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Summer Serenade with GSO is Aug. 19 at Mercy Grove in Le Roy, benefits United Way's Backpack Program and GSO

By Billie Owens

United Way's third annual Summer Serenade featuring the Genesee Symphony Orchestra will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19, at Mercy Grove.

The venue is at 7758 E. Main Road (Route 5) in Le Roy.

Tickets are $75 per person.

There will be hors d’oeuvres, grazing stations, beer, wine, soda and a cash bar is available.

The GSO Serenade portion of the event will be from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the United Way Backpack Program and the GSO.

Theresa DeMars, an account manager with Lawley Insurance, chairs the event for United Way.

As in the previous two Summer Serenades, garden-party attire is appropriate.

Donald Woodward built the mansion at Mercy Grove in 1927. Currently, the facility and its beautiful grounds are available for special events, conferences and weddings. 

Summer Serenade tickets are available at Le Roy Country Club, Roxy's Music Store, from United Way or GSO board members, and online here.

Law and Order: Man charged with menacing and assaulting pregnant female on Gabbey Road in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

Patrick Allen Thompson, 36, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with third-degree assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree menacing. He was arrested following a domestic incident at an upper apartment on Gabbey Road in Pembroke at 9:53 p.m. on Aug. 5. Thompson allegedly assaulted another party, thereby endangering the welfare of the pregnant victim's unborn child. He also allegedly menaced the same victim by making a threat and following it up with physical injury. He was arraigned in Town of Pembroke Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. He is due in Town of Pembroke court at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen, assisted by Deputy Michael Lute.

Stephanie M. Burmeier, 33, of Payne Avenue, North Tonawanda, is charged with petit larceny and second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 6:10 p.m. on Alleghany Road in Darien after allegedly stealing merchandise from a souvenir shop inside Darien Lake Theme Park and Resort, then kicking one of the security officers who was attempting to detain her. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy James Stack.

Minnie M. Henry, 30, of Central Avenue, Batavia was arrested on Aug. 6 on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. On Aug. 6, Batavia PD responded to 41 Central Ave. for an open 9-1-1 (hang-up) call and the defendant was subsequently arrested on the bench warrant. She is now charged with resisting arrest because she allegedly physically resisted police efforts to arrest her on the bench warrant. The defendant was jailed on $5,000 cash or bond. Henry is due in court on Thursday (Aug. 9). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Nicole McGinnis.

Noel Marie Wentworth, 49, of Pringle Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 12:56 p.m. on Aug. 5 at Tops Friendly Market on West Main Street in Batavia after Tops' loss prevention personnel observed her allegedly stealing over-the-counter medication. She was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Det. Eric Hill.

Must preregister: GC Park & Forest -- new moon meteor shower and stargazing outdoor event

By Billie Owens

Enjoy the view of a dark sky on a new moon night at the Genesee County Park & Forest! Join us for “New Moon Meteor Shower and Stargazing” from 9:30 to 11 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 10th.

Meet at the Interpretive Center and catch a front row seat for nature’s annual meteor shower! Learn about this astronomical phenomenon and hear the stories behind summer’s constellations.

This program will be held outdoors. Bring a blanket or a chair for your spot in the meadow, far away from city lights.

Event Date and Time
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New moon meteor shower and stargazing to be held outdoors at GC Park & Forest on Friday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Enjoy the view of a dark sky on a new moon night at the Genesee County Park & Forest! Join us for “New Moon Meteor Shower and Stargazing” from 9:30 to 11 p.m. this Friday, Aug. 10th.

Meet at the Interpretive Center and catch a front row seat for nature’s annual meteor shower! Learn about this astronomical phenomenon and hear the stories behind summer’s constellations.

This program will be held outdoors. Bring a blanket or a chair for your spot in the meadow, far away from city lights.

Program is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122 to sign up!

For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Arc's Friends & Family 5K & Fun Walk in Elba, funds Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship Fund

By Billie Owens

Arc of Genesee Orleans will hold its 14th annual Friends & Family 5K & Fun Walk on Saturday, Sept. 15 in Elba.

There will be food, fun and music, plus kids' activities, including face painting.

Cost is $20 for the 5K and $15 for the one-and-a-half-mile Fun Walk; but both rates will increase by $5 on race day for those not preregistered. For nonparticipants wishing to attend the post-event party, cost is $5.

There is a small processing fee for online race/walk registrations.

Event Date and Time

Arc's Friends & Family 5K & Fun Walk is Sept. 15 in Elba, sponsorships available

By Billie Owens

Arc of Genesee Orleans will hold its 14th annual Friends & Family 5K & Fun Walk on Saturday, Sept. 15 in Elba.

There will be food, fun and music, plus kids' activities, including face painting.

Cost is $20 for the 5K and $15 for the one-and-a-half-mile Fun Walk; but both rates will increase by $5 on race day for those not preregistered. For nonparticipants wishing to attend the post-event party, cost is $5.

There is a small processing fee for online race/walk registrations.

Participants can register for the 5K and Fun Walk online here.

The race will be timed by PCR Timing Service of East Rochester.

Money raised will benefit education through the organization's Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship Fund, and programs and services for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities served by Arc, and their families.

Sign up today for sponsorships, which range from $100 to $1,000. Aug. 15 is the cut-off date to put sponsor's names on T-shirts.

On race day, check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. The 5K starts at 10 o'clock, with the Fun Walk immediately following. The starting line is at the Arc Day Habilitation Center main entrance at 4603 Barrville Road, Elba.

For more information, call Race Director Sandy Konfederath at 343-4203, ext. 223, or email her at:  skonfederath@geneseearc.org

Hambletonian champion Zeron at Batavia Downs Wednesday in NYSS

By Billie Owens

(Photo of driver Scott Zeron courtesy of Geri Schwarz.)

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Fresh off his $1 million Hambletonian win with the filly Atlanta on Saturday (Aug. 4), driver Scott Zeron will be competing at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Aug. 8) in the $109,000 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings. 

Zeron will drive in both $54,500 divisions as well as two of the three $15,000 Excel “A” races on the card. 

The NYSS are in races two and six with post time for the first race at 5 p.m.

Zeron had a huge afternoon at the Meadowlands on Saturday. Besides winning the Hambletonian with Atlanta (who became only the 14th filly to win that 3-year-old trotting stake in its 93-year history), he also won the $286,650 John Cashman Memorial trot with Marion Marauder (who Zeron also won the 2016 Hambletonian with) and the $260,100 Sam McKee Memorial pace with Western Joe.   

In the first NYSS division at Batavia on Wednesday, Zeron will drive Thunder (Conway Hall-Cr Oh Suzanna) for trainer John Butenschoen. 

Thunder has had some issues, making a bad break two starts ago. However last week at Saratoga Raceway he seems to have righted the ship by winning in 1:59.2 to gain his first lifetime win. Zeron drove him last week in that NYSS event and will look for a chance to have him double up in this race, starting from post seven. 

He will have to take on the morning line favorite Chip Chip Conway (Conway Hall-Get Chipped) who is coming in off two strong outings. 

After making two consecutive breaks in his first two NYSS starts, trainer Gary Messenger added trotting hobbles and the gelding qualified back fine. Since then he has won in a lifetime best 1:58 at Tioga Downs and finished second by a head to Thunder last week. Regular driver Jim Taggart Jr. will be back in the bike once again, leaving from post six.

In the second division, Our White Knight (Crazed-Psychotherapist) gets the services of Zeron and looks to up his game. So far this year he is a perfect four for four finishing second and is still looking for that first win. 

Our White Knight got away well last week and became forwardly placed early, which helped his good closing ability to be more effective at the end of the mile. With an inside post this week, look for a similar situation with Zeron up from post two. John Butenschoen also trains this gelding.

The main rival here is morning line favorite Labadee AS (Conway Hall-Smith Hall) who has two consecutive open-length wins in Excel “A” action. However this week he moves back up to the top tier for this race, which is the first time he has been in a NYSS event since his first lifetime start on July 9. Andy Miller, who finished second to Atlanta in the Hambletonian with Met’s Hall, picks up the lines for trainer Anette Lorentzen for the first time behind Labadee AS with post one. 

In the Excel “A” races, Zeron will also drive Simple Kaos (RC Royalty-Ksenia) from post one in the eighth race for trainer George Ducharme and Crazy Every Time (Crazed-Bar Ballad) from post five in the ninth race for trainer Jim Mc Donald. 

Although only driving for 12 years, the 29-year-old Zeron has posted some phenomenal numbers through his career, starting out on the very competitive Ontario tracks and then moving to the Grand Circuit. 

Currently Zeron has 3,390 wins, 2,870 seconds and 2,785 thirds out of 22,014 start with $62,507,595 in earnings. 

Zeron was the youngest Canadian driver to reach 1,000 wins and the youngest driver in history to reach 2,000 wins. He was also the youngest driver ever to win the Little Brown Jug with Michael's Power in 2012. 

In 2012 Zeron received the Rising Star Award from the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) and showed why he got that honor with the biggest year of his career (to that point) in 2016 when he won the Meadowlands driving title and the trotting Triple Crown with Marion Marauder.

Electric wires arcing at dairy barn in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Electric lines are arcing, causing a possible fire in a dairy cow barn at 8427 Gully Road in Le Roy. Le Roy Fire Department is responding, along with mutual aid from Bergen, Stafford, Pavilion, Caledonia and a Fast Team and tanker from Mumford, plus the City of Batavia and Mercy medics. A first responder on scene says "nothing showing, investigating."

UPDATE 5:16 a.m.: Electricity has been cut to the barn. Responders on scene are searching the barn. All mutual aid responders are told to hold the assignment in their quarters, but the city is continuing in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 5:18 a.m.: The city's third platoon is requested to the fire station.

UPDATE 5:21 a.m.: The city's engine 11 is back in service. The Gully Road location is between Conlon and Hebbard roads. Mutual aid responders are told to go back in service, per Le Roy's fire chief.

UPDATE 5:36 a.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service.

Three arrested, eight get intent-to-consume alcohol citations at Aug. 4 Dierks Bentley concert at Darien Lake

By Billie Owens

Three people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff's Department during the Aug. 4 Dierks Bentley concert at Darien Lake Performing Art Center. In addition, eight people under age 21 were cited for possession of alcohol with intent to consume.

All 11 cases are were issued appearance tickets for Aug. 16 in Darien Town Court.

Arrests:

  • Steven J. Bopp, 30, of Evergreen Street, Spencerport, for trespassing and obstructing governmental administration for allegedly running into a restricted area and then fighting with law enforcement while being place under arrest;
  • Michael R. Wnek, 25, Continental Avenue, Holland, for trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return;
  • Joshua D. Amsdill, 29, of South Lyndonville Road, Lyndonville, for criminal trespass in the third degree after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Possession of alcohol with intent to consume (punishable by a fine and/or no more than 30 hours of community service):

Jackson W. Egan, 20, of Hurlburt Road, Forestville;

Emily J. Gizowski, 19, of Laona Road, Forestville;

Bret M. Weaver, 19, of Route 39, Forestville;

Craig D. Heitzenrater, 19, of Hartland Road, Barker;

Alyssa A. Babinger, 19, of Sagebrush Lane, Lancaster;

Tara L. Balsavage, 18, of Michaels Walk, Lancaster;

Cara R. Marrano, 19, of Stone Hedge Drive, Lancaster;

Amanda E. Fiegl, 20, of Goodrich Road, Clarence.

Pair of arrests at Aug. 3 Slayer concert at Darien Lake

By Billie Owens

Two people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff's Department during the Aug. 3 Slayer concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. They are:

  • Christopher D. Tedesco, 40, of Wendel Avenue, Buffalo, who was arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree after allegedly being found in possession of a controlled substance;
  • Adam J. Genson, 34, of Lincoln Avenue, Lockport, who was arrested for disorderly conduct after allegedly urinating in public.

Law and Order: 53-year-old man accused of pushing and following pair of little girls in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Alejandro Chaparro, 53, of Braley Road, Ransomville, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of second-degree harassment. At 9:29 p.m. on Aug. 4, following an investigation into a harassment complaint, Chaparro was arrested on Main Street Road in Batavia. He allegedly pushed and followed an 11-year-old girl and a 9-year-old girl. He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and is due back there on Aug. 27. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Paul R. Hogle, 53, of Vallence Road, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 2 by Le Roy Police Department and charged with one count of stalking in the fourth degree, a Class B misdemeanor, and one count of forcible touching, a Class A misdemeanor. Hogle was arrested after a complaint was received by the Le Roy Police Department that he had allegedly placed a GPS locating device on the victim’s vehicle and used it to find them at a later time. It is also alleged that Hogle had unwanted contact with the victim. Hogle was arraigned in the Town of Stafford Court and was turned over to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail. Hogle was subsequently arrested on Aug. 3 for criminal contempt in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor. On Aug. 3, Hogle allagedly violated a court order, ordering him to stay away from the protected party. It is alleged that on that date, knowing said order was in place, that Hogle made contact with the protected party. Hogle was arraigned again arraigned in the Town of Stafford Court and jailed in lieu of $10,000 bail. Hogle is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Aug. 13 to answer all charges.

Jennifer Nichole Wenner, 31, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; aggravated DWI -- operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .18 percent or more; consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle; obstructed view; disorderly conduct -- urinating in a public place. Wenner was arrested at 1:58 a.m. on West Main Street in Batavia after an investigation into a disturbance at a gas station. The case was investigated by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Vincent M. Eschenlauer, 27, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with: driving while ability impaired -- combined influence of drugs or alcohol/drugs; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; moving from lane unsafely; driving a motor vehicle on or across a sidewalk; operating a motor vehicle on a public highway while using a mobile phone. The defendant was arrested after he allegedly fled the scene of a one-car collision on Route 63 at Jackson Street in the city at 7:09 p.m. on July 30. He is due in City Court on Aug. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Marc Lawrence, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Michael John Reeves, 39, of Military Road, Tonawanda, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; two counts of DWI; operating a motor vehicle with headlights; and uninspected motor vehicle. Reeves was stopped at 12:28 a.m. on Aug. 4 on Route 77 in Pembroke for allegedly operating a motor vehicle without headlights. Reeves was issued appearance tickets to answer the charges and is due in Pembroke Town Court on Aug. 28. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Young, assisted by Deputy Eric Meyer.

Patrick D. Powell, 32, of Manor Park, Rochester, is charged with: unlawful possession of marijuana; aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree; inadequate exhaust; drinking alcohol in motor vehicle on a highway. At 1 p.m. on Aug. 3, following a traffic stop on Richmond Avenue in the City of Batavia, Powell was arrested on the charges. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 21 in City Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Sharon Yvonne Sharman, 47, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated and DWI -- operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or higher. Sharman was arrested following an investigation into a domestic incident on Seven Springs Road at 3:12 a.m. on Aug. 4. She was issued an appearance ticket for Sept. 20 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Matthew Clor, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Aerielle Susan Davis, 29, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI -- first offense, and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 pr more. She was arrested at 1:47 a.m. on Aug. 4 on West Main Street in Corfu following an investigation of a woman asleep at the wheel of a running vehicle in the village. She was issued an appearance ticket for Village of Corfu Court and is due there Aug. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Meyer, assisted by Deputy Erik Andre.

Dalton C. Kelly, 20, of Chase Park, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment. Kelly was arrested at 5:40 p.m. on July 30 in Batavia after a report of a male out of control who damaged property. He was scheduled to appear in court July 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Nasir C. Nathan, 22, of West Main Street, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested 7:45 p.m. on July 24 on Watson Street in the City of Batavia after he allegedly made threats toward a person protected by a stay-away court order against Nathan. He is due in City Court on Aug. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens.

Ahdeosun R. Aiken, 20, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 10:19 p.m. on Aug. 3 on Walnut Street in Batavia after allegedly violating an order of protection during a domestic incident. He was arraigned in City Court and released on his own recognizance. He was due back in City Court today (Aug. 6). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Barbra Ann Nehl, 75, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 4:52 p.m. on Aug. 5 at a retail store on Route 77 in the Town of Pembroke. She allegedly stole $37.70 worth of merchandise without paying and by passing all points of purchase. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Pembroke Court on Aug. 23. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien.

Michael L. Jackson Jr., of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. He was arrested at 4:13 p.m. on July 27 on West Main Street in Batavia after he allegedly stole items from a grocery store. He is due in City Court on July 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Christopher Camp.

Dustin Wayne Bogue, 36, no permanent address, is charged with petit larceny. Bogue was arrested at 1:41 a.m. on West Main Street in Batavia after it was alleged that he entered a convenience store and stole property. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kyle Krtanik, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Taylor L. Finnin, 25, of 131 S. Swan St., Batavia, is charged with trespass. The defendant was arrested at 5:30 p.m. on July 29 on South Main Street in Batavia after he allegedly trespassed at a residence after being told he was not allowed there. He is due in City Court tomorrow (Aug. 7). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Catherine Mucha, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Shane Eugene Dann, 41, of Swan Street, Batavia, was arrested Aug. 1 on a bench warrant issued by Batavia City Court. The warrant was issued after Dann failed to appear for a scheduled court appearance in regard to an incident that occurred on Feb. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Lindsay Christopher, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

A 16-year-old female who lives on Astor Ridge Road in Amherst is charged with DWI-drugs and unsafe backing. She was arrested at 11:21 a.m. on Aug. 5 on Alleghany Road in Corfu after an investigation into a property damage accident at Crosby's convenience store. She was issued an appearance ticker for Corfu Village Court and is due there on Oct. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

A 17-year-old female who lives on West Utica Street, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. She was arrested at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 5 on Alleghany Road in Corfu. She was allegedly found in possession of a small amount of marijuana during a DWI -- drug arrest. She was issued an appearance ticket for Corfu Village Court on Sept. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Lonnie Nati.

Senators Schumer and Gillibrand announce $1 million increase in funding to help Upstate farmers tap into potential of maple industry

By Billie Owens

Press release:

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that they secured a $1 million increase in funding for the Acer Access and Development Program, for a total of $4 million in funding, in the just-passed Senate minibus Fiscal Year 2019 spending bill.

Schumer and Gillibrand explained that the Acer Access and Development Program provides opportunities for investment and research for maple syrup, helping producers across Upstate New York increase their production, strengthen conservation and drive efficiency in maple sugaring.

Maple sugaring provides income to an estimated 10,000 maple producers spread across the country, and the senators said that the increase in funding will allow U.S. producers to better compete in the global marketplace with countries like Canada, which are responsible for 85 percent of the world’s maple product.

The senators said they worked tirelessly for this funding to tap into New York’s burgeoning maple industry, and vowed to shepherd it through Congress and onto the president’s desk.

“This critical funding will bring a much-deserved boost to New York’s maple syrup producers, helping them tap into the state’s massive potential,” Senator Schumer said. “The increase in federal funds would be used to help Upstate producers increase their production, strengthen conservation, drive efficiency in maple sugaring, and increase global competitiveness.

"I’m proud of the role I played in securing this federal funding in the Senate, and will continue to fight to ensure this funding increase is signed into law as soon as possible.”

“New York is one of the leading maple-producing states in the nation, and these federal funds will help our state’s maple industry grow even more,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Our Upstate maple producers are working tirelessly to increase production and expand to new markets, and I was proud to fight for this funding that will allow the Acer Program to provide this critical support.

"New York has one of our country’s best agriculture traditions, and I will always do everything I can to make sure our producers have the resources they need to succeed.”

Maple syrup is an important agricultural product across 10 states in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. According to the USDA, in 2017, the United States produced more than 4.27 million gallons of syrup, worth approximately $147 million. Maple is also a critical conservation crop, which helps to keep our forests in production, conserves important lands, protects water quality, and provides a valuable economic benefit to rural communities.

The maple industry has seen significant growth in recent years. New York State ranks second in the nation for maple production, behind Vermont, with 806,000 gallons of maple syrup produced in 2018, according to New York State.

Schumer and Gillibrand have long fought on behalf of Upstate New York’s maple producers. Schumer’s legislation, the Maple Tapping Access Program, which later became the Acer Access and Development Program, was signed into law as part of the 2014 Farm Bill.

Earlier this year, Schumer and Gillibrand worked to include language reauthorizing the Acer program as part of the 2018 Senate Farm Bill, and vowed to continue to fight to ensure that this provision is included in the final version of the Farm Bill.

Possible stabbing reported on Ellicott Street in Batavia

By Billie Owens

A possible stabbing is reported in the area of 700 Ellicott St. Mercy medics are to stage at Liberty and Ellicott streets. City police are responding.

UPDATE 9:52 a.m.: The injury "was to the wrist"; Mercy medic #1 is called into the scene.

UPDATE 10:01 a.m.: Someone's stitches broke open and the person needs the wound repaired. No one was stabbed.

UPDATE 10:08 a.m.: Mercy medics transported the patient to UMMC.

Nate Knab

By Billie Owens
Nate Knab, 29, passed away suddenly on Friday, August 3, 2018 at Erie County Medical Center.
 
Nate was a hammerman at Strong Forge in Batavia. He loved to spend time with his friends, ride his motorcycle and compete in bass competitions. 
 
Nate is survived by: his parents, Richard Knab, of Spencerport, and Janet Knab, of Rochester; his sister, Raychel Knab (Wane DeVelder); of Byron; nephew and niece Wane DeVelder Jr. and Guinevere DeVelder; his grandmother, Betty Morley; his girlfriend, Amanda Drozdiel; of Lancaster; aunts and uncle; and his loyal companions Carson and Kota. 
 
Friends may call on Tuesday, August 7th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc. 4 E. Main Street, Corfu, where services will immediately follow at 8 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Nate's name to your local animal shelter and the family urges you to please try to donate blood regularly. 

Icanflylikeanangel circles the field in Batavia feature

By Billie Owens

Photo of Icanflylikeanangel with reinsman Drew Monti.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After a narrow defeat in his first start here, the second time was the charm for Icanflylikeanangel who overpowered the early leader to win the $10,000 Open Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on this afternoon (Aug. 5).

The short field of six was shortened even further with the scratch of last week’s winner Dragin The Wagon who called in sick. But the fast five left the gate with usual pace-setter and track record holder Chelseas Chance (Billy Davis Jr.) on the point once again. After a solid :28.3 quarter with the trailers all sitting in, Davis tried to put them to sleep with a :31 second panel as no one would come off the rail. However Icanflylikeanangel (Drew Monti) who had gotten away last, had enough and pulled in front of the stands to make his way up the rim.

With moderate acceleration towards the front up the backside, Icanflylikeanangel drew near the leader by the three-quarters in 1:28.3 and the race was on from there. The two trotted around the last turn less than a length apart but when they hit the top of the stretch, Monti woke up Icanflylikeanangel with a spirited drive and hit the wire a winner by a neck in 1:57.2.

It was the fifth win in 16 2018 starts for Icanflylikeanangel ($6.80) and it increased his coffers to $48,670 for this year. The 4-year-old Archangel gelding is owned by Joseph Hess and is trained by D Benny Eggers.

In the $8,000 Open II Handicap trot, Empire Earl N (Shawn Gray) was a gate to wire winner from the outside post six, besting his five competitors in 1:57.1. It was the seventh win of the year for Empire Earl N ($6.80) is owned by Kim Asher and is trained by Riley Asher-Stalbaum.

Driver Drew Monti had a natural Grand Slam on the card, winning races six through nine. Besides winning with Icanflylikeanangel, he also scored with Sara Cola (1:55.3, $10.20), Theresnoway (1:57.4, $5.30) and Stonebridge Marvel (1:57, $6.10).

Live racing resumes on Monday (Aug. 6) at Batavia Downs with a first race post time of 5 p.m. This is the only Monday of racing in August.

In Runaway Bay back on top in Batavia feature

By Billie Owens

In Runaway Bay with reinsman Kevin Cummings.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

In Runaway Bay made his 2018 Batavia Downs debut a winning one after moving up in class and tripping out the mile to win the $10,500 Open Handicap pace on Saturday night (Aug. 4).

Bugatti (Ron Beback Jr.) got away sharp off the gate and went right for the lead. But Lucan Hanover (John Cummings Jr.) wanted to command the race as well and the fight for the front was on. Going hoof to hoof through quarters of :27.3, :56.1 and 1:25 flat, Bugatti and Lucan Hanover duked it out while In Runaway Bay (Kevin Cummings) laid-in-wait third on the pegs.

Halfway around the final bend, Lucan Hanover succumbed to the pace, making room for In Runaway Bay to pull and advance in the stretch. Bugatti was still live but In Runaway Bay had fresh legs and ran him down at the wire to win in 1:54.1 by a half-length.

In Runaway Bay ($17.20) has now earned $34,795 on the strength of four 2018 wins for owner Mark Jakubik and trainer Angelo Nappo.

In the $9,000 Open II pacing sub-feature, Validus Deo (Kevin Cummings) sat a perfect pocket trip behind Tioga Downs invader Believe This Bob (Mike Caprio) from the start of the race until just past the three-quarters when Cummings pulled right-line and drew next to the leader. They paced around the final bend together, but then Validus Deo accelerated past Believe This Bob in mid-stretch under strong urging to win by two lengths in 1:54.

Looking very sharp off the sick scratch in his last start, Validus Deo ($15.80) now has six wins this year and $35,376 in earnings for owners Matthew Rosiek, Robert Johnson and Kevin Cummings, who also trains the winner.

Cummings completed the natural driving hat trick with Rock Fame ($11.20) who paced a season’s best 1:54.1 for owner Mike Torcello and trainer Gerry Sarama.

There is a $328 carryover pool for the early Pick-5 wager on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 5) which runs from race one through race five. Post time for Sunday’s card was 1:15 p.m.

Person stabbed on Ross Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A stabbing is reported at 153 Ross St. in the city. The scene is not yet secure. Police are responding. Mercy medics and city fire are asked to stage in the area. Communications are now secure; no further transmissions.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: The ambulance is told to come to the aid of one victim inside 153 Ross St.; an officer is there, too. Police are at 145 Ross St. Scene command calls for Ross Street to be shut down at Ellsworth Avenue and at North Street.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: A person with a hand laceration is reported in 145 Ross St.; Mercy medics are told to proceed there in non-emergency mode. The roadway can be reopened. Scene is secure. County deputies en route are told they can stand down.

UPDATE 3:11 p.m.: The victim is now at the Police Station and BLS medics are told to go there instead.

UPDATE 3:31 p.m.: An 18-year-old male is being transported to UMMC with a hand laceration.

Raymond E. Judd

By Billie Owens
Corfu -- Raymond E. Judd, 90, of Corfu, passed away Thursday, August 2, 2018 at Buffalo General Hospital.
 
Ray was a service manager for Hawley Motors in Batavia. He had love of auto racing and spending time with his family.
 
Ray was the husband of the late Lucille Judd and father of the late Raymond C. Judd.
 
Surviving are: his sons Danial (Rebecca) Judd, Timothy Judd and David (Sara) Judd; daughters Patricia (Arthur) Smith, Jeanine Judd and Melissa (late Shawn) Wetmore; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially his oldest grandchild, Tammy, who took special care of her Papa. Ray is also survived by his very special friend, Lauren Tina Rosa.
 
There are no calling hours. Services will be at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.
 
Arrangements by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu.

Lawrence S. Ingram

By Billie Owens
 
Corfu -- Lawrence S. Ingram, 90, of Corfu, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 1, 2018.
 
Lawrence was born on April 19, 1928 in Corfu, a son of the late Samuel and Bertha Lawrence Ingram. He married Betty Murray on November 6, 1949.
 
He was the former Genesee County Clerk, Commissioner of Jurors for Genesee County and Village of Corfu Clerk. Lawrence was an active member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church for 76 years. He was a longtime member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge in Corfu and then Lockport.
 
Surviving along with his beloved wife of 68 years, Betty, are: his children, Susan of Rochester, William (Peg) of Savannah, Ga., Coleen of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Thomas (Paula) of Corfu; grandchildren -- Matthew, Christina, Corey, Caitlyn, Tia, Amanda, Ashley; and 10 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Ty. Also survived by his favorite brother-in-law, Brian Murray.
 
Family and friends may call Monday, August 6 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 7 at 11 a.m. at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny St., Corfu, NY. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. 
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159, Corfu, NY 14036.

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