Today, The Batavian conducted an exclusive interview with Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia at the Holland Land Office Museum.
This photo shows the first time the medal awarded to Bellavia and the medal awarded to Charles F. Rand are in the same room together. Bellavia and Rand are the only two Batavians to have received the Medal of Honor.
Our interview today with Bellavia focused on his experience in Washington, D.C., last month when he received the Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump. David and I discuss some of the observations and insights Bellavia has not discussed yet in other interviews.
Below, a video we did previously about Charles Rand and our video covering Bellavia's Medal of Honor Week, in case you haven't seen it yet, to prep you for the video interview. I hope to have that edited and later to post tonight sometime, or in the morning, at least.
UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: When I posted this, I wasn't thinking about the fact that we have the opening of Batavia Downs tonight. Covering that will greatly delay my ability to finish this video.
Reader Paula Zack describes herself as an amateur photographer but she did a good job yesterday of capturing in still photos the program yesterday of David Bellavia receiving the Key to the City. We wanted to share them with you.
Press release:
Nic Ready is starting to show some of his promised power this season -- with his first home-game home run on Monday, he jumped on a bus after the game to play the West Virginia Black Bears Tuesday night.
He had a chance to stretch his legs, this time rounding the bases again.
With Batavia trailing 1-0 in the third, Ready, the NCAA Home Run Derby champion as a senior at Air Force Academy, blasted a two-out, three-run home run.
As West Virginia (wearing their special Moonshiners uniforms) closed the lead to 5-2, Ready crushed another home run. That was it as Batavia cruised to an 8-3 victory.
For the game, Ready increased his average to .305 by going 3-for-5 and had a RBI double as well as he drove in six runs on the game.
Batavia catcher Andres Stormes also hit a home run, a solo shot as he went 2-for-3 with two runs.
Milton Smith II had a hit and a run and stole his 10th base of the season.
J.D. Orr, who jumped to the top spot in the NYPL average race with a .378 average, went 2-for-3 with two runs and two walks. Putting him on base means a steal, and Orr stole two bases and has 19 on the season.
Dalvy Rosario scored once and stole two bases, giving him nine on the season.
The win was big for Batavia, as the Muckdogs are 24-14 and gained a full game (up 4.0) on second place West Virginia (19-17) in the NYPL Pinckney Division. Third place State College Spikes of Pennsylvania also lost, and dropped to 19-19 with Mahoning Valley. The Muckdogs are back in a battle with Lowell (23-12), Mass., for the best overall record in the league.
On the mound, lefty Andrew Miller won his second straight to improve to 2-3 on the season. he went five strong innings with two strikeouts and did not walk a batter. Bryan Hoeing had his first career hold, going three innings and striking out two without allowing a walk. Josh Simpson, another lefty on manager Tom Lawless' roster, pitched the ninth and struck out the final batter of the game.
For Buffalo Bills fans, Batavia won on Jeff Hostetler Bobble Head Night. The former West Virginia baseball player was featured with a Black Bears No. 15 jersey on his bobblehead. Hostetler led the New York Giants over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV, 20-19 in 1990. The first 1,000 fans received the gift and the former QB was there to sign autographs.
Batavia has two more games in West Virginia, Wednesday and Thursday at 6:35 p.m.
The fun continues at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
On Friday when the Muckdogs host Williamsport, it is Flash Back Friday, there will be Crafty Hour as Eli Fish craft beers are $3 for an hour before the game and all fans can get a bag of tennis balls after the game and take the chance on throwing one into a hula hoop to win two round-trip airline tickets courtesy of Allegiant Air. There are other hoops to win other prizes.
On Saturday (also a 7:05 p.m. start), the Muckdogs not only have fireworks after the game, but Tompkins Bank of Castile bought all the general admission seats and are giving them away to fans. There are still a few available at the box office.
Sunday is a 5:05 p.m. start and it's O'Lacy's Irish Day. O'Lacy's has specials and tickets, you can visit the restaurant or follow them on Facebook. It is also free admission for MuckPups and kids can run the bases. Before the game, next to the souvenir stand, it is Autograph Alley as eight players will sign autographs, pose for photos and selfies with fans.
Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.
Submitted photo: Nic Ready, with his signature toothpick, is all smiles. He has hit three home runs in two games, had six RBI's Tuesday and Batavia is in first place.
In a short ceremony at City Hall, Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia received the Key to the City from Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski.
Following the ceremony, Bellavia met and spoke with every single person who came to the ceremony and stayed for the chance to meet him, shake his hand, take a selfie, and even hold his Medal of Honor.
Following the event, Bellavia participated in a short press conference inside City Hall. That video is below.
Press release:
As a senior at the Air Force Academy in 2018, Nic Ready won the NCAA Home Run Derby at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Neb., when he hit a record 55 home runs in three rounds for the title.
During his senior season, he hit .341 with 20 home runs.
A 23rd-round draft pick of the Miami Marlins this year, Ready hit his first home run in Batavia (his second on the season) as the Batavia Muckdogs defeated the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, 4-1 on Monday.
Batavia (23-14) is in first place in the New York-Penn League Pinckney Division.
Ready, who is now hitting .293, had a 3-for-4 day with two runs and his home run gave Batavia a 1-0 lead in the seventh.
With the game tied 1-1 in the eighth with two outs, Troy Johnston a 17th-round pick of the Marlins this year, ripped a 2-RBI double off the right-center wall to give Batavia the lead for good.
“I thought it was gone, I did, it was an awesome feeling, you love when you get a ball like that in a situation like that,” Johnston said. "Milton (Smith II) starting it off with a hit (in the eighth), Nic Ready squeaking one through and Andrew Turner got us an insurance run. Hitting is contagious especially with two outs.”
A crowd of 1,139 saw the Muckdogs win on Kids Day.
"The kids were awesome, they were loud, they got after it, I loved it. It was a great atmosphere here in Batavia,” Johnston said.
Batavia has the two top hitters in the NYPL and they both contributed, as J.D. Orr (.368) had a hit and Smith (.352) had a hit and a run. Orr was a 10th-round draft pick this year and Smith went in the 22nd round last year to Miami.
Andrew Turner, a 39th-round pick in 2018, continued his recent hot streak as he is hitting .329 in his last 10 games and .299 on the season. He had two hits including an RBI double.
On the mound, Evan Brabrand continued his dominating season.
Brabrand, a ninth-round pick this year out of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., is now 2-0 with seven saves in nine mound appearances. He has struck out 14 in 9.2 innings and given up one run for a 0.93 ERA. on Monday, he had one strikeout in 1.1 innings, one hit allowed and no runs.
Starter Easton Lucas had a shutout for the three innings he pitched, struck out four and did not walk a batter. Lucas, a lefty, is a 14th-round Marlins draft pick this year out of Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., and he has a 1.69 ERA.
Lefty Dakota Bennett went 4.2 innings, struck out two, gave up two hits and no earned runs.
The pitching is phenomenal, I am just glad I’m on the other side,” Johnston said.
Right after the game, the Muckdogs left for West Virginia for three games with the Black Bears. The Muckdogs are home Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. with Williamsport and Sunday at 5:05 p.m.
The game Saturday is sponsored by Tompkins Bank of Castile and free general admission tickets are available at the box office while they last.
Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.
The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Whiz Khalifa Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday:
Arthur J. Meaney IV, 19, of West River Road, Grand Island, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, after allegedly being found in possession of a fictitious license and then refusing to be placed under arrest by struggling with deputies. Meaney was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $2500 bail.
Elijah R. Giles, 24, of East State Street, Albion, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, and disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the medical treatment area at Darien Lake and then interfering with the process of his arrest.
Ryan A. Diana, 21, of Britany Lane, Pittsford, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, and disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the medical treatment area at Darien Lake and then interfering with the process of his arrest.
Matthew D. Pantera, 25, of Homecrest Drive, Amherst, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
Michelle M. Seneca, 42, of Cosad Road, Seneca Falls, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the Darien Lake Hotel.
Emily C. Kornack, 18, of Landmark Lane, Pittsford, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.
Jaycee V. Jones Jr., 18, of Clarence Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another person in the eye.
Joseph M. Folvarick, 42, of Wheeler Street, Tonawanda, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly having physical contact with another person.
Darius A. Hamilton, 30, of Kehr Street, Buffalo, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, and trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being told to leave several times and then interfering with the process of his arrest.
Dominic G. Santamaria, 22, of Overbrook Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Live Nation security officer.
Brennan K. Callen, 18, of Flynn Road, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
Nicholas G. Curre, 21, of Corral Drive, Penfield, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue and then entering the concert venue after having been ejected and arrested and told not to return.
Connor T. O’Keefe, 20, of Autumn Lane, Lewiston, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.
A 17-year-old of Rumsey Road, Buffalo, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue and then entering the concert venue after having been ejected and arrested and told not to return.
Timothy J. Lloyd, 19, of South Grosvenor Avenue, Brighton, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue and then entering the concert venue after having been ejected and arrested and told not to return.
Matthew E. Dickerson, 21, of Timberwood Drive, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
Brianna L. Stiegler, 19, of Graystone Lane, Orchard Park, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and criminal Impersonation, 2nd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return and then identifying herself as her sister.
(name redacted upon request), 20, of Misty Meadow Way, Fairport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue and then entering the concert venue after having been ejected and arrested and told not to return.
Devin M. O’Dell, 19, of Smith Road, Canandaigua, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance at the concert venue exit.
Gray H. Benhal, 20, of Middle Cheshire Road, Canandaigua, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.
Austin J. Allen, 19 of Clovermeadow Lane, Farmington, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.
Christopher A. Rasbin, 21, of West Avenue, Newark, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, and trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue and then entering the concert venue after having been ejected and arrested and told not to return.
A 17-year-old of Proximity Lane, Victor, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.
Jacob G. Damelio, 19, of Angels Path, Webster, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
A 17-year-old of Edendery Circle, Fairport, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.
Abbey L. Heist, 20, of Chesapeake Lane, West Henrietta, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
Kaylee A. Horn, 20, of Elaine Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
A 17-year-old of Wheat Road, Clifton Springs, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
Derrick C. Jones, 18, of South Street, Clifton Springs, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
Thomas J. Miller Jr., 18, of Edgemere Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
Sonia D. Vasquez, 20, of Underwood Avenue, Hilton, arrested for criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, after allegedly being found in possession of a stun gun while entering the Darien Lake parking lot.
Jacob L. Masterson, 18, of County Road 15, Filmore, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
Thomas C. Emerson, 18, of Skyline Drive, Corning, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Thomas Rhett concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on July 19:
John K. Turton, 38 of Coburn Road, Ulysses, Pa., is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Turton also entered the concessions area in an attempt to avoid arrest. John was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.
Zachary A. Bellin, 21, of Livingston Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to enter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.
Gina M. Quattrone, 21, of Clearview Drive, Spencerport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.
Abbey J. Gardner, 18, of Kemp Drive, Macedon, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.
Remy M. Cummings, 18, of Cornwall Drive, Macedon, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.
Joshua E. Boozer, 33, of Park Avenue, Warren, Pa., is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly threatening to strike a Live Nation security guard with a chair inside the venue.
Emily R. Boozer, 26, of Park Avenue, Warren, Pa., is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly grabbing a Live Nation security guard by the neck scratching him with her nails.
Keri A. Ramsey, 24, of Old Buffalo Road, Attica, is charged with driving while intoxicated and driving with over .08-percent BAC after allegedly being involved in an accident on the Darien Lake Employee Road.
Press release:
Even when the Batavia Muckdogs lose, they find a way to keep the crowd excited to the last out.
The Muckdogs ended a 3-game win streak with a 5-4 loss to Mahoning Valley on Sunday.
The Muckdogs play at home at 11:05 a.m. on Monday as part of Kids Day and a special for fans age 55 and over. Tickets for anyone 55 and older is just $2 and there will be food and drink specials as well.
On Sunday, Mahoning Valley jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the sixth and held off a Batavia rally to win.
Batavia remains in first place in the New York-Penn Pinckney Division with a 22-14 record and Mahoning Valley is 18-18.
J.D. Orr had another strong game going 2-for4 with two runs and is now hitting .369 on the season, jumping just ahead of teammate Milton Smith III (.356) for the top average in the NYPL.
Dalvy Rosario (two runs), Nic Ready and Ronal Reynoso all had hits while Jack Strunc and Andrew Turner had RBI's.
Starting pitcher Edgar Martinez went four innings and struck out three, Jonaiker Villalobos, who took the loss, struck out one in .2 innings.
Jeremy Galindez went 2.1 innings giving up two hits and struck out one.
Edison Suriel lowered his ER to 1.69 throwing two scoreless innings one one-hit ball with four strikeouts to keep the Muckdogs in the game.
Tickets are available at muckdogs.com or stop by the Dwyer Stadium Ticket office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. The number is 585-483-3647.
Photos by Jim Burns
Press release from AAA:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.77, down 2 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.84. The New York State average is $2.89 – no change from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia -- $2.84 (no change since last week)
- Buffalo -- $2.85 (down a penny since last week)
- Ithaca -- $2.83 (down 2 cents since last week)
- Rochester -- $2.83 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Rome -- $2.85 (no change since last week)
- Syracuse -- $2.79 (down a penny since last week)
- Watertown -- $2.81 (no change since last week)
Pump prices are stabilizing signaling that supply and demand are likely in sync so motorists are seeing prices level out.
At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI increased by 33 cents to settle at $55.63.
Crude prices mostly declined last week after the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced that it does not expect oil prices to rise significantly because demand is slowing and there is a glut in global crude markets.
The IEA is reducing its 2019 oil demand growth forecast to 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) from 1.2 million bpd due to a slowing global economy amid the continuing U.S.-China trade dispute.
Concerns over the current excess of oil in the crude market overshadowed concerns of increasing tension in the Middle East last week though tensions in the Middle East spiked at the end of last week, so analysts will continue to monitor issues there.
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 19-6 held a fundraiser Saturday at VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 in Batavia.
A five-vehicle accident is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 385.9 in the westbound lane.
Minor injuries are reported but traffic is blocked.
Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
A car has reportedly hit a child on a bike in the area of M&T Bank, 9133 Oak Orchard Road, Elba.
Unknown injuries.
Elba fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 11:17 a.m.: Elba chief on scene says all responding units can stand by in quarters.
UPDATE 1:09 p.m.: A reader conducted us to say a child was not involved but she was not a witness. We called Elba Chief Mike Heale who responded to the call. He said a passerby called dispatch. He said he was at the scene within seconds of the dispatch and there was nobody -- no patient, no vehicle -- at the scene, so the call was canceled.
A porch fire with flames showing is reported at 6145 Quaker Hill Road, Elba.
Elba fire dispatched.
UPDATE 2:42 a.m.: An engine from Town of Batavia and a tanker from Oakfield requested to the scene.
UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: Barre had been dispatched but Elba command has said Barre can stand down.
UPDATE 3:42 p.m.: Fire is out. It was contained to the front porch. No extensions. Elba assignment back in service.
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