident is not stated.

City Fire responding.

UPDATED 3 p.m. by Joanne Beck: No poles are down on Harvester Avenue, and city fire is inspecting the poles on Harvester.

A tree-trimming truck seems to have caught some wires across Main Street and pulled them down. There are no poles down on Main Street, and the wires have been removed. Traffic is moving again along Main Street.

One city resident has apparently learned the hard way that Batavia’s new ordinance banning several types of farm animals is being taken seriously.

At least it is by her neighbors who were paying attention.

According to one witness, city police were called to the resident’s home after it was discovered she was still harboring a goat. The woman, Jill Turner of Batavia, had apparently hidden it in her house “so that no one knew she still had it” after the May 15 ordinance date took effect.

This witness heard the goat one particular morning, and fellow neighbors had seen it before someone reported it to the police.

Police Chief Shawn Heubusch confirmed that there are “multiple charges” against goat owner Jill Turner of Burke Drive. Witnesses have also told The Batavian that Turner was screaming at a neighbor, “You’re dead, I’m going to (expletive) kill you.” Names are being withheld for fear of retaliation.

Hardly the first go-round for this neighborhood, Turner, at one point, had at least four goats, one or more chickens, and other domestic pets at her home. Neighbors had complained last year about the noise, smell, mess and fear that the animals created for them. That was a primary reason for why discussions came up about having farm animals in the city.

After public discussions with City Council and a public hearing, council voted to adopt the new ordinance banning most farm animals from city limits.

City Manager Rachael Tabelski said the city’s Code Enforcement Department has not issued any citations as of yet and will follow up for any complaints received through the proper code violation process.

Heubusch said a press release for Turner's charges had not yet been approved, so it had not been sent out by late Wednesday evening. 

As a reminder, the amended zoning ordinance to restrict animals and fowl on city property includes:

A. Subject to the limited exceptions set forth herein; No person shall own, bring into, possess, keep, harbor or feed farm animals, cloven-hoofed animals, equine or fowl including, but not limited to, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, swine, llamas, alpacas,  ducks, turkey, geese , ponies, donkeys, mules or any other farm animal within the City limits.

B. Subject to the limited exceptions set forth herein; No person shall own, keep, harbor, or feed wild animals, wild fowl (ducks, turkey, or geese) within the City limit.

C. Subject to the limited exceptions set forth herein; No person shall breed or maintain any farm animals, cloven-hoofed animals, equine or fowl including, but not limited to, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, swine, llamas, alpacas, ducks, turkey, geese, ponies, donkeys, mules or any other farm or wild animal within the City limit.

        Exceptions:

(a) A maximum of six (6) hen chickens may be kept as long as that they are penned appropriately, do not accumulate feces, cause odor, or an unsightly or unsafe condition.

(b)     Harborage, including transport to and from race tracks and all associated grounds

        (c)     Special events with the approval of an event application.

        (d)     Animals in transit through the City.

        (e)     Transport to and from veterinary hospitals/clinics, including short-term boarding for medical procedures/conditions.

D. No person shall permit an accumulation of animal and/or fowl feces on any property resulting in a foul odor or unsightly condition that makes travel or residence in the vicinity uncomfortable or which attracts flies or other insects or animals, thereby creating an unsanitary condition and may facilitate the spread of disease or which endangers the public comfort and repose.

The date of May 15 gave residents a six-month grace period from the time of adoption.

Press Release:

The Rotary Club of Batavia has awarded college scholarships of up to $6,000 to each of the three local students. This year's Rotary Scholarships were awarded to: Hannah Spencer, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP), LeRoy; Courtney Daniel, Notre Dame High School and Lauren Reimer, of Batavia High School. 25 applications were received for 2023 rewards, according to Andrea Aldinger, co-chairperson of the Rotary Scholarship Committee.

“Narrowing the selection down to three was close to impossible,” Aldinger said, “after all the interviews, it still was unclear as these students were so incredibly talented.” She noted that many of the students had already achieved their Associate's Degree before graduating high school.

The Rotary Scholarship program began more than 40 years ago. Each year one student is selected from Notre Dame HS, Batavia HS, and the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, formerly known as BOCES. Rotary awards each student $1,500 per year for four consecutive years as long as the student maintains a GPA of at least 3.0.

Committee Co-chair Mike Hodgins said at any one time, as many as 12 students are receiving annual awards totaling $18,000. The program is funded by various Rotary events throughout the year. The scholarships were awarded during a regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Batavia. The students and their parents were invited to attend. 

Hannah Spencer, who attends LeRoy HS, told Rotarians that she studied with the Justice Academy at GVEP. She plans to pursue a Nursing Degree at GCC and transfer to another school for a Bachelor’s degree.

Scholarship winner Lauren Reimer of Batavia High School said she plans to pursue a medical degree at the University of Albany. She earned an unweighted cumulative high school average of 99.65%. Lauren will graduate high school with honors and has already earned an Associate’s Degree from GCC.

Courtney Daniels, Notre Dame’s awardee, is set to study Political Science at Fordham University. She was a member of the National Honor Society and attended The NY Governor’s Youth Council as a representative for Wyoming County. Her ultimate goal is to become a New York State senator.

Two previous winners attended this year's ceremony to update the club on how they were able to use their Rotary Scholarships. Carissa Kesler used her scholarship to buy a laptop computer in 2019 when the COVID pandemic hit.  She said it was her pipeline for remote learning at GCC and later at SUNY Brockport. “With the help of Rotary, I graduated with no student debt,” Carissa said.

Taylor Sanders attended Niagara University and is now pursuing her medical degree at LECOM in Bradenton, Florida.

Photos submitted by Dan Fischer