batavia

Press release:

Christine Jones, 34 of Batavia, pled guilty to one count of Grand Larceny 4^th in Batavia Town Court on February 8, 2022.  Sentencing has been scheduled for May 4, 2022.

Jones was originally charged with 5 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing and a single count of Grand Larceny 3^rd after an investigation by Department of Social Services Investigator Robert Riggi revealed that Jones failed to report that the biological father to one of her children was residing in the home, or that he was earning wages/income.  Jones subsequently received $17,197.00 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to.

Arctic Refrigeration Co. of Batavia and the Mager family delivered a $2,310 donation today to Crossroads House.

Half of the money came from family members, a donation in lieu of Christmas presents to each other, and half came from the proceeds of the annual Henry J. Mager Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament.

After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, the golf tournament, founded in 2010, will return this September.  Named after the founder of Arctic Refrigeration, proceeds from the tournament are used to fund scholarships for students from Batavia High School or GVBOCES who are intent are pursuing a career in a trade, such as construction engineering, architecture, HVAC, automotive, building, agriculture, or energy.  

Fundraising has been more difficult during the pandemic, said Diane Sia, a staff member at Crossroads House, and donations by families and businesses such as the Magers set an example for what others can do to help organizations in the community.

"That is huge in our books," Sia said.

Photo by Howard Owens. From left, Emily Crawford and Diane Sia, with Crossroads House, and Jon Mager and Teresa Tamfer.

Press release:

If you are someone who is civic-minded, independent, ambitious, enjoys exploring creative solutions to problems, and wants to make an impact in your community, we want to talk to you about running for local office.

If you are interested in getting involved politically in any capacity, please reach out to us at geneseenydemocrats@gmail.com or www.geneseedemocrats.net

The following local elected offices will be voted on in November 2022. 

• City Council at Large

• City Council 6th Ward Representative

Tara Lyn Robinson, 29, of Genesee Street, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of a noxious material. Robinson is accused of using pepper spray on another person without proper justification during an incident reported at 10:36 a.m., Feb. 10, at a location on Genesee Street, Pembroke. Robinson was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and released on her own recognizance.

Matthew J. Sanchez-Sanquiche, 25, of Batavia, is charged with Burglary 2nd, robbery 3rd, criminal contempt 1st, and criminal contempt 2nd. Sanchez-Sanquiche allegedly violated an order of protection at 3:59 p.m., Jan. 20, at a location on North Spruce Street, Batavia, by striking a person multiple times in the cause causing an injury. He also allegedly took the victim's phone during the incident. There were also allegedly children in the residence who are protected by stay-away orders. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $15,000 bail, $30,000 bond, or $60,000 partially secured bond.

Lyndsay T. Young, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Young is accused of making numerous calls to a person thereby violating an order of protection. Young was also arrested on two warrants for alleged failure to appear. Young was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision. 

Christina Sanchez-Anderson, 33, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Sanchez-Anderson was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported at 3:18 p.m., Oct. 11. She was arraigned in City Court and ordered jailed on $1 bail.

Jessica L. Holtz, 38, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Holtz was taken into custody by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and turned over to Batavia PD on two warrants stemming from an incident reported at 7:42 a.m., Nov. 27 on South Swan Street, Batavia, and at 10:44 p.m., Nov. 18, on Jackson Street, Batavia. Holtz was arraigned in City Court and released.

Daniel T. Henning, 41, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th. Henning was arrested on a warrant following an investigation. He is accused of stealing property from a residence in Batavia and then found in possession of it at noon, Dec. 22, at a location on Veterans Memorial Drive. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and released under supervision.

William Ramson Dieter, 48, of Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with harassment 2nd. Dieter is accused of putting his hand on another person's neck and pushing her into a wall during an incident reported at 12:15 a.m., Feb. 5, at a residence on South Pearl Street, Oakfield. Dieter was arraigned in Town of Oakfield Court and released on his own recognizance.

Rafael Eliseo Colon, 39, of Grant Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Colon is accused of violating an order of protection at 8:46 p.m., Feb. 5, at a residence on Prestige Crossing, Batavia. Colon was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court. There is no information available on his release status.

Travis C. Wissinger, 22, of Medina, is charged with DWI. Wissinger was stopped at 3:09 p.m., Feb. 7, in the Town of Alabama by State Police. He was issued an appearance ticket. No further information released.

Of the myriad weight loss apps, programs, diets and routines out there, many people still fail to achieve long-lasting success, and Nancy Fallon, certified coach and manager of the Ideal Me Weight Loss Clinic in Batavia, believes there can be another outcome, she says.

“The Ideal Me protocol is a science-based program designed to help you lose weight by resetting your body to lose fat,” Fallon said during an interview with The Batavian. “It’s a three-phase approach to losing weight, and, most importantly, learning how to  keep it off. We’re excited about it. When you lose those initial pounds, it gives you the motivation to keep going.”

Ideal Me Weight Loss is part of Guler Cardiology and Wellness at 34 Swan St., Batavia. It’s a branch of the Ideal Protein of America company, which focuses on fat-burning through an initially low-carb, higher protein food program.

Unlike many of those other programs, Fallon said this one provides one-on-one counseling and the education necessary to keep clients on track with a life-changing transformation. The three phases start with the actual weight loss; that is achieved by getting the body into ketosis with a quality protein meal plan of three “Ideal Me Protein” products, plus vegetables and proteins such as chicken, beef, or fish. That initial phase includes a review of the client’s health history, weight loss goals, and food preferences. For example, there are gluten-free and vegetarian options for those clients who need them. 

Phase II is to stabilize that weight loss by re-introducing carbs — low glycemic carbs — to the meal plan and drop to two Ideal Me Protein foods per day; and the third phase is to sustain the weight loss by making healthier food choices, writing in a food journal and maintaining a weekly check-in with a certified coach, she said. 

The program is overseen by a medical physician, Dr. Ahmet Guler. There is “a huge epidemic” of people being overweight and obese throughout this country, he said, and that leads to many different illnesses.

“Heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation, and the list goes on,” Guler said. “So with all that in mind, what our goal here, or our vision here, is, basically, how can we get our communities healthy.”

The answer was discovered with the Ideal Protein of America program as a way to improve the local population’s diet and ultimately reach a healthier weight, he said. The program decreases highly saturated fats and carbohydrates and increases proteins and low-carb fruits and vegetables, supplemented with protein-based snacks and desserts. In turn, by doing that, those symptoms of hypertension, diabetes and/or high cholesterol might also improve, Dr. Guler said.

His philosophy is that people who are overweight also often move less as a result, which leads to other problems. So by attacking the cause — the weight — the issues of painful hips and knees, heart disease, and other ills have a better chance of improving, he said.

“So if we could help you lose that weight in a healthy way, in a scientifically proven way, then basically, you may have a chance, a second chance, at life in terms of motivating yourself to start moving,” he said. “And as you move, it might motivate you to do more exercise. And if you do more exercise or cardio exercise, then your overall health just may improve. So that's basically the gist of it.”

The Ideal Me program is a one-year package deal that includes a variety of 70 Ideal Protein foods of salty, savory, chewy, crispy, and/or sweet tastes; plus vitamin and mineral supplements, and one-on-one sessions with the coach. Does it mean never eating fast food again? Not necessarily. However, the coach and program material will teach you how to make healthier choices for overall better health, he said. 

Fallon experienced first-hand how the program worked, and has gone from client to cheerleader and coach for its effectiveness.

“I did the program four years ago, and I lost 35 pounds. My bloodwork was better than it ever has been in years,” adding what made the difference for her. “I could still have those little treats I liked, the chocolate products I was able to have.”

She also believes that the program strays from others by offering individualized plans, accountability and motivation depending on clients’ needs. Seminars on the program are being offered every two weeks at the wellness center. Prospective clients will be able to sample products and hear more about the program, she said.

For more information or to sign up for a seminar, call (585) 250-4567 or email gulercardiology@gmail.com.

Top photo: Dr. Ahmet Guler and Nancy Fallon celebrate the addition of the Ideal Me Weight Loss Clinic at Guler Cardiology and Wellness at 34 Swan St., Batavia. The clinic (and one in Warsaw) is the "only one in this area" between Buffalo and Rochester, Guler said. Photo by Howard Owens.  

A Batavia patrol officer reports that a complaint about the welfare of some kids at a local residence proved to be unfounded.

We didn't catch the location.

The children were fine, the officer stated.

"If Miss (name redacted) calls in again, be advised it's probably because the neighbor didn't give her any cigarettes," the officer informed a dispatcher.

A couple of dozen faculty and staff members at John Kennedy Intermediate School took the plunge -- the Polar Plunge -- today after school to help raise money for Special Olympics.

Through sponsorship donations from their colleagues, the participants were sprayed with water from the City of Batavia ladder truck for 60 seconds.

Last year, the school raised more than $10,000 through the event and they got close to $10,000 again this year.

Shawntisha M. Gray, 30, of Apple Street, Syracuse, is charged with petit larceny. Gray is accused of shoplifting from Dick's Sporting Goods in Batavia at 6:59 p.m., Feb. 8. Gray was issued an appearance ticket.

Charles Timothy Kuhn, 47, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Kuhn was arrested by Deputy David Moore after dispatchers received a report of a vehicle off the road at 11:22 p.m., Feb. 8, on Sprauge Road, Alexander. Kuhn was released on an appearance ticket.

Press release:

Officials from Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel have announced that they have entered into an agreement with the Riviera Theatre, located in North Tonawanda, NY whereby both properties will help promote each other’s musical events.

Each Riviera Ticket will have a free play coupon, valid at Batavia Downs, for attendees of the Riviera’s events.  Riviera will also display signage onsite noting Batavia Downs as a major sponsor of their facility.  General Admission Tickets will also be on sale for the Michael DelGuidice Show (Celebrating the music of Billy Joel) at the Riviera Box office for the discount price of $10. 

Batavia Downs will be giving away tickets to select Riviera events to customers via drawings, all while advertising those upcoming events on their website and social media pages. 

“The live entertainment industry is coming back in a big way, “said Henry Wojtaszek, President and CEO for Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel. “We hope that by partnering with another facility we are able to help a fellow venue owner, and also provide more prizes in the form of Riviera tickets to our great guests here.  We want the people of Western New York to continue to support local live events which keep so many of our friends and neighbors employed.”

"Batavia Downs has been a major sponsor for the Riviera Theatre over the last three years, " said Riviera Theatre Executive Director David Fillenwarth.  "We are excited to partner with Batavia Downs to collaborate and help each other market our shows. The entertainment industry struggled as a whole the last two years and we are always looking for new ways to promote and host great concerts. Batavia Downs shares that same vision and this will open the door for bigger and better things to come in the future at both venues. I think we can all agree that there is always room for more live concerts in our lives."

Officials from Batavia Downs also announced continuing promotions for purchasing tickets at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop in the Batavia Downs lobby through Valentine’s Day with $15 in Free Play for each ticket purchased.

Those wishing to buy tickets online for upcoming Batavia Downs Events can visit https://www.bataviaconcerts.com.  Tickets for upcoming Riviera Theatre Events can be found at www.rivieratheatre.org/upcoming-events/.  Tickets for select events at the Riviera Theatre are given away via drawings on Wednesday nights at Batavia Downs.

Submitted photo.

Genesee Symphony Orchestra’s concert this weekend will pay homage to a Batavian who served as the group’s historian and board member in the early 1990s and again in 2000 when she chaired the group’s 60th-anniversary dinner, member Roxie Choate says.

The orchestra program will include a note to honor Leona Pastore, who died Sunday, Feb. 6, after an active life of 94 years. Choate surmised what it would say.

“We honor the memory of Leona Pastore, a longtime supporter in every way for the GSO. She wanted the GSO to succeed in every manner,” Choate said to The Batavian Wednesday. “She worked hard for the musicians, and was always very dedicated.”

The concert is set for 4 p.m. Sunday at Genesee Community College, 1 College Drive, Batavia, with a pre-concert chat at 3:20 p.m.

An article in the GSO history notebooks includes a concert review written by Maurice Nicholson in 1953. Nicholson raved about guest soloists Paul Ruhland, a baritone, and “Mrs. Leona Azzi Pastore's" coloratura soprano. “Her lovely voice wafted through the air like a zephyr,” Nicholson wrote.

“And, judging from the applause, won the complete approval of the audience,” he said. “Her coloratura work in the Herbert number was well near perfect as was her interpretation of the Romberg melody.”

One of Pastore’s favorite quotes was that life is a song and love is music. She shared that love as a guest soloist for GSO, produced and performed on WBTA radio with her own show, was the soloist for the Genesee Chorale and Ars Nova Singers.  She also became an organist for St. Anthony’s Church and appeared in many Rotary Club Broadway local productions, including Brigadoon, Mame, Camelot, and Sound of Music.

She was recognized as an outstanding Italian American by the Paolo Busti Foundation for her accomplishments in music and was associated with the late author John Gardner’s Memorial Society. Society members often met at the Pok-A-Dot in Batavia, which was founded by Pastore and her late husband Philip. After his death in 2018, Leona carried on the Ellicott Street tradition of beef-on-weck and another popular fare in a low-key, friendly environment. 

Pastore’s passion for music began at the age of seven in a performance of The Little Drummer Boy and at 11, she joined the St. Anthony’s Senior Choir, becoming a soloist performing at all church functions. In her senior year, she became the soloist with The Choristers of Rochester Civic Orchestra, where she sang for multiple organizations, churches, and functions throughout the state.

After graduation from High School, she went on to study at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. where she majored in voice. Upon finishing college, she married her husband Philip and began raising her family, all while remaining active in her church and St. Anthony’s School, where she became President of the PTA.

Pastore was also known as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.

For the full obituary, go to: 
https://www.thebatavian.com/obituaries

Top photo depicts soloists Paul Ruhland and Leona Pastore in a 1953 program. Courtesy of Genesee Symphony Orchestra.

File Photo: Paulette Pastore, Leona Pastore, and Phyllis Pastore-Beers outside the Pok-A-Dot in July, 2021

Jaylene Dersham scored 20 points on Tuesday to help Batavia beat Greece Arcadia 49-29 in girls basketball.

Jaimin Macdonald scored 12 points.

Photos by Steve Ognibnee. To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press release:

On Feb. 9 at 3:43 p.m, the Batavia Police Department responded to an address on Wallace Street for the report of a male who had been shot.

After arriving on location officers were not able to locate a victim. Officers conducted interviews with residents in the area and were able to determine that the call was placed by a juvenile.

That juvenile has since been identified and located.

It has been determined that the call was a false report and that there was not a threat to public safety in the area at the time of the call.

The Batavia Police Department would like to thank the residents in the area for their cooperation and assistance, as it helped bring quick closure to the incident.

The old Genesee County Courthouse will be lit up for the next of couple nights in honor of the annual "Shooting for a Cure" pink basketball game this Friday night at Pembroke High School. 

Proceeds will go to cancer research for Roswell Park in Buffalo.

Press release:

On Feb 3, the Batavia Police Department K-9 Batu and handler Officer Stephen Quider received a donation from St. Joe's 6th-grade class in the amount of $181.

The funds were raised by the class to assist the City's K-9 Program with items such as food and veterinary bills for K-9 Batu.

K-9 Batu and Officer Quider are trained to assist the patrol officers with the tracking of individuals, locating items such as stolen property or items hidden by suspects, as well as handler defense when needed.

"K-9 Batu has quickly become an asset to the community and the support is greatly appreciated." stated Chief Shawn Heubusch, "Our program would not be possible without the support of the amazing members of our community that has stepped up to help out. I want to personally thank all the staff and students at St. Joe's for their kind donation."

If you are interested in donating to the City of Batavia Police K-9 fund please contact the Department at 585-345-6356 or email rpatterson@batavianewyork.com to learn how.

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Newton’s third law states that for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction, and a downtown business owner has reacted to the ugliness of a pandemic with the beauty of local art displayed for all to see.

Enter Brian Kemp, owner of T-Shirts, Etc., and his employee Melissa Flint. By way of a brainstorming session last year, the pair created the TableTop Art Show in response to so many art galleries being closed due to COVID-19 protocols. It’s an event meant to highlight area artists and connect them to the community via in-person and online shows, business sponsorships and restaurants-turned-galleries.  

The tabletop idea is perhaps a bit of genius: invite artists to submit their works for a show, award prizes for the top three works, and about 15 of them get chosen for a wall display and placemat to be used at area restaurants. Patrons can view those top contenders in person while eating a meal, and then visit the online site to see all of the submitted pieces. 

“It’s really putting this artwork in front of people who wouldn’t get to see it,” Kemp said during an interview with The Batavian. “I want to make it a show of the year, and I  hope the interest increases. Some of the pieces will be available to buy. I just really want to feature artists.”

Kemp and Flint developed and implemented the idea a year ago. Batavia Society of Artists hosted the show in 2021 and provided the contributing artists. This year the show is open to all regional artists, and at no charge. Money raised from sponsorships goes toward prizes of $200, $100, and $50 for first, second, and third place, respectively. 

The Tabletop Art Show, now in its second year, came about as a solution to the lack of venues available for art displays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Creators Kemp and Flint kicked around some ideas and landed on the tabletop concept. It has grown since last year, Kemp said, and has pulled along an increasing list of participants.
There are 23 restaurants signed up this year to display the placemats at their establishments. Eli Fish Brewing Company will serve as host to selected artwork during March, and other businesses will support the event as sponsors. 

For anyone who has visited Kemp’s business, T-Shirts Etc. on Center Street, Batavia, it seems rather clear that he values local art. There are original pieces on his walls, and displays of last year’s TableTop artwork. 

This year’s show debuts and runs through March, chosen as the tabletop signature month for the yearly event. This is a way to display artist works — “bring art to the people” — and grace several restaurant tables with some local talent, Kemp said. 

Artists may submit up to three pieces each by Feb. 13, and all of those will be featured in a virtual portion of the show. Spectators will have more than a passive role of viewing; they will get to vote for a People’s Choice Award from March 1 to 31. Just 15 of all submitted works will be selected by the TableTop Art Show crew and shown off on placemats and the walls of Eli Fish Brewing Company at 109 Main St., Batavia.  

Anyone interested in sponsoring this show or participating as a tabletop restaurant may still have an opportunity to do so. For more information or for an artwork submission form, go to: https://tabletopartshow.secure-decoration.com/

Top photo: Business owner Brian Kemp shows off last year's placemat artworks that debuted at local restaurants for the inaugural TableTop Art Show. He's hoping that this year reaps even more artist pieces, community support and interest. Deadline for submissions is Feb 13. Photo by Howard Owens.

Antwoine Kush, 19, of Lockport, is charged with criminal contempt 1st, burglary 2nd, unlawful imprisonment, and robbery 3rd. Kush was arrested on a warrant in Savannah, Ga., and extradited back to Batavia, on charges stemming from an incident reported at 5:08 a.m., Dec. 16, on East Main Street, Batavia.  He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $25,000 bail, $50,000 bond, or $75,000 partially secured bond.  He was also arrested and arraigned on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on a prior arrest.

Antwan L. Odom, 21, of Batavia, is charged with assault 3rd.  Odom is accused of striking a neighbor in the face with a fist causing a physical injury at 12:25 p.m., Jan. 25, on Miller Avenue, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. 

Isaac D. Abrams, 21, of Alabama, is charged with burglary 1st. Abrams was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 9:48 p.m., Dec. 28, in Alabama. He was ordered held in jail. No further details released.

Stephen Gerard Ognibene, 64, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal purchase or disposal of a firearm and failure to report a lost or stolen firearm.  On Dec. 15, deputies Erik Andre and Jeremiah Gechell began an investigation into unaccounted handguns stemming from a criminal contempt arrest. It's alleged that Ognibene unlawfully disposed of two revolvers to an individual who could not legally possess firearms and failed to report to law enforcement that the firearms were lost or stolen. He was arraigned in City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Virginia Steen, 52, of Gilbert Street, Le Roy, is charged with harassment 2nd and criminal contempt 2nd. Steen is accused of tampering with the property of another person in a common area of a residence on Gilbert Street, Le Roy, at 1 a.m., Feb. 6. The action allegedly violated an order of protection. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Jose Antonio Cruz, 28, of Linwood Road, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny. Cruz is accused of stealing from a business where he was employed on West Main Street, Le Roy, at 5 p.m., Feb. 1. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Quincy R. Byrd, 26, of Bacon Street, Le Roy, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Byrd is accused of driving a 2005 Toyota Camry without permission of its owner at about 3 p.m., Feb. 5, on Bacon Street, Le Roy. After being arraigned in Le Roy Town Court, Byrd was released to Lockport PD on an arrest warrant.

John A. Cabrera, Sr., 54, of Batavia, is charged petit larceny. Cabrera is accused of stealing two frozen pizzas and three cans of beer from a business on Ellicott Street, Batavia, at 11:36 a.m., Feb. 3. he was issued an appearance ticket.

Chantalle J. Bessil, 27, of Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest, and suspended registration. Bessil was stopped at 9:29 pm., Feb. 1, on East Main Street by a Batavia PD patrol. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Carlene V. Santiago, 32, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Santiago was arrested on a warrant stemming from an incident reported at 3:19 p.m., March 17, on Vine Street, Batavia. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance.

Talana J. Savery, 22, of Fulton, is charged with failure to appear. Savery was arrested on a warrant after turning herself into Batavia PD. She was arraigned in City Court and released on her own recognizance. 

Shawn M. Twardowski, 39, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Twardowski is accused of stealing beer from a business on East Main Street, Batavia, at 9:32 a.m., Jan. 26. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Gregory Reese, 52, of Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Reese was arrested on a warrant for alleged aggravated unlicensed operation in the City of Batavia at 12:23 a.m., Jan. 30, 2021, on Ellicott Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance.

Andrew J. Draper, no age provided, of Batavia, and Crystal A. Mounts, no age provided, of Batavia, are both charged with petit larceny. Draper and Mounts are accused of stealing at 1:46 p.m., Jan. 29, from a business on Ellicott Street, Batavia. They attempted to leave the store with more than $700 worth of merchandise.  They were issued appearance tickets.

John Kenneth Hobbs, 34, of Clinton Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Hobbs was allegedly found in the presence of a protected party when authorities responded to a residence on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, for a medical emergency at 9:20 p.m., Feb. 1. He was arraigned in Batavia Town Court and ordered held on bail.

A 15-year-old male resident of Alabama is charged with promotion of a sexual performance of a child less than 17 and possession of sexual performance by a child. The youth was arrested by State Police in connection with an investigation begun at 7:28 p.m., Sept. 16, in the Town of Alabama.  The youth was issued an appearance ticket. No further details were released.

Manzel R. Maxwell, 30, of Rochester, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Maxwell is charged with a theft committed at 1:20 p.m., Dec. 6, in the Town of Batavia. The investigation is ongoing by State Police. No further details released.

Among the vendors at yesterday's Volunteers for Animals Vendor Fair, hosted by Batavia Downs, were Brock Bucceri and Hunter Wagner making their vendor show debut as entrepreneurs. 

During the pandemic, Bucceri and Wagner (along with friend Gavin Beck, not pictured) decided to start making their own fishing lures.

"We spent a lot of money on fishing lures at Dick's and Cabela's where a frog can cost up to $12," said 13-year-old Bucceri. "So we said, 'let's make some money off of it and we can get some free lures."

The trio makes the senkos they sell themselves. They design the frogs and have them custom manufactured, which they sell for $8.99.

Yeah, that's cheaper than the big retailers but Bucceri said they're still making money -- mostly with sales through Etsy -- because their frogs sell.

The first-ever vendor fair was a big success, according to Angie Knisley, who organized the event for Volunteers for Animals.  It raised more than $2,000 and the more than 300 people who attended brought in a large amount of food and other pet-care donations.

Traffic was tied up at West Main and Lewiston, Batavia, for about 20 minutes after a two-car accident at about 3:30 p.m. today.

No injuries were reported.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department will be repairing a water main break on Oak Street, in the southbound lane in the area of Noonan Drive on Monday, February 7, 2022.  There is the potential that the water may need to be shut off on Oak Street, from Union Street heading north to the City line.  In addition, the water shut-off would also impact all of Noonan Drive.

The length of time the water will be off is unknown.

Traffic will also be impacted in the area of Oak Street and Noonan Drive in the form of lane closures or lane shifts while the repairs are being made.

As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored.  Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.

We apologize for any inconvenience and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.