batavia
HF-L ends Batavia's sectional title chances 49-28
Batavia and Honeoye Falls-Lima went toe-to-toe throughout much of the first half of Saturday's Section V championship game at HFL, but a touchdown as the clock expired at the end of the second quarter gave the Cougars a lead they would never relinquish.
By the end, it was HFL 49, the Blue Devils 28.
Terrez Smith ran 17 times for 133 yards and TD and Jesse Reinhart was 12-16 passing for 104 yards and two TDs.
Aiden Anderson carried the ball four times for 80 yards, including a 75-yard TD in the fourth quarter that briefly put Batavia back in striking distance.
Alex Hale had a TD catch on three receptions for 31 yards.
To view or purchase prints, click here.
Photos by Steve Ognibene.
First Communicants celebrate Mass this morning at St. Mary's
Submitted photos and information.
Photos of First Communicants this morning at the Liturgy of the Eucharist at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
Above and below, Catechist Marie Bigsby presenting certificates to the children.
Above, Miles and Lena Meyer kneeling in prayer.
Above, Miles Meyer receives the Holy Eucharist during Communion from Deacon Henry Moscicki at the Celebration of Mass this morning at St. Mary's.
Above, a boy receives the Holy Eucharist during Communion from Deacon Henry Moscicki at the Celebration of Mass this morning at St. Mary's.
Above, Deacon Henry Moscicki with Miles Meyer reading the Prayers of the Faithful.
Above, Deacon Henry Moscicki giving the homily.
Father Bob Waters at the altar.
Young parishioners took part in Sacrament of Penance today at St. Mary's church
Photos and information from Jason Smith:
Congratulations to our young parishioners who made their First Reconciliation* today at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Batavia.
Thanks to teacher Jane Balbick, Deacon Henry Moscicki and Father Ivan Trujillo, pastor.
*Also commonly called the Sacrament of Penance or Confession.
Grand Jury: Man accused of injuring officer trying to arrest him, woman accused of attempted murder in Elba
Qumane J. Santiago is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 23 in the City of Batavia that Santiago intentionally tried to prevent a police officer from perfoming his lawful duty and caused physical injury to the police officer. In count two, he is accused of the same crime involving another person. In count three, Santiago is accused of resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally attempting to prevent a police officer from making an arrest. In count four, the defendant is accused of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, another Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally obstructing a public servant from performing an official function by means of intimidation, physical force, interference or any independently unlawful act. In count five, he is accused of fourth-degree criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly intentionally damaging another person's property -- a flat screen television, lights, lamps and picture frames.
Colleen L. Nelson is indicted for the crime of attempted murder in the second degree, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on July 29 in the Town of Elba that Nelson acted intentionally to cause the death of another person by engaging in criminal conduct to cause death. In count two, Nelson is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a Class A misdemeanor, for allegedly possessing a dagger, dangerous knife, razor, stiletto, imitation pistol or other dangerous instrument that day to use intentionally and unlawfully against a person.
Derek Melendez is indicted for the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 29 in the Town of Bergen that he stole a credit card belonging to another person. In count two, Melendez is accused of second-degree burglary -- illegal entry into a building, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged in count two that on that day he entered a dwelling on West Bergen Road with the intent to commit a crime. In count three, Melendez is accused of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, a Class D felony, for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property valued at more than $3,000. In count four, the defendant is accused of driving while ability impaired by drugs for allegedly driving a 2020 Nissan Altima with Maryland license plates while his ability was impaired by drugs.
Greg R. Solomonidis is indicted for the crime of second-degree assault, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on July 22 in the Town of Alexander that the defendant intentionally injured another person.
Madalyn R. Muntz is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 12 in the City of Batavia that Muntz knowingly and unlawfully possessed a narcotic drug -- cocaine -- with intent to sell it. In count two, Muntz is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. It is alleged in count two that on that day she knowingly and intentionally possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing a narcotic drug -- cocaine, which had an aggregate weight of one-eighth ounce or more. In count three, Muntz is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. It is alleged in count three that on that day she knowingly and unlawfully possessed a controlled substance -- buprenorphine and Naloxone.
Jose A. Rivera is indicted for the crime of second-degree burglary, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Jan. 10 in the City of Batavia Rivera unlawfully entered a building on Swan Street intending to commit a crime. In count two, Rivera is accused of second-degree criminal contempt for allegedly intentionally disobeying a court order of protection.
James D. Weathers and Ayeola N. Williams are indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a Class C violent felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 31 in the Town of Stafford that they knowingly possessed a loaded firearm -- a Glock 19 handgun. In count two, only Williams is accused of driving while ability impaired by alcohol, in a 2019 Volkswagon Jetta on Clinton Street Road.
Mark D. Tooley is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony, for allegedly operating a 2007 Honda Nov. 19 on West Main Street Road, Town of Batavia, while he was intoxicated. In count two, Tooley is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In count three, Tooley is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, also a Class E felony, for allegedly driving that day while knowing his driver's license was suspended or revoked by authorities and while he was under the influence of alcohol or a drug. In count four, Tooley is accused of false personation, a Class B misdemeanor, for allegedly knowingly and intentionally misrepresenting his name, birth day or address to a police officer, after being informed of the consquences of doing so. In count five, the defendant is accused of unlawfully fleeing from a police officer, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on that day, when he was directed to stop his vehicle by a marked police vehicle, he allegedly attempted to flee, driving at speeds of 25 mph or more above the speed limit. In count six, the defendant is accused of speeding, a violation, for allegedly driving at speeds in excess of 55 mph -- to wit, 100 mph. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Tooley is accused of having been convicted of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a Class D felony, on Nov. 29, 2011 in Genesee County Court and that conviction forms the basis for the license suspension or revocation, which remains in effect, and is referred to in count three of the current indictment.
Sharada M. Crumpler is indicted for the crime of driving while intoxicated as a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 21 Crumpler drove a 2020 Nissan with Tennessee license plates on I-90 in the Town of Le Roy while in an intoxicated condition. In count two she is accused of DWI, per se, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 percent or more at the time. In count three, Crumpler is accused of speeding, a violation, for driving that day at a speed greater than was reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions. In count four, she is accused of the same violation for driving in excess of the maximum established speed limit for that public highway -- 118 mph in a 65-mph zone. In Special Information filed by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, Crumpler is accused of having been convicted of DWI, as a misdemeanor, on Sept. 30, 2015 in City of Rochester Court, and that conviction was within 10 years of the crimes alleged in the current indictment.
Jeremiah N. Walker and Samid P. Graves are indicted for the crime of fourth-degree grand larceny, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Oct. 28 at Tops Friendly Market on Main Street in Le Roy that they stole property with a value exceeding $1,000, to wit: $1,058.35 worth of property.
Cornell extension's Spring Garden Gala is May 15 rain or shine, also Basket Auction, soil tests, garden book sale
Press release:
Rain or shine, the Genesee County Master Gardeners will once again be hosting their annual Spring Garden Gala on Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County office, located at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.
This annual plant sale features a variety of perennials, many of which are from the gardens of Master Gardeners. There will also be a selection of house plants.
Plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. on the front lawn of the CCE office. No early birds please.
Visit the Basket Auction for garden art, gift certificates and a variety of themed baskets. Gently used garden books will also be for sale.
Our Basket Auction will be held inside the CCE building so you might have to wait your turn to check it out. Basket Auction drawing starts at 12:30 p.m. We will not be able to accommodate people inside during the drawing. Winners will be called the following week.
Drop off a soil sample from your garden or lawn for a free pH test. A half-cup sample of your garden soil in a clean container is plenty. Master Gardener volunteers will be available to answer your gardening questions during the sale.
Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants at great prices, plus garden art and other interesting items. Arrive at 10 a.m. for the best plant selection. Proceeds from the sale benefit the educational outreach of the Genesee County Master Gardener Program.
In keeping with NYS Guidelines, occupancy limits will be observed. Please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. We will be collecting contact tracing information.
Thank you for your cooperation and support!
For more information contact Jan Beglinger at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, or stop by the Extension office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia. Visit our website for more information.
APB: Coddling mom misses 'GiGi' -- a shih tzu who's now a fugitive from pampering
UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: Confirmed with caretaker Colleen Henderson that lil' miss GiGi is home safely and all is well. Thank you to all who helped out!
An itsy-bitsy tan shih tzu -- aka the "chrysanthemum dog" -- is running helter-skelter somewhere in the city after making a mad dash out the front door of her home yesterday.
"GiGi," resplendant in a purple doggie shirt and pink collar, is 6 years old and recuperating from bladder stone removal surgery a week ago. She needs her medication.
GiGi lives on Vine Street in the city; at last glimpse, her neighbors saw her at Vine and North Street heading toward Summit.
Normally, she's home alone with mom, longtime community volunteer Peppi Palmer, to whom she is said to be "joined at the hip," metaphysically speaking.
But Palmer is in the hospital with an ankle injury, so her daughter-in-law, Colleen Henderson, drove up from Ohio to watch over the beloved "baby," who enjoys being gussied up in her cute outfits, playing with squeaky toys and eating homemade, peanut butter dog treats.
(Hear that? It's people saying "SPOILED!" in unison.)
Henderson's theory is that skittish GiGi was well aware mom was not in the house and hearing a car pull into the driveway, was anxious to meet up with mom. Instead it was Henderson at the door with a basket full of clothes for her stay, and when the door opened, out bolted GiGi.
"She booked it, so many people started chasing her -- that freaked her out," Henderson said. "She was running all over; even kids couldn't catch her."
The shy but sweet shih tzu, whose preferred gait is "moseying," became a little pistol, off to ends unknown -- sort of.
'Bold Adventure' for Timid Toy Breed
Apparently, GiGi has been spotted a few times. Kelly Hansen wrote The Batavian this afternoon to say:
"Within a short time, sightings of GiGi on her bold adventure began to be reported. She was seen on Washington Avenue, Bank Street, Summit Street, then she was spotted Downtown. After 4 p.m., she was seen running near Liberty Street by Crossroads House (where Palmer has lovingly volunteered), Ficarella's (Pizzeria), and near the (Mancuso's) Bowling Center..."
So, if you see this spiffy scamp -- "Please do not chase." -- call one of these phone numbers:
(440) 382-0398 (Colleen Henderson, daughter-in-law)
(585) 343-6803
(518) 698-9986 (Andrea Casey, daughter)
OR email the Volunteers For Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter: info@vol4animals.org
Batavia Staff Sgt. Phillip Gaudy in NY Guard receives Operational Support Medal
Major General Raymond F. Shields, the Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces recent awards and individual recognitions for members of the New York Guard state defense force for their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of New York State's military forces.
Staff Sgt. Phillip Gaudy, from Batavia, serving with the 10th Area Command, received the Operational Support Medal during recent unit training events.
The New York Guard is a force of 500 uniformed volunteers, organized as a military unit, who augment the New York National Guard during state emergencies.
They provide administrative and logistics support to the National Guard. Members of the New York Guard supported flood control efforts along the Lake Ontario shoreline this summer and have been part of the statewide COVID-19 pandemic response since March.
Unlike members of the New York National Guard, New York Guard members do not have a federal military role and do not deploy outside the state. New York Guard members usually train in a volunteer status and are only paid when they are placed on state duty during emergencies.
The New York Guard, which is one of 23 state defense forces around the country, is authorized to recruit just over 1,000 volunteers organized into units located across New York. Currently there are 500 New Nork Guard members.
About half of the New York Guard volunteers are former members of the active duty military or National Guard who bring a wealth of experience to the force while the other half have never served in the military. Previous military membership is not a requirement for New York Guard service.
People who have served in the military can serve in the New York Guard up until age 68. Those who have never served in the military must be between age 18 and age 55 to join.
The New York National Guard (New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs) is the state's executive agency responsible to the Governor for managing New York's Military Forces, which consists of nearly 20,000 members of the New York Army National Guard, the New York Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia and the New York Guard.
2017 BHS grad at UB honored as Outstanding Senior for Romance Languages and Literatures Department
Serena E. Strollo-DiCenso, a 2017 graduate of Batavia High School, daughter of Anita Strollo, of Batavia, and Joseph DiCenso, of Williamsville, was honored at a ceremony on April 27 at the University at Buffalo as the Outstanding Senior for the Romance Languages and Literatures Department at the University at Buffalo.
This award is given to one student in each of the 29 departments at the University. Strollo-DiCenso graduates magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences and Italian.
Strollo-DiCenso is a University Advanced Honors College Scholar, president and cofounder of the Italian Student Association and a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta Health Pre-Professional Honor Society.
She is a recipient of the President’s Circle Study Abroad Scholarship, the Linda Rock Scholarship and the George K. Fraley Scholarship, among others.
During the Spring 2020 semester, Strollo-DiCenso studied abroad in Florence, Italy. She also participated in research as an undergraduate scientist in Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
In the fall, Strollo-DiCenso will be pursuing a doctorate degree in medicine.
YMCA sets public fundraising goal of $1 million as Healthy Living Campus project moves forward
With close to 80 percent of its fundraising goal of $14 million in hand, the principals of the Healthy Living Campus for Downtown Batavia this morning announced the start of a public “community challenge” to bring in an additional $1 million.
“Today, on behalf of the GLOW YMCA, I am excited to announce that we are launching the public phase of the “Transforming Lives” campaign,” said Rob Walker, chief executive officer of the GLOW YMCA. “This campaign will allow the Y to build a Healthy Living Campus in Downtown Batavia, in partnership with Rochester Regional Health’s United Memorial Medical Center.”
The $30 million project, which is a key component of the city’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award from New York State, will integrate services provided by the two entities under one extremely large roof. Construction is slated to begin this fall, with completion anticipated for some time in 2023.
The two-story building will cover a distance starting just east of the current YMCA and extending all the way to Wiard Street. Twenty thousand square feet of space will be available for hospital services and 60,000 square feet of space will be utilized by the YMCA.
Walker, during a 30-minute event for local media, said the YMCA “dedicated” volunteers have raised more than $11 million toward our $14 million fundraising goal.
“With us nearing the goal, we are now here to ask the community for support to help us reach our public phase goal of $1 million,” he said. “In addition, we are excited to share a donor match challenge. With the generous support of Peter Zeliff, we have a community challenge to support the new YMCA. Until September 2021, his support will match dollar-for-dollar all new gifts up to $500,000.”
Zeliff: We Need the Y for the Kids
Contacted by telephone this afternoon, Zeliff, chair of the Genesee County Economic Development Center Board of Directors and developer of the Oakwood Estates housing complex on East Main Street Road, said that in his view, it's all about providing opportunities for youth.
"I’ve lived in this area pretty much all of my life. I was born here and raised here, and I really think that this community needs the Y – mainly for kids," he said. "So, kids can have someplace to go and something to do. I believe in that project and I believe it will be good for Batavia and it will be good for Genesee County."
Zeliff said it is remarkable that $11 million has been raised thus far.
"When we started working on the Y project, myself and a bunch of other people thought that was an awful big ask for Genesee County residents to raise $14 million here. But, we’ve already raised over $11 million and that’s pretty amazing," he said.
Walker said that the timing of the project will “ultimately be determined by completion of the capital campaign.”
He then read a list of the planned services, starting with a state-of-the-art wellness center, indoor pool, group exercise studios, and gymnasium with indoor walking/running track.
Other features include a teaching kitchen, indoor playground, youth spaces, living room, and meeting rooms.
Integrated Services Under One Roof
“Our partnership with UMMC will provide primary care, behavioral health/crisis intervention services, telemedicine integration, cancer prevention outreach services, chronic illness services, and education services all in the same facility,” he said, noting that co-located services will include chronic disease management, rehabilitation, mental health, and community education.
“The new Y is for the children, adults, and families in our community. It will be a place for people from all walks of life to come together, gather and improve the quality of life,” he said.
UMMC President Dan Ireland predicted the Healthy Living Campus will be “a dynamic change to Downtown Batavia.”
“A thoughtful process has been undertaken to determine how to bring the right services that will complement each other,” he said. “So, as we look at our primary care center, which will grow and expand from what we offer today at Batavia Primary Care, it will allow more patient access, but also allow our doctors, our nurses, our resident physicians to leverage the work with the Y and integrate wellness and fitness into the regimens they use to care for patients.
“It’s a perfect match as we try to look holistically at people’s health to be able to then to work with Rob’s team to create ways and pathways for people to continue their journey to a healthier lifestyle.”
Ireland said an emphasis will be on cancer screenings, diabetic care, healthy eating, and education.
“There are a lot of ways to bring that all together, inclusive of our Baby Café, which will help breastfeeding moms – maybe the first time or subsequent times as they’re trying to work through the struggles that some people experience with breastfeeding, as well as leveraging from the childcare services that the YMCA offers for patients who are coming for visits at the hospital,” he explained.
Project Rep: Going for That Urban Feel
David Ciurzynski, design consultant and representative for both organizations, spoke about the look of the building prior to the fundraising appeal.
“We’re trying to bring in elements of the brick and the glass,” he said. “The brick is going to highlight the brick buildings and brick facades that we currently have on Main Street, Batavia – playing homage to the Seymour Building (GO ART! headquarters), which is a historic building. And then we have the glass and the panels, trying to mix of materials that give that urban feel – that modern, bright, fresh look that we want to achieve.”
Ciurzynski also reported on the last week’s initial site plan review by the City of Batavia Planning and Development Committee, stating the purpose was to help the PDC understand the status of the design process and to gain insight from the committee members.
“We are encouraged by their thoughtful questions and comments, such as the desire to enhance the project from Main Street,” he said. “We are working with the design team at CPL (Clark Patterson Lee) to develop concepts that enhance the entrance and Main Street courtyard. It is our hope that weather permitting, this courtyard can be utilized as an extension of our indoor program and activities.”
Board Director: A Transformative Build
Paul Marchese, chair of the Genesee Area YMCA Board of Directors, said he sees the campus as “the most transformative and impactive build in my history – and I’ve been living here all of my life.”
“I’m happy to support this project, which will significantly change Downtown. It is one of many investments that are going to reinvigorate Downtown. We think that our membership will significantly increase in factors. It is an amazing structure,” he said.
Walker said the YMCA was last renovated in 1975, He said he expects Downtown activity to triple once the campus is complete.
Plans call for the current YMCA to stay open until the new building is finished, meaning that there will be no disruption in services.
Others on hand for the announcement were Christopher White, chair of the GLOW YMCA Board of Directors; Paul Battaglia, capital campaign chair; and John Riter, capital campaign cochair.
Photo at top: Rob Walker addresses the media this morning. Middle: Walker and David Ciurzynski; Bottom: Dan Ireland and Walker. Photos by Mike Pettinella.
Northgate church holds Rummage Sale May 7 and 8 to benefit people in Gahanda, Rwanda
Press release:
Northgate Free Methodist Church will once again be holding a Rummage Sale that will be hosted at Northgate’s South Campus, located at 350 Bank St., Batavia.
The sale will take place Friday, May 7 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 8 from 8 a.m. - 12.p.m.
Donations were collected, sorted, and priced accordingly, all by a volunteer group out of Northgate.
All proceeds from this Rummage Sale will be donated to Northgate’s "Connected Community in Gahanda, Rwanda, Africa. Please consider joining Northgate for this sale and contributing to the livelihoods of those in Gahanda, Rwanda.
For further information, please contact the Northgate office at (585)343-4011 or email office@northgatefmc.com.
Two Genesee County students named to Winter 2021 Term dean's list at Elmira College
Press release:
Elmira College released its dean's list for Academic Achievement for the Winter 2021 Term. The dean's list recognizes full-time undergraduate students who were registered for at least 12 computable credit hours and who earned a term grade point average of 3.6 or higher.
Students recognized include:
- Lydia Milligan, of Pavilion
- Kyra Stella, of Batavia
Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 25-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 18 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries.
Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon.
Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.
Rockin' the Downs tickets go on sale 8 a.m. Thursday, two more Summer concerts added
Press release:
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel is pleased to announce the following additions to the upcoming Rockin’ the Downs Summer Concert Series.
Now kicking off the series on Friday June 11th is Almost Queen. The Ultimate Queen Tribute show delivers a live performance, showcasing signature four part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. Donning genuine costumes, Almost Queen recaptures the live energy and precision that is the Queen experience.
Closing the Summer Concert Series now on Aug. 27th will be American rock band The Spin Doctors, who will be making their Batavia Downs debut. Forming in the late '80s, this band went on to commercial success with chart topping hits like "Two Princes" and "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" from their smash hit album "Pocket Full of Kryptonite."
These two concerts are being put on in conjunction with Buffalo-based twenty6 Productions.
“We are excited to begin working with Batavia Downs," said CEO and Founder of twenty6 Productions, Josh Holtzman. “We know people have been waiting for the return of live events and we’re looking forward to putting on great shows at Batavia Downs while adhering to all the safety measures instituted by New York State.”
As per guidance from New York State, capacity for all concerts at this time will be 2,500 ticket holders but more tickets will be added if capacity increases. All concertgoers MUST show proof of:
- A negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of show time;
OR
- A negative Antigen COVID-19 test within six hours of show time;
OR
- Must show proof of completed immunization (14 days since final vaccination prior to event date).
There will be a Rapid Antigen test site in the parking lot the day of the concerts in order to allow ticket holders to get a rapid test on event dates. For concertgoers age 21+ with tickets each test costs $34.95. (For any New Yorker age 18 and up without a concert ticket, the rapid test costs $65.)
It his highly recommended that concertgoers get a vaccine or test prior to concert date in order to avoid any wait times on the day of the show. Concertgoers are responsible for scheduling and paying for any tests.
As per New York State Regulations, pairs of seats will be 6 feet apart and masks must be worn unless a person is seated and eating or drinking.
Beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 29th, tickets for all concerts already announced will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com. Tickets will be available for purchase at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop located in the lobby ONLY on concert days if any tickets remain unsold on concert date.
Due to limited capacity, concert attendees MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. A limit of four tickets purchased per person will be enforced.
If between now and the concert date the regulations change, then Batavia Downs will adopt any modifications. Ticket holders are encouraged to visit www.bataviadownsgaming.com or their social media pages to stay up to date on any new information.
New daily intercity bus service links Batavia en route to New York City starting May 12
Press release:
OurBus announced today a new cooperation with family-owned transportation company Niagara Scenic Tours to offer daily intercity bus service linking Batavia with seven cities in New York and one in Pennsylvania. The route goes through Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Batavia, Geneseo, Corning, Elmira, and in Pennsylvania -- Sayre, en route to New York City, starting May 12.
Also, passengers can make connections to points all across New York and New Jersey with stops at the Greater Binghamton Transportation Center in Binghamton and Bridge Plaza in Fort Lee, N.J.
OurBus’ technology and service empowers bus companies and local communities alike to increase regional transportation options, connecting people to jobs, medical appointments, and education in larger cities.
Niagara Scenic Tours’ high-end, charter-style motorcoaches will be used on the route, equipped with wifi, power outlets, and overhead storage. Passengers can book rides instantly, track the bus in real time, and rest assured with the best customer service in the industry, as reflected in OurBus’ 4.4/5 star rating from more than 8,000 riders.
“OurBus believes that movement is essential to human nature. And as people get vaccinated, they can finally travel to see their friends and family,” commented OurBus cofounder Axel Hellman. “This route will help people see those familiar faces as well as get back to work and school.”
Tickets are sold on OurBus.com or on the OurBus App, eliminating the hassles of buying paper tickets. OurBus rides can be cancelled or rescheduled without fees. Fares to New York start at $45, and vary based on demand. Rates for shorter trips to points within Western New York are as little as $7.
Starting May 12, buses to New York City depart daily from the Citgo station on Park Road in Batavia at 7:30 a.m.
“Our company has been serving the region for over 45 years with our charter and tour services," said Niagara Scenic Tours’ Vice President Hadley Bos-Fisher. "We are thrilled to offer a daily, express bus route to meet the transportation needs of our community.”
CDC guidelines for travel are in place, including enhanced cleaning procedures. Hand sanitizer is available on the bus, and passengers must wear a mask covering the mouth and nose at all times.
About OurBus
Rally and OurBus together represent the leading marketplace for regional travel in the United States. Founded in 2016, OurBus has a network of intercity services that connect 100+ locations. With their customer-first approach they disrupt the legacy incumbent companies and grow the intercity transportation market.
Search schedules and buy tickets at ourbus.com or the app. OurBus does not own or operate any buses, and employs no drivers or mechanics. Access brand guidelines, logos and media files here.
NIAGARA SCENIC TOURS, a locally owned and operated business, offers the personal touch that differentiates us from the competition. We have been serving the Western New York community and beyond for more than 45 years. Today, the company services transportation and travel needs throughout the greater Western New York area including the Greater Buffalo/Niagara region, Greater Rochester area, as well as Olean and Southern Tier New York State and Northwest Pennsylvania.
Blue Devils bury Newark in semifinal 43-13
The Blue Devils ran away from Newark at Van Detta Stadium on Saturday evening to secure a shot at another section title.
The final score, 43-13.
They next play Honeoye Fall/Lima at 7 p.m., Saturday, at HFL.
Terrez Smith scored on touchdown runs of 78 and 85 yards along with a 16-yard scamper and gained a total of 153 yards on 16 carries. Jesse Reinhart was 3-6 passing for 117 yards and two TDs. Tyler Budziniack gained 82 yards on his two TD receptions.
On defense, Kaden Marucci had 14 tackles. Mathew McWethy, seven, Dan Saeva, six, including a tackle for a safety, and Jayden Osborne had six. Reinhart had an interception.
Photos by Jim Burns. For more, click here.
Law and Order: Man accused of sexual abuse, another of choking a woman until she lost consciousness
Matthew Jacob Zon, 39, of East Main Street, Byron, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and third-degree assault. At 7:30 p.m. on April 23 Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a residence on East Main Street in Byron for a domestic incident. Zon was arrested and arraigned in Genesee County Court, where an order of protection was issued to the victim. Zon was released on his own recognizance and is due in Byron Town Court on June 16.
Olivia Carolan Delorme, 18, of Cockram Road, Byron, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. She was arrested at 4:25 p.m. on April 23 on Cockram Road following a domestic incident. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Byron Town Court on June 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig.
Joseph Michael Augastino, 31, of Mann Road, Akron, is charged with trespassing. At 5:37 p.m. on May 18 Genesee County Sheriff's deputies responded to an address in the Town of Batavia for a domestic incident. Augastino allegedly remained in the property after being told multiple times to leave. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Batavia Court on May 18. The case was handled by Deputy Zachary Hoy, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.
Adam Bart Thomas, no age provided, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree and disorderly conduct. At 12:11 a.m. on April 24, Thomas was arrested after he allegedly damaged property in a reckless manner at a hotel on Federal Drive in Batavia. He was released with an appearance ticket to be in Town of Batavia Court on May 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer David Moore, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.
Richard Burdick, 43, no address provided, was arrested at 10:13 a.m. April 14 on East Avenue in Batavia during a traffic stop in which drug narcotics were allegedly located in his vehicle. He is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Burdick was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Christopher Weigman, 32, no address provided, was arrested at 10:13 a.m. April 14 on East Avenue in Batavia during a traffic stop in which he was allegedly found to possess a controlled substance. He is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Lisa Fox, 49, no address provided, was arrested at 10:13 a.m. April 14 on East Avenue in Batavia during a traffic stop in which she was allegedly found to possess a controlled substance and a hypodermic instrument. She is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.
Dawn Lockwood, 51, no address provided, was arrested at 3:30 p.m. April 15 on Main Street in Batavia after she allegedly took money from another person under false pretenses and refused to return it. She is charged with petit larceny. Lockwood was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia City Court on May 4.
Michael Lytle, no age or address provided, was arrested at 8:45 p.m. April 18 in Batavia after it was reported that "he was kicked out of a local bar, then began being demonstrative in the parking lot, briefly leaving in a vehicle then returning." During an investigation, it was determined that Lytle was allegedly operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He is charged with driving while intoxicated and driving with a BAC of .08 percent or more. Lytle was issued traffic tickets then released. He is due in Batavia City Court on July 20.
Andrew William Taylor, 33, of Oak Orchard Road, Medina, is charged with petit larceny and criminal mischief. At 5 p.m. on April 21, Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Walmart for a larceny complaint. It is alleged that Taylor stole and damaged merchandise belonging to Walmart. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia Town Court on June 15. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Tower, assisted by Deputy Kyle Krzemien.
Portion of Upton Road in Batavia to close for more than four months for bridge replacement
From Laura A. Wadhams, P.E., assistant county engineer:
Upton Road between Route 33 and Rose Road in the Town of Batavia will be closed beginning May 3 through approximately Sept. 15th for a bridge replacement project.
The road will not be passable to regular traffic or emergency vehicles. A detour will be posted.
Photo: Memory of Joe Gerace lives on in annual Spaghetti Dinner
Holly Sharpe delivers two dinners to a customer Saturday evening during the annual Joe Gerace Spaghetti Dinner sale at Ascension Parish, an annual fundraiser for Genesee Cancer Assistance.