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Muckdogs announce ticket sales promotion and chances to win sports memorabilia

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release from the Batavia Muckdogs.

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced a ticket sales promotion, allowing fans the opportunity to win some great autographed sports memorabilia. Between today and June 15, fans who purchase one of four different ticket options, will be entered into a random drawing to win autographed items from past and present baseball stars!

Highlighting the promotion, any fan who purchases a season ticket between by June 15, will be entered into a drawing to win a baseball signed by former Muckdog and current Major League All-Star Ryan Howard for each seat purchased. Therefore, any fan who purchases four (4) season seats will be entered four times.

The Muckdogs are also offering chances to win other great items for fans purchasing mini-plans, coupon books and Opening Day tickets between now and June 15. Items for these ticket options are listed below:

  • Mini-plan purchases (either “Best of the Best” or “Friday Fireworks” packages) will be entered to win a baseball signed by former American League MVP Vladimir Guerrero.
  • Coupon book purchases (either box seats or general admission) will be entered to win a baseball signed by 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels.
  • Fans who purchase a ticket to Opening Day, June 17th, will be entered to win a baseball signed by former Major League Baseball outfielder and manager Lou Pinella.

Fans can purchase any of these ticket options by calling the Muckdogs box office at (585) 343-5454 or by visiting in person weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about the promotion, fans can call the Muckdogs front office at (585) 343-5454.

The Muckdogs open the 2011 season at Dwyer Stadium on Friday, June 17 against the Auburn Doubledays. Single game tickets for the Home Opener and all 38 Muckdogs home games are currently on sale.

Man being questioned by police bolts, leading to multi-agency manhunt near Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

One of three people being questioned by a Batavia police officer at the Days Inn of Oak Street near the Thruway decided to run, leading to a multi-agency manhunt that lasted less than 30 minutes shortly before 1 p.m.

Officer Dan Coffey had been dispatched to the Days Inn to ask three guests who had overstayed their welcome to leave. While doing a wants and warrants check on the three people, one of them took off. Coffey observed the suspect run to a gray Dodge Durango parked behind the hotel and grab something from the vehicle, leading officers to worry that the suspect had grabbed a weapon.

The man, whose identity has not been released yet, then headed toward the Thruway toll booths. At some point, he fell into or ran through a body of water. He then ran across the Thruway near the Route 98 overpass and was last seen in a farm field just north of the Thruway.

By that time, back-up had arrived from the Batavia PD, Sheriff's Office and State Police.  The field was surrounded by officers and the State Police helicopter was called in.

Within minutes of the helicopter arriving, the suspect, who had been lying in the long grass of the field, stood up and tried to run again. He was immediately apprehended by police.

The other two individuals were detained at the hotel, where members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force responded and began conducting a further investigation.

Following the arrest, a search of the field was being conducted by State Troopers, which prompted some discussion of bringing in a weapon sniffing dog, to see what, if anything, the suspect left behind.

Chief Randy Baker said the suspect apparently is wanted in Georgia. The nature of the warrant is not available at this time.

(Initial Report)

Police Beat: Pair of DWI arrests

By Howard B. Owens

Joseph Francis O'Shei, 36, of Stebbins Road, Franklinville, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving while ability impaired by a combination of drugs and alcohol, inadequate lights and driving the wrong direction on a one-way street. O'Shei was stopped at 10:35 p.m. Monday in the area of 4126 Route 5, Batavia, by Deputy James Diehl.

Ronald M. Markek, 31, of Allegany Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to yield right-of-way to emergency vehicle and improper right turn. Markek was stopped at 1:31 a.m. on Route 77 in Corfu by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Manhunt under way by the Thruway entrance

By Billie Owens

A manhunt is under way but we didn't catch why. A white male, wearing white, is being sought by law enforcement and he reportedly is "drenched from falling in a ditch."

He was spotted at the Thruway entrance at the end of Oak Street and was last reported in an open field on the south side of the Thruway. A State Police helicopter is going to be airborne shortly to aid in the hunt.

UPDATE 1:01 p.m.: The subject is in custody "on the Thruway."

UPDATE 1:22 p.m.: This incident started when an employee of the Days Inn called police to report that a guest failed to pay for his room. When police arrived, he ran to his vehicle and reached in for something. They thought it might be a weapon. He ran off and they pursued him. The Local Drug Enforcement Task Force is now searching the hotel property. The subject remains in custody.

Driver misses driveway, hits curb by JCPenney

By Billie Owens

A one-car accident is reported at Alva Place by JCPenney in the City of Batavia. The driver hit a curb and possibly a light pole and reportedly seems disoriented.

Medics on scene report the driver missed the driveway and hit the curb.

Firefighters are there, too.

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.: A light pole was not struck. Medics are back in service and firefighters are returning to quarters.

Person suffers smoke inhalation at car wash

By Billie Owens

A person suffered smoke inhalation following a fire in an electrical box at the car wash at 13 Liberty St. in the City of Batavia.

A city fire engine and Mercy medics are on scene.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: National Grid is called to the scene.

UPDATE 3:09 p.m.: The fire is knocked out and they are checking for any extension of it.

UPDATE 3:12 p.m.: Mercy unit is back in service with a patient sign-off.

Photos by Frank Capuano

Car explodes, causing possible house fire on Pratt Road

By Billie Owens

A vehicle that was on fire near a house at 2560 Pratt Road has exploded. The fire is believed to have spread to the structure. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding along with a tanker from the Town of Batavia.

A firefighter says a large amount of black smoke can be seen from the Indian Falls bridge.

A woman at the residence who called 9-1-1 in a panic was told to evacuate the house.

The location is between Slusser and Powers roads.

"Be advised -- it looks like it hasn't spread to the house yet, just the vehicle in the driveway," says a responder.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: Town of Batavia is told "to take their time coming in."

UPDATE 2:39 p.m.: The fire is under control. They are looking for hot spots. Medics are called for a person who suffered some minor burns when the fire "flashed over."

Police Beat: Batavia woman accused of vandalizing estranged husband's truck

By Howard B. Owens

Deborah An Dixon-Thatcher, 52, of North Lyons Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Dixon-Thatcher is accused of breaking the windows, headlights and taillights out of her estranged husband's 1997 Nissan pickup truck while it was parked at a residence in Bergen at 1:55 a.m., Monday.

Hope Renee Conibear, 37, of Gibson Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Conibear was reportedly involved in a motor vehicle accident April 23 on Hutton Road, Town of Oakfield. The accident was investigated by Deputy Jason Saile.

Joseph Robert Waala, 38, of North Randolph Street, Arlington, Va., is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Waala allegedly damaged a metal fire hose box at 8250 Park Road, Batavia. He was jailed on $1,000 bail.

The following individuals were arrested and charged with trespassing for allegedly being on privately owned property at 5447 Main Road, Stafford, without permission: Ryan W. Caltagirone, 20, of Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany, Donald M. Fagan, 19, and Joshua T. Gilbert, 18, both of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, and two 17-year-olds and three 16-year-olds, all from Batavia.

Katrina Le Brandes, 20, of South Main Street, Perry, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. Brandes was arrested following an investigation of a reported domestic incident at 3:55 a.m. on Buckman Road, Bethany, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Photos: Mad hatter in Batavia Cemetery

By Howard B. Owens

While at the Batavia Cemetery today, I met three young women doing a photo shoot.  

The group leader was Jessica Wheeler (second picture, white shirt), whose degree in journalism hasn't led to a job -- not uncommon these days -- so she's going to beauty school. She's entering a national contest in hairstyling and the rules stipulate a character from a movie be used, so she decided on a female Madhatter from "Alice in Wonderland."

Wheeler is attending Salon Professional Academy in Buffalo.

The Madhatter is played by Lacey Christner, a recent grad of GCC who will be attending UB as a photography major.

The photographer is Danielle Schaffer, a Batavia resident.

Three more pictures after the jump:

 

Photos: Batavia Memorial Day Parade 2011

By Howard B. Owens

A threat of rain (that never materialized) couldn't keep hundreds of people from descending on Main Street this morning for the annual Memorial Day parade.  

The parade featured the Batavia High School marching band and flag team, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the city and town fire departments, Sheriff's Office and Police Department, along with local veterans groups and elected officials, among other groups.

More pictures after the jump.

And even more pictures on our photo purchase site. To purchase these or choose from the additional pictures at affordable rates, click here.

 

 

Plans for new monument unveiled at UMMC Memorial Day service

By James Pero

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

This is found in the Bible, John 15:13, and it was quoted this morning at the Memorial Day ceremony held outside UMMC's Jerome Center. The speaker was American Legion Commander Ronald Konieczny.

“We know what’s in people's hearts, we know how people feel about our veterans. It’s a much better feeling today than what it was during Vietnam,” Konieczny said.  "It is easy for one to believe that (Biblical) statement after witnessing the generosity and admiration shown by all those who attended today's service..."

The atmosphere was solemn but proud, as it was when plans were unveiled for a new monument to commemorate deceased soldiers from Genesee County. It will honor those killed in action during World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

This $250,000 monument is estimated to be finished in 2013; however, no building will be done before the old plaques, which were stored due to recent renovations, receive a proper military burial. The old plaques, which once stood in front of the hospital on North Street, are to be retired and then buried under the new monument.

Aside from individual grave sites, this commemorative monument will be the only permanent place in Batavia where friends and family of deceased soldiers can pay homage to their lost loved ones, and permanent it will be. The entire monument, plaza and tablets are going to be solid granite. To aid fundraising, the granite pavers used to make the plaza will be sold to families and inscribed with whatever special message is desired.

Though the announcement of the new memorial generated a lot of excitement, the service maintained its true purpose, which was honoring the heroism of deceased soldiers. Helen Laird and Adeline "Dolly" Gioia,  two Gold Star mothers whose sons were killed in combat, were honored today as well as 178 soldiers who died between 2010 and 2011. For each soldier, an American flag was placed in the ground in front of the hospital.

Memorial Day is only one day of remembrance, but for the veterans and families of fallen soldiers it is more than that. It's a chance to show their respect for the sacrifices that their comrade or family member made. With the help of United Memorial Medical Center and those who attended the commemoration, that is exactly what was accomplished today

Photos: Memorial Day, Batavia Cemetery

By Howard B. Owens

We are fortunate today to be enjoying a pleasant Memorial Day, a little overcast early but now the sun is out.

These photos are from the Batavia Cemetery. I'll have Batavia parade photos and some photos of Genesee County later today.

Batavia doctor named consultant for 'Physicians' Council for Responsible Reform'

By Billie Owens

Dr. Matthew J. Landfried, of United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, has been appointed as consultant to the Physicians' Council for Responsible Reform in Washington, D.C.

"I am very pleased to make this appointment and look forward ro Dr. Landfried's input," said Congressman Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA). "To date, lawmakers have not been receiving enough input from physicians."

According to the council, "America is facing a health care crisis. Dr. Landfried will play a key role in recommending the next course of action with respect to health care reform and in advising members of Congress on access, quality, physician reimbursement, liability reform, and other key issues.

"The Physicians' Council for Responsible Reform is comprised of leading physicians from acorss the country who are lending their expertise and are committed to offering solutions to the problems facing the health care industry without sacrificing quality."

Get ready to 'Fill the Boot' for MDA

By Billie Owens

City of Batavia firefighters will hold their annual "Fill the Boot" Drive to benefit MDA on Friday, June 3, beginning at 9 a.m.

This year’s co-chairmen are firefighters Jeff Stevens and Greg Ireland.

Off-duty city firefighters -- members of IAFF (International Association of Firefighters) Local 896 -- will help raise money for the cause. They will be at Court and Main streets as well as Court and Ellicott streets.

The IAFF is MDA’s largest sponsor.

City of Batavia Fire Department Local 896 has been holding  the "Fill the Boot" drive for 17 years. Last year's boot drive was quite successful. City firefighters with the community's help raised $5,600 for the MDA!

There are more than 40 neuromuscular diseases that are covered by MDA, including ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Donations cover everything from wheelchairs to braces, physical therapy sessions to kids' summer camps.

The guys are looking forward to hitting the streets again in an attempt to top last year’s total. They really appreciate the generousity of those that can give, be it their spare change, a dollar or even more.

Everyone is invited to the Town of Batavia Republican Committee Picnic

By Billie Owens

The Town of Batavia Republican Committee Picnic is set for Friday June 24 and will run from 5 p.m. until dark in the Kiwanis Batavia Town Park. It is located at 3808 W. Main St. Road.

Tickets $10 for Adults, $5 for children and free for children under 5.

Tickets are available from committee members or calling or emailing Sharon at 356-5306 or sharon.09@vzw.blackberry.net

Menu includes hotdogs, macaroni salad, baked beans, chips, lemonade, coffee and assorted desserts. Entertainment will be provided by the Fraterrigo Family.

The 2011 Community Citizen Award will be made at the picnic. Many door prizes will be given out, too.

This is open to the public – everyone is encouraged to attend but please reserve your tickets.For more information, please call Kathy Jasinski 762-8239.

(About the Fraterrigo Family: Ranging in age from 6 to 13, the Fraterrigo Family children thrive ontheir love of music. Under the guidance and leadership of their mother, Stacey, they have put together a wholesome musical experience with mother/daughter harmony and instruments such as the banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and upright bass. Although most of the children are being classically trained, their show consists of bluegrass, folk and traditional American music. The Fraterrigo Family has been performing publically for four years in Western New York.)

Don Carroll Run/Fun Walk to benefit Toys for Kids campaign

By Billie Owens

The 30th annual Donald R. Carroll Run/Fun Walk will be held at 5 p.m. sharp on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011 as part of the activities scheduled for the 2011 Summer in the City.

Registration will take place from 2 p.m.. until 4:50 p.m. in Jackson Square the day of the run/walk. Registration forms will be available online at doncarrollrace.com. The entry fee is $20 prior to the run/walk and $25 the day of the event.

The race/walk will start and end at Wendy's on Main Street in Batavia.

The first 200 individuals with paid registrations will receive race/walk T-shirts. A post run/walk party will be in Jackson Square following the event where participants will be treated to a chicken bbq, hot dogs, fruit, munchies, water and soda.

Friends and guests may also attend the run/walk post party by making a $5 donation. Music and dancing will also be available.

Proceeds from the run/walk will go toward Don Carroll's Toys for Kids campaign. Anyone interested in volunteering the day of the race may contact Don Carroll at donaldrcarroll@yahoo.com.

Middle-schoolers invited to college's summer Sport and Wellness Experience

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College will hold its second annual summer youth camp focusing on health and wellness July 18 – 29.

The Genesee Sport and Wellness Experience is geared toward middle school aged-students  and will take place at the college's Batavia Campus.

The summer program includes instruction and skill development in the areas of golf, tennis, soccer and volleyball targeted specifically for local middle-school students. While the program includes plenty of hands-on instruction and experiential learning on the field, courts and gymnasium, there is also a variety of wellness topics such as nutrition, fitness, stress management, peer pressure, and drug and substance abuse issues to be presented and discussed.

"Today's sport and wellness education goes far beyond knowing the rules and regulations of each sport by embracing a holistic approach to the human body's total performance," said Becky Dziekan, director of GCC's Health and Physical Education department and the coordinator of the program.

"We are delighted to spend two weeks introducing these young people to healthy living opportunities and practices that are fun yet informative, which hopefully will last a lifetime.

Students in grades six, seven and eight are invited to attend the two-week program, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is $140 and includes lunch every day and a T-shirt.

For the general flyer and registration form for Genesee Sport and Wellness Experience go to: http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/Sport_Wellnessflyer 2011.pdf

For further details, please contact Becky Dziekan, director of Health and Physical Education at 585-343-0055 x6424 or rldziekan@genesee.edu <http://rldziekan@genesee.edu>. You can also go to the webpage: http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/wellness/

Community Yard Sale set for June 11

By Billie Owens

Second annual citywide Community Yard Sale to be held in front of your house June 11. Rain date will be June 18. Time is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 344-0276 with your house number and street address.

There is always something out there for everyone. Something new this year -- if you do not want any of your items after the sale they will be picked up by Kathy Stefaniak for the Saint Joseph's Mammoth Sale  to be held next year.

You must call to be placed on our list of house numbers and streets. The phone number is 344-0276.

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