Skip to main content

batavia

HLOM hires new marketing coordinator

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the addition of Jodi Fisher to its team as the new museum marketing coordinator.

The museum and its supporters welcome Fisher as her experience and personality will be wonderful additions to the HLOM.

As marketing coordinator, she will be responsible for promoting the museum’s large number of exhibits, events and programming to a wider audience both within Genesee County and Western New York as a whole.

She has a love of local history and the arts which will make her an asset to the museum and will be a major part of our plans for success going forward.

Fisher is currently also the Department of Environmental Conservation grant coordinator for Genesee-Orleans Arts Council (GO ART!), which she will maintain while working at the museum.

We look forward to what Fisher can bring to the museum and invite everyone to join us in welcoming her and be sure to check out all of the museum’s wonderful events and programs in the future.

Sponsored Post: New Listing - 1 North Lyon Street, Batavia

By Lisa Ace


Welcome to 1 North Lyon! This home features all of your needs from a relaxing summer day on the deck in your pool or sitting by not one but two fire pits at night.

It also showcases an enclosed front porch for you to watch the sunrise and sip your morning coffee.

With four bedrooms and 2 ½ baths, a fully updated kitchen with quartz countertop along with your very own movie theater, this house delivers a welcoming aura to everyone that walks in.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to view this home and discover that it could be the right home for you! Call Sunny today to view it or click here for more information.

Photo: There are lawns to mow

By Howard B. Owens

Billy Truitt, who cuts a few lawns on the side, said he's been doing it this way for years -- dragging his lawnmower along local streets -- in the case Ellicott Avenue -- going from one lawn-cutting job to another.

Mark Your Calendar: Batavia Walk to End Alzheimer's is Sept. 21

By Billie Owens

From the Alzheimer's Association of WNY:

The Batavia Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21.

It is part of the global Walk to End Alzheimer’s -- the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, approximately 750 individuals from the greater Genesee County area — family members, caregivers, employers, friends and persons living with dementia — will honor all those impacted by the disease and fight for a world without Alzheimer’s.

Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at 278 Bank St. in Batavia is hosting the event, which begins and ends there.

Proceeds from the walk ensure the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter can continue to provide supportive services and education at no cost, while raising awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and Association services all across the Genesee Valley.

While there is no fee to register or participate, we strongly encourage participants to fundraise to contribute to the cause and the Chapter offers a number of tools and materials to help with fundraising.

The Center’s outdoor park offers space to enjoy snacks and refreshments, visit with local vendors, and buy basket and 50/50 raffle tickets, while the roughly two-mile walk route offers a pleasant stroll through a lovely neighborhood.

Register today at alz.org/Walk and start fundraising to earn terrific incentives, including the 2019 purple Walk T-shirt.

Please call (716) 626-0600 or 800-272-3900 with any questions.

City fire to flush hydrants next week south of East Main and east of Jackson

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing / testing fire hydrants on Monday, Aug. 19th, Tuesday, Aug. 20th and Wednesday, Aug. 21st from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area of south of East Main Street and east of Jackson Street.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area.

As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

Motorcycle accident reported on Creek Road

By Howard B. Owens

A motorcycle accident -- no word on injuries -- is reported in the area of 9349 Creek Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 9:35 p.m.: Town of Batavia hold equipment in quarters, per a chief on scene.

Great weather, great fun, solid instruction: 2019 Junior Golf Camp at Batavia Country Club

By Billie Owens

Information and photos from Tom Tucker.

The 2019 Junior Golf Camp took place at Batavia Country Club starting last month with instructors Tom Tucker and Roxanne Noeth.

The PeeWee Division Boys and Girls, for ages 7-10, was held July 22-26. The Senior Boys and Girls Division, for ages 11-15, was held July 29 through Aug. 2.

The PeeWee players, in photo above, experienced great weather and a had great week for golf! 

Front row, from left: Jake Gehlert, Brooklyn Jachimowicz, Tori Davis, Maisse Yunker, Jack Hilchey, Owen Glazier, George Sawyer.

Back row, from left: Coach Tom Tucker, Noah Calarco-Smith, Nicholas Calarco-Smith, Isaiah Proefrock, Hudson George, Brayden Jachimowicz, Jacob Rosenbeck, Xavier Vargas, Ben Vargas, Coach Roxanne Noeth.

The Friday Tournament saw newcomer to camp Hudson George, above, dominate the Boys Division with a score of 34.

Above, Girls Divison winner Brooklyn Jachimowicz, whose score was 39, shows off her swing.

Above are PeeWee Tournament medalists Hudson George and Brooklyn Jachimowicz.

Above, PeeWee Contest winners Maisse Yunker, Brooklyn Jachimowicz, Hudson George and Brayden Jachimowicz.

Closest to the pin winner on hole 13 was Brayden Jachimowicz, and on hole 17 the winner was Brooklyn Jachimowicz. The long drive winner on hole 14 was Noah Calarco Smith. 

Other PeeWee contests and winners were: 

  • Putting Contest Medalist / Boys -- Hudson George
  • Putting Contest Medalist /Girls -- Brooklyn Jachimowicz
  • Chipping Contest Medalist / Boys -- Brayden Jachimowicz (Playoff over Noah Calarco-Smith)
  • Chipping Contest Medalist / Girls -- Maisse Yunker
  • Lag Putting Contest / Boys -- Jack Hilchey
  • Lag Putting Contest / Girls -- Maisse Yunker
  • Aimline Accuracy / Boys -- Brayden Jachimowicz, and he won a few bucks for himself and his team for the effort
  • Aimline Accuracy / Girls -- Tori Davis
  • Pitching Target / Boys -- Jacob Rosenbeck
  • Pitching Target - Girls -- Maisse Yunker

The PeeWee kids had fun, we hope to see them all next year. 

Above is the group photo of the 2019 Senior Boys and Girls Division, ages 11-15, of the Junior Golf Camp.

Front row, from left: Quinton Cummings, Jada Fite, Lily Davis, Natalie Hamm, Greyson Fix.

Back row, from left: Coach Tom Tucker, Rhys Tanner, Will Fulton, Sam Dinsmore, Cooper Fix, Coach Roxanne Noeth. Absent from the picture with illness on tournament day was Hudson Luft, who had been coming on strong all week. 

We had great weather all week for these kids, and they all played very good golf.

The Friday Tournament saw newcomer to camp Quinton Cummings edge out camp veteran Sam Dinsmore 37 to 38 to take the Boys Medalist honors. The Girls Division was dominated by Jada Fite with a score of 37. 


Above, Senior Division Tournament medalists Jada Fite and Quinton Cummings.

Closest to the pin winner on hole 13 for the girls was Jada Fite. Closest to the pin winner on hole 17 for the boys was Quinton Cummings. The long drive winner for the girls on hole 14 was Natalie Hamm; no boys' winner -- no one hit the fairway. 

Above Senior Division contest winners, from left: Will Fulton, Jada Fite, Lily Davis, Natalie Hamm and Quinton Cummings.

Senior Division Contest Winners

  • Putting Contest Medalist / Girls -- Lily Davis (37)
  • Putting Contest Medalist / Boys -- Will Fulton (38)
  • Chipping Contest Medalist / Girls -- Natalie Hamm
  • Chipping Contest Medalist / Boys -- Will Fulton
  • Lag Putting Contest / Girls -- Lily Davis 
  • Lag Putting Contest / Boys -- Cooper Fix 
  • Aimline Accuracy / Girls -- Lily Davis
  • Aimline Accuracy / Boys -- Cooper Fix
  • Pitching Target / Girls -- Lily Davis
  • Pitching Target / Boys -- Quinton Cummings, Hudson Luft won the shootout for $5

We hope to see everyone next year!

Tompkins Insurance Agencies named among top 100 agencies in nation five years in a row

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tompkins Insurance Agencies has been named among the Top 100 largest independent property/casualty agency in the nation by Insurance Journal. This is Tompkins Insurance Agencies’ fifth consecutive appearance on Insurance Journal’s top 100 list, with a 2019 ranking of 87th largest.

Agencies included on Insurance Journal’s top 100 list are ranked by total property/casualty agency revenue for 2018 and comprises only those agencies whose business is primarily retail, not wholesale. This year’s report was published in the Aug. 5 issue.

Tompkins Insurance operates seven offices in Southeast Pennsylvania, 17 offices in Western New York and six offices in central New York. A part of Tompkins Financial Corporation, (trading as TMP on the NYSE - MKT), the agency is affiliated with Tompkins Bank of Castile, Tompkins Trust Company, Tompkins VIST Bank and Tompkins Financial Advisors.

It is an independent insurance agency offering personal and business insurance and employee benefits services through more than 50 different companies.

City fire to flush hydrants this week south of Main and west of Jackson

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants In the areas south of Main Street and west of Jackson Street on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 14 and 15, from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday, Aug. 16, from approximately 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected.

This may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

Law and Order: Man accused of sex abuse by forcible compulsion, Le Roy parolee accused of punching, choking woman

By Billie Owens

Donald Frisby (inset photo left), 64, was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on July 16 and charged with one count of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D felony.

It is alleged that in the month of July, while in the Village of Le Roy, that Frisby subjected a female to sexual contact by forcible compulsion. Frisby was arraigned before the court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Jeremy D. Lyons (inset photo, below right), 34of Perry Road, Le Roy, is charged with one count each of the misdemeanors of third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. A violent domestic/assault led to the arrest of Lyons, a parolee, in the Village of Le Roy on Aug. 6.

The domestic incident was reported in the early morning hours on Church Street in which the victim reported that Lyons was staying with the female on Church Street, allegedly in violation of his parole conditions. It is alleged that Lyons tackled the female to the ground then punched her multiple times in the face and choked her.

Afterward, Lyons ran off. Lyons was located later that day by police after a small search, in which Lyons was discovered hiding in the weeds in the area of the Little League Field between East Main Street and St. Marks Street. Following his arrest, Lyons was arraigned and put in Genesee County Jail in lieu of $750 bail. A parole violation warrant was also issued due to this incident.

Darrell D. Smith, 52, of Highland Parkway, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief. He was arrested after a domestic incident at midnight on Aug. 8 on Prune Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due in city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.

Carlos E. Flores, 27, of Rand Street, Rochester, is charged with second-degree harassment. Flores was arrested after an incident at 8:35 p.m. Aug. 11 on Bank Street in Batavia. He allegedly threatened a person using gestures with his hands during a verbal dispute that caused the victim to be in fear. He was issued an appearance ticket and released and is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Darius Lamar Jones, 27, of Exchange Street, Attica, is charged with: criminal possession of a controlled substance; unlawful possession of marijuana; speed violation -- exceeding 55 mph; and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. At 9:02 p.m. on Aug. 7 on Route 33 in Byron, Jones was arrested after a traffic stop. It is alleged that "criminal indicators were observed," leading to a search of Jones and his vehicle. The search allegedly yielded marijuana, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. He was issued appearance tickets for Sept. 9 in Byron Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Linda Marie Clemens, 58, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated and DWI. At 11:23 p.m. on Aug. 7, deputies responded to the parking lot of Batavia Downs on Park Road for a reported motor-vehicle accident. When they arrived they located Clemens in her vehicle. It is alleged that Clemens struck a parked vehicle in the parking lot. She was released on appearance tickets for Aug. 26 in Batavia Town Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Brock Cummins, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

(name redacted upon request), of Farwell Drive, Batavia, is charged with unreasonable noise. He was arrested following a loud music complaint at 11 a.m. on Aug. 9 on Farwell Drive. He was released on an appearance ticket for Aug. 20 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Adam Tucker, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Carrie A. Stewart, 39, of Church Road, Darien, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested after an investigation of a larceny that occurred at 11:47 a.m. on Aug. 10 on East Main Street in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 20.

Christine Wark, 34, of School Street, Le Roy was arrested by the Le Roy Police Department on July 22 and charged with one count of petit larceny after a complaint from a local business that Wark was allegedly seen shoplifting inside the store. Upon arrival of the Le Roy Police, Wark was arrested and released on an appearance ticket to appear in the Le Roy Court at a later date.

Cody N. Proefrock, 26, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested after allegedly shoplifting from a local store at 5:20 p.m. on Aug. 6. He turned himself in. He was issued appearance tickets and released and is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 20. The case handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence.

Tony J. Aguglia, 39, of Main Street, Clarence, is charged with failure to appear. He responded to Batavia Police station at 1 p.m. on Aug. 6 and turned himself in on an arrest warrant. He is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Adult Field Days

By Lisa Ace

Adult Field Days
Saturday August 17th • 4-8pm

Hosted by LIFT: Leadership Inspiring Faith Together
@ Notre Dame High School Football Field.

$15 Per Person includes drink tickets.

Cornhole Tournament - $5/pp
Can Jam Tournament - $5/pp

Live Music - by The OHMS Band! Food trucks, beer, wine, signature drink, soda & water.

Event Date and Time
-

Photos: Ellicott Trail bridge installed over Tonawanda Creek

By Howard B. Owens

The bridge that will span the Tonawanda Creek as part of the Ellicott Trail is being installed today.

The $1.7-million project will provide a biking and walking trail from just west of Williams Park to Seven Springs Road (see map).

(Editor's note: For a closer look at the trail map, click here.)

Dog locked inside SUV in Walmart parking lot

By Billie Owens

An unoccupied SUV in the grocery pickup section of the Walmart parking lot reportedly has a dog locked inside. The caller waited by the vehicle 15 minutes to see if the owner would return before calling dispatch. An animal control officer and a deputy are en route.

UPDATE 11:44 p.m.: The deputy is on site and speaking with the dog owner. The deputy advises the animal control officer can disregard the dispatch.

Whole Life Fitness opens on East Main in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
Video Sponsor
.pane-node-body img {background: none !important; border: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important; padding: unset !important; padding-left: 1px !important } broadstreet.zone(69076)

Two-car accident with injuries reported at Citgo Gas Station on Park Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported on the Citgo Gas Station property at 8204 Park Road. NYS Troopers are on scene. Mercy medics are called for reports of generalized pain. Town of Batavia Fire Department is also responding.

UPDATE 12:15 p.m.: One vehicle is blocking traffic.

UPDATE 12:16 p.m.: A first responder on scene says injuries are minor. There is a lot of debris in the roadway.

UPDATE 12:39 p.m.: The town assignment is back in service.

Batavia Concert Band closed 94th season Wednesday and presented three awards

By Billie Owens

Above, band Finance Director Bob Pastecki with 2019 scholarship winners Kyla Leno, left, and Katie Dessert.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Batavia Concert Band closed its 94th season on Aug. 7th, and presented some special awards.

Scholarship awards were presented to Katie Dessert and Kyla Leno. Dessert received the Batavia Concert Band Board of Directors Scholarship, and Leno received the Conductor’s Choice Scholarship.

Both Dessert and Leno are Music Education majors, have played with the Batavia Concert Band for several season, and aspire to become music teachers.

Board Member Ann Arent also presented the annual Pam Frisby Friend of the Band Award. Frisby was a former Board present and ardent supporter of the Band, and this award is given in her honor. The 2019 recipient was Charlie Gould. He is a regular presence at the Wednesday evening concerts, and often leads the crowd in singing the "Star Spangled Banner."

The Board of Directors and band officers would like to thank a dedicated and enthusiastic crowd, and season-long sponsors GO-ART! and WBTA. A full listing of gold, silver and bronze sponsors may be found at www.bataviaconcertband.net

Plans are already underway for the 2020 season!

Below, Board Member Ann Arent speaking about the annual Pam Frisby Friend of the Band Award.

Below, Charlie Gould, this year's recipient of the annual Pam Frisby Friend of the Band Award.

 

GC Health Department asks for help in locating dog owner after man bitten in the city

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Saturday, Aug. 3, at approximately 7 a.m. a man was bitten by an unfamiliar dog that was with its assumed owner but not on a leash. The incident occurred at the corner of Brooklyn Avenue on Pearl Street in the City of Batavia.

The assumed owner of the dog is described as a slender white male in his late 20s; he also had a second dog with him on a leash.

The dog that bit the man is described as being white in color and possibly a pit bull or a similar, resembling breed or mix. It was reported that the white dog was a female and appeared to have recently given birth to puppies.

The man who was bitten did not obtain any information from the man with the dogs and has not seen him since the incident.

“The purpose in locating the owner of the dog is to make sure the dog is up-to-date on its anti-rabies vaccine,” said Sarah Balduf, Environmental Health director of Genesee and Orleans counties. “If the owner cannot be located, the individual will have to go through unnecessary treatment.”

Anyone with information on the dog and/or dog owner is asked to contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580, ext. 5555.

People reportedly move and leave pet(s) behind on Valley View Drive, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A caller reports a pet(s) left behind when the occupants moved out of a residence on Valley View Drive in Batavia. An animal control officer is responding.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: A reader with knowledge of the situation writes: "The owners were located and the pets are being taken care of by family members while the owners deal with some health issues."

Authentically Local