The dispatch center has received numerous phone calls complaining of "significant traffic back up in the area of West Main and Woodrow Road due to all the road closures." City police are responding for traffic control.
A car vs. fire hyrdrant accident is reported in the city at 430 E. Main St.
UPDATE 4:43 p.m.: A first responder says it is believed the driver of a pickup truck that sheared off a fire hydrant and struck a rock wall in front of GCASA had a medical issue. The driver did not appear to be seriously injured. Mercy medics were evaluating him at the scene. City Fire Chief Stefano Napolitano said the accident was initially called in by an off-duty city firefighter who witnessed it. The firefighter said the truck struck a parked vehicle; that there was full air-bag deployment; and the truck came to rest on a wall. When firefighters and medics arrived, the truck driver was sitting on the porch. "It could have been a lot worse," Napolitano said. "This is a busy sidewalk -- a lot of pedestrians. We could have had multiple victims struck or pinned on the wall." GCASA Executive Director John Bennett said it was very fortuitous that there were no clients of GCASA out front smoking at the time of this incident or it could have resulted in injuries or even death. Normally, Bennett said, there might be as many as five to 15 people smoking cigarettes, standing on the sidewalk at or near the accident location. GCASA recently applied to the state for a waiver to create a designated smoking area, which in the past have been prohibited at substance treatment facilities, and while the waiver is pending, clients are using the designated smoking area at the back of the property.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 a variety of fun activities continue as part of Homecoming Weekend at Genesee Community College in Batavia at the Richard C. Call Arena. Admission is FREE and the entire community is invited!
Genesee County Job Development Bureau is hosting a Job Fair from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the One Stop Career Center, 587 E. Main St., Eastown Plaza, Suite 100, Batavia.
No RSVP or fee is required – just show up on Sept. 18th, dressed professionally, bring plenty of resumes, and put your best foot forward!
Whether you are hoping to find a fresh start, a better job, or a new career direction; job seekers will find a wealth of exciting opportunities at the Job Fair.
Press release:
Genesee County Job Development Bureau is hosting a Job Fair from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the One Stop Career Center, 587 E. Main St., Eastown Plaza, Suite 100, Batavia.
No RSVP or fee is required – just show up on Sept. 18th, dressed professionally, bring plenty of resumes, and put your best foot forward!
Whether you are hoping to find a fresh start, a better job, or a new career direction, job seekers will find a wealth of exciting opportunities at the Job Fair.
“We are excited to partner with the GLOW Workforce Development Board and NYS Department of Labor to bring employers and job seekers together,” said Teresa Van Son, director of the Genesee County Job Development Bureau.
Local employers will be here, from a variety of industry sectors, eager to hire for immediate openings in a wide range of fields. The job fair is open to the entire community.
“This opportunity connects workers with great employers looking to hire," Van Son said. "In line with our mission to help people discover their potential and support them in reaching their career goals and prosperity; while assisting businesses by providing driven and trained candidates to fill their needs, this job fair is a great way to connect face-to-face with employers."
For more information, please contact the Genesee County Career Center, at 585-344-2042 or jdb@co.genesee.ny.us
Water was restored on Pearl Street in the City of Batavia at approximately 1 p.m.
A water main break on Pearl Street at approximately 5 a.m. resulted in water service interruption in an area between 40 Pearl St. and the City Line.
Crews made repairs and replaced the pipe.
Bill Davis, superintendent of Water/Wastewater
From Jarrod Clark:
On Monday (Sept. 9) the girls varsity soccer team from Notre Dame won the match against Pembroke 2-1. The game was played at Notre Dame.
Emma Sission, an eighth-grader from St. Joe's, scored her first varsity goal, assisted from Morgan Rhodes in the first half at the 15-minute mark.
Ava Reinhart scored unassisted in the second half at the 5-minute mark.
Notre Dame keeper with the win -- Rebeka Nickerson, five saves.
On Monday, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo announced awards totaling more than $500,000 to 28 Western New York nonprofit organizations through its 2019 Competitive Grants process.
The Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council -- GO ART! -- was the sole Genesee County recipient of a grant from the foundation. GO ART! will receive $20,000.
Competitive grants will go to area nonprofits that support the Community Foundation’s four strategic community goals:
Marcus Melander (inset photo, left) has come a very long way in harness racing in a very short amount of time. After making the move to North America from his home in Sweden at the age of 21 to work for Hall of Fame trainer Jimmy Takter, Melander went off on his own and hasn’t looked back.
Over the last five years, Melander’s stable has won in excess of $7.8 million in purses, had five trotters reach the Hambletonian final and was awarded two year-end Dan Patch Awards for divisional winning horses.
Melander himself received the 2018 Dan Patch Rising Star Award this past February in Orlando, Florida in recognition of his exceptional early career accomplishments.
This year two of the best horses in his stable just happen to be New York-bred and both are undefeated in their New York Sire Stake (NYSS) starts this year.
They are 3-year-old trotting colt Gimpanzee and 2-year-old trotting filly Hypnotic Am and they both will be competing in the $1.8 million NYSS Night of Champions at Batavia Downs on Saturday (Sept. 14).
(Photo of Gimpanzee.)
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
In his freshman season, Gimpanzee was undefeated going nine for nine. He swept the NYSS to become the 2-year-old champion, won the $600,000 Breeders Crown final and amassed a total of $591,358 for the year. That earned him the 2018 Dan Patch Award for 2-year-old trotting colts.
This year Gimpanzee started out by running up his lifetime undefeated streak to 13 before joining Melander stablemates Greenshoe and Green Manalishi S in the Hambletonian final.
Gimpanzee got parked out from post seven in his elimination and finished fourth. He then drew post seven again in the final, went a similar trip and finished third. He closed very well in both starts (:26.4 and :26.2) and was only beaten a length in each race. Melander reflected on those starts as he was preparing him for the New York finals this weekend.
“He went tremendous in both races and finished strong in both despite having the seven hole. If he had a little better post in the final I think he could win the race because he was flying home. But he raced real good that day and we could not be more happy. He showed everyone that he is fast enough,” said Melander.
Despite the task of racing two heats in one day, Gimpanzee came out unfazed and continued his winning ways at Batavia on Saturday (Aug. 24).
“He came out of those heats better than I thought but that doesn’t surprise me. He’s very laid back and easy on himself. It was good that there were no eliminations for the Yonkers Trot so we could bring him up to Batavia that week and get some more points and get some experience around that track. It was a great surface to race over at Batavia and he got around it very well,” said Melander.
After the New York final, Gimpanzee will be going down to the Red Mile for the Bluegrass Series and the Kentucky Futurity with his sights strongly focused on a second Breeders Crown championship.
(Photo of Hypnotic Am.)
Stablemate Hypnotic Am hasn’t visited Batavia yet this year because she was busy winning the $310,000 James Doherty Memorial at the Meadowlands the week her division competed there.
Hypnotic Am was bred by her owner Courant and was such an impressive yearling that they sent her to Melander to train, rather than the sale last fall. And clearly that has worked out well for all involved.
“She trained down good and every start she seems to get better and better. She has no problem doing the work herself; she has speed, she has stamina, she has everything a good horse should have,” said Melander. “She went a big mile in the Doherty (1:53), a track record at Yonkers (1:56.1) and was a was very strong as a wrapped-up winner at Saratoga in 1:54.4 over an off track. She’s a very nice filly.”
Her performances this year speak volumes. She is currently the fastest 2-year-old trotter overall in North America, richest 2-year-old trotting filly and the second richest overall behind Real Cool Sam, who has raced two more starts to this point and is coincidentally also undefeated at 8-8.
After the NYSS final, Melander said she may head down to Lexington for the Grand Circuit races as well, but that will be a decision he makes later. But one thing is for sure, she will compete in the Breeders Crown.
“We may go to Kentucky, depending on how she races and comes out of the race this week. I like to be careful with the 2-year-olds because they can get sick and that can happen very easily when they travel.”
Both Gimpanzee and Hypnotic Am are by Chapter Seven out of a granddaughter of Muscles Yankee. It's a cross Melander likes and his trotting star of two years ago Fourth Dimension, who was a four-time NYSS winner and the 2017 Dan Patch Award 2-year-old trotting colt of the year, had the same.
Melander looks to continue his success in New York in the coming years, stating the program helps develop young talent.
“I think it’s a very good series and although there are a lot of half mile tracks, most of them have good surfaces. Many are very soft for the horses and that helps a young horse a lot. And as long as the tracks are good, that’s good for the horse’s futures then it works great to have them in this program,” said Melander. “I will be shopping for New York horses at the sales this fall and if I can find something I like I will definitely try to buy them. I like the New York circuit. It’s good money and a good program for us.”
The $1.8 million New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions that are comprised of eight $225,000 races will be held at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 14) with a first race post time of 6 p.m.
The draw for that card is on Wednesday (Sept. 11) at noon and will be live streamed on the NYSS website as well as both the NYSS and Batavia Downs Facebook pages. Batavia native and New York State Assemblyman Stephen M. Hawley will serve as the honorary drawmaster.
Peter Kleinhans will be the track’s guest host and handicapper for the in-house and simulcast broadcast and Heather Wilder will be in the Purple Haze Winner’s Circle interviewing the winners and all their connections after each stake race.
There will be two $7,500 guaranteed pools in both the early and late Pick-4 wagers that night and both will be all-stake Pick-4’s (races 3-6 and races 7-10). The pools are part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering Program and free program pages will be available on the USTA’s website and through links on the Batavia Downs Facebook page when they become available.
Free full card programs will also be available for download from the Daily Racing Form starting Thursday.
There will be a T-shirt giveaway courtesy of the NYSS on Saturday night as well. Fans attending the races live only need to swipe their Player’s Club card at guest services starting at 4:30 p.m. to receive a ticket to get their shirt after the seventh race.
(Melander photo courtesy of Mark Hall.)
(Gimpanzee photo courtesy of Paul White.)
(Hypnotic Am photo courtesy of Fred Brown.)
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Every Wednesday during the month of September, the Pick-5 pool at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel will be guaranteed at $2,500.
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 moves to the Friday program.
Wednesday’s guaranteed pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages will be available each week courtesy of Trackmaster and will be available on the USTA’s website.
Wednesday’s (Sept. 11) program pages can be downloaded here.
Rachel M. Grace, 30, of 638 N. Buckeye St., Wooster, Ohio, and Jeremy R. Triesler, 39, of 9318 Lincoln Way East, Orrville, Ohio, were arrested at Darien Lake Theme Park on Alleghany Road in the Town of Darien on Sept. 7. At 7:20 p.m. deputies responded to a criminal mischief complaint. It is alleged that Grace became angry and threw a bucket of water at a food service employee, causing $594.15 in damages. Triesler allegedly became belligerent and used obscene language, which caused a disturbance at the theme park; then he allegedly shoved a security officer when they attempted to intervene. Grace is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. Triesler is charged with second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Brock Cummins, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.
James Darrell Hooten Sr., 30, of Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct. At 5:35 p.m. on Sept. 7, while attempting to arrest another subject on a warrant on Sunset Parkway in Oakfield, Hooten Sr. was arrested. He allegedly attempted to prevent the arrest of another person. He is also accused of threatening Genesee County Sheriff's deputies and Probation officers and using obscene language in public. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Oakfield Town Court on Oct. 7. The case was handled by Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.
Nancy M. Storms, 46, of Perry Road, Pavilion, is charged with second-degree harassment -- physical contact. At 7:45 p.m. on Sept. 2, Storms was arrested on North Street in Batavia for allegedly pushing another person during an altercation. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 17. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Christopher Lindsay.
Lakeisha A. Gibson, 33, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. On Sept. 3 at 6:42 p.m. Batavia police responded to Lewis Place for a complaint of criminal mischief. Gibson was arrested for allegedly damaging a vehicle window. She was issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 17 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Peter Post.
Brian E. Freeman, 46, of Genesee Park, Monroe, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI -- a BAC of .18 or more; and speeding. Freeman was arrested at 12:37 a.m. on Aug. 31 on Oak Street in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 11. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.
Joshua M. Gaudioso, 30, of Albion Road, Oakfield, is charged with petit larceny. At 6:42 on Aug. 15, Gaudioso was arrested following a larceny complaint in the Village of Oakfield. He allegedly stole a NYS license plate that did not belong to him. Following his arrest, he was taken to jail then released on an appearance ticket. He is due in Corfu Village Court on Oct. 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.
Ebony S. Sanders, 41, of Lake Avenue, Rochester, is charged with possession of marijuana in the second degree and speeding. On Sept. 3 at 10:30 a.m., Sanders was stopped on Interstate 490 in the Town of Le Roy following the alleged observation of a vehicle/traffic violation. Upon conducting a roadside interview with Sanders, the odor of burnt marijuana was allegedly detected. She was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Le Roy Town Court on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Deputy Chad Minuto.
From the city's Bureau of Maintenance:
The City of Batavia Water Deptartment is on location of a water main break in front of 40 Pearl St.
The water has been turned off from 40 Pearl St. to the City line.
We appreciate your understanding while this repair is made. City crews will make every attempt to restore water as soon as possible.
From the city's Bureau of Maintenance:
Bank Street Road Closure -- (Washington Avenue to North Street)
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, through Friday, Sept. 20, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Bank Street between Washington Avenue to North Street in the City of Batavia will be closed to all through traffic. The closure is for construction activities associated sidewalk installation.
All motorists who regularly use Bank Street (between Washington Avenue to North Street) are asked to seek alternative routes while the closure is in place.
Emergency response and residents of this portion of Bank Street will be permitted within the closure for ingress and egress to properties. Caution is advised.
Additionally a temporary change to the parking restrictions will be made to this area of Bank Street (between Washington Avenue to North Street) to accommodate construction.
There will be “NO PARKING” on the Eastside. “PARKING” will be permitted on the Westside for the duration of the construction project.
Contact the Bureau of Maintenance and ask to speak to the Superintendent at 585-345-6400, opt. 1, if you have any questions.
Photo of Tyler Buter courtesy of USTA.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
After only one year of competing full time on the New York Sire Stake (NYSS) circuit, Tyler Buter claimed his first driving title in the series as its top reinsman for both wins and earnings. In a category long dominated by Hall of Famer Wally Hennessy and Jim Morrill Jr., Buter hopes to become as familiar a name driving champion New York-bred Standardbreds as theirs.
Buter will be a busy man on Saturday (Sept. 14) when he returns to Batavia Downs for the $1.8 million New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) Night of Champions.
A native of Michigan, Tyler Buter has been one of the most consistent and sought after drivers in the northeast over the past 10 years. The 34-year-old Manchester native started driving at age 17 and got his first win at the Gladwin Fair in his home state in 2002 with a horse named I Luv My Pasture.
Earlier this year he hit his career milestone 3,000th win with Daddy Let Me Drive at the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono and in between he has spent time perfecting his craft at tracks in Michigan and Chicago before moving to Monticello, Yonkers and the Meadowlands while earning over $38 million in purses.
Currently calling the Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono home, Buter still does often compete at the other venues. But an event that occurred this past February that affected both his personal and professional life prompted him to make a career-changing decision.
“Earlier this year my longtime owner and friend Gene Oldford passed away and a lot of things changed. After discussing it with my family I decided to get away from running a stable and focus on driving full time,” Buter said. “And as it turned out, many of the trainers I have been driving for had horses in the NYSS and I made the decision to commit to making all the dates and it’s worked out well for me.”
Buter had made some sporadic starts in the series before this year but 2019 was the first time he committed his whole summer to it.
“There are some excellent horses coming out of New York; the breeding is great and the competition is second to none," Buter said. "I’ve enjoyed this year and look forward to driving here again next year."
And based on his results in the bike, the connections of the New York-bred horses he drives are looking forward to it as well.
Buter posted 25 wins out of 87 starts and had a stellar .390 Universal Driver Rating (UDR) as a result of hitting the board over 50 percent of the time in the NYSS and that gave him just over $1 million in purses for those starts.
When asked about winning the driving title, Buter was quick to praise his competition and not focus on himself.
“Jason (Bartlett, 2017 leading driver) and Jimmy (Morrill, 2018 leading driver) and myself have put in a lot of miles this year and it was a great competition right to the end. All the guys who compete here are tough and make you earn every dollar and that makes you better as a driver,” Buter said.
Although he missed a lot of starts with overnight horses during the summer, Buter realized something he truly enjoys in his new role.
“I really like racing 2- and 3-year-olds. I like helping them to develop and seeing when the light bulb comes on in their head as they mature. That’s when they finally get it and move forward. And it’s very gratifying to know you had a part in that growth.”
The $1.8 million New York Sire Stakes Night of Champions that are comprised of eight $225,000 races will be held at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 14) with a first race post time of 6 o'clock.
The draw for that card is on Wednesday (Sept. 11) at noon and will be streamed live on the NYSS website as well as both the NYSS and Batavia Downs Facebook pages. Batavia native and New York State Assemblyman Stephen M. Hawley will serve as the honorary drawmaster.
There will be two $7,500 guaranteed pools in both the early and late Pick-4 wagers that night and both will be all-stake Pick-4s (races 3-6 and races 7-10). The pools are part of the United States Trotting Association’s (USTA) Strategic Wagering Program and free program pages will be available on the USTA’s website and through links on the Batavia Downs Facebook page when they become available.
Free full card programs will also be available for download from the Daily Racing Form starting Thursday.
There will be a T-shirt giveaway courtesy of the NYSS on Saturday night as well. Fans attending the races live only need to swipe their Player’s Club card at guest services starting at 4:30 p.m. to receive a ticket to get their shirt after the seventh race.
The Salvation Army is hosting a Chicken BBQ and Harvest Festival Auction on Saturday, Sept. 14th at its facility at 529 E. Main St. in Batavia.
“We have had such a wonderful outpouring of support from the community each year and we are thrilled to see the same positive success again this year,” said Capt. Rachel Moore who, along with her husband, Lt. Bradley Moore, are the local leaders of The Salvation Army of Batavia and Greater Genesee County.
Press release:
The days might be turning cooler and children are headed back to school, but The Salvation Army is holding on to the last days of warmth by hosting our Chicken BBQ and Harvest Festival Auction on Saturday.
The Sept. 14th event will take place at The Salvation Army’s facility at 529 E. Main St. in Batavia.
“We have had such a wonderful outpouring of support from the community each year and we are thrilled to see the same positive success again this year,” said Capt. Rachel Moore who, along with her husband, Lt. Bradley Moore, are the local leaders of The Salvation Army of Batavia and Greater Genesee County.
“When we host fundraisers we are generating support for our outreach and programs for children, adults and senior citizens in our area, and we can’t accomplish any of that without help from the community.”
Capt. Moore said that they have already received several donations from local businesses of all kinds including spas, auto shops, restaurants, and car dealerships to be auctioned off during a live auction.
“We also have received a number of gift certificates, appliances and furniture items from local business,” she said. “The items will be a great fit if you're looking for a gift for anyone of any age.”
The Chicken BBQ will be available for $10 between 12 and 4 p.m. with the Silent Auction beginning at 5 p.m. and Live Auction beginning at 6 o'clock.
All ages are welcome for a family friendly event and credit, cash or check payment will be accepted for items bid on during the auction.
Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance at our office or at the door.
“We are so grateful for the support we have already received from the community,” Capt. Moore said. “Participation in the auction will be a wonderful opportunity to support the work of The Salvation Army and help us continue to do the most good throughout Genesee County.”
Capt. Moore and Lt. Moore are excitedly hoping for a wonderful turn out of visitors to the auction and sponsorships range from $25 to $100. To sponsor or donate items for the auction, or for general questions regarding the event, call (585)343-6284 or email rachel.moore@use.salvationarmy.org.
Press release:
PathStone is now accepting applications for the Genesee County Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Applications are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at 30 Jefferson Square (Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union building) in Batavia. Please use the side entrance that faces toward the mall.
All applicants will need to have complete names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for everyone that would be in the household if assistance is approved. In addition, one of the following proofs of residency is required and must show the name and current address of the applicant:
For further information, please call (585) 343-3861, ext. 115, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Submitted photos and press release:
LE ROY --Two open houses will introduce a new business at 43 Main St., Le Roy, on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13-14.
The Photography Co-Op will offer a gallery, a camera room and meeting space for events and classes.
The open houses are on Friday, Sept. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
All are welcome.
This is the third business venture for Jim DeLooze on Main Street in Le Roy. After working at Kodak in the research labs for 16 years, he took an early buyout and opened a photography studio specializing in weddings and portraits. After retiring, he ran “58 on Main,” which was a gallery and coffee shop.
The Photography Co-Op offers photographers a space to show their work and to use a camera room at affordable prices; the gallery is commission-free.
Participants can rent gallery space and the camera room/studio for a month at a time or on a yearly basis and have the option to use the meeting area for show openings, classes or other events.
Both of these are free and open to the public. Please e-mail Delouse at jim@delooze.com to reserve a space for Oct. 18.
Photography classes are being planned and will include a basic photo class on the Exposure Triangle and a Drop-In Shoot for tabletop photography where photographers can work along with Jim on getting the best still-life photographs. Future classes will include crafting with photos.
More information is available at delooze.com and by e-mailing Jim at jim@delooze.com. Information on classes and events is also on the Facebook group “Photography Enthusiasts of Western NY.”
The Batavia High School Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th class reunion at Center Street Smokehouse, located at 20 Center St. in Batavia, on Saturday, Oct. 12.
The event starts at 7 p.m.
Ticket prices are $15 per person, which includes appetizers and money to use toward purchasing a brick that will be placed at the new Daniel A. VanDetta Stadium at Woodward Field in our class name.
If you are interested in attending, you may purchase a ticket by Venmo @Melissa-Kasmarek or paying at the door.
There will be a cash bar.
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