Skip to main content

Stories from

Batavia Downs changes first race post time for 11/5

By Billie Owens

Batavia Downs Casino is moving its first race post time on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 6:40 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. to accommodate the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which has a 7 o'clock post time. Post time will remain at 6:40 p.m. for all other race nights.

“We didn’t want to go head-to-head with the Breeders' Cup classic, so we decided to start our live program a half and hour later,” said Todd Haight, general manager of live racing. “We want our customers both at the track and at our 35 OTB’s to enjoy the classic before we get under way.”

Racing fans are reminded that the final Tuesday night of the summer-fall meet takes place on Oct. 25.

Racing will be conducted at America’s oldest lighted harness track on a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday night basis through Dec. 3.

When racing resumes on Friday night the Pick-6 will start out with a carryover pool of 3,023. The Pick-6 wager begins on the 7th race.

“We could have over $5,000 in there (the pool),” Haight added. “We had a strong advance sale of programs and I think many are going to be focusing on the Pick-6.

Southern bluegrass by 'The Churchmen' at New Hope Ministries

By Billie Owens

New Hope Ministries proudly presents a Southern bluegrass group, "The Churchmen," beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. All are welcome to attend. Suggested donation of $10 at the door.

The church is at 8052 Bank St. Road in Batavia.

Info: lschoenthal@rochester.rr.com or phone 762 – 9151.

Event Date and Time
-

Toastmasters invite you to hear inspirational speech by cancer survivor

By Billie Owens

The public is invited to hear the powerful and inspirational account of a Genesee Community College graduate's battle with a rare form of cancer.

"Life is Tough But I Am Tougher" is alumna Suzanne Smith's (Class of '09) story of the challenges she met and overcame following her diagnosis, which occurred shortly after she graduated from GCC as a nontraditional student.

Her speech will be given from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the GCC Multicultural Communications Club, Toastmasters International, meeting in the Conable Technology Building T102 at the Batavia campus, located at 1 College Road.

The meeting will also feature speeches by GCC students Tim Duboy and Sean Hale as they work toward their communication certification. There will also be a 50/50 raffle for participants.

For further information, please contact Jackie DiBella at 343-0055, ext. 6266, or at jedibella@genesee.edu.

Toastmasters invite you to hear inspirational speech by cancer survivor

By Billie Owens

The public is invited to hear the powerful and inspirational account of a Genesee Community College graduate's battle with a rare form of cancer.

"Life is Tough But I Am Tougher" is alumna Suzanne Smith's (Class of '09) story of the challenges she met and overcame following her diagnosis, which occurred shortly after she graduated from GCC as a nontraditional student.

Event Date and Time
-

Spaghetti dinner and raffles to benefit Bergen family

By Billie Owens

There will be a spaghetti dinner and raffles to benefit the Ireland family from 6 to 9 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 29, at St. Brigid Church Hall in Bergen.

The church is located at 18 Gibson St.

Cost is $12 for adults, $5 for children, and children under 2 pay nothing. Cost per family is $30. Contact Jan Bausch for tickets and reservations, including the number of diners, at 315-2717.

Checks should be made payable to Patty Ireland, P.O. Box 81, Bergen, NY 14416.

Prayers for Patty Ireland will be said at 6 p.m. followed by a spaghetti dinner, raffles and a 50/50 raffle.

Patty remains in serious condition at Strong Memorial Hospital following a serious traffic accident on Sept. 30. It occurred on Route 19 near the Thruway while she was heading to work. Her Chevy Impala was struck head on by a tractor-trailer hauling gravel.

Funds raised will help the family with medical expenses.

Spaghetti dinner and raffles to benefit Bergen family

By Billie Owens

There will be a spaghetti dinner and raffles to benefit the Ireland family from 6 to 9 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 29, at St. Brigid Church Hall in Bergen.

The church is located at 18 Gibson St.

Cost is $12 for adults, $5 for children, and children under 2 pay nothing. Cost per family is $30. Contact Jan Bausch for tickets and reservations, including the number of diners, at 315-2717.

Checks should be made payable to Patty Ireland, P.O. Box 81, Bergen, NY 14416.

Event Date and Time
-

Two-car crash at East Main Street and Masse Place in the city

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at East Main Street and Masse Place in the City of Batavia. It is blocking traffic. Unknown injuries. City firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m.: City fire back in service.

Rollover accident on Fotch Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported at 7855 Fotch Road. It is blocking traffic. Unknown injuries. Mercy medics and Stafford Fire Department are responding.

UPDATE 7:06 a.m.: Injuries are reportedly minor.

Pardon me, but your meatballs are burning

By Billie Owens

Yet another false alarm of fire at College Village prompted two Town of Batavia fire engines to the scene. They found burnt food in one of the apartments. Well, burnt meatballs actually.

"The report should include meatballs," says a responder.

"What? Meatballs?" comes the reply.

"Yes, that would be meatballs."

"How do you burn meatballs?"

(But then again, when College Village occupants have been known to burn anything burnable, why not meatballs?)

"...I shouldn't be surprised," concludes the fireman.

Pavilion grad awarded full two-year scholarship at GCC

By Billie Owens

Laura Beth Yuhnke's dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher have come one step closer to a reality thanks to the President's Scholarship from Genesee Community College. Laura Beth, a 2011 graduate of Pavilion High School was awarded the President's Scholarship covering the full cost of tuition for two years at GCC.

Laura Beth is the daughter of Dave and Betty Yuhnke of Wyoming, NY. She is 18 years old and a freshman student at GCC, studying education. She chose GCC because she wasn't sure of what school she wanted to attend to earn a bachelor's degree.

"This was a good decision because I'm not totally sure what four-year college I want to go to," Laura Beth said. "Plus it's more economical to start at GCC and transfer to another school, which is good because my family is quite large."

Laura Beth is one of six children and is the third Yuhnke to attend GCC. Her oldest brother Mark (23) and older sister Rachael (22) also attended GCC. Rachael Yuhnke was also a President's Scholarship recipient who studied Nursing while at GCC. She graduated in 2009 and is now a registered nurse (RN) in the Pediatric ICU of Women's and Children's Hospital in Buffalo, NY.

Laura Beth hopes to one day become an elementary school teacher with a concentration in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). Her dream job would be teaching ESL to children in another country such as Brazil or any European country.

A highly decorated student, Laura Beth has been the recipient of several academic and community honors throughout her high school career. She is the recipient of the Community Foundation Award, Marsha Brooks Memorial Scholarship, Pavilion Alumni Association Award, Pavilion Faculty Association Scholarship, President's Education Award and the Warsaw Support Staff Association Scholarship. She was a member of the National Honor Society, a scholar athlete, SADD secretary, a member of the marching band and was ranked third in her graduating class. She most recently was awarded the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 193 Dana Fry Scholarship in 2011.

"GCC has always been committed to recognizing and encouraging academic excellence, attracting outstanding local students who exhibit exceptional talent and leadership potential in their home towns and high schools," Richard Ensman, executive director of the GCC foundation said. "Laura Beth is a prime example of local academic and community excellence."

The President's Scholarship provides full tuition at GCC to high school students from Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, and Orleans counties. President's Scholarships are given to students who have maintained high academic standards while in high school, and whose co-curricular efforts have formed the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of extraordinary achievement. Award-winners enjoy two years of tuition-free education at GCC, provided they meet and maintain eligibility requirements.

President's Scholarships are funded by generous contributions made to the GCC Foundation by individuals and businesses committed to excellence in education. It is the hope of the Foundation that scholarship recipients will remain committed to their quest for excellence during their college years and beyond, striving for the betterment of businesses and communities within the GLOW region.

'Batavia Reads Gardner' at the Pok-A-Dot

By Billie Owens

The annual reading from the works of the late author John Gardner is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22 at, of course, the Pok-A-Dot cafe. It's at the corner of Ellicott and Liberty streets in the City of Batavia.

The public is invited for an evening of readings, food and camaraderie in celebration of John Gardner. You can even have your picture taken on the newly installed John Gardner Memorial Bench.

The event is sponsored by The John Gardner Society and Genesee Community College.

For more information or to be added to the society's list of readers, call Bill Kauffman at 757-2455 or email <caboyd@genesee.edu>.

(8 to 9:30 p.m.)

Fire reported near woods off Big Tree Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A large plume of black smoke is reported across from 7653 Big Tree Road, near South Street Road. It is at the tree line at the back of the property and may be a controlled burn. It is believed to be tires burning. Pavilion Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:36 p.m.: The property owners are burning a bunch of brush and are keeping a close eye on it, said a firefighter on scene. Pavilion assignment is back in service.

Grand Jury Report: Two men accused of selling cocaine

By Billie Owens

The following indictments were issued last week by the Genesee County Grand Jury.

Rodney A. Barber is charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, after he was allegedly found on March 17 to possess the narcotic cocaine with the intent to sell it. The location was 3967 W. Main St. in the Town of Batavia. He is also charged with one count of criminal possession of a controlled subtance, 4th, for allegedly knowingly and unlawfully possessing one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing cocaine which had an aggregate weight of an eighth of an ounce or more.

Mark C. Gregori is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd, a Class B felony, after he was allegedly found on Nov. 3, 2010 in the Town of Elba in possession of the narcotic cocaine with the intent to sell it.

Michael B. Pfaff is charged with one count of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony, after he was allegedly found driving a 2008 Suburu on Myrtle Street in Le Roy on April 17 while intoxicated. He is also charged with one count of driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 or greater, a Class E felony.

Thomas J. Torres is charged with one count of driving while intoxicated, a Class D felony, after he was allegedly found driving a 2004 Chevrolet on Route 237 in Stafford while intoxicated on April 23. He is also charged with one count of aggravated driving while intoxicated, also a Class D felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 or greater.

Jamie L. Broadbent is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, a Class E felony, for allegedly knowingly possessing stolen property with the intention of benefitting herself or a person other than the owner. She was allegedly found in possession of a public benefit card belonging to someone else while in the City of Batavia on May 9.

Chester L. Sherman II is charged with one count of driving a 1998 Chevy pickup truck while intoxicated and one count of driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. The charges stem from his arrest April 20 on Route 262 in Byron.

Jonathan J. Langenfeld is charged with one count of burglary in the first degree, a Class B violent felony, after he allegedly entered private property on Ellicott Street Road in Pavilion on April 17 with the intent to cause, then actually causing, physical injury to a person who was not a participant in the crime. He is also charged with burglary, 2nd, a Class C violent felony, for allegedly entering private property with the intent to commit a crime. And he is charged with assault, 2nd, a Class D violent felony, for allegedly intending to seriously injure a person and then causing serious injury to that person.

Genesee ARC's trash and recycling program to be featured on Saturday morning TV

By Billie Owens

Genesee ARC is going to be featured on WGRZ-TV's "WNY Living" segment at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Area residents can tune into Channel 2 and take a look inside Genesee ARC’s Trash & Recycling program. Agency Executive Director Donna Saskowski and Trash & Recycling Coordinator Mike Smith are going to be interviewed in the feature that includes some great on-location video footage.

Genesee ARC has been providing trash and recycling services to the City of Batavia since 1983. This program employs as many as 20 individuals with developmental disabilities, while at the same time providing an invaluable service to City of Batavia residents.

For questions or information, please contact Shelley Falitico, Genesee ARC director of development at 343-1123, ext. 231.

Senator Ranzenhofer will have his mobile office in Le Roy on Friday

By Billie Owens

New York State Senator Mike Ranzenhofer comes to Le Roy this Friday to meet with constituents. He and a member of his staff will be at Le Roy Town Hall, located at 48 Main St., from 10:30 a.m. until noon.

“Many Le Roy residents wrote letters, sent emails and called my office throughout the legislative session to have their voice heard," says Ranzenhofer in a press release. "But now that session in Albany is over, I still want to hear from constituents. That’s why we’re bringing the New York State Senate to Le Roy on Friday morning."

Senator Ranzenhofer and a representative from his staff will be on hand to listen to residents’ views on important state issues and answer questions concerning state departments or agencies.  "Senior Citizens Guides to Health Care Services" and "Financial Security" and "Focus on Veterans" brochures will also be available.

No appointment is needed. Le Roy residents can contact Senator Ranzenhofer’s District Office by phone at 1-800-597-3517 for more information.

S.O.S. - 'urgent need' for DRY food at county animal shelter

By Billie Owens

Volunteers for Animals sent out an urgent notice today seeking donations of dry pet food at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. They need kibble - for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.

"If you are able to help out please consider dropping off food donations during adoption hours. We greatly appreciate the community's support and could not do what we do for the animals without it," says the e-mail.

Adoption hours are:

  • Sunday through Friday 1 to 3 p.m. (Closed Thursdays)
  • Wednesday 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Phone is 343-6410.

Volunteers for Animals can be contacted at <http://www.vol4animals.org> or at P.O. Box 1621 Batavia, NY 14020.

Workshop on teaching preschoolers about music and movement

By Billie Owens

Teachers, caregivers and librarians are invited to a workshop conducted by Betsy Zahniser, creator of "The Music Box: Songs, Rhymes and Games for Young Children."

It will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 at Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia. Phone 343-9550.

Event Date and Time
-

Workshop on teaching preschoolers about music and movement

By Billie Owens

Teachers, caregivers and librarians are invited to a workshop conducted by Betsy Zahniser, creator of "The Music Box: Songs, Rhymes and Games for Young Children."

It will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 at Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia. Phone 343-9550.

Songs, rhymes and movement are vital to early childhood development, especially in regard to a preschooler’s literacy skills. Music fosters language, imaginary play and shared human experiences, therefore it is important to expose children to music at a very early age.

Successfully using music when dealing with groups, depends upon having a varied, age-appropriate repertoire, and a skillful, flexible plan.

“Down-Up-Down,” led by Zahniser, provides participants with these skills. This free, interactive workshop includes information on planning musical activities for young children, songs that are fun and engaging, and it foster the confidence to try these activities. Participants learn how they can sprinkle songs and rhymes into their daily routine more effectively, even if they are not musically predisposed.

Registration is required.

Car and truck collide on Main Road in Stafford

By Billie Owens

A car and pickup truck have crashed at 5270 Main Road in Stafford, near the Seven Springs Road intersection. Injuries are reported. Stafford fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 10:58 a.m.: The roadway is almost completely blocked. The truck was towing heavy machinery, which will need to be lifted. A tow-truck company is called to assist. Fluids are leaking. A Sheriff's deputy is on scene along with a medic.

UPDATE 11:03: "Everything is intact but the truck is kind of sitting on the car," says a responder at the scene.

UPDATE 11:11 a.m.: The tow-truck driver is not injured. The occupants of the car will need medical attention and will be transported via ambulance.

Complaint of dog shot with BB gun in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A caller reports to dispatch that his neighbor on Lake Street in Le Roy shot his dog with a BB gun. Le Roy police are responding. No information about injuries to the dog.

Subscribe to Stories from

Authentically Local