batavia

Batavia blasts Brighton on senior night

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 10, 2009, 12:02am

It was senior night in Batavia, and Marcus Hoy wasn't going to miss it.

The senior point guard was extremely ill with the flu all weekend and was hit-and-miss for Monday night's game against Brighton. But he managed to make it into school and then scored five points while handing out six assists helping the Blue Devils to a 63-49 win over the Barons.

Hoy did not feel well during the game or after, but helped Batavia play some of its best defense of the season. The Blue Devils held Brighton to just five points in the first quarter and seven in the second.

The game was a blowout very early on as Batavia took an 11-2 advantage after the first six minutes of play. The defense was in the face of every Brighton shooter and the Blue Devils were physical in the paint, despite the small size, in that opening stretch.

Joe Schlossel, Marcus Hoy, Kris Bartz and Dakota Irvin all hit 2-pointers and Andrew Hoy drained a 3-pointer. Josh Budlong had a basket and Irvin added a pair of free throws to cap off the opening period.

Andrew Hoy got hot early in the second period and scored seven of his game-high 16 points in leading the charge to a 28-8 lead. The lead was a whopping 20 points at the break, with Batavia leading 32-12.

Marcus Hoy opened up the second half with a 3-pointer, then played sparingly the rest of the way.

Batavia did let up a bit in the third quarter, just finishing with a 20-18 edge, but the defense was back in the fourth quarter as the Blue Devils held Brighton to nine points.

Andrew Hoy also had seven rebounds, four assists and four steals to go with his 16 points and Schlossel pitched in 11 points and five boards.

Irvin added eight points.

Jawanza Longmire had 11 points for the Barons.

Batavia improves to 15-2 and is currently the No. 2 seed in the Class A2 playoffs. The Blue Devils have one more regular season game on Friday and then will be playing in the Monroe County Tournament, then sectionals.

Pontillo brother wants his name cleared of blame for tax problem

By Philip Anselmo
Feb 9, 2009, 6:15pm

Many of us been have wondering about the fate of the Pontillo's restaurant in Batavia ever since the doors closed in November, followed soon after by the news that the business owes more than $112,000 in back state taxes. Few could argue that they had one of the best lunch buffets around.

Owner Sam Pontillo has been assuring people all along that the restaurant would open up again... soon... even if he had to find some other location in the city to do it. Initially, Sam told the Daily News that the restaurant was closing down for renovations and would re-open in a couple weeks. Of course, that didn't come to pass, and in the latest article in the Daily, he's quoted as saying: "people will be able to get a Pontillo's pizza in Batavia by April 1."

Sam's brother John Pontillo spoke with us by phone this afternoon. John is currently living and working at a country club in Minnesota, where he has been since his unceremonious dismissal from the family business by his two brothers, Sam and Paul, around this time last year.

Most of you will recognize the name John from what you have read in the Daily's coverage. Most recently, for example, Sam spoke of John when he told Joanne Beck that he "had to pay the tab of his brothers' neglect."

"They left an unpaid tab. Once again, I'm footing the bill," he said Thursday.

Those taxes were the responsibility of siblings John and Paul, who ran the Batavia Pontillo's Pizza & Pasta until Sam Pontillo closed it in early November, Sam said. He bought his current Le Roy Pontillo's site in 2007.

In every article in the Daily News, John has been accused by his brother Sam of being responsible for "neglecting" the finances and failing to pay the taxes for the business in Batavia. Sam also told the newspaper that he had no foreknowledge of the unpaid taxes.

That's just not true, John told us today. Sam knew about the tax problems all along, and this wasn't the first time that it happened, he said.

Back in 2006, both restaurants, in LeRoy and Batavia, were cited by the state for owing back taxes in excess of $350,000. At that time, Sam was in charge of all the operations, says John. "He was president of both locations."

Later on in 2006, it was decided that the Batavia and LeRoy locations would be incorporated seperately as Sam's Tomato Pies and LeRoy Dough Boys, respectively. On the articles of incorporation for the LeRoy restaurant, Sam is listed as owner and as president. His brother Paul is listed as secretary. As for the Batavia restaurant, Sam's mother, Elizabeth, is listed as owner, Sam as secretary and Paul as president.

John is nowhere named as an officer of either company. He insists that he was only ever a paid employee like everyone else who worked there. That he was fired so precipitously last February only attests to that.

"They say that it happened on my watch," said John. "I was never an officer of the company. I was just an hourly employee. That's all I ever was."

John could not comment in detail due to the pending litigation between the brothers to determine who will take over the Batavia restaurant. They are also waiting to execute the will of their mother, Elizabeth, which could help decide some of the details of who owns the rights to the name: Pontillo's.

John did say, however, that the brothers need to move fast to come to an agreement, because the mortgage company, which has not been paid since Novemeber, could foreclose on the property by the end of the month.

Former Muckdog, Ryan Howard, cashes in big

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 9, 2009, 2:20pm

Former Batavia Muckdog Ryan Howard cashed in big this weekend.

The 29-year old slugger that is one of the biggest names to ever have suited up for Batavia's New York-Pennsylvania League franchise inked a 3-year, $54 million contract extension on Sunday with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The two sides were far apart on contract negotiations so the move came as a surprise to many, and it looked like HOward was heading towards a second straight salary arbitration hearing on Friday of this week.

But the Phillies bought out the final three years of Howard's salary arbitration eligibility and gave him the big contract.

"I'm happy to have this done and to know that I'll be in Philadelphia for at least another three years," Howard said in a statement. "Both sides are happy, and now I'm just focused on getting the season started and having fun."

Howard - the 2006 National League MVP - will make $15 million this season and his salary will jump to $19 million in 2010 and 2011.

The first baseman was a Muckdog in 2001 and hit six home runs in 48 games played.

Proudly serving the community for 134 years and counting

By Timothy Paine
Feb 9, 2009, 9:38am

Seaman's Hardware is Genesee County's oldest family owned business. I spent some time yesterday just browsing through the store and reliving my past. I remembered the many times I went with my Dad to the local Hardware store when I was little. I’d wander the isles just looking at all the things on the shelves and wondering what I could build with them. My Dad is a pretty handy guy, he did everything at home himself. He built a house, barns and sheds. He did plumbing, electric, roofing and mason work. I learned a lot from him, mainly that I prefer to write a check when my house needs repair. (I never was as good at it as he was).

I spoke with Jim Seaman about the history of the Hardware store. He said he is fourth or fifth generation. The reason for this is he can’t find any receipts from Charles. He has the paper trail for Ezra, Web, Gail and himself. Since he doesn’t have any paper evidence of Charles and the sales from the wagon he considers it a fourth generation business. What an enormous accomplishment to keep a family business a float for 134 years. Surviving the Great Depression and who knows how many recessions. Keeping a business in the family through two World Wars and numerous other ones. Just being able to operate any business in this State is remarkable. To keep one this long and under the same name is astonishing. While I was there customers came in one after the other. After every sale Jim came from behind the counter and asked every one how could he help them. Every person was given the same personal attention and guidance towards what they needed. As I walked around and looked at every shelf I was amazed about the shear variety of items they had. Everything from power tools to P-traps to canning pots to ping-pong balls. With my son being a new Scout I picked him up a compass and a pocket knife (he starts working on his whittling badge this week). Even though the store may not appear very large, they seemed to have anything you would expect at real Hardware store. Through the years he has changed thigs only when his customers wanted it. After all, you don't mess with something that works. Over the years he has added outdoor equipment and tool rentals, maybe a few other things. But he has always stayed true to the old time true Hardware store. If you need it, he's probably got it.

I asked Jim what his theory on success is, and what has lead his business to such a long history in our County. He said his key has been, find out what customers want and make sure you always have it. He continued, offer them more than just a product at a reasonable price. Make sure you give them service and stand behind it. While I was there a gentleman came in for a special light bulb that he happened to be out of stock on. Instead of saying “I’m out of them” he said “I’ll have one for you tomorrow”. He’s right. That’s the difference between selling to a community and serving one. I encourage everyone to stop in and see Jim the next time you’re on Route 5 in East Pembroke. It’s a great place and the biggest example of why it’s good to shop local. You’ll never get Jim’s kind of service at a box store. They're located at 2602 Main St in E. Pembroke. Ph# 762-9211.

Seaman's Hardware (Est. 1875) is located on Rte 5 in East Pembroke (just west of Batavia) is Genesee County's oldest family owned business. Charles Seaman and his son Ezra were tin smiths who sold their wares out of a wagon. They eventually built a wooden structure and upgraded to the current brick building in 1916. Part of the original wooden structure is still attached.

I received a bunch of e-mails about businesses around the County. I can use a buch more! If you know a business that's been here a long time, let me know and I'll feature them. Send e-mail to: timpaineforbatavia@yahoo.com Thanks!

News roundup: Public hearing tonight on proposed city budget

By Philip Anselmo
Feb 9, 2009, 7:57am

Batavia's City Council will hold a public hearing tonight at 7 o'clock on the proposed budget for next year. Council has worked the property tax increase down to about 3 1/2 percent according to WBTA's Dan Fischer. Further budget cuts have reduced the increase to 2.17 percent. Water rates are slated for a 4 percent hike. That meeting will be at City Hall.

Batavia wrestling is tops at Ken-Ton Tourney

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 8, 2009, 3:35pm

It looks like the Batavia wrestling team is ready for the post season.

The Blue Devils traveled to Section 6 territory on Saturday and captured first place in the Ken-Ton Tournament.

Batavia scored 148.5 points to top host Kenmore West, which scored 125.5 points. Pembroke took third with 86 points in the 12 team field with 86 points.

Dylan Goodsell of Batavia won the Aggregate Pin Award as he rolled to the title at 215 pounds. He pinned Alex Fumerella of Kenmore West in the finals at the 5:34 mark.

Ryan Darch and Troy Ireland also won titles for the Blue Devils.

Darch won a decision in the 160 pound finals and Ireland pinned Kenmore's Joe Amoia in 3:23 in the 171 pound finals.

Adam Hill (119 pounds), Colby Sanner (125) and Graham Jensen (189) had titles for Pembroke.

HS girls highlights for Friday

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 7, 2009, 1:04am

Brittany Wormley scored seven of her nine points in the first quarter as the Batavia girls basketball team jumped out to a 14-5 lead and went on to beat Eastridge 63-41.

Brittany Mazurkiewicz scored 18 points with five steals to lead the Blue Devils (13-4) while Jaycee Shirk added 15 points and 10 boards.

Michelle Jordan added seven points.

Emily Piacentini and Kaela Trifiro had eight points each for Eastridge (7-8).

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Nichole Hart and Liz Geandreau were both in double figures as Notre Dame downed host Kendall 48-38.

Hart had 13 points and Geandreau added 11 for the Fighting Irish (13-3). Jill Marshall scored 10 points and Hannah Scott-McGrail added eight points.

Samantha D'Agostino had 12 points for the Eagles (5-11).

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Hillary Bates had a well-rounded game for Oakfield-Alabama as they thumped host Holley 44-16.

Bates scored 10 points and had six rebounds, four steals and four assists.

Brynne Perfitt was the leading scorer with 11 points and Christina Palillo added eight boards and five points for the Hornets (9-8).

Julie Brooks scored seven points for the Hawks (5-12).

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Byron-Bergen outscored Attica 14-4 in the third quarter and 13-2 in the fourth in picking up the 35-18 win.

Amanda Brown scored 10 of her 12 points in the third quarter and was assisted by Shannon Dilcher and Kayleigh Puma's seven points.

Nobody scored more than four points for Attica.

Byron-Bergen is 9-8.

Batavia boys get easy win

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 6, 2009, 11:14pm

Andrew Hoy continued his hot play and Batavia picked up an easy win over visiting Eastridge Friday night in a Monroe County League clash.

Hoy hit four 3-pointers and scored a game-high 24 points with seven assists to lead the Blue Devils to a 69-41 win over Eastridge.

Batavia had the advantage in all four quarters in the win and improves to 14-2.

Marcus Hoy scored five points and handed out 13 assists and Joe Schlossel added 11 points.

Mike Lee pulled down seven boards and Robert Hoy added eight points for Batavia, which hit 11-of-23 3-point attempts.

Colin Sprague was the only double-digit scorer for Eastridge, scoring 10 points.

Local teams get respect in D&C polls

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 6, 2009, 3:21pm

The Democrat & Chronicle released its newest polls today and several of our local teams are listed.

The Batavia boys basketball team is ranked ninth in the large school poll while Oakfield-Alabama is ranked No. 10 in the small school version.

The Elba girls basketball team received a spot at No. 9 in the small school poll with Notre Dame also getting votes, but not making the list. Jasper-Troupsburg is one spot ahead of the Lancers, even though Elba is currently the No. 1 ranked team in Class DD with J-T coming in second.

Attica is tied with Letchworth at No. 4 in the small school wrestling poll, with Batavia coming in at six and Holley coming in at eight.

Batavia's hockey team did not crack the top 10, but did receive votes in this week's poll.

Most viewed posts for January

By Philip Anselmo
Feb 6, 2009, 3:21pm

News roundup: Another downtown restaurant closes its doors

By Philip Anselmo
Feb 6, 2009, 12:55pm

A third restaurant in 30 days has closed its doors in downtown Batavia. Grugnale's Italian Deli on Jackson Street is shuttered today. A sign on the door states that the deli has closed temporarily while the owners seek out a new location, WBTA's Dan Fischer reports. "The owners there have said they hope to re-open the business," says Fischer.

South Beach on Main Street and Sallome's Deli on Oak Street have also recently closed their doors.

Economic developer optimistic for future businesses in Batavia

By Tasia Boland
Feb 6, 2009, 9:41am

Don Burkel, Executive Director of the Batavia Business Improvement District (BID), said there is hope and incentive for future business owners and shoppers downtown. Burkel said some of the incentives currently in the works could include: a coupon book and a shop-and-dine night—during which downtown shoppers can get discounts at local eateries and find sales at local merchants. Businesses may also look to benefit from cooperative advertising with the media.

The BID continues to plan events coming up in March and April and has already confirmed the bands, the Formula and Ghost Riders to perform at Jackson Square this summer.

HS boys highlights for Thursday: GR blowout night

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 6, 2009, 12:02am

Oakfield-Alabama led a night in which the Genesee Region League didn't have a final score within single digits.

The Hornets destroyed visiting Holley 69-23 Thursday.

Noah Seward had a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds with A.J. Kehlenbeck pitching in 14 points. and Tyler Tamblin finishing with nine. Sam McCracken and Tim Smith scored seven points each.

Holley didn't have anybody score more than Eddie Bauer's six points.

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Kevin Francis must have had a good time proving that he is the top guard in the league. He scored 27 points and had nine steals as Notre Dame trounced host Kendall 80-46.

Vinny Zambito had 12 points and both Greg Barr and Nick Wetherwax added 10 points apiece for the Fighting Irish (13-3).

Kendall star Josh Laureano only managed 15 points while getting help from Colt Tooley, who scored 13.

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The first quarter was ugly, with both teams scoring just five points.

But Attica had a 13-7 second quarter lead and went on to beat Byron-Bergen 47-34 at home.

Tate Westermeier had 15 points and eight rebounds with Craig Wolfley adding six points and eight boards. Shawn Dupuis had nine points.

Byron-Bergen (3-12) was led by Tess Schramm, who scored six points.

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Phil Ostroski scored 18 points to lead Elba to a 55-44 win over visiting Wheatland-Chili.

Dan Ramsey and Sonny Giuliano both scored 15 points for the Lancers (9-7).

Andy Lund scored 12 points with eight boards for the Wildcats (3-12).

Chmielowiec back at 100-percent, but Rochester falls to Emory

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 5, 2009, 1:46pm

Last time we updated the University of Rochester men's basketball team and Batavia graduate Mike Chmielowiec, they took third in the Chase tournament and Chmielowiec had injured his ankle in the previous game.

Now the senior is back at 100-percent.

But even that wasn't enough as the Yellowjackets gave up 57 points in the second half and lost to Emory College 83-74. Chmielowiec hit a key 3-pointer in the game that got Rochester back within three points at 70-67, but that was the closest the Yellowjackets got in the game.

Chmielowiec finished with 20 points.

Rochester is 13-5 and Chmielowiec leads the team in scoring with 19.9 points per game. He also has 20 assists and and 18 steals to go with his 4.9 rebounds per contest.

Notre Dame's Charley Scott-McGrail playing at RIT

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 5, 2009, 12:56pm

When a team has a 3-17 record, that usually means that freshman get a chance to play a lot of minutes and they are building for the future.

The Rochester Institute of Technology basketball has that record and freshman Charley Scott-McGrail is definitely getting her minutes.

The freshman has played in all 20 games, getting one start, and is playing about 23.5 minutes per game.

McGrail - who was a two-time captain at Notre Dame - is scoring 5.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. She also has 16 assists, seven blocked shots and 10 steals.

Flying truck tire smashes into oncoming car on Route 33

By Howard B. Owens
Feb 5, 2009, 12:36pm

The driver of a small passenger car was unhurt after the tire of an oncoming semi-truck flew off the wheel and was hurled into her front windshield.

I happened upon the accident driving into Batavia this morning.

The incident was on Route 33 north of Ivison Road.

The driver the car was suffered a minor cut, according to an official on scene, but she declined an interview request. She appeared pretty shaken up.

We'll have a short video from the scene soon.

Batavia Area Jaycees 56th Annual Home Garden & Trade Show

By Melissa George
Feb 5, 2009, 8:46am

The Batavia Area Jaycees are proud to announce the 56^th Annual Home Garden and Trade Show is going to be held on March 20-22 at the Batavia Downs!

We are still looking for vendors for this event! All booth prices will be $279!!!!

Weekend Passes have been slashed to $1

For contract details visit: www.geneseeny.com/bataviajaycees and click on the home show link!

Show hours are:
March 20 (Friday) from 5-9pm
March 21 (Saturday) from 10am - 7pm
March 22 (Sunday) from noon - 4pm

If you have any questions, please contact us at 585-343-5775 or email at info@bataviajcs.org

HS girls highlights for Wednesday

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 4, 2009, 10:26pm

Nichole Hart and Liz Geandreau had big games in Monday's win over Pavilion and duo continued its hot play in a 61-49 win over Lyndonville Wednesday.

Hart dropped in 18 points and Geandreau had a double-dobule, scoring 12 points while pulling down 10 rebounds.

Brittany Morelli also scored 12 points for the Fighting Irish (13-3) and Trisha Pike added seven points.

Ashleigh Mahoke scored 12 points and Taylor Hrovat added 11 points for the Tigers (7-9).

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Anna Dominick and Anni Lehtola split up the scoring duties in Alexander's 53-30 win over Holley.

Each scored 14 points to lead the Trojans, who improve to 10-4 and hold on to the top spot in Class C.

Rachel Pettys had a solid all-around game with seven points, six rebounds, eight steals and four assists.

Julie Brooks had 14 points and Emily Troupe added 12 for the Hawks (5-10).

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As always, Elba spread the scoring around and picked up a victory. The Lancers were actually outscored 12-4 in the first quarter, but had a 20-7 run in the second and never looked back in picking up a 51-33 win over Kendall.

Meg Stucko led the Lancers with eight points and 13 rebounds with Katie Newton scoring seven points and Sarah Schwartzmeyer and Racheal Cook getting six points apiece.

Meghan Fahy led the Eagles (5-10) with 10 points.

The Lancers improve to 14-2.

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Nicole Sharick scored a game-high 13 points to lead Pembroke to a 43-31 win over Attica.

Laura Moser pitched in eight points, six rebounds and two steals as the Dragons improve to 9-7.

Jackie Algier and Margaret LaFleur had eight points apiece for the Blue Devils.

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Le Roy falls to 1-15 after Geneseo outscored the Oatkan Knights 15-0 in the first period and cruised to a 40-31 victory.

Allison Macomber had 13 points with 12 rebounds to lead Le Roy, with Jenna Merica scoring eight points and Megan Lowe grabbing 13 boards with five assists.

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Byron-Bergen and Oakfield-Alabama evened up records as the Bees walked into Oakfield and left with a 43-40 win.

Both squads are now 8-8.

HS boys highlights for Wednesday

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 4, 2009, 9:49pm

In the spotlight match in all of Section 5 today, Greece Olympia's John Veltre upped his season record to 49-0 with a pin over Batavia's Ryan Darch in 3:12 at 160 pounds.

Olympia went on to win the dual meet at Batavia 35-21.

Anthony D'Aurizio pinned Zack Beauregard in just 1:02 for the Blue Devils with Josh Mase getting a tech fall victory over D.J. Bentley in 5:30 at 103.

Troy Ireland also had a win for Batavia (18-6).

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Jordan Kiessling picked up his 100th career win as Byron-Bergen beat Alexander 58-24.

The 171-pounder topped Dustin Say 11-1 in leading the Bees.

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Kendall's Devin Iqbal had a quick pin to lead Kendall to a 48-39 win over Pembroke.

Iqbal pinned Dean Culinan in just 37 seconds at 96 pounds.

Elba and Notre Dame get a bump in Class D state rankings

By Brian Hillabush
Feb 4, 2009, 8:45pm

Both Elba and Notre Dame got small bumps in the NYSSWA girls polls for Class D this week.

The Lancers are 13-2 and jump from No. 9 in the state to No. 7 while the Fighting Irish are 12-3 and move up from No. 20 to No. 19.

Jasper-Troupsburg is 16-1 and ranked ninth.

It appears those three squads will be fighting for the Class DD championship as they are top three seeds.

Both Elba and Notre Dame have games tonight and we will have scores as soon as possible.

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