batavia

A man jumped off the bridge on River Street in the city after a domestic incident. He threatened to do so and was walking there when law enforcement was called to respond. City fire is also en route along with Mercy medics.

He was said to be wearing gray shorts.

UPDATE 6:09 p.m.: The man was just brought out of the water off the creek bank and put on a stretcher; he appears to be conscious and moving.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m.: The man didn't actually jump into the water; he jumped from the River Street bridge and landed on the creek bank -- not a far drop. He is being taken to the hospital for evaluation.

The rain could only delay the 2019 Ramble & Arts Festival. It couldn't keep it from rockin'.

Bonus track: DriVen performs The Who's Baba O'Riley.

I stopped by the Upton Monument earlier this evening to get a picture of the 100-year-old landmark lit by the new LED system.

Press release:

My name is Kevin Muckle and in 2011 I started an annual golf tournament on behalf of my daughter Madison Marie Muckle. Madison was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia cancer just after her 3rd birthday in 2010.  She fought through two and a half years of constant treatment until April of 2013 when she received her last chemotherapy treatment.

In 2018 Madison celebrated her five-year anniversary and is now considered a survivor. Madison is now a healthy, cancer free, 11 year old who wants to help others suffering from this horrible disease.

WE CALL IT MADISONATION!

Madisonation was created to raise awareness and funds for other children and families fighting their battle against cancer. Madisonation has raised more $42,000 over the last eight years for families and organizations.

This year we will be donating ALL proceeds to the Michael Napoleone Foundation. The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation was established in 2007 in memory of Michael C. Napoleone who died from Burkitts lymphoma/leukemia at the age of 6. This not-for-profit foundation was created to give back to those who are in need due to their battle against childhood cancer.

They also support research efforts in finding a cure for childhood cancer. The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is 100 percent staffed by volunteers with NO paid positions. I know of several families that they have helped throughout the years and now Madisonation wants to help them this year, so they can continue to do all the great things in fighting childhood cancer.

Please come and join us in our fight against childhood cancer and help raise funds for such a worthy cause. Please help us on Aug. 25 for our ninth annual Madisonation "Never Give Up" Golf Tournament. The event will be held at Hickory Ridge Golf course in Holley.

It will be a four-man best ball tournament for $380 per team, which includes, 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, dinner, raffles, silent auction, hole contests and lots of fun, not to mention supporting a great cause.

Please contact Kevin Muckle at 585-300-7499 or Jen Moore at 585-300-8440 for more information or to register. Any donations can be mailed to Madisonation, P.O. Box 1810, Batavia, NY 14021.

The annual Ramble Music and Arts Festival is delayed by rain but the show will go on, said organizer Paul Draper.

As the weather clears, bands will perform at their previously scheduled slots.  

The current storm passing through the region is expected to last two hours with rain in the forecast off and on throughout the day until 6 p.m. The Ramble will continue until 10 p.m. 

BUFFALO -- eRic (sic) Luplow, a Batavia native and surrealist-folk “sur-folk” watercolorist, will unveil his eye-catching Yellow Dog Mural at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Elmwood Village, Buffalo.

Luplow recently completed a mural painting of a 20' x 30' angular, cube-like yellow dog on the side of the Visualeyes City optical shop building at 735 Elmwood Ave. The vibrant mural will be dedicated by Joel Feroleto, City of Buffalo common council member.

An art reception inside Visualeyes City will follow the unveiling.

To design his two-story-high image, Luplow referenced his sur-folk yellow dog painting from several years ago and worked with the dimensions of the building to recreate his piece. Over the course of four days, Luplow used a lift to outline his sketch with chalk and marker and add color to the project with wall paint.

The Yellow Dog Mural in Buffalo is his largest painting to date; his last mural is in the Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas.

“I’m a watercolor painter, so a mural is pretty far out there for me," Luplow said. "My biggest piece of work is usually 20 inches by 30 inches."

Luplow has had a passion for drawing and painting from a young age. He graduated from Batavia High School in 1975 and began as an electrician before pursuing his love for art.

Luplow currently resides with his wife, Peggy, in Truchas, NM, where he displays art in his gallery and paints in his trademark sur-folk style. Luplow describes sur-folk as a fusion of surrealism and folk art.

Sur-folk features vivid colors that mimic the hues and shapes found in the culture and landscapes of New Mexico. Luplow uses watercolor paints to capture his memorable experiences and personal struggles.

The watercolorist said family, friends and nationwide art collectors are traveling to Buffalo to view the mural, so he is excited to show off his artwork in the area of his upbringing for the first time.

“Everybody, whatever they do, is proud of it," Luplow said. "I’m proud of being an artist."

More of eRic Luplow’s work can be viewed at his website: www.ericluplow.com.

Photos courtesy of eRic Luplow.

Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County is seeking sponsorship for its next Women Build Day construction project in August.

For the first time in seven years of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build, crucial funding for the build has been pulled since Lowe’s, the major sponsor of the build, shifted its funding to larger areas.

This loss, however, won't silence the sounds of nail pounding and wood cutting. Rather, it presents a new opportunity for community businesses and organizations to sponsor the work of the Women Build volunteers.

The upcoming build next month is an offshoot of Habitat for Humanity’s National Women Build Week in May. The weeklong event recognizes women in construction trades and encourages women to hone their construction skills while helping deserving families. 

All volunteer teams will build under the supervision of a construction leader who will assist their group throughout the workday. No prior experience is needed to volunteer for the Women Build, and equipment will be provided.

The build will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 3 at Northgate Free Methodist Church's South Campus, located at 350 Bank St., Batavia.

Women will work in teams to assemble walls, which will be transported to Habitat’s new construction home at 45 Clifton Ave., Batavia, at a later date. Past Women Build houses include locations on Oak Street, East Main Street and Harvester Avenue in Batavia.

The site at 45 Clifton Ave. will become home to a hard-working mother of three who is excited about the opportunity of homeownership through Habitat for Humanity’s program. Habitat hopes to raise $5,000 from now to Sept. 3 for this build. 

“As a community, we are going to raise $5,000 to make affordable homeownership a reality for [the homeowner] and her children," said Lauren Casey, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County. "And even more, on Aug. 3, nearly 60 volunteers will work to physically advance the construction of her home.” 

Businesses are encouraged to visit Habitat’s website here to donate to Women Build 2019 and support its mission to provide safe, decent and affordable housing for families in the community. Sponsors can also make gift-in-kind donations, including labor and building materials.

Habitat extends its gratitude to local businesses that support Habitat’s goals through these generous donations. Interested sponsors can contact Habitat’s office at (585) 345-1656 or email info@geneseehabitat.com to learn more about Women Build 2019.

Carlton Lynn Beardsley, 24, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary and petit larceny. On June 27, Beardsley was arrested following an investigation into an incident that occurred on June 14 at the Walmart in Batavia. He allegedly stole and inhaled an aerosol compressed air can used for cleaning electronics from Walmart, after already being banned from the store due to a previous incident. Following his arraignment in Batavia Town Court, he was jailed in lieu of $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond. He is due to return to Batavia Town Court on July 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Andre, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

John E. Daley, 63, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment -- physical contact. Daley was arrested after an altercation at 1:48 p.m. on June 29 on Bank Street. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 9. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Stacey C. McCaffery, 36, of North Street Road, Le Roy, is charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol and aggravated DWI. At 6:43 p.m. on June 30 McCaffery was arrested on the charges after allegedly operating her vehicle at a high rate of speed while being unable to maintain her lane on Route 5. She is due in Batavia City Court on July 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

Colleen M. Hutchinson, 44, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminally using drug paraphernalia and possession of a hypodermic instrument. On July 2 and 6:19 a.m., Batavia PD was dispatched to the area of Hutchins Street for a female who was reportedly "shooting up." Patrols located Hutchinson and she allegedly possessed a hypodermic instrument and two glass "crack" pipes. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on July 16. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

James J. Preedom, 34, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with having a controlled substance not in its original container and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Preedom was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance complaint at 11:22 p.m. on July 1 on State Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for July 23 in Batavia City Court then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller.

Press release:

The City of Batavia’s Youth Bureau is open at 12 MacArthur Drive through Aug. 16^th, Monday through Friday from 1 – 6 p.m.

The Youth Center is a free service available to youth ages 10-18 who reside in Batavia.]

Free nutritious lunches are available to all participants now through Aug. 9 during a designated time daily. Snacks are also provided daily.

The Youth Center offers outside activities, computer use, crafts, games, Wednesday movie days, and monthly scheduled events. Registration is simple, just stop in!

Upcoming events at the Youth Center include:

• Every Wednesday is movie day, popcorn included;
• Today is the July 5^th summer cookout;
• July 8^th -- video game tournament;
• July 12^th Jell-O Day complete with Jell-O races (safe for all ages);
• July 16^th National Mac and Cheese Day;
• July 18^th make your own hotdog pretzels;
• July 22^nd National Ice Cream Day;
• July 23^rd Bingo;
• July 29^th National Chicken Wing Day with wing dip!;
• July 31^st Harry Potter Day.

The Summer Safe Carnival is July 25^th starting at 10 a.m. at the Falleti Ice Rink. Guaranteed fun for all ages. Any questions, call the Batavia Youth Bureau at 345-6420.

Press release:

The Genesee County STOP-DWI and Youth Bureau are having their Annual Night at the Ballpark on Wednesday, July 17th at Dwyer Stadium. The first 200 youth under 16 can get in free to the event. You can redeem your free ticket at the box office that night!

There will also be free Muckbucks or T-shirts to the first 200 youth, and more than 500 prizes and giveaways on hand. A chance to win a bike from Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle will be given away this night.

A variety of educational booths will be on hand, including one with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office with child ID kits. In addition to the ballgame, a magician will entertain from 6-8 p.m.

Sarah Palermo from GCASA’s Victim Impact Panel will be throwing out the first pitch!

All of this is made possible from our wonderful sponsors and contributors: GCASA, Genesee County Interagency, Genesee County Sheriff’s Association, Kiwanis Club of Batavia, United Memorial Medical Center, United States Gypsum Co, The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant, Western New York Association of Chiefs of Police, Salmon Orthodontics, Gerace Realty, Polish Falcons, Loyal Order of the Moose, Tops Friendly Markets, and Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the game starts at 7:05.

Photo: Undersheriff Brad Mazur, Asst. County Manager/STOP DWI Coordinator Matt Landers, Asst. Police Chief Todd Crossett, Chelsea Green, John Roche, owner of Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, Joanne Amon, Sheriff William Sheron Jr.

The Batavian Sessions: Delano Steele November Ends recorded April 29 2019 at the historic Newberry's Building/Eli Fish Brewing Co. on the third floor.

Some sights and sounds from GO ART's annual Picnic in the Park today in Centennial Park.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs stayed half-game ahead of State College with a 3-2 win over the Auburn Doubledays Thursday night.

After a double-steal by Harrison Dinicola and Albert Guaimaro in the top of the sixth, Jack Strunc’s RBI ground out to first broke a 2-2 tie and was the run Batavia (12-7) needed for the win.

Batavia manager Tom Lawless is facing seven games on the road in six days, and he used five pitchers to get the win.

Julio Frias picked up his first win of the season, throwing five innings and striking out six. He has now struck out 26 in 19 innings. The Miami Marlins are seeing immediate returns on 2019 draft picks. Tyler Kolek (two strikeouts in an inning), Josh Simpson (two strikeouts, one inning) and Joey Steele (one strikeout) were all credited with a hold and combined to shut out Auburn.

Evan Brabrand came on in the ninth, gave up a hit and struck out the side for the save, his third of the season.

The first two Batavia runs came in the third. Michael Hernandez led off with a solo home run to left, his first with the team, then Dalvy Rosario tripled in Milton Smith II who had singled.

Auburn falls to 9-9 while Batavia stays half-game ahead of State College (12-8) and one-and-a-half games ahead of Mahoning Valley (11-9). Batavia and Auburn play again Friday and two on Saturday, while State College and Mahoning Valley face off again Friday.

The team will play five more games in six days at Auburn and State College before returning home to play Lowell on Wednesday, July 10 as part of a three-game homestand (July 10, 11 and 12).

Hot dogs are just $1 on Wednesday and all Labatt's products are $2. Friday is Crafty Hour, all craft beers are $3.

All three games start at 7:05 p.m. and tickets are available at the Dwyer Stadium box office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, online at muckdogs.com or call 585-483-3647.

Submitted photo: Batavia Manager Tom Lawless gives a fist bump to Albert Guaimaro.

Batavia PD and state investigators were working with City Fire investigators this morning to help gather evidence for further examination at the scene of an early morning fire on Hutchins Street that sent one person to Strong Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano said two dogs from the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control participated in the investigation this morning, including one K-9 that is trained in accelerant detection.

It will take two or three days for the evidence to be analyzed before investigators can start to draw any conclusions about the cause and origin of the fire.

Two people were taken to area hospitals this morning after the fire was reported at 2:59 a.m. Flames were showing from the attic and when the first City fire crews arrived on scene, two people were trapped on the second floor with their heads out of windows. Before crews could get ladders in place one person jumped from the second floor and suffered multiple injuries.

The second person was rescued by a firefighter on a ladder. That person was treated and released at UMMC.

The four-unit apartment building at 13 Hutchins St. was constructed in 1920 with a remodeling in 1970. It's a brick building with vinyl siding, which Capt. Bob Fix said this morning complicated the initial attack of the fire and allowed the heat to be trapped in the building.

Some firefighters required treatment for heat-related difficulties.

The 1,932-habitable-space complex is owned by Richard Siebert. The assessed value is $62,000.

Five residents were displaced and are being assisted by The Salvation Army.

Video from this morning's coverage:

There's a house fire at 13 Hutchins St. and city fire crews are on scene. Oakfield Fire Department is en route to fill in at city fire headquarters.

UPDATE 4:30 a.m.: The fire is out. The second floor is gutted and one side of the structure was heavily damaged by smoke and flames, but it's still standing.

UPDATE 5:40 a.m. (by Howard): When firefighters arrived on scene, two people were trapped on the second floor. As crews were getting out of their trucks, one person jumped from the second-floor window and was seriously injured. The other person was rescued using a ladder. Both patients were transported to UMMC; the second person for evaluation of possible smoke inhalation. The Salvation Army has been requested to the scene to assist with the displacement of four households, five people total.

Press release:

This year GO ART! has added classic family games to the event schedule at Picnic in the Park in Centennial Park in Batavia this 4th of July.

Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle is helping with a hula hoop contest.

Roth Insurance is sponsoring the main event, the egg toss contest. The egg toss is open to adults and children over 13 years old. 

Keith Roth is providing a $50 prize to the winners of the egg toss. He says it will take "good hands" to win in this competition.

The contests will start at 2 p.m.

Pictured below is Libby practicing for the event.

The Yngodess Shop is sponsoring the sack race, which is also set to start in the 2 o' clock hour. Owner Christine Crocker was in her shop giving tips on sack racing to all her customers that were interested. 

Jessica at Whole Life Fitness must be feeling extra fit opening her larger new location and changing the name of the gym.

She is challenging EVERY child in Batavia under 13 years old to a tug of war against her and her crew.

She stresses that exercise and physical fitness is not only good for you but it is also fun. The tug-o-war will be at 3:45 p.m. and all children who participate will receive a prize. 

The 41st annual Picnic in the Park runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Thursday July 4th. For more information click here.

Don’t have a team, but want to run in the Corporate Cup on Thursday, Aug. 1^st.

Join the Y’s Team -- GLOW YMCA.

Register for the race at:www.glowcorporatecup.com

Interested in volunteering? 

We are looking for members like you to help us with: setup, traffic control, food and cleanup (*Must be over the age of 18 for traffic control.)

Time: 5-8 p.m.

Contact: Rachel Hale at rhale@glowymca.org