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UPDATED: 11th annual Fur Ball to benefit spay/neuter program is Saturday

By Billie Owens

UPDATE: Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at the shelter during hours today from 1-3 and tomorrow from 11-1.

The 11th annual Fur Ball will be held this Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Days Inn in Batavia. The fun begins at 6 p.m. and there will be lots of food, surprises and auctions.

This year's theme is "Shelter Pets are Pawsitively Purrfect."

Tickets are $25. ($50 if purchased the day of the event). Children 12 and under are $15. A table for 10 is $225.

Proceeds benefit the Volunteers for Animals Spay and Neuter Program.

Make checks out to:  Volunteers for Animals - Spay/Neuter Program.

The Days Inn is located at 200 Oak St.

To contact Volunteers for Animals:

info@vol4animals.org

www.vol4animals.org

(585) 813-3839

P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021

Car crash, minor injuries, at Slusser and Stegman roads

By Billie Owens

A one-car accident, believed to be with minor injuries, is reported at Slusser and Stegman roads. East Pembroke fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: The vehicle hit a guard rail. The location is actually Stegman Road, says dispatch.

Man indicted for allegedly stealing cameras, software, speakers and headphones from retailer

By Billie Owens

The Grand Jury of Genesee County has indicted Robert R. Hertz for the crime of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on May 16 Hertz knowlingly entered or remained unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime there. In count two, he is accused of third-degree burglary for the same actions on May 25. In count three, he is accused of the crime of grand larceny, 4th, a Class E felony, for allegedly stealing property at Target in the Town of Batavia having a value exceeding $1,000: several digital cameras, Mircosoft Office for Mac software, Macrosoft Office 8.1 software, JBL wireless speakers, and Bose headphones.

SADD sponsors dance for middle schoolers at GCC Forum

By Billie Owens

SADD will host a dance for middle schoolers (grades 6 thru 9) inside the Genesee Community College Forum from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24.

Cost is $3 for those who wear red, in celebration of Red Ribbon Week, and $5 for those not wearing red. Drinks and popcorn will be available at a low cost.

All proceeds will go to Genesee Countywide SADD.

For questions or more information contact:

Chelsea Dillon Program Assistant
Youth Court Coordinator
Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau
2 Bank St
Batavia NY 14020
Phone: 585-344-3960
Fax: 585-345-3063

Law and Order: Allegedly - friends smoked pot while a kid's in the car, man spits in victim's face during domestic argument

By Billie Owens

Joshua M. Gaudioso, 25, of 114 Lake St., Le Roy, was arrested by the Le Roy PD on Monday and charged with one count of Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged that on or about Sept. 24, Gaudioso stole a laptop computer valued at under $1,000 from an acquaintance. Gaudioso was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to answer the charge in Le Roy Court on Oct. 27.

Jeremy M. Fridman, 27, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident and aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. He was arrested Oct. 18 on West Main Street, Batavia, after an investigation determined that he allegedly operated a motor vehicle that was involved in an accident at 390 W. Main St. in the city two days prior, Oct. 16. He was jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash bail or $5,000 bound. The incident was investigated by officer Nedim Catovic.

Michele Louise Bialy, 47, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI, per se, with a BAC of .18 or more. She was arrested at 4:21 p.m. on Oct. 11 following an investigation into reports of a vehicle driving erratically in the City of Batavia. She was released after being cited with traffic tickets and is to appear in city court on Oct. 29. The incident was investigated by officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk.

Marcos A. Torres, 32, of Sunrise Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested Oct. 16 following an investigation into a domestic incident that occurred on Oct. 13 in which an argument allegedly took place and Torres allegedly spit in the victim's face. He was released on an appearance ticket and is to return to city court this afternoon. The incident was investigated by officer Eric Foels.

Falicia N. Tuczai, 23, of Horseshoe Lake Road, Stafford, is charged with driving while intoxicated, first offense, and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or more. She was arrested Oct. 13 following a complaint for a suspicious condition on Washington Avenue in the city. Tuczai was issued two traffic tickets. She is to appear in city court on Oct. 29. The incident was investigated by Devon Pahuta.

Jennifer L. Stack, 28, is charged with disorderly conduct for obstructing pedestrian traffic. On Oct. 17, Stack and her boyfriend, Ryan Warner, both of 48 S. Main St. (lower), Batavia, were allegedly creating a disturbance by interfering with the flow of pedestrian traffic of customers in the Court Street Plaza. They were issued appearance tickets and are to return to city court on Wednesday to answer the charge. The incident was investigated by officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by officer Jason Davis.

Morgan B. Powell, 31, of Harvester Avenue, Batavia, had an active arrest warrant for failing to appear for a suspended/revoked registration ticket issued Sept. 7. She was released on her own recognizance and is to appear in city court on Wednesday. The incident was investigated by officer James DeFreze assisted by officer Nedim Catovic.

Danielle M. Weaver, 23, of Chestnut Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and endangering the welfare of a child less than 17. The charges stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on Ellicott Street on Oct. 15. Weaver allegedly possessed marijuana and allegedly admitted smoking the drug inside a vehicle while a 5-year-old child was inside. The incident was investigated by officer Chad Richards, assisted by officer James DeFreze.

Melissa C. Cicatello, 23, of Evans Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on Ellicott Street on Oct. 15. Cicatello was locked out of her vehicle and officer James DeFreze responded to assist her. While opening the vehicle, the officer allegedly observed marijuana in her vehicle. It was subsequently determined that Cicatello allegedly smoked marijuana with a friend while in close proximity to her 5-year-old daughter. She was issued an appearance ticket. The incident was investigated by officer James DeFreze, assisted by officer Chad Richards.

Landrea D. Wroten, 42, of Lewis Place, Batavia, had two active bench warrants for failing to appear on petit larceny charges that were issued April 26. She was located by officer James DeFreze while he was handling an unrelated complaint. Wroten was released on her own recognizance.

A 17-year-old from Batavia was arrested for second-degree harassment with physical contact, and endangering the welfare of a child following an investigation of a physical altercation that took place on Oct. 10 on Bank Street. It is alleged that the youth fought with a juvenile at that location. The defendant was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in city court on Nov. 18. The incident was investigated by officer Nedim Catovic.

A 16-year-old, of Ridge Road, Medina, is charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child following a short foot pursuit in the Thorpe / Watson Street area on Oct. 13. The defendant to accused of punching a juvenile in the back of the head while on Thorpe Street in the city. The youth is to be arraigned this afternoon. The incident was investigated by officer Jason Ivison, assisted by officer, Chad Richards.

A 16-year-old, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. The defendant was arrested Oct. 16 at about 7:50 p.m. while on State Street for allegedly repeatedly using obscene language in the direct presence of numerous bystanders and police. The youth was released on an appearance ticket and is to appear in city court on Nov. 4. The incident was investigated by officer Nedim Catovic, assisted by officer Chad Richards.

A homeless 17-year-old from Mt. Morris had two active bench warrants out of the City of Batavia. One for failing to appear on a charge of endangering the welfare of a child on Wood Street, and the other for disorderly conduct on Wood Street on May 17. The defendant was taken into custody Oct. 17 by Mt. Morris PD then custody was transferred to Batavia PD. The youth was jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail and is set to appear in city court on Thursday. The incident was investigated by officer James DeFreze, assisted by officer Felicia DeGroot.

Batavia Radiation Oncology Associates closes today for weeks of renovation

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Beginning today, Oct. 21, Batavia Radiation Oncology Associates, now part of UR Medicine Wilmot Cancer Institute, will close for several weeks for renovations.

The renovations on the building will include the addition of an outpatient blood draw laboratory, larger clinical examination rooms, as well as space to provide medical oncology and infusion services. Significant information technology upgrades will also be made so that medical records and other information can be shared across the Wilmot Cancer Institute network.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of December.

During the construction, patients undergoing treatment through Batavia Radiation Oncology have been scheduled to be seen at either the Pluta Cancer Center in Henrietta or the Cancer Center at Park Ridge in Greece.

Kevin J. Mudd, M.D., who has been medical director for Batavia Radiation Oncology since 2000, will continue to see patients as a member of the University of Rochester Medical Center faculty.
Throughout the project, Mudd and his staff will be available by telephone at (585) 344-3050.

With the renovated and expanded space, the clinic will provide fully integrated cancer care, incorporating both radiation therapy and chemotherapy, as well as access to clinical trials. The chemotherapy services are expected to be available in Batavia by Spring.

These renovations will allow us to offer more comprehensive care closer to home for our patients from Batavia and neighboring communities” said Jonathan W. Friedberg, M.D., M.M.Sc., director of Wilmot Cancer Institute.

The Wilmot Cancer Institute is the Finger Lakes Region’s leader for cancer care and research. As part of UR Medicine, Wilmot provides specialty cancer services at the University of Rochester Medical Center and at a network of satellite locations. Wilmot Cancer Institute is a component of Strong Memorial Hospital. The Institute also includes a team of scientists who investigate many aspects of cancer, with an emphasis on how best to provide precision cancer care.

Car vs. cement truck accident in Pavilion, minor injuries

By Billie Owens

A car vs. cement truck accident is reported at South Lake and Junction roads. Injuries are believed to be minor. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 9:35 a.m.: The assignment is back in service. No one was transported to the hospital.

Field fire off Lewiston Road, Alabama responding

By Billie Owens

A field fire is reported in the area of 1147 Lewiston Road. Alabama fire is responding.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: Alabama commands reports the fire is under control.

UPDATE 1:54 p.m.: Fire is out. Alabama is returning and in service.

Bolt The Duer locks up Kane victory at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Bolt The Duer with driver John Cummings Jr.

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

It was the biggest night of the year at Batavia Downs Saturday (Oct. 18) as the track presented the 12th edition of the $50,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational pace. One of the largest live crowds was on hand to see the action and after the most anticipated race of the season hit the wire, world champion Bolt The Duer bested a stellar field of top Open pacers to take the trophy.

When the car pulled away, the Ron Burke stablemates Aracache Hanover (Kevin Cummings) and Easy Again (Aaron Merriman) found themselves sitting one-two at a :26.3 quarter with Bolt The Duer (John Cummings Jr.) tracking a close third. The positions remained unchanged to the half when Apprentice Hanover (Anthony MacDonald) pulled first over and led Aslan (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) and Wazzup Wazzup (Drew Monti) in the outer flow.

Apprentice Hanover cleared and took the lead at the three-quarters in 1:24.1 when Aslan and Wazzup Wazzup fanned three-wide to take their shots around the turn. But Bolt The Duer, who had been riding the pylons waiting for his chance, got it at the top of the stretch when the passing lane opened up and Cummings Jr. shot him through the gap and outpaced a game Aslan to the wire to win in 1:53.4. Aslan finished second and Wazzup Wazzup finished third.

It was the fourth win in 18 starts this year for Bolt The Duer ($11) and pushed his career earnings to over $1.82 million for owners All Star Racing, Inc. The 5-year-old son of Ponder is trained by Peter Foley.

After the race driver John Cummings Jr. said “I was hoping to be on the lead or have the two-hole but I got away third. But we were following the two best horses in the race and we were lucky to slide out up the backside and get back to the rail at the head of the lane and then he did the rest. There is no question this is the best horse I’ve ever driven and I would like to thank Pete (Foley) for giving me the drive.”

You can watch the replay of the race by clicking here. Insert this link http://youtu.be/i2GjbuZY3hk

BZ Glide with driver Mike Caprio

The co-feature of the night was the $12,500 Brian Schroeder Memorial trot that was won by local star BZ Glide. After the heavy favorite Money On My Mind (Aaron Merriman) made a break, Sailer Eddie (Jack Flanigen) took the lead and dictated the race until BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) pulled at the half and started his trek on the outside. He overtook the lead at the three-quarters and trotted away to an easy three-length victory in 1:58.2.

It was the eighth win in 20 starts for BZ Glide ($5.90) and inflated his bankroll to $60,667 for the trainer/driver team of Alana and Mike Caprio, who owns the horse.

It was an emotional winners circle after the race as Caprio, who was a friend of the late Schroeder, commented “It was an honor for me to win this race because Brian (Schroeder) was a good friend of mine. He helped me straighten out some horses years ago and was always willing to help anyone out.”

In the overnight feature $10,000 horse and gelding Open pace, Caprio doubled his pleasure by winning with Fireyourguns in 1:55. After getting away fifth, Fireyourguns waited until the top of the far turn to pull and swing wide before unleashing his patented pacing flurry down the lane. After making up about five lengths while streaking down the center of the track, Fireyourguns beat Best Ears (Jack Flanigen) who was on the rail, by a nose. There were four horses across the track at the wire and a mere neck separated first through fourth place.

It was the 13th victory of the year for Fireyourguns raising his earning total to $90,335 for owners Jennifer and Robert Lowe and Terrence McClory, who also trains him.

Aaron Merriman, who is currently the leading dash winning driver in North America, made a rare western New York appearance and put on a driving clinic for the fans. He registered a grand slam winning with Set Me Up ($4.40), Whata Donato ($3.10), Cheyenne Cam ($19.40) and Mondatta ($13).

And not to be outdone by the National season’s leader, local driving favorite Drew Monti also scored a four-bagger with Rock To Glory ($5.90), Deuces And Jacks ($16.20), Machman ($5.50) and Bandicoot (6.50).

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 22) with post time set for 6:35.

Genesee Symphony Orchestra's season debut is this afternoon at St. James church

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra opens its 2014 season at 4 p.m. today at St. James Episcopal Church, Batavia.

Raffaele Ponti will conduct the orchestra for a program titled "Reformation Symphony." The guest artist is organist Ann Emmans. Pieces include Felix Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 5, and Camille Saint-Saens, Symphony No. 3.

Tickets are $15 each and available at the door.

Event Date and Time
-

Car vs. tree accident with injuries in Bergen

By Billie Owens

A car struck a tree at Warboys and Sautell roads, Bergen. There are injuries and a victim may have a broken leg. Bergen fire and Mercy medics are responding.

Car/deer accident with injuries on Drake Street Road, Elba

By Billie Owens

A car/deer accident with injuries is reported at 4189 Drake Street Road. Mercy medics and Elba fire are responding.

UPDATE 7:41 p.m.: The Mercy medic on scene reports to Elba command that the patient is a sign-off. Elba is back in service.

18th annual 'Batavia Reads John Gardner' at the Pok-A-Dot

By Billie Owens

For the 18th year in a row, Batavians (and others) will gather to read from the works of author John Gardner on an October evening. This year's edition of "Batavia Reads John Gardner" will be held Saturday, Oct. 25th, at 8 p.m. at the Pok-A-Dot.

For more information call Bill Kauffman at 585-757-2455 or e-mail Charley Boyd at caboyd@genesee.edu

Event Date and Time
-

'Fall for Le Roy' to debut on Main Street in the Village - Food, shopping, live music, and more

By Billie Owens

The premiere Fall for Le Roy will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, on Main Street in Downtown Le Roy.

All are welcome for a night out shopping, food and live entertainment, brought to you by local Main Street businesses. Explore what Le Roy has to offer with a variety of open houses and demonstrations -- such as a barn quilt demo.

Find the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/658568870924478/
Contact Jim DeLooze for more information: (585) 768-2402.

Participants include:

  • Le Roy Historical Society
  • Bank of Castile & Tompkins Insurance
  • Hobby Horse
  • Picture This Photography
  • Main Street Fitness
  • Le Roy Hardware
  • Durable Medical Equipment & Supplies
  • 58 on Main
  • Curves
  • Le Roy Athletic Club
  • Nancy Crocker
  • Stella's Bridal Boutiquw
  • Village Fitness
  • McDonald's
  • Baristas at 58 on Main

'Fall for Le Roy' debuts on Main Street in the Village - Food, shopping, live music, and more

By Billie Owens

The premiere Fall for Le Roy will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, on Main Street in Downtown Le Roy.

All are welcome for a night out shopping, food and live entertainment, brought to you by local Main Street businesses. Explore what Le Roy has to offer with a variety of open houses and demonstrations -- such as a barn quilt demo.

Find the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/658568870924478/
Contact Jim DeLooze for more information: (585) 768-2402.

Participants include:

Event Date and Time
-

Chamber of Commerce accepting nominations for 2014 awards, deadline is Nov. 7

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Committee has announced the 2014 Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015 at the Clarion Hotel, Park Road, Batavia. This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service and volunteerism.

Please note that a brief write up will qualify your nominee for consideration. Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition & Geneseeans of the Year.

Business Nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify).

Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 210 E. Main St., Batavia, and can also be down loaded from the Chamber Web site at www.geneseeny.com

Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY November 7, 2014 to be eligible for consideration.

If you would like more information, feel free to call Kelly J. Bermingham, director of Membership & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 26.

Kane Memorial tonight at Batavia Downs features Aracache Hanover, Easy Again

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

The 12th annual $50,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational pace will be held tonight (Oct. 18) and the star-studded group of Open class performers competing is led by Ron Burke stablemates $1.7 million winner Aracahe Hanover and Easy Again.

The race is named in honor of the former chairman of the Western Regional Off Track Betting Corporation (WROTB) and his vision for a defunct racetrack. In 1998 Robert Kane saw the opportunity for WROTB to keep harness racing alive in Western New York and convinced the group to purchase the shuttered Batavia Downs. He then worked diligently for four years to obtain a racing license from the State of New York in order to reopen the track in 2002.

With the improvement of the live racing product and the multiple expansions of the gaming floor in the years since the acquisition, what once was an empty building is now the preeminent attraction in all of Genesee County and that is due to the vision of Robert J. Kane.

The race has played host to many great horses over the years including the six-million-dollar man, Foiled Again, who won it twice. But it was also won by one of this year’s entrants and he set the all-time track record for pacers there when he did it.

Aracache Hanover (Dragon Again-Armbro Cachet 1:48.1 = $1,726,616) was a multiple stakes winner at two and three, including the $525,000 Confederation Cup. As an aged horse, he has been one of the most consistent free-for-all pacers in North America. He comes into this race off two consecutive wins at Yonkers Raceway and looks to be the one to beat. Although he is owned locally in Clarence Center by Bill Switala and James Martin, he has only ever raced at Batavia Downs once before. That was in when he won the 2011 Kane Memorial and set the all-time track record of 1:51.1. Aracache Hanover is 3-1 morning line and will be driven by leading Downs driver, Kevin Cummings.

Easy Again (Dragon Again-Kuklapanandollie 1:50.1 = $712,381) came into the Burke stable 10 months ago and immediately turned into a win machine. Since that time he has 11 victories in 26 starts and posted a lifetime mark of 1:50.1 at Scioto Downs while banking $264,360 in purse money. He currently has four wins out of his last seven starts, although he finished eighth last week. That was because he got parked the entire mile at Yonkers in Open handicap company. North American leading dash-winning driver Aaron Merriman makes the trip to the oldest lighted harness track in America to team Easy Again who was made the morning line favorite at 5-2.

Also in the race is $1.8 million winner Bolt The Duer (Ponder-Wonderbolt 1:47.4 = $1,801,995) Bolt The Duer won the $500,000 Adios and the $415,000 Messenger Stake at three and has faced the toughest older pacers each week ever since. This year he has battled Sweet Lou, Foiled Again and Captaintreacherous just to name a few. Last week at Pocono Downs he drew the rail after six consecutive outside posts, only to get locked in behind a stalled horse while the eventual winner was pacing away. He brings ability and back class to the table here and will be heard from for sure. John Cummings Jr. and his aggressive driving style will be in the bike for trainer Peter Foley.

Scoring from the outside is Aslan (Mach Three-Skyview 1:49.2 = $207,377). He does not have the lofty stakes resume or million dollar earnings of some in this field because he was lightly raced at two and three. But he does have a lot of speed and it would appear that he comes into this race in his best condition ever based on his performance at Pocono Downs on Sept. 20. He just got beat a neck in 1:47.3 and that clocking is two seconds faster than his lifetime mark taken in 2013. Plus this horse is handy; he can leave or he can come from behind. Ronnie Wrenn Jr. who is currently second in North America in dash-winning drives is at the lines for trainer Tony O’Sullivan.

Here is a look at the entire field:

1)              Wazzup Wazzup                   Drew Monti                        9-2-8      8-1

2)              Easy Again                            Aaron Merriman                8-1-4

3)              Bolt The Duer                       John Cummings Jr.           4-6-2      4-1

4)              Aracache Hanover                Kevin Cummings              1-1-2      3-1

5)              Apprentice Hanover              Anthony McDonald           1-6-3      7-2

6)              WhatTheSheik                    Dave McNeight III             3-1-3      12-1

7)              Aslan                                     Ronnie Wrenn Jr.              1-2-1      6-1

The Kane Memorial Pace is carded as the seventh race of the night. The program also includes the $12,500 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot, a $10,000 horses and geldings Open pace and a $10,000 mares Open pace. Post time for the evening is 6:35.

Fire reported at Genesee Valley Farms

By Billie Owens

An "incendiary facility" on the grounds of Genesee Valley Farms is on fire, according to a caller to emergency dispatch. The address is 3520 S. Main Street Road, East Pembroke. Everyone is out of the structure. East Pembroke fire is responding along with mutual aid from Town of Batavia, Oakfield, Darien, and Alexander. Pembroke and Indian Falls are to stand by. The location is between Wortendyke Road and Lovers Lane Road.

UPDATE 4:48 p.m.: Howard at the scene reports there is a moderate amount of smoke showing but no flames. The incendiary facility is inside a small out building. Smoke appears to be coming from the eaves.

UPDATE 5:57 p.m.: Fire is knocked down. Some crews are picking up and preparing to leave.

Puppy lost near Terry Hills Golf Course is sorely missed

By Billie Owens

Little "Rascal" has been on the lam since about 4:30 p.m. yesterday. The pup was last seen near Terry Hills Golf Course on Clinton Street in Batavia. He has dark fur and eyes, as seen in this photo with his smart red "Petco" kerchief. The owner is Destiny Henning. If found, please contact her friend Jessica Hayes at jessicahayes2001@yahoo.com

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