elba

The way Hiram Kasten and Lucine Kauffman see it, Genesee County is a great place to live.

It's beautiful, there's a lot going on, and you'll meet some of the nicest and most interesting people if you just get out on the town a bit.

It's these qualities that they want to highlight in their new weekly, one-hour radio show on WBTA, which debuts Oct. 1.

"Talk of the Town" will feature talk about what's going on and some of the region's interesting people.

It's a cultural show -- arts and entertainment -- but it's more than that.

"There's a national trend toward localism," Kauffman said. "It's not just shopping local. It's living local. We want to capture that idea."

Kasten and Kauffman like interesting people, but they are, of course, interesting people themselves.

Kasten has been a professional entertainer for decades with a long resume in New York and Hollywood that included recurring roles on "Seinfeld" (Hiram and Jerry came up through the New York comedy club circuit together) and "Everybody Loves Raymond."

Diana Kisiel Kasten, Hiram’s wife, is from Batavia and operates Pinnacle Manufacturing on Harvester Avenue. She convinced Hiram to move here a year ago. The couple has a grown daughter who attends Cornell University.

Kauffman is the former town supervisor for Elba and has been active in local theater for years. She grew up in Southern California and graduated from USC. She moved to Genesee County with her Batavia-born-and-bred husband, Bill, 25 years ago. Their daughter attends Notre Dame University. Bill Kauffman is the author of nine books and the screenplay "Copperhead," which had its theatrical release last year.

"We're going to talk about the cultural aspects of Genesee County and the region," Lucine said. "It's more than just arts and entertainment. There are farm co-ops and local artisans and people who enrich life in Genesee County. It's all about quality of life and the quality of life here is very good."

Hiram said he often knows the comedians passing through Rochester and Buffalo, so that will be an opportunity to hear from nationally recognized talent, but they'll also feature the volunteers who make community theater so vital to Batavia.

"There's a lot to celebrate in Genesee County," Lucine said.

"Celebrate. That's a good word," Hiram added. "There is a lot to celebrate here."

The show will air Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. on WBTA-1490.

Elba/Byron-Bergen grabbed a share of the Genesee Region lead Saturday with a convincing 32-6 victory over Holley Central.

In week two, only the Lancers and Attica remain undefeated.

The victory Saturday, Head Coach Mike Cintorino said, shows his team can bounce back from adversity.

"We had a couple of guys go down last week and a couple of guys go down this week and we had guys ready to step in and do those jobs," Cintorino said. "It shows that they've been putting in the work both during the off season and during practices. They know their responsibilities and their jobs and they're ready to go."

The offense Saturday was led by Steele Truax, who rushed for 108 yards and two TDs on 20 carries.

"That's what Elba does is ground and pound," Truax said. "That's what we do. That's what we like to do."

QB Garrett Chapell was 4-8 for 56 yards and two touchdowns.  

John Hochmuth caught both of those two TD passes and gained 44 yards on the day.

Pitching in on the ground game was Richard Flores with seven carries for 46 yards and a TD.

On defense, Truax had 18 tackles. Hunter Taylor had 13 tackles and Mike Shanley had an interception.

The Lancers held Holly to 108 total yards of offense.

Holley's lone score came on a five-yard run by Zachary Day with about two minutes left in the 4th quarter.

Cintorino said he was really pleased with the play of his young linemen, who are still all underclassmen.

"They've come a long way from where we were last year," Cintorino said. "You know, we had almost this same exact starting line last year. We have them again this year and we have them for another year, so the more they continue to learn, the better  job they're going to do and the more they're going to spring their teammates like they did today."

Chapell said he's looking forward to seeing how this team performs over the course of the season.

"We'll have a good year," Chapell said. "We've got a good receiving corps, good line, good backs, so the rest of the season will be interesting."

Next up for Elba/BB, archrival Notre Dame.

The tables are turned a bit in week three compared to recent history. While the Lancers are undefeated, the Fighting Irish come into the came at 0-2.

"When you get into that game, you throw the records out," Cintorino said. "We've been on the other side of it and we kind of know where they're at right now in terms of being 0-2."

Both teams will be highly motivated when they hit the gridiron on Notre Dame's home turf, Cintorino said.

"It's one of those things where you throw the records out because at the end of the day it doesn't matter," Cintorino said. "They're always focused to face each other, no matter the sport. No matter if it's football, boys basketball, girls basketball, softball, soccer, it's a nice little rivalry between the two schools, so records really don't mean anything going into that game."

Top Photo: John Hochmuth sprints toward the end zone for a touchdown.

Steele Truax scores in the first quarter.

Richard Flores breaks free on his way to the end zone.

Garrett Chapell hands off to Steele Truax.

Garrett Chapell sweeps wide on a keeper for some positive yards.

To purchase prints and ensure you have copies of these pictures for years to come, click here.

It's hard to find a high school football coach who will predict a winning season during an August practice session, and Elba/Byron-Bergen Head Coach Michael Cintorino is no exception.

But clearly, he has a lot to be excited about.

He's got a starting QB coming into his second year leading the varsity squad who's gotten bigger and stronger in the off season and put in the hard work to improve his skills.

He has two proven veterans to run the ball, and both his offensive and defensive lines are stocked with second- and third-year players.

Last year's 3-5 season was merely a chance to grow and learn for this group of players.

"This year, they're a year old, a year hungrier and they've been extremely competitive in practice and looking forward to the start of the season," Cintorino said.

The offense will be led by Garrett Chapell, who was shaky at times last year, but Cintorino said he's playing now with a whole new level of confidence.

"He looks fantastic this year, Cintorino said. "He put in a ton of work in the off season."

He'll have three first-year receivers, but Cintorino said they look like real weapons for Chapell so far.

The backfield will be bolstered with the experience of Steele Truax and Mike Shanley, who both proved last year they can run for positive yards and put points on the board.

So will this all add up into Ws for the Lancers, maybe a nice post-season run.

Cintorino dosn't want to go that far. Not yet.

"It's tough to say (how good the team will be)," Cintorino said. "Everyone else is probably saying the same things that we are right now, so we have to see what the league is going to look like once the season actually kicks off. Our goal is obviously to compete for a league championship and make it to sectionals and compete in the Class C sectionals, but there are a lot of good teams putting in the same work we are, so we have to wait and see until we get started."

The Elba Betterment Committee is hosting a pig roast in the village park today. The event goes until 8 p.m.

Right now the premiere Elba Community Pig Roast is under way at their Village Park. So if you're looking for an afternoon of food, music, fun and a Super Cruise car show, this is a great option.

The event started 15 minutes ago and runs until 8 p.m.

The Super Cruise will be along on West Avenue starting at 1 o'clock with prizes in three categories: Best of Show, Best “Super Rod” and Best Antique.

The pig roast costs 10 bucks and includes a pork sandwich and three sides. There will also be hots, hamburgs, blooming onions, fries and ice cream. All of the food is provided by Chap’s Elba Diner.

Mercy Flight will be flying in and the Elba Fire Department will have a truck on display. There will be music from 1 'til 8 with the Ghost Riders performing from 5 to 8.

There will be crafters, wine tasting and 50/50 raffles. The Historical Society will also have their museum open from until 4 p.m.

Money goes toward the Elba Betterment Committee's fund to help provide activities for families in Elba and to assist the Town and Village with beautification projects.

A medical call requiring Mercy Flight to the scene means that Byron Fire Police will shut down Ford Road between Transit and Norton so a landing zone can be established. Elba fire is setting up the landing zone.

The 78th Elba Onion Queen, Alexandra Lacey, was crowned Saturday at the Elba Onion Festival grounds, among family, friends and community members. The Elba High School Senior’s college plans include a study in Social Work with a minor in Special Education. Lacey has narrowed down her college of choice to three: Houghton, Fredonia or Niagara University.

First runner-up went to Haley Brown. This high school senior will be going to college for a business major and is looking into St. John Fischer.

Second runner-up went to Jennifer Pedro, also a Senior at Elba. Her college plans include counseling or social work.

The 78th Elba Onion Festival kicked off Friday with the opening of the carnival and evening parade. The festival is one of the largest fundraisers for the Elba Fire Department.

Just up the road a bit from the festival is the Elba Muckland; there, red, white and yellow onions grow, which gives the festival its name. 

One bit of trivia: Onions are one of the largest vegetable crops in the United States.

The festival continues throughout the day today.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 98 and Batavia Elba Town Line Road. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE: One person was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. The accident involved two vehicles, one of which was a pickup truck.

The annual Onion Festival will be on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8th and 9th at the Elba Firemen's Rec Hall, located at 7143 Oak Orchard Road. Lots of food, fun, friends and music. Bring the whole family to Elba's biggest event of the year!

Friday's hours are 5 p.m. 'til 2 a.m. and the main parade starts at 7 p.m. The parade route will be starting on West Avenue going south down Route 98 and ending at the Elba Rec Hall.

Saturday's festivities start at noon with the Kiddie Parade, and also end at 2 a.m. The Kiddie Parade begins at the corner of Ford Road and Route 98 and goes to the rec hall. All kids are welcome to attend. They can walk, ride a bike, drive a battery-operated four-wheeler or Jeep or whatever it may be, or be pulled in a wagon by mom or dad.

The crowning of the Onion Queen will be at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The drawing of the 2014 Ford Mustang (Courtesy of Orleans Ford), or $20,000 cash, will be at 11 p.m. on Saturday.

There will be ride specials both Friday night (7-11) and Saturday (1-5).

Savage Cabbage will be playing in the beer tent from 9 p.m. 'til 1 a.m. on Friday night.

Then Mac and Company will be playing in the beer tent from on Saturday starting at 6 p.m. and later, from 9 p.m. 'til 1 a.m., the Mercury Blues Band performs.

Tyshon L. Taylor, 17, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use, menacing, 2nd, petit larceny and robbery, 3rd. Taylor was arrested following an investigation into an unrelated incident. Taylor allegedly possessed a large knife and threatened another person with physical harm. In an unrelated investigation, Taylor is accused of using force to steal a mobile phone and headphones from another person. Taylor was jailed on no bail.

Edward Ryan Loper, 26, of State Street, is charged with strangulation, 2nd, and robbery, 3rd. Loper was arrested on a warrant for an alleged incident May 23 at a location on West Main Road, Batavia. At the time of his arrest, Loper was allegedly found in possession of a needle and a controlled substance. He was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Loper was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Terrence Devon West, 36, of Lorimer Street, Rochester, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation. West was stopped at 1:40 a.m. Thursday on Townline Road, Bergen, by Deputy Joseph Corona. West allegedly has three prior DWI convictions in the previous 10 years.

Veronica Eckerson, 57, of Akron, is charged with petit larceny. Eckerson is accused of stealing $400 from the safe of her employer, a business in Alabama, after quitting her job.

Richard Fredrick Boswell, 33, of Sumner Road, Darien, is charged with petit larceny. Boswell is accused of stealing merchandise from Walmart valued at $874.84.

Peter Charles Himan, 29, of Berkley Street, Williamsville, is charged with driving while ability impaired and possession/consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Himan was located in a stopped vehicle on Route 63, Oakfield, at 12:34 a.m. Sunday by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Justin Thomas Hemmer, 34, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Hemmer is accused of violating a court order protecting another person by shoving that person during an argument.

Andrew Loren Mark Falker, 20, of Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and improper turn (no signal). Falker was stopped at 2:53 a.m. Saturday on Main Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Ann Marie Capuano, 29, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Capuano was charged after Officer Peter Flanagan allegedly observed a glass pipe with partially smoked marijuana in her car.

Grant W. Whitney, 34, of Route 20A, Perry, is charged with unregistered motor vehicle. Whitney was arrested on a warrant out of City Court. He posted bail and was released.

Stephen J. Holdaway, 62, of Corfu, is charged with felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Holdaway was stopped by State Police at 1:01 p.m. May 19 in the Town of Batavia.

The pedestrian crossing sign in the Village of Elba was stolen sometime Saturday night.

The village would like it back.

If you have information that can assist, contact the village office at (585) 757-6889 or the State Police at (585) 344-6200.

A motorcycle accident is reported at Bank Street Road and Starowitz Road. The rider is conscious and alert. Elba fire and Mercy medics responding.

UPDATE 2:01 p.m.: The Elba assignment is back in service.

A car struck a tree at 3903 Maltby Road, just west of Weatherwax Road. Unknown injuries. Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: Responders report there is one patient with minor injuries.

UPDATE 3:36 p.m.: One patient is being transported to the hospital in Medina.

A motor-vehicle accident with unknown injuries is reported 7578 Oak Orchard Road, Elba.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 6:52 p.m.: We didn't hear any more updates on this accident.

Dave, Peggy, Brian and Dan Shuknecht asked that we share this thank you:

The Benefit for Brian was a monumental success. We are grateful and appreciative for the contributions of so many people and businesses. When we were informed by our friends that they wanted to throw a benefit to help with our extensive bills from the accident, it deeply touched our hearts. Thank you doesn’t seem enough but thank you to all who helped from the planners, those who donated, helped with the raffles and in the kitchen, the bands, those who attended and to those who prayed! Thank God and the power of prayer as our prayers were answered and Brian is healing amazingly well. We are proud to live in such an incredibly generous and supportive community.

Previously:Benefit Saturday at Elba Firemen's Rec Hall to aid young burn victim and family