batavia

After a tour of the new Genesee County Jail, under construction off of West Main Street Road in Batavia, County Legislature Chairwoman Shelley Stein said she likes what she sees so far in the new jail.

"It's incredible how all of the trades have worked so well together,' Stein said. "Pike, our construction management group, said we were going to be really happy with them. We are really happy with them. They have kept this project tight on budget. We have hardly tapped our contingency fund, not even one percent yet. So we're just amazed at the progress that we see."

The $70 million, 184-bed facility will be able to house both male and female inmates, provide space for mental health services, space for arraignments, along with the usual accommodations of a jail -- a place for inmates to exercise, take in recreational activities, eat, and meet with visitors.

The modern facility will also mean increased safety for county staff working at the jail.

Everything Stein saw on Monday, she said, aligns with her expectations, which developed with elected leaders visited other new jails in other counties to see what they had done.

"Visiting the jails that we visited, this lines up with exactly what we said that we wanted from what we saw," Stein said. "We have to make sure that our staff that interacts with our inmates remain healthy, well cared for and respected along with those inmates that we are tasked with housing at the same time. So this is all about human respect and dignity."

Stein spoke with The Batavian after a brief signing ceremony -- Stein, Sheriff Bill Sheron, Jail Superintendent Bill Zipfel, along with other county officials and construction company heads, signed a steel beam that will be the final steel beam installed in the new jail.

"I know that it is being built right," Stein said. "It's being built one time, and it'll be here for a long time. Public safety is something that we all prize, and this will be a key cornerstone of the community's public safety for a long time. I hope for a good century"

It's been a rarity these days, but the Batavia Muckdogs lost a game to a division rival on Monday, falling 4-3 to the Jamestown Tarp Skunks in extra innings.

Reliever Trey Bacon took the loss after coming on with one out in the 10th, getting a strikeout before giving up a single to  Drew Garth, who would eventually come around to score an unearned run.

Giuseppe Arcuri stayed hot, going 2-3 with a run scored, a double, and a walk.  Caleb Rodriguez went 2-4 with a run scored and a stolen base.

The Muckdogs are 19-9 with a two-game lead over Jamestown (15-9) in the West.

At 6:35 tonight (Tuesday), the Muckdogs take on Geneva to start a run of five consecutive home games, which includes games on Thursday, on July 13, July 14 (non-league game), July 15, and July 16.

In other Muckdogs news, Batavia's 2021 starting shortstop Charlie Szykown was taken in the ninth round of the MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants.

We're also offering 50¢ six pack of flowers, 50¢ veggies in six packs and 3" pots! Strawberries and Citronella mosquito plants are BOGO too! Stop into Pudgie's Lawn and Garden today!

If you happen to be out and about for a nosh next weekend, you may also want to check out the Nash that will be in town.

Nash Car Club of America that is. Some 100 cars circa 1918 to 1957 are expected to roll into Batavia on July 18 and stay through the week, with a car show on July 22 at Quality Inn and Suites, 8250 Park Road, Batavia.

As much as Genesee County’s Chamber of Commerce boasts good food and restaurants on its website, so too does the agency promote car clubs that apparently enjoy visiting this area, from early Ford V-8 Club and ’66 Chevrolet Impala to a WNY motorcycle rally and NYS Motor Truck Association.

The Nash Car Club first traveled this way in 2009 and made its last stop in 2013. Led by organizer Ken Day, the group is heading here again with approximately 200 people driving in from various points throughout the region and from out of state, hosted by Nash Car Clubs of the Niagara Frontier, Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Penn regions, Kelly Rapone, the chamber’s tourism director, said

“The Chamber will be providing an area visitor guide, dining guide and suggested area attractions to visit,” she said. “We will also be right next door and open for their guests for recommendations.”

Day has been involved in the organization for 23 years and has served as club president for the past nine of those, he said. He became involved after he found his first Nash — a 1937 Ambassador 6.

“I had no idea about Nashes, but it was a pretty cool car. I joined the club for parts and information sources,” he said. “I then started meeting people who were in the club. One fellow in particular, John Palese from Naples, became a very dear friend and invited us to local events and eventually to the national event. 

“I have met so many people who have become a very important part of my life, friends who I only get to see maybe once a year but are closer to me than people I have known a lifetime. It’s crazy what a common interest will do to draw people together,” he said. “My wife Derah and I became officers in the Club to help promote the Club and for the sheer enjoyment of being involved.

This is the 52nd annual gathering, and because the 1954 Nash and Hudson merged to become American Motors, organizers also invited the Hudson and MAC clubs to join in for the event, Day said. 

“Anyone with a car, not a member, is also welcome; the more, the merrier. It is a free event to the public and we welcome all spectators. There will be parts vending as well,” he said. “During the week, we will be traveling through Western New York and enjoying various sights and sounds. We are expecting upwards of 100 vehicles, but as is with any car show, weather plays a huge factor.”

So why might one want to visit the event in Batavia on July 22?
“People will want to visit because these are not your everyday car show vehicles. In fact, I would be surprised if any show up at local events, certainly not in the variety we will showcase. Our members are very willing to talk about their vehicles and the history involved. The story of Charles Nash (Nash Motors founder) is truly an American rags to riches success story,” Day said. “In years past we have had members offer rides around the parking lot to people who were interested. I cannot promise that for this event, but it could happen.”

For more information about the club, go to Nash Car Club.

Press release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) and Batavia Downs President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek announced that the week from Sunday, July 2nd through Saturday, July 8th was record-setting. 

It was the top “net win” week of all time with $1.9 Million and the 3rd best Credits Played week of $24.08 million.  Attendance topped 20,000 people for the week.  Hotel Occupancy for the week was over 89%.

“We are so excited to have reached a new high benchmark for play on our gaming floor,” Wojtaszek said. “A record week on the gaming floor means that local governments will get critical revenue as a result of the great work on the ground by our team.  Also, the state’s education fund will receive over $930,000 from Batavia Downs from this last week’s play.  Our restaurants and hotel were packed throughout the holiday week.”

Revenues from Batavia Downs’ are distributed to their 17 Western New York municipalities: Cattaraugus County, Cayuga County, Chautauqua County, Erie County, Genesee County, Livingston County, Monroe County, Niagara County, Orleans County, Oswego County, Schuyler County, Seneca County, Steuben County, Wayne County, Wyoming County as well as the cities of Rochester and Buffalo.

Press release:

On Monday, July 10, upon recommendation from Superintendent Jason Smith, the Batavia City School District Board of Education approved the appointment of Jennifer Wesp-Liestman as Principal of Batavia High School, effective August 1, 2023.

Wesp-Liestman has served as assistant principal at both Spencerport High School and Greece Odyssey Academy. She also served as a special education teacher in the Churchville-Chili and Greece Central School Districts. She received both a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a Concentration in Elementary and Special Education and a Master of Science Degree in Inclusive Education from Nazareth College. She has a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration from the State University of New York College at Brockport. Wesp-Liestman also serves as an adjunct professor at Roberts Wesleyan College in the Pathways to Teaching Program.

“I am excited to welcome Jennifer Wesp-Liestman to Batavia High School and our BCSD community,” said Superintendent Jason Smith. “Jennifer comes to us with an exceptional administrative background and an impressive foundation in education. I look forward to watching her execute her vision for Batavia High School, and she’ll be a welcomed addition to our leadership team. I want to also thank our faculty, staff, students, and parent representatives who participated in our interview process—it truly was a collaborative experience.”   

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Batavia City School District as the new principal of Batavia High School. From the moment I set foot on campus, it immediately felt like a family,” said Wesp-Liestman. “I have a special place in my heart for BCSD as my father proudly attended John Kennedy School when he was a young boy. As we look ahead to the new school year, I am eagerly anticipating working with our exceptional students, dedicated staff, and inspiring teachers. Together, we will make this year a remarkable journey of learning, growth, and success for all.”

Omar Hussain and Jessica Korzelius will return as assistant principals, joining Jennifer Wesp-Liestman to complete the BHS leadership team for the 2023-24 school year.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Batavia Police Department will be stepping up patrols and participating in a coordinated effort with the STOP-DWI program to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI efforts start July 10 and will continue thru July 11. New York State Police, County Sheriffs, and municipal law enforcement agencies will be out in force during this across-the-board effort. 

Incidents of drugged driving are on the rise. Even though some marijuana laws have changed. It is still illegal and unsafe to drive while impaired by marijuana and other drugs. Drugs impair your ability to drive safely and make it just as dangerous as driving drunk. “Have a Plan” to get a safe ride because impaired driving is completely preventable – all it takes is a little planning. Visit www.stopdwi.org for more information.

Youngsters from throughout the community are fast learning the game of football in preparation for their first game on Sunday in the Davello Youth Flag Football League.

The team, coached by Ray Williams, was at Lions Park yesterday (Sunday) preparing for that big game.

Williams said he started the program in Batavia because his friend Jay Rob in Medina was looking for some help with the leag.

"I was already planning something for Batavia already, so decided to have teams in Medina and Batavia and surrounding areas to play each other," Williams said.

The program is about teaching kids the basics of football, Williams said.

"It’s a skill development program as well as flag football," Williams said. "There aren’t too many skill development programs for our youth for football, so we figured we would start them young learning and understanding the game."

Besides Batavia and Medina, there are programs in Albion and Lockport. The Batavia program includes kids from Oakfield, Pembroke, and Alexander.

The age group is 5 to 16 for both boys and girls.

Teams are broken down by age groups: 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-16 

Games will be played each Sunday through Aug. 29.

Assistant coaches are Otis Thomas, Harry Roscoe, Tim King, Tre Woods, Ray Tooley, Patrick Tyler, and Erica Williams.

Photos by Howard Owens

Some of the Skate 98 family was back together at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Friday night for an 80 and 90s adult-only roller skate party.

It was perhaps most evident when the smash 1979 hit from Sister Sledge, "We Are Family," came on the sound system.

Just like old times, a group of six long-time skating friends formed a line and skated together -- as they did when they were all much younger -- around the rink.

"We're all older now," said Doug Palmer. "As much as we all want to skate to 'We are Family,' we can't do that whole song. We started doing our line during 'We Are Family' to kind of do that throwback to Skate 98, but these guys are like, 'Doug, you can take the front,' and I'm like, 'I'm on point Oh, God! So as soon as your legs start feeling it, you slow down there's somebody else right there behind you, so you ditch out and let somebody else take point."

Still, it was a fun night, all agreed.

The group included Mark Mcvay, wife Kelly Mcvay, Mark's brother Craig, along with Palmer, Alan Gilford, and Pat Gaudy.

It was the first time in a rink in 30 years for Gilford. Mark was wearing skates from 1977, while Kelly, her skates were from ninth grade, and Gaudy's skates he bought when he was 17.

The old adage that you never forget how to ride a bicycle must also apply to roller skating.  Even Gilford exuded a confidence moving around the rink, not as evident in some other skaters.

"The skate was all right," said Gilford, a former skate guard at Skate 98 and so is a bit older than the rest of the group at 71. "My legs are fine, but my ankles felt a little jittery."

They all agreed that the arrival of The McCarthy as a roller skate rink is a welcome development but said not all the music being played is appropriate for skating.  Some of it needs more of a dance beat, they said, a bit more Funk, perhaps.

"It can't just be any music from the era," Palmer said. "It's got to be skate music."

Palmer has been coming to the open skates on Friday nights since they started a few weeks ago just to "get the webs off."

"I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of these guys," he said.

They all have fond memories of Skate 98, a roller rink that was once on Route 98 heading toward Alexander.  They remember the all-night skates, the game room, the contests, hanging out with friends, and the skates guards -- during a skating break -- throwing out rolls of quarters on the floor and the mad scramble for the kids to pick them up.

"They all went right back into the games in the game room," Palmer recalled.

Gaudy said, "I met all my friends there, even met most of my girlfriends there." 

Which reminded Palmer of "make out corner."  

A place he had to avoid once his dad became a skate guard.

"Or my ears would get a lot longer," he said.

When Skate 98 closed after a fire, it was the end of an era in Genesee County and for some the end of roller skating for a while.

"When it went away, it kind of sucked," Palmer said. "Everybody had to go to Buffalo or Rochester to skate, then they didn't want to drive with their kids 45 minutes to go roller skating, so having a place that is local again, even with this here, I would love to have a place in Batavia again."

Meaning he would like to see a year-round, full-time roller skating venue.

Skating has always been a family affair in the Mcvay clan, Kelly said.

"It’s continued to be a family thing for us," Kelly said. "We go to Lockport and Tonwanda, and our kids come with us, and our grandkids now skate with the little walkers, so it’s nice to have this, even if it’s only to August."

Sheri Sumeriski was preparing for her nuptials Saturday and had seen something that she thought would make a perfect pre-wedding activity.

“We just had to do it. We drove by it at the high school graduation,” she said during a stop at The Harvester Friday evening.

She was referring to the Batavia Pedal Party bike, which she ended up booking for a fun night out before the big day.

A novel business that has taken off in larger cities, including Buffalo, Rochester, Toronto and beyond, and is becoming popular for pub crawls, has been introduced locally by entrepreneur Kyler Preston of Batavia.

Armed with a bachelor’s degree in finance from University at Buffalo, Preston’s professional goals are clear, if not easy.

“I just like to figure out the best way to invest in the local economy and invest in myself,” he said earlier Friday before the launch of his first official group bike tour. “I think it takes a while to get a group together and then book an event. People are booking up into August and September. I kind of felt bad for Batavia, I felt there was a need for a nightlife we lost that with COVID. I want to promote business in Batavia and bring life back to the bars.”

The 22-year-old wants to do that responsibly, he said, by being the "DD" -- designated driver for a group of adults that wants to go out for a couple of hours and have some fun on city streets.

A two-hour tour allows you to bring your own cooler with two canned drinks per rider and food if you like, and a playlist of music is waiting to entertain your group while a licensed driver escorts you to two establishments of your choosing within the designated city limits.

Riders may pedal the vehicle, though it is also fully motorized, Preston said, and there is a bench on board for those not wishing to get that physical during the trip.

About an hour into the trip, Sumeriski’s group made a stop at The Harvester on the city’s southeast side. Bar owner Melissa Kibler was pleased to see them stroll in for a refreshment and hop off a large pedal bike to boot.

“It's great.  I'm very excited. Like, I'm excited to get the crowd in. I think that's a new innovative thing that we could use,” Kibler said, adding that she wasn’t sure where the big group came from at first. “I was like, where did they come from? And I thought they were just bikers biking around. And then I came out, and I saw it. And I was like, wow, okay, that's a new thing. I might want to do that at some point. I think that's kind of interesting. You know, there's a lot of bars downtown. But if you're gonna do something like this, I mean … let's take a little ride.

“That's what I was so excited about, is that they decided to come in here because we're usually the one that gets passed because we're out this way. Versus, like, everybody goes to TF’s and all the ones over there because they can just walk there and do that,” she said. “So that's awesome about the biking thing because they can come down here.”

That’s exactly what Preston is hoping for. He has gauged rides to as far out as Batavia Downs and made a trip over to Dwyer Stadium so that folks could catch a Muckdogs game if they wanted to include that in a package. He said that he wants to help bring people — literally — to Batavia businesses, one group at a time.

Although he is booking into September, there are other dates available from now through the fall, and he said that cooler temps could make for a great event, especially if riders want to give those pedals a full workout. He can even envision a moving Bills tailgate party.

“There’s so much that could be done,” he said.

As with anything, there has been a challenge or two, he said, such as the online flak he has taken from folks concerned that the pedal party is unsafe. Preston feels confident, however, that this bike — built in the United States and not in China as are many others, he said — passes muster for safety regulations. It has a wider wheelbase, has turning signals, and being built in Texas means it’s “better built” and is “100 percent safe,” he said.

“People didn’t realize all the safety precautions I had taken,” he said. “People didn’t want open containers on the road. “We chose to stick with two alcoholic drinks per person to make sure people are being safe. As long as people on the bike are being respectful and keep the music at a tolerable level, they can choose the playlist and volume.”

The bike transports a group to two places of their choosing, where it waits for them to go inside for a while to have a drink and eat, and then go onto the next stop, and then everyone is returned to the starting point on East Main Street. 

There’s the other element of safety, and that’s a licensed driver, just as with a chauffeured limousine. Preston wasn’t able to make Friday’s gig, so he gave Steve Ognibene a call.

Ognibene has driven a limo and a school bus; he’s driven for parties and other entertainment events and had the experience Preston, and his family was looking for. After all, this was a 15-person, open-air pedal bike with a whole new set of rules and regulations, Ognibene said.

“So with this, it's different because, basically, you're riding a bicycle. And I asked a lot of questions, a lot of safety questions. And they said, Well, everyone has to wear their seatbelt. And riding the limo, you're totally contained. In this is where, you know, you're on this little tiny seat. And you want to have yourself strapped in at all times," Ognibene said. "Pedaling is kind of optional, where you can pedal or you don't have to pedal. But as far as the comparison, it's kind of totally different. And I'm trying to be more aware because this is the first time I've ever driven something like this being on the road, and you're open, that no one doesn't, you know, try to unbuckle or anything like that, or act crazy or try to stand up. 

"So, you know, safety is actually the first and foremost concern. We went over a lot of safety rules before we even left," he said.  "And so everyone has to sign a waiver before we go, and that's pretty much it. Just call ahead, book a date."

What did Sumeriski and her wedding party think? They were having so much fun, they said, they booked another hour to prolong the evening.

For more information, go to Batavia Pedal Party    

Russ and Jo Ann Nephew hosted their second classic car and tractor show at their home, 323 State St., Batavia on Sunday afternoon.

About 55 people attended the event, which featured a memorial tribute to car enthusiasts Jeanne Freeman, who lived in Byron, and David Smith, who resided in Pavilion. 

Numerous door prizes were awarded to attendees, who also were treated to lunch.

Photos by Howard Owens except where noted. 

Muckdog's manager Joey Martinez promised at the start of the season that the 2023 edition of the hometown team would feature strong pitching.

Ryan Kinney is the latest Batavia starter to prove him right.

Kinney took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against top division rival Elmira at Dwyer Stadium on Saturday night to help the red-hot, division-leading Muckdogs notch its fourth-straight win, 4-2.

The right-hander from Winter Haven, Fla, is now 3-0 on the year with a 0.42 ERA after going 8 1/2, giving up two hits and two runs. He struck out nine Pioneers.

Rijnaldo Euson came on to get the final out for this third save.

The Muckdogs are now 19-8 after winning 10 of their past 12 games and are three games up on Elmira (15-10) in the Western Divison of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

The win was also Batavia's 15th straight win at home.

Adam Agresti raised his season average to .409 by going 3-4 with two RBIs and two doubles.

Giuseppe Arcuri went 2-3 with a run scored. Trey Bacon was 1-3 with two RBIs.

Attendance was 1,599.

Batavia is home again on Tuesday against Geneva. Game time is 6:35 p.m.

Photos by Nick Serrata

Eli Fish Brewing is hosting its second annual carnival in Jackson Square today (Saturday).

The carnival runs until 10 p.m.

Photos by Howard Owens.

The Friday evening concert series in Jackson Square, sponsored by the Business Improvement District, kicked off the 2023 season with the Skycats.

Photos by Howard Owens.

The temporary shutoff of water to Batavia's spray park in Austin Park Friday, with temperatures approaching 90, is over, and a steady stream of kids was hitting the park throughout Saturday morning and into the afternoon.

Mikayla Brown and James Malone went to the park on Saturday to cool off with no idea the park had just been through a temporary water shutoff.

Malone said the spray park is important on hot days.

"When it gets to be 90 degrees some days, with the humidity, yeah, yeah, it would be kind of sad (without water)," he said.

When told the water was temporarily shut off because of a water shortage, both Malone and Brown said they could understand why it would be shut off. 

Le Roy's spray park had also been turned off, and there has been no word on whether it was up and running again for the weekend.

Previously: Water shortage means no spray parks in 90-degree heat

The season has been played, the championships contested, and in Batavia Youth Baseball, after finals were played, two teams stand atop the rest.

In the 12U Division, The Guardians edged out the Dodgers 2-1.

In the 10U Division, The Royals Barbershop Mets defeated the Angels 10-8.

Submitted photos and information.

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum's History Heroes Summer Program is back for 2023 from Tuesday, July 25 through Saturday, July 29. The program is for children ages 7-12. 

This year's theme is "I Survived the Civil War" and features lessons about various groups and their lives during the Civil War. This includes not only soldiers but also women and children and even President Abraham Lincoln. Each day runs from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. and includes crafts, games, music, presenters, historic food, and more. 

The price is $40 per day or $30 for museum members. Please contact the museum to sign up or for more information. Registration forms and information can also be found at the museum website, www.hollandlandoffice.com.

Press Release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce The BEST Center will be offering new technical programs this fall. With the changing needs of the workforce and the increased need for individuals trained in technical skills, the BEST Center will offer a variety of programs including Introduction to Electric, Refrigeration, HVAC, Heating, Plumbing, Computer Numerical Control, and Cybersecurity courses.

Introduction to Electric will be one of the first courses to be offered. It is scheduled for Saturdays from September 16-November 18, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. "The course times and hours were selected to allow working professionals to take the class outside of their regular working hours," said Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of Workforce Development. "These new technical programs will benefit many employees and companies in the GLOW region. Reports are generated monthly demonstrating the unfilled positions in our region due to the lack of skilled employees. We hope to close this gap with these new offerings."

In addition, through the SUNY HealthCARES Grant, training for GCC Health Care Studies students and BEST Center clients will be offered in a virtual reality format. Students will be able to use ocular headsets loaded with industry-recognized curriculum to explore healthcare career options, practice techniques, learn new skills and prepare for industry-recognized certifications. In addition, students will be connected with local healthcare organizations for career pathway preparation.

New programming requires new staff to provide service to our companies and students. Kathy Wood is the Regional Coordinator for the SUNY HealthCARES Grant. A resident of Le Roy, Kathy has over 20 years of combined experience in program coordination and healthcare workforce development. Christa Palmer, also new to the team, is the Coordinator of Technical Programs for the BEST Center. Christa is a resident of Batavia and joins GCC with over 25 years of experience in education.

"Technology gives our companies important business tools, which leads to gains in productivity and profitability. These new courses for high-demand careers will provide the training needed for our companies to be successful," said Dr. Craig Lamb, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at GCC.

The BEST Center at GCC is the recognized regional leader in developing the skilled workforce that powers local economic growth. The Center serves individual employees, as well as businesses large and small, with seminars, workshops, and trainings designed to improve the performance of people and processes.

For more information contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

Press Release:

HCR Home Care has earned Home Health Heart Failure certification from the American Heart Association®, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all.

The certification provides an evidence-based framework for evaluating home health agencies against the American Heart Association’s rigorous science-based standards for heart failure patients, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management, and quality improvement.

“Obtaining American Heart Association certification for our heart failure program is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Adrianne Mann, RN, BSN, MSHA, chief nursing officer and administrator of HCR’s Certified Home Health Agency. “Our staff provides quality care to our patients, and it is great to be recognized for all of their hard work and dedication.”

“I am proud to be part of such an amazing interdisciplinary team of home care experts,” said Chris Chimenti, senior director of clinical innovation, HCR Home Care. “We have been working with the AHA for more than a year to achieve this valued designation. This partnership will ensure the highest standards of care are offered to our patients living with heart failure.”

“This certification affirms the lifesaving mission and goal of the American Heart Association to help every person everywhere have the opportunity for a longer, healthier life,” said Kyle G. Lavergne, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, American Heart Association volunteer and founding member of the certification standards writing committee and director of clinical programs of the LHC Group. “We’re pleased to have HCR Home Care join the national network of American Heart Association Home Health Heart Failure certified agencies.”

The certification signifies confidence that:

• An agency’s heart failure program is based on standards aligned with the American Heart Association science.
• The agency is recognized by the American Heart Association, based on professional evaluation criteria designed by heart failure and home care experts.
• Care is coordinated from pre-admission through working with the home health agency to discharge.

Raymond L. Leach, III, 22, a former Batavia football star who has been called among the greatest high school running backs in New York State history, has been charged with rape and sexual abuse.

The Sheriff's Office announced his arrest on Friday. 

Leach is charged with rape in the first degree, a Class B felony, criminal sexual act in the first degree, a Class B felony, and sexual abuse in the first degree, a Class D felony.

All charges are related to an accusation that Leach had sexual contact with a person incapable of giving consent. 

According to a Sheriff's Office investigation, Leach allegedly subjected another person to sexual contact, including sexual intercourse as well as oral or anal sexual intercourse while the person was incapable of consent due to physical helplessness.

The Sheriff's Office states that the alleged crime occurred in the Town of Batavia in August.

Leach was arrested Wednesday by Batavia PD on a sealed grand jury indictment and turned over to the Sheriff's Office, and arraigned in County Court that day.  He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled back in court for further proceedings on July 18.

In 2018, Leach set the Section V single-season scoring record with 310 points. That was fifth all-time in the state. He set the Section V single-season rushing record at 3,012 yards, which was sixth all-time in the state. He scored 50 points against Cheektowaga on Nov. 10, 2018, a Section V record. He is first in Section V in career rushing yards at 6,203. He also leads Section V with 111 career touchdowns. 

Leach carried Batavia to a state title game in 2018, which the Blue Devils lost to Glen Falls and their star QB Joseph Girard.

Before the start of the 2018 season, Leach and former football and basketball teammate, Antwan Odom, were involved in a dispute, and Odom was accused of stabbing Leach. 

Odom was charged with assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

The young basketball star was represented by flamboyant Buffalo attorney Frank Housh.

In a jury trial, Odom was found not guilty.

Earlier this year, Housh was suspended by the Bar Association for misconduct in handling the civil matters of other clients.

In May 2022, Odom was charged with an alleged burglary in Covington. His trial on that charge was stopped after Housh was suspended.

Following Housh's removal from the case, new counsel was appointed for Odom and Odom and his co-defendants entered guilty pleas. 

According to Wyoming County District Attorney Donald O'Geen, Odom entered a guilty plea to four counts of burglary in the second degree, a Class D violent felony.  He was sentenced on May 18 to five years in prison and five years on parole on each charge, with each term running concurrently. He was ordered to pay restitution of $10,411.87.

In the same case, Christopher McClinic entered guilty pleas to the four counts of burglary in the third degree. He was sentenced in accordance with his plea agreement:  one to three years in prison on each charge to run concurrently.  He was also ordered to pay the same restitution. McClinic entered his plea on July 29, 2022, and he was sentenced per the plea deal on June 15, 2023.