batavia
Photos: Landscaping in front of City Hall replaced
The City of Batavia has completely renovated the landscaping in front of City Hall.
A supervisor yesterday explained that the old landscaping was more than 15 years old and had become difficult to maintain and control weeds.
The topsoil was replaced (see bottom photo) and new shrubs and flowers were planted today.
Sponsored Post: The Genesee County Fair - Kid's Day / HP Hood Day
Thursday, July 18th – KId's Day / HP HOOD DAY
- 9 a.m. – 4-H Dairy Cattle Show (Main Show Ring)
- 9 a.m. – 4-H Horse Show – Western Division (Horse Arena)
- 10 a.m. – Exhibition Halls & Buildings Open
- 12 - 10 p.m. – Midway Opens - Kids 16 & Under Ride for $10/wristband
- 12:30 p.m. – Small Fry Tractor Pull (Exhibition Building) Sponsored by Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Genesee County Pamona Grange, and Duane Schmigel
- 6:45 p.m. – 4-H Market Animal Auction Awards Ceremony (Main Show Ring)
- 7 p.m. – 4-H Market Animal Auction Sale Begins (Main Show Ring)
- 7:30 – 10 p.m. – Band – Savage Cabbage (Entertainment Tent)
- 10 p.m. – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close
Events & times subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with changes.
Batavia's Jeff Redband of Daemen College named to National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court
AMHERST -- Daemen College men's basketball student-athletes Jeff Redband (Batavia) and Andrew Sischo (Guilderland) have been named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court, recognizing their academic achievements during the 2018-19 academic year. It marks the seventh straight year that Daemen has had at least one NABC Honors Court selection.
Both Redband and Sischo met the high standard of academic criteria to be considered fo the NABC Honors Court which is awarded to junior and senior (academic) varsity players who hold a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or higher. Honorees must have also matriculated at least one year at their current institution, and be a member of an NCAA Division I, II or III, or NAIA Division I or II program whose head coach is a member of the NABC. Redband collects the honor for the second straight year. He will return for his final season of eligibility in 2019-20 after graduating in May with a degree in Business Administration. Sischo, who has two years of remaining eligibility, is on track to graduate next May with a degree in Sport Management.
"We are very happy for Jeff and Andrew. They continue to make Daemen proud," said Daemen Head Coach Mike MacDonald. "Not only have they proven to be all-stars on the court, but they are superstars in the classroom, too. They are both tremendous examples of what a Daemen student-athlete should be."
On the court, both Redband and Sischo played vital roles in Daemen's most successful season since gaining full NCAA Division II membership status prior to the 2015-16 academic year. Redband averaged career-highs of 13.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, and finished third among the East Coast Conference leaders with 79 three-point field goals en route to earning second-team All-ECC honors. The 6-foot-9 Sischo was dominant in the paint, finishing second in the league in scoring (20.9 ppg) and rebounding (10.1 rpg). He was named the ECC Player of the Year, the Division II Conference Commissioner's Association (D2CCA) East Region Player of the Year and a second-team All-American. Together, the duo led Daemen to a 24-6 record, the ECC regular season championship and the program's first-ever NCAA tournament berth.
Previous NABC Honors Court selections from Daemen include Giambattista Davis (2018), Alex Borges (2016, 2017), Arif Mehmetaj (2015), Aaron Davis (2013, 2014) and Troy Nowak (2013, 2014).
Daemen College features the only NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams.
Both Redband and Sischo met the high standard of academic criteria to be considered fo the NABC Honors Court which is awarded to junior and senior (academic) varsity players who hold a cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 or higher. Honorees must have also matriculated at least one year at their current institution, and be a member of an NCAA Division I, II or III, or NAIA Division I or II program whose head coach is a member of the NABC. Redband collects the honor for the second straight year. He will return for his final season of eligibility in 2019-20 after graduating in May with a degree in Business Administration. Sischo, who has two years of remaining eligibility, is on track to graduate next May with a degree in Sport Management.
"We are very happy for Jeff and Andrew. They continue to make Daemen proud," said Daemen Head Coach Mike MacDonald. "Not only have they proven to be all-stars on the court, but they are superstars in the classroom, too. They are both tremendous examples of what a Daemen student-athlete should be."
On the court, both Redband and Sischo played vital roles in Daemen's most successful season since gaining full NCAA Division II membership status prior to the 2015-16 academic year. Redband averaged career-highs of 13.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, and finished third among the East Coast Conference leaders with 79 three-point field goals en route to earning second-team All-ECC honors. The 6-foot-9 Sischo was dominant in the paint, finishing second in the league in scoring (20.9 ppg) and rebounding (10.1 rpg). He was named the ECC Player of the Year, the Division II Conference Commissioner's Association (D2CCA) East Region Player of the Year and a second-team All-American. Together, the duo led Daemen to a 24-6 record, the ECC regular season championship and the program's first-ever NCAA tournament berth.
Previous NABC Honors Court selections from Daemen include Giambattista Davis (2018), Alex Borges (2016, 2017), Arif Mehmetaj (2015), Aaron Davis (2013, 2014) and Troy Nowak (2013, 2014).
Daemen College features the only NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams.
GC Treasurer Scott German took continuing education courses in Nevada to stay on the cutting edge
Scott D. German, treasurer of Genesee County, recently attended the annual meeting of the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers (NACCTFO) in Clark County, Nev., on July 10th and 11th.
The meeting includes continuing education courses in policy and management offered by the Graduate Program in Public Administration at Wayne State University.
“County collectors, treasurers, and finance officers must constantly upgrade practices in their offices in order to best serve the needs of the public,” said Kyu-Nahm Jun, director of the Public Administration at Wayne State.
“The certification program provides the opportunity to learn from nationally recognized faculty, and to share information with colleagues from across the nation. This prepares them to serve the public more effectively.”
Session topics included talent retention, revenue recovery, and trends in county government organization. Participants also engaged in an information sharing session where they shared best practices with their peers.
“By participating in the program, German reflected his desire to keep his county on the cutting edge of public service,” Jun said.
Visit http://clas.wayne.edu/mpa for more information on Wayne State’s Graduate Program in Public Administration.
Batavia's Benjamin Martis named to dean's list at Oglethorpe University
Oglethorpe University has announced its Spring 2019 dean's list, honoring those scholars who achieved at least a 3.50 term grade-point average while earning 12 or more semester hours. Among them is the following local student:
- Benjamin Martis -- a senior, Theatre major, from Batavia.
About Oglethorpe University
Founded in 1835, Oglethorpe University is Atlanta's only co-educational small private college, home to 1250 eclectic and engaged students from 33 states and 31 countries.
Renowned for its groundbreaking Core program, Oglethorpe's academically rigorous programs emphasize intellectual curiosity, individual attention, close collaboration among faculty and students, and active learning in relevant field experiences. Oglethorpe joins theory and practice in its A_LAB (Atlanta Laboratory for Learning), an incubator for experiential learning via internships, study abroad, civic engagement, and undergraduate research.
Under the leadership of President Lawrence Schall since 2005, Oglethorpe has entered an unprecedented era of innovation and growth, evidenced by increased enrollment and philanthropic giving, and new strategic entrepreneurial partnerships. Since 2013, Oglethorpe has seen the addition of an award-winning campus center; a residential complex with six state-of-the-art classrooms; and the expansion of arts and athletics facilities. Oglethorpe's partnership venture with LeadAbroad has expanded its global footprint with the development of five global campuses in Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Cape Town -- South Africa, and Greece.
In 2019, Oglethorpe opened the I.W. "Ike" Cousins Center for Science and Innovation and will launch the Q. William Hammack, Jr. School of Business.
Oglethorpe is home to the Conant Performing Arts Center, Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, and the Piedmont School of Atlanta. The Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels compete in the NCAA Division III Southern Athletic Association.
Website: oglethorpe.edu
Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame dinner is Oct. 5 at Batavia Downs, deadline to buy tickets is Sept. 25
The 18th annual Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner will take place Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Batavia Downs Banquet Facility on Park Road in Batavia.
The event is sponsored by the Batavia Coaches Association.
Cost is $35 per person.
Social hour begins at 5 and dinner is served at 6.
The following people will be inducted this year:
- Elizabeth Varland -- Class of 2002
- Stephanie Conway -- Class of 2003
- Philip Santiago -- Class of 2003
- Sumiyya Hunter Roff -- Class of 2004
- Ryan Gugel -- Class of 2005
- Jennifer Gurrant -- Class of 2005
- Amanda Page -- Class of 2006
Tickets are available starting Aug. 5 at the BHS Athletic Directors office.
The deadline to buy tickets is Wednesday, Sept. 25.
For more information, call 343-2480, ext. 2003.
Ascension Parish - Summer Fest
Ascension Parish - Summer Fest
July 20 & July 21
12pm - 11pm - Both Days
Corner of Swan & Sumner Streets in Batavia, NY
Raffles / 50/50, Bar in a Barrel, Grill & Chill, Money Tree
Free entertainment: Main tent music schedule: Saturday July 20th
- 12pm -3:45pm - The Special Delivery Band
- 3:30pm -7:45pm - New Direction Band
- 8pm - 11pm - OHMS Band
Sunday July 21
Event Date and Time
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Sponsored Post: The Genesee County Fair - Emergency Responder's Night
Wednesday, July 17th – EMERGENCY RESPONDER’S NIGHT
- 8:30 a.m. – OPEN Class Swine must be in place
- 9 a.m. – 4H Horse may arrive
- 9 a.m. – 4-H Hog Show (Main Show Ring)
- 10 a.m. – 4-H & Open Class Goats must be removed from Goat Barn (Except Market
- Auction Goats)
- 10 a.m. – 4-H Milking Dairy Cows must be in place
- 10 a.m. – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Open
- Noon – 4-H Sheep Show (Main Show Ring)
- 4 p.m. – Midway Opens, (Weather permitting)
- 2 p.m. – 4H Horses must be in place
- 5:30 p.m. – Fair Parade Line Up (Racing Pit Area)
- 6:30 p.m. – Fair Parade
- 7 p.m. – Band – Red Creek (Entertainment Tent)
- 10 p.m. – Exhibit Halls & Buildings Close
Events & times subject to change. Follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with changes.
DA's office requests more employees due to new criminal discovery demand rules
Members of the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office say they need the county’s help to hire more employees due to recent changes to discovery demand rules in criminal cases.
Lawrence Friedman, district attorney, and Melissa Cianfrini, first assistant district attorney, gave a department review to the Public Service Committee on Monday. They say they hope to hire another assistant district attorney and a paralegal.
These new positions stem from recent New York State reform that increases defense counsel’s access to information about the state’s case. Prosecutors will be required to turn over evidence much earlier, which means a greater workload for district attorneys and more strain on county resources to prosecute criminals.
“We weren’t having to do trial-ready work for every single case,” Cianfrini said. “That’s really putting the cart before the horse in terms of how much this is changing how we’re practicing law in the criminal law sector.”
Cianfrini said the rules shorten the timeline to file a discovery demand from 30–90 days after arraignment down to 15 days. Now, a defendant cannot enter a plea until the discovery information is provided, so they can understand all of the evidence being brought against them.
The proposed assistant district attorney and paralegal positions would take on the 38-percent increase in the number of cases handled by the DA Office. Caseload is expected to jump from 354 cases to 407 cases annually for each assistant district attorney.
The role of the prospective paralegal is to review documents and enter information into a database called the Digital Evidence Management System, an electronic service for information storage and sharing. The paralegal would further reduce preparation time for attorneys.
“With these new requirements, our feeling is we have to spend a lot more time on a case than the other side does,” Friedman said.
DA Office staff members are concerned about the strict deadlines and punishments for not complying with the new rules. They face the risk of having criminal cases dismissed if they are not ready for trial in time.
Legislators Gordon Dibble and Marianne Clattenburg were in favor of hiring more DA Office staff before Jan. 1, when the rules go into effect. Committee members sought more information about how much funding the county would need to offer for these new employees.
“For a county our size, is there a trend analysis that says ‘this is how many cases an ADA should handle’ so that we could have a benchmark to help educate us?” Shelly Stein asked. “I think that’s probably the biggest step here.”
Debut Overdose Awareness Day is Aug. 28 in Austin Park
Press release:
As many of you may know, the family, loved ones, and allies of the GOW Opioid Task Force are hard at work planning the first-ever Overdose Awareness Day for the GOW community from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday Aug. 28th at Austin Park, Batavia.
This event will be a special time for the community to come together to raise awareness, share information, and support each other as a community. We will be having local area speakers, live music, FREE Narcan training, a kid’s zone, and food, and much more!
If you are interested in having a table at the event please complete the Vendor Table Registration Form and send it to Sue Gagne -- Family, Loved Ones, and Allies Work Group co-chair -- by 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug.17. Email it to her at: sgagne@gcasa.org
For more information, be sure to visit the website at: www.gowopioidtaskforce.org
We look forward to seeing our communities come together to continue to bring awareness to those in our families and community struggling with substance use disorder.
Magnesium fire reported outside a building on West Main Street Road, Batavia
A magnesium fire is reported outside the building at 3817 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, which is Hodgins Engraving Co.
Town of Batavia fire dispatched.
UPDATE 4:33 p.m.: Town of Batavia Engine 24 continuing non-emergency.
New business course offered at GCC this fall -- Public Procurement
Press release:
Registration for the fall semester is still open at Genesee Community College, and there is a brand-new course available -- Public Procurement -- listed as course BUS194.
Available completely online, this course was developed and will be taught by Eve Hens, who is the purchasing director for Genesee County, and also a Certified Professional Public Buyer with an MBA in Project Management.
The course is the first and only online Public Procurement class offered in Western New York.
It will introduce public procurement principles and relevant applications, and integrate concepts from a legal, ethical and documentation perspective as well as include the latest best practices in this field. NYS public procurement policies and procedures will be the focus of this course.
The purchasing function, in any industry, is critical to the global supply chain and this course has been designed to prepare individuals looking to enter or advance in that role -- whether in the public or private sectors.
Government procurement accounts for a substantial part of the global economy and therefore, Public Procurement (BUS194) also serves the small and large business owner interested in contracting with the government for goods or services by providing a solid understanding of the applicable procurement concepts, processes and procedures.
As an online course, BUS194 offers maximum flexibility and convenience, requires no prerequisites, and can be taken as an elective as part of an academic degree program or on its own to bolster knowledge or advance careers.
This coursework and information can readily be applied to a broad range of industries such as retail, healthcare, construction, government, technology, manufacturing, film making and more. And with the median wage of a procurement officer being $32 per hour according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor-it also provides a sound career choice.
Additionally, in some businesses, it is a position that allows the employee to work remotely; in some cases from home.
"As Baby Boomers continue to retire in large numbers, the Public Procurement industry is anticipating more and more employment opportunities," said Lina LaMattina, Ph.D., professor and director of GCC's Business Program. "Students in any of GCC's business programs would also benefit from this Public Procurement elective, as they further prepare to enter the workforce."
GCC's semester starts Monday, Aug. 19, at GCC.
To learn more about BUS194 or to enroll in the course, go to https://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/.
The Business and Commerce division at GCC also offers the following 11 different degree programs including: Business Administration with concentrations in Supply Chain Management or Marketing and Social Media; Accounting; Business Administration; Economic Crime Investigation; Entrepreneurship; Tourism and Hospitality Management; and four concentrations in Fashion Business, including E-Commerce, Event Planning, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising Management and Office Technology.
"As companies continue to require their employees to perform a broader and broader array of tasks and wear multiple hats in the workplace, an individual with knowledge of the public purchasing function will add immense value to their professional resume," LaMattina said.
Video: Coach Briggs conducts annual youth football camp
Video Sponsor
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Young football players from throughout the county -- 48 total -- participated Monday in a youth camp conducted by Batavia HS Head Coach Brennan Briggs.
Submitted photo.
GCC hosting Instant Admit Days at all locations Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays through Aug. 15
Press release:
Anyone looking to further their education this fall has the perfect opportunity to complete the entire enrollment process with one visit to any of Genesee Community College's seven campus locations.
A series of Instant Admit Days will be held each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday starting this week through Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at GCC's campus locations in Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw.
In just one day a student can apply, be accepted, take the Placement Test (if needed), have assistance completing the FAFSA and be able to register for classes.
It is not necessary to preregister to attend, but an official copy of a high school transcript or equivalency is required. The official Instant Admit Days are July 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31, and Aug. 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15.
"Whether you just graduated from high school or haven't been to school in a decade; whether you want to study part-time or full-time; whether it's planning for a total career change or career advancement; or perhaps it's personal enrichment for a recent retiree -- our Instant Admit Days are the perfect time and place to enroll in GCC for the fall semester," said Lindsay Gerhardt, assistant dean of Admissions. "We are here to help new students no matter what part of their life's journey they are on."
Preregistration for an Instant Admit Day is not required. Call or stop by the Batavia Campus Center or any campus location nearest you:
- Albion Campus Center, 456 West Ave., Albion, NY 14411 (585) 589-4936
- Arcade Campus Center, 25 Edward St., Arcade, NY 14009 (585) 492-5265
- Batavia Campus (Main Campus), One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020 (585) 345-6805
- Dansville Campus Center, 31 Clara Barton Street, Dansville, NY 14437 (585) 335-7820
- Lima Campus Center, 7285 Gale Road, Lima, NY 14485 (585) 582-1226
- Medina Campus Center, 11470 Maple Ridge Road (Route 31A), Medina, NY 14103 (585) 798-1688
- Warsaw Campus Center, 115 Linwood Ave., Warsaw, NY 14569 (585) 786-3010
See for yourself why Genesee Community College is the #1 value in WNY and students from all over the world are choosing GCC.
Vets can get $20 in checks Friday to buy produce at Downtown Batavia Public Market
Press release:
Veterans can get checks to buy farm fresh produce at the Downtown Batavia Public Market this Friday, July 19.
Victor Roberts, Veterans Benefits advisor, NYS Division of Veterans' Affairs, will be at the market at Bank Street and Alva Place from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. to distribute NYS FreshConnect Checks to local veterans.
FreshConnect Veterans Checks are a component of Governor Cuomo's "New York FreshConnect Farmers' Markets" (FreshConnect) program. The program is designed to assist New York farmers by increasing the sale of locally grown food in communities.
FreshConnect checks will be issued as a one-time annual benefit: 10 -- $2 checks ($20 total yearly benefit); one packet per household, per season.
Checks will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 80 veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, current members of the Armed Forces, members of their immediate families, or un-remarried surviving spouses.
"Recipients will not require ID," says Roberts, "but they will need to sign a form accepting the program's rules and regulations."
"The checks can be used to purchase fresh produce from participating vendors at the Market," says Market Manager Mike Bakos. "The Market is excited to, once again, be a distribution point for FreshConnect Veterans Checks and we thank all veterans for their service."
The Downtown Batavia Public Market is held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. mid-June thru October.
P.O. Box 303, Gasport, NY 14067
(716) 560-0853
Speedway robber gets plea-deal sentence of two to four years
A parolee who robbed the Speedway in Batavia in February got the prison term he bargained for when he entered a guilty plea to third-degree robbery last month.
Daryl Leach will serve two to four years in prison after being sentenced this morning in Genesee County Court by Judge Charles Zambito.
The 38-year-old Leach's prior convictions include grand larceny, attempted robbery, 1st, attempted assault, 1st, and robbery, 3rd, in Genesee County in 2003 that led to more than a dozen years in prison following a 1999 conviction in Genesee County for attempted robbery.
After Leach robbed the Speedway, he fled to a location on Swamp Road where he was located by law enforcement.
Vermont taps down Muckdogs hitting for 3-1 victory
Press release:
Edgar Martinez and the Batavia Muckdog bullpen put together another solid outing, but the offense could not get the timely hits needed as their fell, 3-1 to the Vermont Lake Monsters.
Martinez struck out five over five innings and gave up two runs, then recent University of Alabama grad Brock Love, who just joined the Muckdogs, threw his second scoreless inning. Love is a 2019 Miami Marlins draft pick. Edison Suriel, who has a 2.25 ERA ad was signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Marlins, struck out two in one inning and did not allow a hit or run. Geremy Galindez threw one inning and struck out two. The only run he gave up came on a 2-2 wild pitch and the next pitch he struck the batter out to end the inning.
Milton Smith II continued his incredible season going 1-for-3 with a run and two stolen bases and is now hitting .402, which leads the New York-Penn League. Smith was drafted in the 22nd round in 2018 by the Marlins.
Troy Johnston (17th-round draft pick this year) had an RBI single and is now hitting .313 and Sean Reynolds had a hit and is batting .421 on the season. Nick Ready had the other Batavia hit.
Vermont lefty Jhenderson Hurtado struck out 10 in relief, throwing five innings to improve to 3-0 on the season. Vermont's three pitchers combined to strike out 19.
Batavia will have a travel day on Tuesday.
The Muckdogs, who have increased attendance by 29 percent over last year, will return home on Wednesday and Thursday to take on the Auburn Doubledays (Washington Nationals).
Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.
The team is also home on July 20, 21 and 22 against Mahoning Valley (Cleveland Indians).
Photo: Submitted file photo of Edgar Martinez, who threw five innings against Vermont and struckout five hitters.
