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Pole, wires and transformer down, causing power outage off East Road, Bethany

By Billie Owens

A power pole, transformer and wires are down in the roadway blocking both lanes of travel at 10694 East Road, Bethany. There is a power outage in the vicinity as a result. The pole is covering one lane and the wires are across both lanes. The location is between Broadway and Raymond Road. Bethany Fire Department is responding. National Grid is notified. No ETA provided.

UPDATE 6:22 p.m.: The Bethany assignment is back in service. The wires have been de-activated. Debris is being removed from the roadway. National Grid is on scene. The road will reopen once it is cleared.

Reel Discussion at Richmond library: 'American Sniper'

By Billie Owens

Sponsor:  Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event:  Reel Discussions

Date & Time:  Thursday, July 23rd at 6 p.m.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. This month’s movie is “American Sniper." Navy SEAL Chris Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission to protect his brothers-in-arms. However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines. He is also facing a different kind of battle on the home front. But upon returning to his wife and kids, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind.

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Historian Larry Barnes gives free talk on the Brisbane family at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Sponsor: Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event: Meet the Brisbanes: Talk by Larry Barnes

Place: Richmond Memorial Library

Date & Time: Monday, July 20 at 7 p.m.

City Historian Larry Barnes will present “Meet the Brisbanes,” a free talk at Richmond Memorial Library. The Brisbane Family was one of the earliest families in Batavia and was filled with interesting, although eccentric, personalities. As we “Escape the Ordinary” this summer, find out how these Batavians led extraordinary lives.

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Children's Room Summer Reading Club matinee movie at Richmond library -- 'The Incredibles'

By Billie Owens

Event:  Children’s Room Summer Reading Club Movie -- "The Incredibles"

Place:  Richmond Memorial Library

Date & Time:  Thursday, July 16th at 2:30 p.m.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. The movie for this Children’s Room Summer Reading Club Movie is “The Incredibles.” An action-packed, animated adventure about the mundane and incredible lives of a house full of superheroes. For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org

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Adult Summer Reading Club edition of Reel Discussions at Richmond Library -- 'The Avengers'

By Billie Owens

Sponsor:  Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event:  Adult Summer Reading Club Edition of Reel Discussions

Date & Time:  Thursday, July 9th at 6 p.m.

Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. The movie for this Adult Summer Reading Club Edition of Reel Discussion is “The Avengers.” Marvel makes cinematic history as it unites the super hero team of a lifetime. For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org

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Brittney Ohol named outrider for Batavia meet

By Billie Owens

Batavia Downs Gaming is pleased to announce that Brittney Ohol will go to post as the new parade marshal for the upcoming summer-fall meet.

Ohol grew up around harness racing while being raised by her grandparents (Mike and Brenda Ohol) who both competed on the Western New York circuit for more than 30 years. The 21-year-old Lockport High School graduate attended Medaille College for vet tech before deciding to return to harness racing as a full-time career.

After getting her trainer’s and qualifying driver’s licenses, Ohol started her own stable and now owns and races three horses. Besides conventional competition, she has also been involved with racing under saddle (RUS) in New York State.

Ohol started to learn the art of outriding from Wendy Ross at Tioga Downs in 2011 and has now worked with her on and off for over four years. In 2014, Ohol took the position full time at Rosecroft Raceway in Maryland. But after the meet ended there, she returned home because it was too far away from family.

When the job at Batavia Downs came available this year, the call went out to Brittney Ohol because she was a natural fit and the timing was right for her as well.

“I love having the opportunity to take this position at Batavia Downs. It’s close to my family and my home base where I know everybody so it makes it so much easier. I want to remain in the business as long as harness racing is around,” Ohol said. “I have two good horses named Paco and Cody and they allow me to do my job as well as I can. I am really looking forward to the upcoming meet to get started.”

“Brittney Ohol has a harness racing pedigree and has been a part of the racing community here at the Downs since she was a child,” said Todd Haight, director/general manager of Live Racing at Batavia Downs.

“Her abilities as a horsewoman combined with her passion for the sport makes her the perfect fit for this job and ensures high-quality assistance to all the horsemen who race here every night. We are very happy to have her on board.”

The 69th season of live harness racing at America’s oldest lighted harness track begins on Monday, July 27 with a 6:35 p.m. post time.

Stall applications available for upcoming Batavia Downs meet

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Horsemen should be advised that stall applications for the 69th season of live harness racing at Batavia Downs Gaming are now available at the track’s Web site (http://www.bataviadownsgaming.com/live-racing/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Batavia-Downs-Stall-Reservation-Form-2015.pdf) or can be picked up in person at the second floor reception desk inside America’s oldest lighted harness track. All stall requests must be received by July 10.

For the convenience of western New York horsemen who are currently racing at Buffalo Raceway, these applications are also available at the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association office located on the backstretch of that track.

The 2015 Batavia Downs season features 70 race dates and includes eight matinee cards. The annual summer-fall meet commences on Monday, July 27 and concludes on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Live racing will be presented on a Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night basis except for Saturday Oct. 31 (Breeders Cup day) when racing will be conducted at 1:15 p.m.

Aside from that three-day rotation, five Sunday afternoon programs will be held beginning on Aug. 2 and continuing through the end of the month.

Monday racing includes opening night and holiday programs on Labor Day and Columbus Day.

Tuesday racing begins Sept. 15.

The season begins with evening post times of 6:35 p.m. and matinee post times of 1:15 p.m.

New this year, Tuesday post time moves to 4:30 p.m. while beginning on Oct. 21 all evening programs for the remainder of the season go off at 6:15 p.m., with an anticipated extra race each night being carded.

Stall applications can be mailed to the race office at 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY 14020, Attn: Joe Zambito or faxed to 585-343-2451.

The backstretch opens for tack on July 19. Horses may begin arriving in the barn area on July 21.

Motorcycle wreck on westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A motorcycle accident is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 387.6. The rider of the bike is conscious. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Grass fire on Spruce Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A grass fire is reported behind 20 N. Spruce St. City firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 12:21 p.m.: Fire is out. City assignment is back in service.

Bicyclist struck by car in front of Tops Market, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A car vs. bicycle accident is reported at 8400 Lewiston Road. The bicyclist "is down in the road, blocking traffic, not moving." Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The location is in front of Tops Market.

RSVP for June 24 road trip of Stafford Historical Society to 'abandoned pioneer cemeteries'

By Billie Owens

The June meeting of the Stafford Historical Society will be a road trip. On Wednesday, June 24th, we will be boarding a bus at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, located at the corner of Route 237 and Route 5.

The intention of the Society has been to repair the headstones and to tidy-up the town's abandoned pioneer cemeteries for our Town's 200th birthday. Our road trip will be for members and guests to view their condition.

We have room for 30 to 35 people. Please call 344-7070 or 343-1928 to reserve a space.

Stafford Historical Society road trip to 'abandoned pioneer cemeteries'

By Billie Owens

The June meeting of the Stafford Historical Society will be a road trip. On Wednesday, June 24th, we will be boarding a bus at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, located at the corner of Route 237 and Route 5.

The intention of the Society has been to repair the headstones and to tidy-up the town's abandoned pioneer cemeteries for our Town's 200th birthday. Our road trip will be for members and guests to view their condition.

We have room for 30 to 35 people. Please call 344-7070 or 343-1928 to reserve a space.

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Stafford Fire Department's annual Carnival & Corvette Raffle

By Billie Owens

The Stafford Carnival is this weekend. It actually kicks off Thursday at 6 p.m. and at 9 o'clock the Guy Smiley Bands provides live music.

On Friday, there's a fish fry at 4 p.m., carnival opens at 5 and the parade starts at 7 o'clock. Music by Taran begins at 9.

Saturday's festivities begin at noon, with a garden tractor pull at 1 o'clock. Music provided by Monkey in a Bottle at 7, followed by Under the Gun at 9. There will be fireworks at 10 p.m.

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Stafford Fire Department's annual Carnival starts Thursday night, runs through Sunday

By Billie Owens

The Stafford Carnival is this weekend. It actually kicks off Thursday at 6 p.m. and at 9 o'clock the Guy Smiley Bands provides live music.

On Friday, there's a fish fry at 4 p.m., carnival opens at 5 and the parade starts at 7 o'clock. Music by Taran begins at 9.

Saturday's festivities begin at noon, with a garden tractor pull at 1 o'clock. Music provided by Monkey in a Bottle at 7, followed by Under the Gun at 9. There will be fireworks at 10 p.m.

Then on Sunday, Father's Day, the fun starts anew. Chicken BBQ will be available for sale starting at 11:30; the carnival opens at noon. Branded will perform at 1 p.m.; Divided by Zero at 4 p.m. and the Corvette Raffle -- or $50,000 cash -- winner will be drawn at 8 p.m.

Don't miss out on what promises to be a great time and be sure to bring Dad.

All proceeds benefit the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department.

Jesse J. Meyer

By Billie Owens

Corfu - Jesse J. Meyer, 79, passed away Tuesday (June 9, 2015) in the care of his family.

Jesse was born October 23, 1935, in Buffalo, a son of the late Vincent and Marion Kromer Meyer.

He was a mechanic for many different companies in the area.

Jesse was the husband of the late Barbara Balduf Meyer and brother of the late Maryann and Karl Meyer.

Surviving are his children, Dee (Garth) Tesch and their children, Andy and Jon; Debbie Meyer, Darrell Meyer and his children, Jackie and Craig, Dennis Meyer and his son Ian and Doug Meyer and his children, Eric and Kayla; sisters, Carol (late James) Schmiedicker, Eileen (Danny) Zymowski and Jane (Alex) Sczepanski. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

There are no calling hours. Private services will be at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements were made by the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu.

Downtown Public Market opens for the season at Bank Street and Alva Place

By Billie Owens

"Bring Your Feet to the Downtown Public Market" says the Batavia Business Improvement District. It kicks off this Thursday at the parking lot at Bank Street and Alva Place (across from the Jerome Center). It will be held every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 24.

"Support Downtown, Buy Local" says co-sponor Java Farm Supply. Fresh baked goods, fruit, vegetables, cherries & berries, honey, flowers, maple syrup, Alston's BBQ Sauce, dog treats, handmade quilts and clothing, handcrafted wood products, and lots more will be for sale.

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Downtown Public Market -- season opens Thursday at Bank Street and Alva Place

By Billie Owens

"Bring Your Feet to the Downtown Public Market" says the Batavia Business Improvement District. It kicks off this Thursday at the parking lot at Bank Street and Alva Place (across from the Jerome Center). It will be held every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 24.

"Support Downtown, Buy Local" says co-sponor Java Farm Supply. Fresh baked goods, fruit, vegetables, cherries & berries, honey, flowers, maple syrup, Alston's BBQ Sauce, dog treats, handmade quilts and clothing, handcrafted wood products, and lots more will be for sale.

Plus, enjoy Alton's pulled pork sandwiches, as well as hamburgers and hots.

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