Skip to main content

Stories from

Guaranteed $3,000 Pick-5 pool today at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs has announced there will be a guaranteed pool of $3,000 for the Pick-5 wager today (Oct. 14).

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the Batavia Downs and USTA websites or 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, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the Saturday (Oct. 17) program.

Post time for the first race today is 5 p.m.

Mark Your Calendar: Drive-thru chicken BBQ fundraiser at Elba Firemen's Rec Hall Oct. 25

By Billie Owens

A drive-thru chicken barbecue to benefit the Elba Volunteer Fire Department will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the fire rec hall on Route 98 in Elba.

It starts at 11:30 a.m. and goes until sold out. Cost is $12.

Coronavirus protocols will be observed. Please wear a face mask and remain in your vehicle.

"Because of the (COVID-19) shutdown, last month was the first chicken barbecue we held this year," said an organizer, Barbie Starowitz, of Star Growers Farm LLC. "It sold out so fast! Now that we can be outside again we wanted to do another one. We're hoping for a nice (weather) day."

The address of Elba Firemen's Recreation Hall is 7143 Oak Orchard Road (Route 98).

Law and Order: Porter Avenue woman accused of not reporting income, wrongly getting SNAP benefits

By Billie Owens

Brenda Lee Draper, 46, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, is charged with two Class E felonies: fourth-degree grand larceny; and offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. It is alleged that Draper did not report income that she was earning that she filed an application used to determine eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. As a result, she is accused of receiving $1,775 in SNAP benefits she was not entitled to get. The investigation was conducted by Genesee County Department of Social Services Investigator Dakota Nicholson. Draper was arrested and charged by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Edward Joseph Marin Jr., 31, of South Cairo, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. At 1:49 a.m. Oct. 11 Marin was arrested after he allegedly knowingly violated a full stay away order of protection while staying at a hotel on Park Road in the Town of Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia Town Court on Nov. 5. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Alejandro, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Dylan Michael Birch, 20, of Lakeville, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. He was arrested at 7:44 p.m. Oct. 10 on Route 237 in the Town of Stafford. No other details provided. Birch was issued an appearance ticket to be in Stafford Town Court on Dec. 1. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jonathan Dimmig, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Jerald A. Shuler III, 27, of Batavia (no address provided), was arrested following a traffic stop on Route 246 in the Town of Covington for an alleged speeding infraction. During the traffic stop, he was allegedly found in possession of 1.65 ounces of marijuana. Shuler is charged with marijuana possession in the first degree, speeding over 55 mph, and having the driver's view obstructed. Shuler was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Covington Court on Oct. 26. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan.

Black Is Back was best; Monti wins five at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Black Is Back with driver Dave McNeight III.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After just missing the win in this same race just last week, Black Is Back got the job done on Saturday night (Oct. 10) in the $8,500 Open pacing feature at Batavia Downs.

Taking full advantage of the pylon position start, Black Is Back (Dave McNeight III) grabbed the lead by the quarter and took the field to the half in :57.3. By that time Stratosphere (Drew Monti) was rolling up the rim and moving towards the front. Black Is Back and Stratosphere battled up the backside, around the far turn and into the lane where Black Is Back put away the challenge and then held off a late charge by Mr. Euroman (BIlly Davis Jr.) to win by ¼ length in 1:54.3.

It was the fourth win of the Batavia meet and sixth win overall this year for Black Is Back ($3.30) who is owned by Curtis Edhholm and Mihajlo Zdjelar Sr. Mihajlo Zdjelar Jr. trains the winner. 

In the $7,500 Open II pace, Manciever (Drew Monti) pulled first-over at the 3/8th’s and took the lead from Santana Beach (Billy Davis Jr.) by the half and then kicked away to a 4-¾ length win in 1:54.1. Owned by Jeffrey Savidge and trained by Jennifer Giuliani, Manciever ($5) took a new seasonal mark in his third win of the year. 

Drew Monti had the hot hand in the sulky on Saturday winning five races on the card. He won with the aforementioned Manciever, Machlicious (1:54, $3.60), The Lunch Pail (1:55.2, $2.10), Thedoginthefight (1:57.4, $3.70) and Gallant Major (1:57.3, $7.20).  

Trainer Don Rothfuss led all conditioners with two wins on the night.  

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 14) and it was announced that there will be a guaranteed $3,000 pool in the Pick-5 wager that day.

It will be part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program and as such, there will be free program pages for the first five races on Wednesday available on the Batavia Downs website and the USTA website starting on Monday.

Post time for the first race will be 5 p.m.

Guaranteed $4,000 Pick-5 pool Saturday at Batavia

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

With no winner in the Pick-5 wager on Wednesday (Oct. 7) at Batavia Downs, there is a $1,462 carry-over pool today (Oct.10) and there will be a guaranteed pool of $4,000 for the Pick-5 wager.

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the Batavia Downs website, the USTA’s website or 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, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the Wednesday (Oct. 14) program.

Post time for today's first race is 5 p.m.

Four GC students named to dean's list at SUNY Morrisville

By Billie Owens

MORRISVILLE -- SUNY Morrisville recently announced those students who were named to the dean's list for the Spring 2020 semester. To be named to the dean's list, a student must achieve a 3.0 to 3.99 grade-point average for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

  • Shelby Brandes, of Stafford
  • Jack Doemling, of Le Roy 
  • Joseph Lane, of Byron 
  • Emily Mikel, of Stafford 

SUNY Morrisville's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges 2021 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2021 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about SUNY Morrisville, visit or connect with us at: www.morrisville.eduFacebookTwitterInstagramYouTube.

East Pembroke's David Colby welcomed to St. Lawrence University's Class of 2024

By Billie Owens

St. Lawrence University welcomed David O. Colby as a member of the Class of 2024. Colby attended Pembroke Junior-Senior High School.

St. Lawrence University welcomed nearly 625 new students to the community this fall, including 596 members of the Class of 2024. The newest Laurentians comprise one of the most diverse classes in St. Lawrence history. First-year students come from 32 states, Washington, D.C., and 33 countries, while 14 percent of the class are U.S. students of color and 10 percent are international students. First-generation college students comprise nearly 20 percent of the Class of 2024.

The defining characteristics of St. Lawrence students-inquisitive, supportive, and passionate-are already evident in the new cohort. With 81 percent having participated in community service and 79 percent taking part in leadership activities, this class has already demonstrated they prioritize others and are eager to step up, take action, and tackle the big issues facing local and global communities.

At St. Lawrence, each first-year student participates in the University's nationally-recognized First-Year Program (FYP), one of the oldest living-learning programs in the country. The FYP helps students make successful transitions from high school to college. Students live together as a cohort and are taught by faculty teams, developing the writing, speaking and research skills needed to be successful in college and beyond. Students continue to hone these skills in a spring First-Year Seminar.

Fall semester classes began on Aug. 26.

Pembroke's Quinn Audsley earns degree in Sociology from St. Lawrence University

By Billie Owens

Quinn D. Audsley was one of the nearly 465 students who were awarded bachelor degrees from St. Lawrence University conferred in May 2020.

Audsley is a member of the Class of 2020 and majored in Sociology. Audsley attended Pembroke Junior-Senior High School. 

About St. Lawrence University

Founded in 1856, St. Lawrence University is a private, independent liberal arts institution of about 2,500 students located in Canton, New York. The educational opportunities at St. Lawrence inspire students and prepare them to be critical and creative thinkers, to find a compass for their lives and careers, and to pursue knowledge and understanding for the benefit of themselves, humanity and the planet.

Through its focus on active engagement with ideas in and beyond the classroom, a St. Lawrence education leads students to make connections that transform lives and communities, from the local to the global. Visit www.stlawu.edu.

Buffalo State welcomes eight new Bengals from Genesee County to Class of 2024

By Billie Owens

Buffalo State is pleased to welcome the Class of 2024 to campus. The new Bengals started class on Aug. 31, 2020.

  • Clayton Allen, of Le Roy 
  • Lukas Cochran, of Batavia 
  • Morgan Harrington, of Elba 
  • Tyler Keller, of Corfu 
  • Benjamin Paserk, of Batavia
  • Samuel Pringle, of Bergen 
  • Kristina Simon, of Oakfield 
  • Brianna Smith, of Oakfield

Buffalo State is a State University of New York (SUNY) college located in Buffalo. The college offers 79 undergraduate majors as well as many minors and certificate programs. Every year, thousands of students benefit from Buffalo State's community engagement, hands-on learning opportunities, and affordable SUNY tuition. Buffalo State also offers more than 60 graduate programs.

Bridge over Whitney Creek on Judge Road, Alabama, to close for replacement Monday

By Billie Owens

From Tim Hens, superintendent, Genesee County Highway Department:

Effective Monday, Oct. 12th, the bridge over Whitney Creek on Judge Road in the Town of Alabama will be closing so that the bridge may be replaced. 

The bridge is immediately west of Crosby Road.

There will be a detour posted onsite for the duration of the project, which is expected to take approximately two to three months to complete.

Law and Order: East Bethany man accused of forcefully punching deputy in the head

By Billie Owens

David M. Schmieder, 26, of Silver Road, East Bethany, was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy in the Village of Gainesville last month. At 1:04 p.m. on Sept. 23 Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies responded to a complaint about a man walking down the middle of Route 19, obstructing traffic and acting irrationally. Upon arrival, Schmieder allegedly refused to follow orders and ignored deputies. When one deputy approached Schmieder, the police report says he "forcefully punched the deputy in the head." A short struggle ensued and two deputies were able to take Schmieder into custody. The defendant is accused of being found with an amount of suspected drugs in his mouth, "which he refused to spit out." The injured deputy was transported to Wyoming County Community Health System for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Schmieder was taken to Wyoming County Community Health System for "treatment of a medical condition." On Oct. 1 he was released from Erie County Medical Center and arrested. Schmieder was taken to Wyoming County Jail for virtual arraignment in front of Wyoming County Court Judge Michael Mohun. He is charged with: second-degree assault; tampering with physical evidence; obstructing governmental administration in the second degree; resisting arrest; disorderly conduct -- obstructing traffic; and violation of probation. Schmieder was put in Wyoming County Jail without bail on the count of violation of probation. On the other charges, bail was set at $100,000 cash, $200,000 either bond or partially secured bond (same amount).

Hope Marie Grasso, 50, of Haven Lane, Le Roy, is charged with: criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree; attempted grand larceny in the third degree; and attempted grand larceny in the fourth degree. She was arrested at 10:04 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8. Grasso had allegedly possessed two fraudulent checks that amounted to a combined total of $52,800 and she is accused of trying to cash them at a local bank. She was put in jail and was scheduled to be arraigned this morning (Oct. 9) in Batavia City Court. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Francisco Martinez Jr., 47, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with: open container of alcohol on public property; petit larceny; two counts of endangering the welfare of a child; and second-degree harassment. He was arrested after an investigation into a disturbance at 3:38 p.m. Oct. 3 in Austin Park on Jefferson Avenue in Batavia. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Nateeka M. Gibson, 31, of Tracy Avenue, Batavia, is charged with burglary in the second degree -- illegal entry into a dwelling, and disobeying a mandate of a judge. Gibson was arrested at 3:24 p.m. on Oct. 4 on Washington Avenue in Batavia after allegedly unlawfully entering the home of a person with a complete stay away order of protection. Gibson was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype and released under supervision of Genesee Justice with a 24/7 house arrest order. Gibson was due to return to court on Oct. 8. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Miah Stevens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Mark Theodore Helm, 39, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. Helm was arrested on Oct. 5 after an investigation into an incident that occurred on State Street at 3:10 on Sept. 28. Helm is accused of pushing and punching another male during an altercation. Helm is due in Batavia City Court on Jan. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Samuel Freeman.

David James Leroy, 28, of Gabbey Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 1:24 this morning, Oct. 9, after an alleged altercation with another person. Leroy was released with an appearance ticket to be Pembroke Town Court on Oct. 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore.

Zachary V.D. Seeley, 23, of Lyman Road, Bergen, is charged with aggravated criminal contempt. He was arrested on Oct. 5 following an alleged violation of an order of protection that occurred at 9:09 p.m. Sept. 26 on Ellsworth Avenue in Batavia. Seeley was arraigned in Batavia City Court via Skype then put in jail "until his return date" to court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Jeffery Robert Roth, 54, of South Main Street, Oakfield, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt for allegedly disobeying a court order. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Roth on an active arrest warrant out of Batavia City Court and the defendant was arraigned on Oct. 4 via Skype. Roth was put in jail on $2,000 cash bail or $4,000 bond and is due back in court on Nov. 5. Post was assisted by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Grace C. Murray, 21, of Hawks Road, East Bethany, was arrested Oct. 2 after she turned herself in at Batavia Police Headquarters on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court. It was issued after she allegedly failed to appear for sentencing on an undisclosed matter on Sept. 15. Murray is to return to court on Oct. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Customer says she was harassed by gas station clerk on East Main Street in Batavia

By Billie Owens

A customer at the Sunoco Gas Station and convenience store adjacent to the MacDonald's on East Main Street in the city called police after allegedly being harassed by a clerk there.

She told a dispatcher she was harassed and when she attempted to buy something, the clerk "told to get out of the store, and starting swearing at her. He's outside now recording her" on his cell phone.

The customer is inside her red Pontiac Vibe and two police units arrived on scene a couple of minutes ago.

Caller reports juveniles on North Spruce Street were replacing Biden signs with Trump signs

By Billie Owens

A caller to dispatch reports that a group of juveniles on North Spruce Street in the area of North Street were taking down Biden political signs and replacing them with Trump signs.

They are riding bicycles and skateboards. The caller says a neighbor is one of the people whose sign was replaced.

City police responded to the area but with "negative results" -- the youths left.

UPDATE 1:30 p.m.: A caller to dispatch reports a group of kids on bicycles are in the area of Chase Park and Elm Street "with a large amount of election signs." An officer is out with the juveniles now.

Lady Dudette, Il Mago upset in Batavia Downs features

By Billie Owens

Lady Dudette with driver Kyle Cummings.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

A pair of $8,500 Open events topped the card at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 7) and connoisseurs of the longshot were very happy with the outcome of both events. 

In the Open I Handicap pace for fillies and mares, Lady Dudette took the overland route to victory in a short but select field.  

HP Sissy (Denny Bucceri) grabbed the lead and paced uncontested to the half in :57.1. Past the five-eighths, Lady Dudette (Kyle Cummings) pulled first-over from fifth and motored up towards the leader. The two mares were closely engaged by the three-quarters and around the last turn with neither giving way. At the top of the stretch Cummings asked for more and Lady Dudette came through. She paced away from HP Sissy and held off a late charging Protect Blue Chip (Billy Davis Jr.) to win by 3/4’s of a length in 1:56.3.

It was the seventh win of the year for Lady Dudette ($12) and her owner, driver Kyle Cummings. Tammy Cummings trains the winner.

 

(Above, Il Mago with driver Jim Morrill Jr.)

Then in the Open I trot, the tough-as-nails Il Mago looked his old self in a gate to wire win producing his second fastest clocking of the year. 

Il Mago (Jim Morrill Jr.) took early control and put the field to bed. After clipping quarters of :28.3 and :57.3, Il Mago opened up a three length lead trotting up the backside and extended it to five by the time he hit the top of the lane. From there he got home by 3/4’s of a length over a fast closing Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) and won in 1:56.4. 

It was the 51st lifetime win for Il Mago ($26.40) and it pushed his lifetime bankroll to a very impressive $880,638. The classy 11-year-old son of Kadabra-Northern Style is owned by Mike Torcello and is trained by Gerry Sarama. 

Jim Morrill Jr. pulled off a not often seen feat at Batavia Wednesday when he won four consecutive races. Starting in race seven, he won with Southern Palms (1:59, $7.10), Il Mago, Tellawoman (1.56, $5.60) and Sentimental Lady (1:57.1, $7). Races seven to 10 just happened to be the Pick-4 wager and the all-Morrill Pick-4 returned $930.00. 

Besides Morrill’s four wins, Dave McNeight III had three wins while Billy Davis Jr. and Shawn McDonough each had two. 

McDonough also led all trainers on Wednesday with three wins while Russell Bratt, Rich Mays and Gerry Sarama all won two each. Sarama’s pair brought his lifetime training win total up to 996, now just four shy of the 1,000 win plateau.

There were no winners in the Pick-5 on Wednesday so the $1,462 carry-over pool will move to Saturday (Oct. 10) and Batavia Downs will be offering a $4,000 guaranteed pool through the USTA’s Strategic Wagering program for that wager. Free program pages will be available for the first five races on Saturday at both the Batavia Downs and USTA websites starting on Thursday (Oct. 8).

Post time for live racing on Saturday is 5 p.m.

Fifteen new charges brought against funeral director Michael Tomaszewski

By Billie Owens

Batavia-based funeral director Michael Scott Tomaszewski was arraigned on 15 new charges in Genesee County Court this morning as a result of the continuing investigation of his business practices.

He owns Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral Home & Cremation Chapel, Acme Holdings of NY Inc., which owns the building that houses his funeral home on West Main Street Road, and adjacent property, including the Dibble Family Center.

On July 23, the Edgewood Drive resident, 48, was charged with 91 counts of failure to deposit monies paid in advance in connection with agreements for funeral merchandise or services for 91 customers.

Since his initial arrest, 11 additional victims came forward.

Today's virtual arraignment via Skype in front of Judge Charles Zambito was for:

  • Seven counts of third-degree larceny (Class D felony);
  • Grand larceny in the fourth degree (Class E felony);
  • Three counts of petit larceny (Class A misdemeanor); and
  • Four counts of failure to deposit monies (in violation of NYS General Obligations law).

According to the report from the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Investigator Christopher Parker states the new charges "represent additional allegations concerning conduct related to monies paid to Tomaszewski for prepaid funeral and grave markers which were not used for their intended purpose."

In February, Tomaszewski filed for bankruptcy for Acme Holdings under Chapter 11 in Federal Court. He has also filed for personal bankruptcy.

Following today's arraignment, Tomaszewski was released on his own recognizance.

The investigation is continuing.

Anybody who wishes to check the status of any prepaid account can call (800) 577-3752 to verify the existence of a preplan account. Anybody who believes they are a victim is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.

Previously:

Local funeral director charged with stealing money from customers

Sheriff's Office looking into report that Tomaszewski improperly handled stillborn baby's remains

Darien Center couple would like the truth from Tomaszewski about what happened to their daughter's remains

People who think they were defrauded by Tomaszewski should hire an attorney with expertise in bankruptcy, advises law professor

Saluting a job well done: VA monuments returned to 'original splendor' courtesy of four Graham employees

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and information from VA Western NY Healthcare System.

Sgt. Major Bill Joyce, Army (retired), and director of the Genesee County Veteran Service Agency, noticed earlier in the year that our “saluting monuments” representing all the branches of the military services needed refurbishment at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

The monuments are located in front of Building 1.

He then asked employees of Graham Manufacturing in Batavia to restore the monuments. They did so by late July, and in great fashion.

On Tuesday, four employees were recognized by Royce Calhoun, associate director for VA Western New York Healthcare System (center of second photo below).

Calhoun thanked and provided certificates of appreciation to employees of Graham Manufacturing, Batavia, who painstakingly restored and repainted our saluting military branch monuments to their original splendor, says Calhoun.

They are Bob Yungfleisch, Tom Herold, Ed Harding and Pat Coughlin.

"They look terrific! THANK YOU Graham employees and SGM Bill Joyce ... for making this project happen!”

Guaranteed $3,000 Pick-5 pool Wednesday at Batavia

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs has announced that there will be a guaranteed pool of $3,000 for the Pick-5 wager today (Oct. 7).

The pool is part of the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program and as such, free program pages are available courtesy of Trackmaster on the USTA’s website or by clicking here. (https://legacy.trackmaster.com/usta/btv1007x.pdf

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, any carryover pool will be moved to the Pick-5 wager on the Saturday (Oct. 10) program.

Post time for the first race today is 5 p.m.

Register by Oct. 14 for GC Job Development Bureau's Virtual Job Fair (Oct. 15)

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Job Development Bureau is hosting a Virtual Job Fair via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 15th from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Register by Oct. 14th at (585) 344-2042 or emailing jdb@co.genesee.ny.us

Whether you are hoping to find a fresh start, a better job, or a new career direction; job seekers will find some exciting opportunities at the Virtual Job Fair. Job

Event Date and Time
-

Noonan Drive resident accuses pair of females of removing a Trump campaign sign off his lawn

By Billie Owens

Two females are accused by a resident on Noonan Drive in Batavia of stealing a Trump campaign sign off their lawn. A black female and a white female allegedly took the sign, which the male resident retrieved.

They walked away and police were called. They are responding to the "pretty agitated" Noonan Drive resident, who is said to be out with one or both of the females on Oak Street now.

Authentically Local