Eugene Jankowski Jr., of Batavia, won two gold medals in individual events at the North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA) 149th spring national match held May 17-19 at Fort Shenandoah near Winchester, VA.
Jankowski won 1st place in the individual 25-yard smoothbore musket event, and 1st place in the individual 50-yard rifled musket event.
The N-SSA is the country’s oldest and largest Civil War shooting sports organization, with 3,000 individuals making up its 200 member units. Each represents a particular unit or regiment, and members dress in authentic period-correct uniforms to compete in live-fire matches with original or authentic reproduction black powder Civil War period muskets, carbines, breech-loading rifles, revolvers, mortars, and cannons. The national match is the largest Civil War shooting sports event of its kind.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will hold its 5th annual Teen Academy from July 8 to July 12 at Genesee Community College. Over the past several months, posters and flyers have been posted at Genesee County Schools, and the June 1 deadline to apply is only days away. There is no charge to attend the academy.
“Partnering with GCC has allowed us the opportunity to introduce Teen Academy participants to the college’s criminal justice facilities, which include a 9-1-1 dispatch console simulator and a firearms simulator. The Teen Academy is a one-week, structured program that consists of instructional classes designed to provide high-school-aged students within our community an introduction to law enforcement training and gain an understanding of law enforcement’s role in their community. It is our hope that teens will build confidence while learning good decision-making and leadership skills,” stated Sheriff Sheron.
Academy instructors are experienced Deputy Sheriffs who will discuss the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office. Participants will also:
visit the County Jail, 911 Emergency Services Dispatch Center, and Sheriff’s Office
observe displays of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Hostage Negotiation, K-9 Unit and Evidence Recovery
be provided insight into motor vehicle accident reconstruction
participate in daily physical fitness runs, defensive tactics, and team-building exercises
participate in a classroom setting and learn about the NYS Penal Laws and Vehicle & Traffic Laws
participate in mock traffic stops and DWI procedures
Qualified candidates will be selected for an interview screening process if they meet the following requirements:
must be entering grades 10-12 at the time of application submission
must be in good academic standing with little to no disciplinary issues
must be able to participate in physical fitness activities
must have a positive attitude
must have their parent’s permission
For more information or to obtain an application, scan the QR code below or contact Deputy Joshua Brabon at 585-345-3000 x3230.
Photo of the James M. Sunser Student Success Center, courtesy of Genesee Community College. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
Genesee Community College (GCC) proudly announces the renaming of its Student Success Center to the James M. Sunser Student Success Center in honor of Dr. James M. Sunser's distinguished service and commitment to student success.
Dr. Sunser, a visionary leader in education, has served as the President of Genesee Community College for thirteen years, leaving an indelible mark on both the institution and the lives of countless students. During his tenure, he oversaw initiatives that fostered academic excellence, student engagement and growth, including the construction of the Student Success Center and the Richard C. Call Arena. Dr. Sunser has announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 academic year.
With the opening of the Student Success Center in 2017 as the new 'front door' of the main campus, Genesee Community College introduced a new student success coaching model. This model provides efficient enrollment and student services with a new level of intentional engagement focused on students' academic and personal success.
"This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated faculty, staff, and students, who have worked tirelessly to create an environment where every student can thrive. Our goal has always been to provide the support and resources needed for students to achieve their dreams, and I am deeply grateful for this acknowledgment of our shared commitment to their success," said Dr. Sunser.
A hub for academic support services, career development resources, and extracurricular opportunities, the Center embodies Dr. Sunser's belief in providing students with the tools and guidance needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
"We are honored to rename our Student Success Center after Dr. James M. Sunser, whose leadership has profoundly impacted our college community," said Jacalyn Whiting, Chair of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees.
For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions, and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
On Thursday afternoon, Danielle Rotondo, general manager at Terry Hills, presented JT Turnbull with $16,228.55 -- the total of funds raised at a charity golf tournament held at the course on Saturday.
The funds will assist Turnbull with expenses related to lifestyle adjustments following a spinal injury while skiing in January.
Rotondo set a fundraising goal of $10,000 for the event.
The Batavia Police Department honored the men and women who served the city of Batavia as peace officers on Wednesday at Officer Arthur J. Luplow's graveside.
Luplow served the city for 26 years, from the incorporation of the city in 1915 until his retirement in 1941.
He likely served as a village constable prior to incorporation.
He's described as a gentle giant—a big man who filled a big uniform once on display at the Holland Land Office Museum but whose final on-duty photo shows him holding the hands of two children, helping them cross a street.
Following his retirement, he was an exempt fireman and served as the organization's president. He was also active in Elks and a "formidable" cribbage player.
Luplow is buried in Grandview Cemetery.
There are approximately 50 people who retired from the police department buried in various cemeteries in Genesee County.
The 2024 Batavia Muckdogs at Eli Fish on Tuesday. The players were on hand to meet season ticket holders. Photo by Howard Owens.
At the start of every season, when asked, "Who are the players fans should really watch this season?" Batavia Muckdogs Manager Joey Martinez has the same trouble answering the question
He just can't seem to narrow the response down to two or three players.
"It's not fair to just pick just one. I can pick them all. I love all my guys," Martinez said. "I bet on them. I bet on us. You know, that's all I can do. That's all I know. I like them all."
He did try to single out a few players, starting with, "We've got a couple of arms out there that are pretty impressive."
There's Michael Benedict, Matt Misiti, Reed Marcum, and Garrett Brunstetter.
"Liam Ryan is pretty nasty. He's pretty nasty," Martinez said. "I watched him yesterday. He's pretty nasty."
He added, "I like the arms that we have, and we still got three or four guys coming. I'm looking forward to our William and Mary guy getting here. Anthony Greco. It looks like he's going to be a good guy.
Yet to arrive yet is a projected third baseman, Jake Butler.
"He's a very young guy with a very high IQ," Martinez said. "He has a great feel for the game."
Then he mentions Justin Austin and says, "I mean, the list goes on and on. We have got some really good players. I'm not even sure who else to say. The list goes on and on."
There are also a half-dozen or more returners, including local pitchers Bryceton Berry and Ty Woods. Trey Bacon, Garrett Beaver, Isidro Rosario, Lucas Lopez, and Tucker Beving are also returning.
James Bolton, from Webster, will make his Muckdogs debut this season.
"I always have a lot of surprises and tricks up my sleeve, but I think our team is a little younger this year, a little bit more athletic, a little bit more speed," Martinez said. "We tried to make some adjustments in the offseason. So I would say more bats and balls skills. The pitching staff is looking good on top of that; I think, you know, with the Dogs, we are always gonna be competitive, man, you know, that's the only way I like it -- win or go home."
The Muckdogs open the season on Thursday in Jamestown, followed by an away game on Friday in Elmira, before the home opener against Elmire at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday. Fireworks will follow the game.
The team's first day game at Dwyer is on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. against Niagara Falls Americans, a new team in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, and like Batavia and Elmira, the team is owned by Robbie and Nellie Nichols. The next home page after that is June 6 at 6:35 p.m. against Newark. For the complete 2024 schedule, click here. For the current roster, click here.
Please be advised that Alva Place from Bank Street to State Street will be closed on Friday, May 31 from 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. We recommend selecting an alternate route to minimize traffic congestion.
Please also note effective May 31 at 3:30 p.m., the City will close Alva Place from Bank Street to the entrance of the City Centre parking lot near JC Penney’s for the duration of the Police Station construction project.
The closure is in anticipation of the beginning of Phase 2 Police Facility Parking Plan. The goal is to make parking accessible for businesses on Washington Avenue and State Street in the City Parking lot during the construction project.
Please see the attached Phase 2 map for reference. Phase 2 will commence in mid to late June. Please plan accordingly, when accessing parking around the construction site.
The upcoming Bourbon & Whiskey Fest at Batavia Downs is seen as a natural fit for both Jeff Weisenborn's company and the venerable Genesee County destination.
"I see it as a perfect partnership," said Weisenborn, a sales representative for the Cheektowaga office of Empire Merchants North.
Empire is the regional distributor of popular brands such as Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester - three of the most popular bourbon and whiskey brands sold in Western New York.
Batavia Downs and Empire Merchants North are partnering for the Sixth Annual Bourbon & Whiskey Fest on June 8, which also ties in with the Belmont Stakes. Various Jack Daniel's, Old Forester, and Woodford Reserve will be showcased.
"We do events like this because it helps draw attention to all our brands," Weisenborn said. "Jack Daniel's is an old town classic."
Events like the Bourbon & Whiskey Fest help Weisenborn "connect" with those who buy the various Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester brands.
"People love to talk whiskey," Weisenborn said. "Whiskey and bourbon are extremely popular. People associate it with getting together and having a good time. And they love the history of our brands."
The Sixth Annual Batavia Downs Bourbon and Whiskey Fest is Saturday, June 8. The event runs 4:30 - 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include a $20 coupon for free play at Batavia Downs, a $5 betting voucher for the Belmont Stakes, food, a program, and a free glass. Tickets are available through BataviaConcerts.com.
James Fink writes on behalf of Batavia Downs. Sponsored Post paid for by Batavia Downs.
Please be advised that Bank Street from Alva Place to Washington Avenue will be closed on Thursday, May 30, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To minimize traffic congestion, we recommend selecting an alternate route.
We apologize for any inconvenience and thank the public for their patience and cooperation as we work to improve our community.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next presenter in our Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m. David Whitcombe is a member of the volunteer team at the Buffalo Maritime Center who has been working for years on a reproduction of the Seneca Chief packet boat in honor of the bicentennial of the Erie Canal in 2025. The boat is an exact replica of the one used by Governor DeWitt Clinton as he rode the canal at its opening. David will touch mainly on the construction of the boat itself as well as the historical, cultural and economic significance of the project. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. If you plan on attending, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
"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!"
Join us at the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, June 13 at 7 p.m. In honor of the beginning of the Korean War in 1950, our topic will be the 1950s or also known as "The Fabulous Fifties." Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
As part of New York State's Path Through History Weekend on Saturday, June 15, the Holland Land Office Museum will be hosting a Military Timeline and Encampment featuring reenactors from many different time periods and conflicts from the history of the United States and New York. The event features an outdoor encampment in addition to indoor displays featuring equipment, weapons, and other artifacts. Visitors can interact with soldiers and sailors from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, etc., and learn more about the life of a military man throughout time, their equipment, and the conflicts that they fought in. The museum itself will also be open as well, featuring exhibits relating to the local history of Genesee County. The event and museum will be open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Museum admission is $5 for adults, $3 veterans/seniors/students, $1 for children, and $10 for a family of four.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Thursday, June 20 at 7 p.m. Daisy Nicosia, the Curator/Archivist of the Seneca Falls Historical Society, will be presenting "To the Men of Enterprise & Capital: The Settling of Early New York." Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
"When people do research, especially in the Central New York area, one question that they always ask is what are military land grants? How did settlers end up in Western New York state? “To Men of Enterprise and Capital” will go over the settling of early New York State, starting briefly with early colonists and indigenous tribes before expanding into the settlement of Western and Central New York." "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!"
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of our Java with Joe E morning coffee series on Thursday, June 27 at 9 a.m. Our Director, Ryan Duffy, will be presenting on the "Agrarian Opposition to the Holland Land Company," which details the conventions established in the late 1810s through the 1830s across Western New York in opposition to the policies' perception of the Holland Land Company. Admission is free with coffee and cookies. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend. Thank you to Pub Hub Coffee for sponsoring Java with Joe for 2024.
The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Concert Series on Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Don Dwyer will be playing "The Music of the Women of the Civil War." The program includes songs either written or inspired by women in the 1850s and 1860s. Admission is $5 or $4 for museum members. If you plan to attend, please contact the museum at 585-343-4727. "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!"
An 81-year-old man whom investigators believe was injured during an attempted burglary of his residence on Tuesday morning reportedly exchanged gunfire with a deputy who responded to 7924 Lewiston Road at 3:41 a.m. to a reported burglary.
Neither the deputy nor the resident, identified as Gregory Poole, were injured in the incident.
According to the Sheriff's Office, a deputy -- not identified -- responded to the call and was approaching the home when he confronted a person outside the residence. The deputy identified himself, and the person fired a gunshot in the direction of the deputy. The deputy returned fire while continuing to identify himself, but the person continued to fire his gun.
The deputy took cover and called for backup.
Upon the arrival of a second deputy, the person was taken into custody without further incident.
The Sheriff's Office says that neither the deputy nor the subject were struck by gunfire, and neither sustained an injury as a result of the gunfire.
The type of firearm used by the subject has not been released.
Poole was reportedly injured in a struggle with the burglary suspect.
It's believed the burglary suspect fled the scene before the deputy arrived. The area was searched, but the suspect was not located.
Once Poole was released from the hospital, he was charged with reckless endangerment in the first degree and menacing a police officer. He was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.
The Sheriff's Office states that the investigation into both the burglary and the gunfire is ongoing.
Batavia PD is investigating a burglary at Batavia Marine and Sporting Supply Store, 411 West Main St., that occurred during the early morning hours of May 27.
Patrol officers responded to a burglary alarm at 2:30 a.m. and, upon arrival, discovered evidence of forced entry into the building.
Further investigation revealed that the property was taken from the building.
The police did not release the nature of the property taken.
Detectives responded to the scene to gather additional evidence.
Anyone with any information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Jason Ivison by calling 585-345-6350 or submitting by clicking here.
Batavia Marine has operated by appointment only since July.
Deep Blue Pool & Spa: Dominick Camelio, partner; Rich Pfreedom, service tech; Cory Bater, service tech; and Brian Bater, partner. Photo by Howard Owens.
When you want to take a dip in a pool or grill hot dogs, rain isn't your friend.
But a bit of precipitation didn't dampen the spirits on Saturday of Dominick Comelio and Brian Bater, who were celebrating the 20th anniversary of their business, Deep Blue Pool and Spa, located at 4152 W Main Street Road, Batavia (Valu Plaza).
Bater said it's been a good business, especially in Batavia.
"I started working for Danny Dugan at Denny's Pool World in 1984," Bater said. "He was kind of my mentor. Along the way, Dominick and I started a service business called BNR Pool Service. We opened that around 1990. We did all the service work for 15 years, and then we decided to go into the retail side of it. Now, we continue to have a large service department, and we also do the retail side."
The first location was in Warsaw, and within two years, Comelio and Bater moved their location in Batavia. In 2010, they decided to expand and opened a store in Henrietta.
"We decided (a couple of years later) it was too much for us," Bater said. "We wanted to consolidate back down and focus on the Batavia region and our customer base here."
Camelio said he's enjoyed the pool business.
"It's fun, it's exciting. There's always something new to work on and make people happy," Camelio said.
Grace Campbell and Kyle Bater Photo by Howard Owens.
The Batavia Girls track team proved their dominance once again. After wrapping up an undefeated regular season in Monroe county competition (5-0) and winning three local track invitational meets (Attica Invite, Alexander Invite, Batavia Invite), Batavia scored 185 points at the class B1 sectional championships to win the title for the third consecutive year. Batavia was led by the following stellar performances...
Campbell Riley dominated on the track winning the 2000m Steeple (7:31.01), winning the 800m (2:21.81), getting 2nd in the 1500m (5:05.73) and then anchoring the winning 4x400m relay team along with teammates Jadyn Boyce, Ava Anderson, and Karizma Wescott.
Ava Wierda continued her dominance in the throws by winning both Shot (33 feet 8.25inches) and Disc (118feet)
Ava Anderson won the 400 hurdles (68.86) and placed 2nd in the 100m hurdles (17.5).
Madeline Smith won the 100 hurdles (15.74) and placed 6th in the 400m hurdles (73.58)
Karizma Wescott won the 400m (58.81), was on the winning 4x4 mentioned above as well as the winning 4x1 relay team along with teammates Ady O'Donnell, Ella Radley, and Ella Shamp. (49.59)
Ella Shamp also placed 2nd in LJ (16'6.5"), 3rd in HJ (4-10), and 5th in the 200m (27.06).
Anna Varland won the pentathlon for the THIRD YEAR IN A ROW scoring 2445 points!
Jaimin MacDonald placed 2nd in the shot (32'6")
The 4x8 relay team consisting of Jadyn Boyce, Mallory Boyce, Helaina Staley, and Maddie Bellamy placed 2nd with a time of 10:29.83.
I am extremely proud of this group of girls for their hard work and dedication throughout the spring. Many of them are juggling multiple commitments but have always found the time to put in the work that they need to in order to achieve this goal. I am especially happy for our group of seniors (Jadyn Boyce, Anna Varland, Isa Walsh, Kaelee Kelso, Sophie Moore, and Ella Radley) many of whom have been on the team since they were in 7th or 8th grade and have been instrumental in returning this team to its current state of success. As a direct result of their mental and physical toughness and their leadership, they end their career as 3-time sectional champs!!!!
The driver of a 2012 Ford Focus involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer on May 17 at Ellicott Street and Jackson Street in Batavia, has a received traffic citation following an investigation by Batavia PD.
Emma Durnham, 24, of Avon, was cited for allegedly passing a red traffic light.
Durham and a passenger, not identified by police, were seriously injured in the accident, but both have been released from the hospital and are expected to make full recoveries, according to police.
The truck driver, Michael Johnson, 48, of North Tonawanda, was not cited and was not injured in the collision.
The accident was reported at 9:30 p.m. on May 17, and Batavia PD, along with City Fire, Oakfield Fire, Town of Batavia Fire, and Mercy EMS. Due to a shortage or of ambulances at the time, volunteer crews from Byron and Darien responded to the city to assist with other calls.
The Ford Focus was reportedly southbound on Jackson Street and allegedly ran a red light at the intersection of Ellicott Street and was struck by a southbound tractor-trailer (note: Jackson runs north and south, Ellicott Street (Route 63 is considered a north-south road).
The Ford Focus came to rest in the gas lane (but did not strike a pump) of the Kwik Fill at 99 Jackson St., and firefighters had to extricate both occupants.
The Sheriff's Office Crash Management Team assisted with the accident investigation.
The Batavia Boys Track and Field team won its eighth sectional championship on Friday with 148.5 points in the Class B1 division, beating out Honeoye Falls/Lima, the runner-up with 131 points.
4x100m (Zailen Griffin, Parris Price, Trevor Tryon, Isaac Varland) 44.41
4x400m (Trevor Tryon, Parris Price, Isaac Varland, Cameron Garofalo (3:30.73)
4x800m (Nate Kinsey, Grant Gahagan, E'Nhazje Carter, Donavin Solis (8:53.84)
"This was a very tough and competitive meet, and Batavia Track and Field really rose to the occasion," said Coach Nick Burk. We had many personal best performances, and our athletes never gave up. We certainly represented our school positively and demonstrated resilience throughout the competition. I was also very glad that our relays performed so well, with many athletes needing to step up in order for us to win. Including Indoor and Outdoor track, this is our program's 44th Sectional championship."
Coach Matt Shay providing shooting instruction during basketball camp in 2022. FIle photo by Howard Owens.
Press Release:
Basketball enthusiasts seeking to enhance their skills and elevate their game are invited to participate in the annual Three Season Basketball Training Camp. Led by renowned coaches, the camp offers comprehensive instruction aimed at honing fundamental skills and tactical understanding.
Value & Repetition Distinguished by its commitment to excellence, Three Season Basketball Training Camp provides campers with over 30 hours of intensive basketball instruction spread across a 5-week period. This extended duration allows for a focused approach to skill development, in contrast to the brief, condensed schedules typical of other camps, which often span only 3-4 consecutive days.
Dates and Cost The camp will run from July 8 through August 9, offering participants an extensive opportunity to refine their abilities under expert guidance. Enrollment is $350, with a discounted rate of $175 available for additional siblings. Teams seeking group discounts are encouraged to contact Coach Brasky directly.
Directed by Coach Buddy Brasky Under the tutelage of Coach Buddy Brasky, the Batavia basketball program has enjoyed a remarkable record of success over the past two decades. With 13 league titles, 6 sectional championships, and multiple appearances in the state semifinals, Coach Brasky's leadership has consistently propelled his teams to excellence. Recognized as Section V Coach of the Year on seven occasions, as well as earning numerous other coaching accolades, Coach Brasky's track record speaks volumes about his coaching prowess and commitment to player development.
Assistant Director: Coach Matt Shay Coach Brasky is assisted by Coach Matt Shay, whose tenure at Pembroke High School has seen significant achievements, including multiple division titles and sectional final appearances. Coach Shay's dedication to his craft has been acknowledged through multiple Coach of the Year awards, reflecting his impact on the basketball landscape within the region.
Notable Camp Alumni The Three Season Basketball Training Camp boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have gone on to achieve success both on and off the court. Among them are standout players like Tyson Totten, Cole Harding, Cayden Pfalzer, and Jeff Redband whose accomplishments serve as a testament to the camp's ability to nurture talent and foster growth.
Session Details The camp is divided into two sessions catering to different age groups and skill levels:
Session 1 (Starts July 8): Boys entering 10th-12th grade
Session 2 (Starts July 9): Boys entering 7th-9th grade
Sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 12:30 pm, with an additional session on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for Session 1 and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Session 2.
Three Season Basketball Training Camp represents an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring basketball players to refine their skills, learn from accomplished coaches, and take their game to the next level. Join us this summer and embark on a journey of growth, excellence, and camaraderie on the court.
