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Troopers remind drivers it's deer collision season -- use caution at dawn and dusk, don't swerve

By Billie Owens

Every October and November, Troopers handle an increased number of vehicles collisions striking deer in Troop A-Western New York.

Operators should use caution around dusk and dawn.

If you are operating a vehicle and a deer enters the roadway do NOT swerve. When an operator swerves to avoid a deer, the vehicle is more likely to strike another vehicle or exit the roadway striking trees or utility poles.

If you strike a deer, remain at the scene and call 9-1-1. An accident report can be completed by Troopers if your vehicle has more than $1,000 in damage or if an involved person has been injured.

NYSP Troop A stats for car/deer collisions:

  • September       2017-- 83 collisions
  • October            2017-- 181 collisions
  • November        2017-- 314 collisions

2017 total collisions -- 1,412

  • September       2018 -- 103 collisions
  • October            2018 -- 187 collisions
  • November        2018 -- 270 collisions

2018 total collisions -- 1,523

89.1 The Point is collecting new and gently used donations for charity at Batavia Walmart

By Billie Owens

The on-campus radio station 89.1 The Point at SUNY Brockport is undertaking its Fall charity drive and this year the beneficiary is the Willow Domestic Violence Center in Rochester, which serves Genesee, Orleans and Monroe counties.

Students will be collecting various items for donation this Friday and Saturday at the Walmart in Batavia (and Brockport).

Batavia Walmart donations can be dropped off from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Event Date and Time
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89.1 The Point is collecting new and gently used donations for charity at Batavia Walmart Friday, Saturday

By Billie Owens

The on-campus radio station 89.1 The Point at SUNY Brockport is undertaking its Fall charity drive and this year the beneficiary is the Willow Domestic Violence Center in Rochester, which serves Genesee, Orleans and Monroe counties.

Students will be collecting various items for donation this Friday and Saturday at the Walmart in Batavia (and Brockport).

Batavia Walmart donations can be dropped off from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.

The items wanted are new and gently used women's and children's clothing and shoes, personal care items, and pet care supplies.

For clothing and shoes -- Fall wear only please

  • Women’s casual clothing – tops and bottoms
  • Children’s clothing (sizes 12m -- 14/16)
  • Seasonal adult and children’s shoes (sneakers) 
  • New women’s underwear (sizes 5-14 only)
  • New children’s underwear and T-shirts (sizes 2T-XL)
  • Bras (sizes 44 and up only)
  • Bathrobes
  • Pants hangers

Personal care items

  • Softee-hair food with vitamin-E
  • Face cleanser
  • Lotion
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Hair combs
  • Lip balm

Infant/toddler

  • New umbrella strollers
  • New baby bottles
  • Baby wash & lotion
  • Baby oil
  • Baby wipes
  • Diapers– sizes newborn, 1, 2 & 6

Pet Care Supplies

  • Canned dog food (chicken and rice preferred)
  • Flea and tick collars or medicine
  • Gift cards for pet food
  • Kong dog toys
  • Heavy duty outdoor toys
  • Puzzle feeders/enrichment toys for dogs and cats
  • Cat toys (catnip mice, balls, pom poms, etc.)

Please contact our Donations Expert with questions at (585) 232-5200, ext. 224, or email SondraG@WillowCenterNY.org

Due to sorting, storage, and redistribution costs, we cannot accept items that are not on our Wish List.

Local pastor and friend in Top 5 of fierce Facebook songwriting contest, ask for your vote

By Billie Owens

Justin DeMartino and his friend Joe Carrender are Christian musicians who perform and collaboratively write songs as Providence Bridge. They have a shot at a big-time opportunity in Music City, thanks to a competition underway on Facebook.

DeMartino, the 35-year-old Creative Arts pastor at Batavia Assembly of God church on North Spruce Street in Batavia, and Carrender, 40, entered a national singing competition through a company called Rixon Entertainment Group.

They spent three or four hours writing a song called "Break Me Free" and recorded the performance on Monday, Oct. 7.

On Tuesday it was entered in the Facebook contest, joining thousands of other video entries.

But unlike most, by Wednesday it had soared to the top five. It has garnered 15,000 views and nearly 1,200 likes.

Voting ends at 3 a.m. this Friday, Oct. 18.

Below is the link to their song. If you like what you hear, they ask for your vote of support to help them win.

In order to have your vote count, you must click on the link for the video and hit the LIKE button.

The songwriter(s) will be flown to Nashville and get to record with a multi-Dove-Award-winning, Grammy-nominated record producer and the professional result will be sent across all media platforms for international distribution. (Dove Awards honor outstanding achievements in Christian and Gospel music.)

"We would love to have your support and spread the news!" says DeMartino.

"Break Me Free" is a song that speaks to the zeitgeist of today's America as regards the opioid epidemic in particular. It was inspired by a drug-addicted friend, DeMartino said.

It uses the metaphor of an hourglass -- with sand (troubles, pressures, temptations, addictions) pouring in, and the light that shines through to you at the bottom barely seen. From that perspective, life can seem hopeless at times, DeMartino said, but the light of Christ is there to pull you out and up...onward.

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer endorses Durin Rogers' bid to become full-time Batavia City Court judge

By Billie Owens

Above, part-time Batavia City Court Judge Durin Rogers, left, and Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer.

Submitted photo and press release:

New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has given an enthusiastic boost to Judge Durin Rogers in his effort to succeed retiring Judge Robert Balbick as Batavia’s next full-time City Court Judge.

Senator Ranzenhofer has represented Batavia and Genesee County since 2008 and has been a practicing lawyer for more than 35 years.

“This coming November 5th you have an opportunity to elect a Batavia City Court Judge with proven judicial experience, integrity, judicial temperament and commitment to the community," Ranzenhofer said. "It is for these reasons that I proudly support Hon. Durin B. Rogers in his effort to become your next full-time Batavia City Court Judge.

"I have known Judge Rogers for many years now as an attorney and colleague practicing law throughout the GLOW region and most recently as (part-time) judge of the Batavia City Court…He is well respected on and off the bench and I have had the opportunity to appear in front of Judge Rogers on the bench and opposite him as deputy county attorney for Genesee County. I found Judge Rogers’ approach in both capacities to be professional, knowledgeable, reasonable and fair.”

Senator Ranzenhofer also stressed Rogers’ community service, saying: “In addition to his service as a public attorney, he has served the legal community and its members as a past president of the Genesee County Bar Association bringing the 'People’s Law Series,'…to provide low cost legal education and seminars to the residents of Genesee County.

"...Judge Rogers has and will continue to be a fair judge and listen to all sides before making well-reasoned decisions…Please join me in supporting Judge Durin B. Rogers as your next full-time Batavia City Court judge."

Responding to the Ranzenhofer endorsement, Rogers said: “I truly appreciate Senator Ranzenhofer’s comments and his support. Over the past many years, the Batavia City Court has become a well-respected part of our system of justice.

"I have worked with Judge Balbick over the past four years and we are always considering ways to improve the court’s ability to meet Batavia’s evolving needs. I am committed to carrying on those efforts in the years to come if elected as Batavia’s next full-time judge.”

Gia’s Surreal goes coast to coast in Batavia distaff Open

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Three-year-old Gia’s Surreal had been a solid campaigner all year on the New York Sire Stake circuit, culminating that series with a second-place finish in the Excelsior “A” final in September. Since that start the filly has won three straight races in overnights against aged mares and on Monday (Oct. 14) knocked off the track's top class, the $12,000 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs.

Driver Jim Morrill Jr. left fast with Gia’s Surreal and led the ladies to the quarter in :27.4 and the half in :57.2. As the race proceeded onto the second circuit, Little Joke (Billy Davis Jr.) and Kaitlyn Rae (Mike Caprio) moved up on the rim to apply some pressure and pushed a fast :28.2 split to the three-quarters.

But Gia’s Surreal, who had maintained a 1-1/4 length lead the entire race, stayed stout and kept to her business which was turning back all challengers and pacing home strong to win in 1:55.  

Gia’s Surreal ($3.10) scored her ninth win in 19 starts this year and pushed her stake-enhanced earnings to $83,869 for owners Jim Graham, Edward Peron, Lee Winters and Thomas Mariano. Jim Graham trains the filly. 

Gia’s Surreal was one of three wins for Jim Morrill Jr. on Monday. Billy Davis Jr. also got the driving hat trick on the card. 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 18) at 6 p.m. There is no racing this Wednesday (Oct. 16) due to today’s special matinee card.

Grand Jury: Woman accused of driving drunk with five children in the vehicle

By Billie Owens

Michele R. Williams is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle, which is a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 24 in the Town of Darien that Williams drove a 2013 Chevrolet on Route 77 while having a BAC of .08 percent or more and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, Williams is accused of aggravated DWI with a child as passenger, a Class E felony, also on May 24. In counts three and four, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a second child age 15 or less in the vehicle. In counts five and six, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a third child age 15 or less in the vehicle. In counts seven and eight, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a fourth child age 15 or less in the vehicle​. In counts nine and 10, Williams is accused of the same crimes, respectively, for having a fifth child age 15 or less in the vehicle​. In count 11, Williams is accused of following another vehicle too closely, a vehicle and traffic violation, without having due regard for the speed to the vehicle, the traffic or the condition of the roadway.

Taraleen T. Tundo is indicted for the crime of aggravated driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 1 in the Town of Stafford that Tundo drove a 2004 Ford on Route 5 while her ability to do so was impaired by the conbined influence of drugs and while a child age 15 or less was a passenger. In count two, Tundo is accused of driving left of pavement markings the same day, a vehicle and traffic violation. In count three, she is accused of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that Tundo knowingly possessed gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, vials, capsules or other material suitable for packaging individual quantities or narcotic drugs.

Brian K. Dyer is indicted for the crime of first-degree assault, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that on July 5 in the City of Batavia that Dyer intended to, and did, cause serious physical injury to another person by means of a dangerous instrument -- a concrete statue. In count two, Dyer is accused of criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a Class D felony, for possessing a dangerous instrument -- a concrete statue -- with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person.

Patrick J. Gonzales is indicted for the crime of third-degress burglary, a Class D felony. On March 16, 2017, Gonzales allegedly knowingly entered a building on Lake Street in the Town of Le Roy with the intent to commit a crime. In count two, he is accused of third-degree grand larceny, also a Class D felony, for allegedly stealing property with a value in excess of $3,000 -- a safe and personal property valued at about $3,702.50 in U.S. currency.

Sybil D. Davis is indicted for the crime of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on April 3 in the Town of Le Roy that Davis drove a 2001 Dodge on Route 19 while her license was suspended or revoked by authorities and while she was under the influence of a drug or alcohol. In count two, she is accused of driving that day while her ability was impaired by the combined influence of drugs or alcohol, as a misdemeanor. In count three, Davis is accused of reckless driving, as a misdemeanor, for driving that day in a manner that unreasonably interfered with the free and proper use of the roadway or unreasonably endangered users of the roadway. In count three, Davis is accused of reckless driving for crossing the center line and driving into the path of an oncoming vehicle in the Town of Pavilion and/or Le Roy that was operating lawfully; the affected vehicle had to engage in evasive manuevers in order to avoid a collision. In count four, Davis is accused of reckless driving for crossing the center line and driving into the path of an oncoming vehicle in the Town of Le Roy that was operating lawfully; the affected vehicle had to engage in evasive manuevers in order to avoid a collision. In count five, Davis is accused of reckless driving for crossing the center line and driving into the path of an oncoming vehicle in the Village of Le Roy that was operating lawfully; the affected vehicle had to engage in evasive manuevers in order to avoid a collision. In count six, Davis is accused of attempted escape in the third degree, a Class B misdemeanor, for allegedly attempting to escape from custody on April 3 in the Town of Le Roy.

Joseph L. Ruise is indicted for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 21 in the City of Batavia that Ruise knowingly possessed cocaine with the intent to sell it. In count two, Ruise is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree, a Class C felony. In count two, he is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing one or more preparations, compounds or mixtures containing the narcotic drug cocaine and these had an aggragate weight of one-eighth ounce or more. In count three, Ruise is indicted for the crime of criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count three that on the same day, Ruise knowlingly possessed gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, vials, capsules or other material suitable for packaging individual quantities of narcotic drugs.

Christopher A. Ridgeway is indicted for the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, a Class B felony. It is alleged that on June 27 in the City of Batavia that Ridgeway knowingly and unlawfully possessed cocaine with the intent to sell it. In count two, he is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, a Class A misdemeanor. It is alleged in count two that on the same day, Ridgeway knowingly and unlawfully possessed alprazolam.

Batavia man accused of violating protective order charged with criminal contempt

By Billie Owens

Nathan Falsone, 35, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. Falsone was arrested at 11:11 a.m. on Oct. 9 p.m. on Maple Street in Batavia after he allegedly contacted a protected party of an order of protection. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of unspecified bail. He is due back in city court on Oct. 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Garrett Lloyd Strickland, 27, of Beach Drive, Medina, is charged with trespass and second-degree harassment. At 3:40 a.m. on Oct. 14, Strickland was arrested on Church Street in Pembroke. He allegedly continued to contact the victim several times after being advised to cease all contact with the victim. Garrett was also allegedly found on the victim's property after being told he was no longer allowed on the property. Garrett was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to be in Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 29. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Tessa L. Engel, 21, of Wade Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; refusal to submit to a roadside breath test; unreasonable speed at special hazards; and moving from lane unsafely. Engel was arrested at 12:12 a.m. on Oct. 12 on East Main Street in Batavia after a personal injury accident. She was issued computer-generated tickets and was released to family members. Engel is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan, ssisted by Officer Peter Post.

Lemar J. Leach, 34, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or more. Leach was arrested at 3:31 a.m. on East Main Street in Batavia after an unspecified incident at McDonald's restaurant. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Oct. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Megan Elaine Ranlett, 28, of Gibson Street, Oakfield, is charged with: second-degree forgery, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree; and petit larceny. Ranlett was arrested, no date or time specified, after allegedly filing false information April 12 on an application for Social Service benefits, which she subsequently received based on that information. She is due in Batavia Town Court on Nov. 7. The case was handled by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

NYS FreshConnect checks to be provided Thursday to vets who missed July opportunity

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Victor Roberts, Veterans Benefits advisor, NYS Division of Veterans' Affairs, will be at the Downtown Batavia Public Market (Bank Street and Alva Place) at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct.17th, to distribute NYS FreshConnect Checks to local Veterans who missed the original distribution in July.

FreshConnect Veterans Checks are a component of Governor Cuomo's "New York FreshConnect Farmers' Markets" (FreshConnect) program. The program is designed to assist New York farmers by increasing the sale of locally grown food in communities.

FreshConnect checks will be issued as a one-time annual benefit: 10 - $2 checks ($20) -- one packet per household, per season.

Checks will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 25 veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, current members of the Armed Forces, members of their immediate families, or un-remarried surviving spouses.

"This second distribution of FreshConnect checks is for those Veterans that did not receive checks at the July distribution," says Roberts, "Recipients will not require ID but they will need to sign a form accepting the program's rules and regulations."

"The checks can be used to purchase fresh produce from participating vendors at the Market," says Market Manager Mike Bakos. "The Market is excited to, once again, be a distribution point for FreshConnect Veterans Checks and we thank all veterans for their service."

City Republican Committee hosts meeting at Richmond library with GOP ward council members

By Billie Owens

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is sponsoring a Meet with Your Republican Ward Councilpersons for our City residents.

The meeting will take place at the Richmond Memorial Library in the downstairs Wilbur Room from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24th.

All City residents are invited to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to listen to and discuss your concerns and comments. 

Event Date and Time
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Batavia City School Board President endorses Ben Bonarigo for full time Batavia City Court judgeship

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Patrick Burk proudly endorsed Batavia City Court Judge candidate Ben Bonarigo earlier this week.

Burk stated, “I do not take this endorsement lightly. There is something to be said about community, why we live where we live, and how as citizens we serve in that special place. That is why I’m endorsing Ben Bonarigo for City Court Judge. What is needed in our City Court is a judge that has decades of caring and public service.

"Additionally, Ben has the legal expertise and knowledge that is required to make sound and fair judgments from the bench. There is no one who has more experience, more public service or more compassion for his community than Ben. Our community deserves the best and Ben is truly exemplary of the qualities needed for this position.”

Burk is currently serving his 13th year on the Board of Education for Batavia City Schools. He is school board president. He is also the executive director of 56 Harvester, the local nonprofit theater organization.

“I truly appreciate Mr. Burk’s endorsement” Bonarigo said. “He is well known and respected as a champion for the education of our children in this community, and deeply cares about their future. We all need to do the best we can to serve our children and families for the future of Batavia.”

Pig roast held by Le Roy Women of the Moose raises money for kids' winter wear

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Last month, the Le Roy Women of the Moose held a pig roast to raise money for new winter outer wear and accessories for Le Roy Wolcott Street School students in need.

Winter coats, hoodies, boots, gloves, hats and socks were purchased.

School counselors and the school nurse identify those with the greatest need. 

Events like these are a success due to the generosity of our community and our volunteers.

A pig roast is a big undertaking, but Dave Ehrhart Jr. and his crew, along with the WOTM, do a great job. Thank you Le Roy! It takes a village!

Photo, from left: Jamie Clark, assistant principal at Wolcott School, and Merritt Holley, superintendent of the Le Roy Central School District, along with Women of the Moose Laurie Cooper, Martha Bailey, Cathy Campbell and Judy Mills.

Point Breeze Yacht Club enjoyed a great autumn day together at Godfrey's Pond

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Point Breeze Yacht Club held its Annual Members Meeting and Election of Officers on Saturday Oct. 12th in the Clubhouse at Godfrey’s Pond in Bergen.

During the business meeting upcoming events were discussed and an election of officers was held. The existing slate of officers was reelected to another term.

After the meeting, the members enjoyed a great fall dinner catered by Center Street Smokehouse.

The membership was treated to a beautiful walking tour of the grounds and a visit with the different species of wild pheasants, waterfowl, swans, quail, partridge and peacocks.

Anyone interested in becoming a member may contact the Commodore at commodore@pbycny.com

Photo, from left: Rear Commodore Emrys March, Commodore Bob Bialkowski, Treasurer Madeline Bialkowski, Port Captain William Elliott, Secretary Marietta Schuth, and Vice Commodore Erik Roth. 

City Republican Committee hosts meeting at Richmond library with GOP ward council members Oct. 24

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is sponsoring a Meet with Your Republican Ward Councilpersons for our City residents.

The meeting will take place at the Richmond Memorial Library in the downstairs Wilbur Room from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24th.

All City residents are invited to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to listen to and discuss your concerns and comments. 

Attendees will include Councilperson Paul Viele (Ward 1), Councilperson Patti Pacino (Ward 2), Councilperson John Canale (Ward 3), Councilperson Al McGinnis (Ward 4), and Councilperson Kathy Briggs (Ward 5).

Please take advantage of this opportunity to meet and have a conversation with your local representatives.

Mr. Euroman captures Batavia top pace

By Billie Owens
Photo above: Mr. Euroman with Billy Davis Jr. taking the lead.
 
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Mr. Euroman had a two-month vacation this summer before the start of the Batavia Downs meet and since returning to action in late August, has won four out of his eight starts in Genesee County. The most recent win came on Saturday night (Oct. 12) in the $12,500 Open Handicap pace at the Downs. 

Leaving from post one, Mr. Euroman (Billy Davis Jr.) watched as Sir Pugsley (Drew Monti) fired off the gate and took command of the race heading around the first turn. With the field in single file, Sir Pugsley went down to the half in :57 before stepping up the pace to the three-quarters with a :27.3 split. Mr. Euroman was the beneficiary of cover to this point of the race and continued to trip-out to the top of the stretch. Davis pulled the pocket at the head of the lane with Mr. Euroman and out-dueled Sir Pugsley to the wire to win by one-half length in 1:53.2.

It was the seventh win of the year for Mr. Euroman ($16.00) who is owned by Vogel and Wags Nags, Jack Rice and Adelphi Bloodstock and is trained by Maria Rice.

There were a pair of $11,000 Open II races on the card that both provided some stellar performances. 

(Photo above: Down On My Luck with driver Drew Monti in the lead.)

The first split saw Down On My Luck (Drew Monti) get away third before pulling first-over at the three-eighths, clear the leading Barry Hanover (Dave McNeight III) by the three-quarters and then pull away to an easy 2-¼ length win in 1:53.3. Down On My Luck ($3.10) is having a career year for owner Robert Woodburn, now with eight wins and $47,867 in earnings. Patrick Shepherd trains the winner.

(Above photo: What’s Goin On with John Cummings Jr. out in front.)

In the second division, What’s Goin On (John Cummings Jr.) sat second behind the pace-setting Rise Up Now (Shawn McDonough) from the start until the top of the stretch where he found room on the pylons and shot through like a rocket to out-pace four other fast finishers and win by one-half length in 1:54.4. What’s Going On ($8.70) now also has eight wins this year and $65,821 earned for owners Marissa and Joe Russo. David Russo does the conditioning. 

Drew Monti scored a driving triple to lead all drivers on Saturday while John Cumming Jr. and Renaldo Morales III scored two wins apiece. Trainer Patrick Shepherd also sent three horses to the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle while James Clouser Jr. and Joe Skowyra each watched two of their stable win during the night 

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs with the final matinee card of the year on Monday (Oct. 14) with the annual Columbus Day special. Post time for the first race is 1:15 p.m.

Lougazi closes fast for Batavia feature trot win

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Logazi was true to form on Friday night (Oct. 11) by getting away slow before and then closing fast to win the $12,500 Open Handicap trot at Batavia Downs. 

Rose Run Speedster (Jim Morrill Jr.) cut the mile from post one, getting to the half unpressured in a slow :59.1. BJ Larado (Shawn McDonough) pulled first over in front of the stands with Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) following loosely behind by a gapped two-lengths. 

Positions remained unchanged up the backstretch to the three-quarters and around the far turn, but as they hit the top of the stretch Rose Run Speedster made a break and Lougazi was rolling three-deep around BJ Lorado. The race was now between only two horses and BJ Lorado and Lougazi rocked and rolled side by side all the way down the lane until Lougazi gained the slightest advantage and won by a nose in 1:57.3. 

Scoring his eighth win of the season, Lougazi ($5.40) pushed his earnings to $81,625 for owner Mary Warriner. Ryan Swift trains the winner. 

The Fisher/Swift team was red hot on Friday, getting a natural Hat Trick in races five, six and seven. Prior to winning with Lougazi, they also scored with Barn Winner (1:58.1, $4.50) and Rock The Dream (1:56, $2.40). 

In the $11,000 Open II trot, Call My Broker (Mike Caprio) was overlooked by the bettors but took full advantage of post one by going right to the front and to lead at every station en route to registering a 1-¾ length win in a new seasonal best 1:57.3. Grabbing his fifth win of the year, Call My Broker ($20.20) is owned by Franklin Meier and is trained by Angelo Nappo. 

Jim Morrill Jr. and Billy Davis Jr. joined Ray Fisher Jr. as top winning drivers as they also scored three wins on the night. 

There was no winner in the Pick-5 wager on Friday and as a result, there will be a $2,527.75 carryover and a $6,000 guaranteed pool for the Pick-5 on Saturday. The pool will be part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages for races one through five will be available on the USTA website starting Saturday morning. 

Post time at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Oct. 12) is 6 p.m.

$6,000 guaranteed Pick-5 tonight at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Tonight (Oct. 12) the Pick-5 pool at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel will be guaranteed at $6,000.

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by direct download by clicking here.

The Pick-5 wager begins in race one and runs through race five. It is a 50-cent base wager and if all five winners aren’t selected, the carryover amount will move to the Monday program.

Post time for the first race is at 6 p.m.

Batavia Downs features season's final matinee on Columbus Day

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

The final matinee of the 2019 meet at Batavia Downs will be held on Columbus Day Monday (Oct. 14) with post time at 1:15 p.m.

Besides a full card of great harness racing action featuring the fillies and mares Open Pace, there are also some great food specials throughout the facility during this Batavia Downs traditional event. 

The clubhouse will feature their famous Center Street Smoke House chicken barbecue special from noon until 3 p.m. For only $12.95 you will receive a complete chicken dinner with sides plus $10 in gaming Free Play and a $2 horse wager at the track. 

If chicken is not what you’re craving, there will also be $1 Sahlen hot dogs, $1 draft beer and $1 soda available at the Homestretch Grill from noon until the last race. This will be the final dollar day of the meet.  

On track programs will also cost only $1 and will be available at all the regular on-track outlets. 

After Monday’s card of racing there are only 24 nights of racing left in the season, which runs through Saturday (Dec. 14).

A peek at the dinner menu for the premier of Jeanne's Table at GO ART!

By Billie Owens
Here's a menu announcement for next Thursday's premier of Jeanne’s Table at GO ART!
 
This first eight-course Small Plates dinner will celebrate the local Fall Harvest and it promises to be a memorable experience! Cost is $60 per person and seating is limited to 20 people.
 
Here are some of the items that will be on the Oct. 17 menu:
  • Fresh rosemary, sea bass, bacon and ciabatta kebabs
  • Roasted Fall vegetables with chimichurri
  • Smoky peppered pork loin with apple slaw
  • Autumn herbed shrimp
  • Salted caramel-pear gallette with vanilla-scented cream
  • Lemon-thyme sorbet
Sign up today to reserve your seat and experience the rest of this delicious menu!
 
Craft beer and wine will be available at GO ART’s 2.0.1 Tavern, and there are multiple art exhibitions for you to view during your visit!  
 
Please click on this link to register for this or other future Jeanne's Table events.

Citywide leaf collection begins Oct. 21 and continues until Nov. 22

By Billie Owens

From the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

Citywide leaf collection begins Oct. 21 and continues until Nov. 22.

Residents of the following streets can rake leaves to the parkway, but do not place in the street; these streets are Clinton Street, Oak Street, Main Street (including East and West Main streets), Pearl Street, South Main Street (between Oak and Walnut streets), Walnut Street, Richmond Avenue (between Oak Street and Prospect Avenue).

If your street has a route number (i.e. Route 5, Route 33, Route 63 and Route 98), then please keep leaves out of the roadway.

All other streets are asked to rake leaves close to the curb line, taking care not to block storm drainage structures/catch basins or not to block travel-way of streets.

Leaf operations typically have one crew on the Northside working from Grandview Terrace moving west, north of Main Street, and a second crew on the Southside beginning on River Street moving east in areas south of Main Street. A third crew will work using a vacuum along main roads and numbered routes. It takes about two weeks to go through the entire city.

Any resident with leaves can also bring them to the yard waste station until it closes for the season on Dec. 14. Beginning Nov. 4, the Yard Waste Station hours will be adjusted to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Yard Waste Station is closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, for Thanksgiving.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAF COLLECTION:

  • Leaf piles must be clear of sticks and other debris;
  • Leaf piles must be clear of all animal waste – if animal waste is found in the piles, they will not be picked up;
  • Grass clippings, flower potting’s, branches, pumpkins cannot be picked up. Residents may bring those items to the Yard Waste Station on Law Street (which will be open through Dec. 14);
  • Leaves should not block traffic;
  • Leaves should not be piled near intersection corners. This causes sight issues for motorists/bicyclists/pedestrians;
  • Keep leaf piles clear of drainage ways and catch basins. Blocked drainage leads to localized flooding;
  • Leaves should not be piled around mailboxes, power poles, fences, fire hydrants or other obstacles;
  • Do not park on leaf piles. The heat from a vehicle exhaust system could start a fire;
  • Do not wait to get your leaves out. We will normally collect leaves twice within the month of leaf collection;
  • If it is snowing, we plow first. If it continues to snow, then leaf operations will be suspended;
  • There is no leaf pickup in the spring.

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