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Batavia started off the post-season with a win, beating Livonia 62-47 at home on Wednesday.

Carter McFollins scored 24 points and Javin McFollins added 17 to help lead the Blue Devils to victory in the Class B1 sectional playoff game.

The Blue Devils -- ranked #8 in the bracket and now 8-13 -- will take on #1 ranked Northstar Christian (15-3) at 4 p.m. Saturday at Northstar.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

In a first-round Section V Class C1 playoff game in girls basketball on Wednesday, Alexander beat Marcus Whitman 47-34.

Alexander is now 12-9 on the season. 

The Trojans -- ranked #7 in the bracket -- next face #2 ranked  Canisteo-Greenwood (15-5) at 2 p.m. on Friday in Canisteo.

Also in girls basketball on Wednesday:

Pembroke beat Perry 58-50 in Class C2. Karli Houseknecht scored 17 points, Allie Schwerthoffer 14 points and 10 rebounds, Elle Peterson eight points, and Sydney Johnson seven points.

Top photo: Senior Natalie Whitmore (22) jumping for a rebound. Photos by Philip Casper.

Sophomore Alyssa Kramer (5) 

Senior Natalie Whitmore (22) Breaking through the Marcus Whitman defense

Senior Natalie Whitmore (22) Looking to pass

Senior Samantha Sawyer (24)

Sophomore Alyssa Kramer (5)

Senior Samantha Sawyer (24) 

A two-car accident is reported at Central Avenue and Jackson, Batavia.

Traffic is blocked.

A possible neck injury reported.

City Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 5:41 p.m.: Four people involved, all expected to be signoffs. Minor damage to vehicles.

A $12.1 million capital improvement project at Le Roy Central Schools is running under budget, and district officials are looking at adding three more tasks to the to-do list, Superintendent Merritt Holly told trustees at their meeting Tuesday night.

Officials will seek bids on:

• Replacing heat pumps at Wolcott School and the Jr./Sr. high school;
• Replacing curtains in the theaters at both schools; and, 
• Replacing switchgear in the Lapp Building.

"So those are the three areas that we've kicked back to CPL (civil engineer firm in Rochester), to get a design in on those, so that again, if we have money left over, then we have designs set in place to get into SED (State Education Department) to get approval," Holly said.  "If you notice those fit in very close to what we went out with before, which was heating, cooling, and those type of items, not glamorous stuff that people are going to see but stuff that we know we need to run our buildings and protect our assets."

The curtains in the theaters have been in place since the theaters were constructed, Holly said. The immediate need is to spray them with fire retardant, but they've also reached the end of their useful life, he said. They're falling apart and should be replaced rather than just treated one more time.

Construction on many of the items in the capital improvement project will begin this spring. 

Among the items at Wolcott School:

• Convert heating controls to electronic
• Reconstruct the building's parapet
• Replace the roof
• Precast window and sill reconstruction
• Replace exterior windows
• Stair tread replacement

The construction will impact the Oatka Festival in July with construction equipment and fencing blocking some of the area used by the festival in past years for vendors.  Holly said he's met with Oatka organizers to go over options for a new site plan for the event.

COVID Update
Holly also gave the board an update on COVID testing and protocols.  

Beginning March 7, "test to stay" tests will be administered "right before school," Holly said.

Currently, tests are offered from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m each day.

We'll do it before school because numbers have dropped," Holly said. "If numbers come back up again, after break or whatever, we're prepared to go back (to testing) in the morning. But right now, we can handle everything that we need to just before school."

Recently, the district handed out 64 at-home tests to parents and community members. 

State Audit
Up to a half-dozen auditors from the NYS Comptrollers Office will be in Le Roy, or some working remotely, for an audit of the district.

The Comptrollers office routinely audits every government agency in the state.

"Just remember with an audit, they're not going to tell you the good things that are going on," Holly said. "It's going to be just things that obviously procedure-wise, it can be improved."

Officials have not provided the district with a precise date the audit will begin, but Holly said he expects the audit sometime in the spring, before the end of the school year.

"This is the first one I've had during my tenure here," Holly said.

Photo: Via Le Roy Central School District capital improvement project presentation.

For all of the past 50 years, Robert "Buck" Hilchey has done it all for the Oakfield Fire Department, from being on scene for the biggest fires, serving as chief twice, serving as board president twice, to spearheading the drive for softball fields, and maintaining them, as a fundraiser for the department.

For his 50 years of service, Hilchey was given a watch and proclamations and resolutions from the NYS Senate, NYS Assembly, Village of Oakfield, and the Firefighters Association of the State of New York.

"The trustees and the mayor of the Village of Oakfield urge all citizens to join us in congratulating Buck on an outstanding record of service with the Oakfield Fire Department," the village resolution read, "and expressing our sincere appreciation to him for his unwavering dedication and service to the Village of Oakfield."

Hilchey is from a family of firefighters -- father, uncles, sons, and now even a granddaughter.  He got a bit emotional during his thank-you speech.

"It's been a pleasure to serve the community. I started off with my father, my uncle's grandfather," Hilchey said. "I just filled what they taught me to do. It was part of our life."

Then, tearing up a bit, "I'm a weak man, Danny knows. My sons know. My sons have followed in my footsteps, Brad is a chief and Chad is an assistant chief. I'm proud of these guys. Thank you."

Chad Hilchey presents a proclamation from FASNY to his father, Buck Hilchey.

Chief Sean Downing, President Joshua Finn, 3rd Assistant Chief Chad Hilchey, Buck Hilchey, Brad Hilchey, 1st Assistant Chief Chad Williams, and 2nd Assistant Chief Pete Scheiber.

Monday was the first time since 2019 that members of the department have been able to come together to hand out service awards. Above, 2nd Assistant Chief Pete Scheiber is recognized for 35 years of service.

Jim Lundmark and Dan Luker were recognized for 35 years of service.  Also, Doug Hensel was recognized for 45 years of service (the photographer did not succeed in getting a photo of Hensel).

An older woman at 167 Vine St. Batavia, using a walker, was reportedly helped from her house while it was filling with smoke this evening by an identified female neighbor.

The woman, whose name has not been released, was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation. 

Interim Fire Chief Dan Herberger said it appeared the fire started in the basement and the basement was fully involved by the time fire crews arrived on the scene and was starting to make an incursion into the first floor by the time it was extinguished.

"There is significant fire damage in the basement and the fire popped up through the first floor," Herberger said. "There is significant smoke damage throughout the house. There is a lot of damage.

Mary McCarthy, daughter of the resident of the house, and her husband Mike McCarthy told The Batavian's photographer Jim Burns about the apparent rescue of her mother by a neighbor and said she became aware of the fire when receiving an alert on her mobile phone from the house's Ring security system and she could view the smoke through the Ring's recorded video. The McCarthys immediately headed to the house.

The fire was reported around 6:30.

City Fire along with Alexander's Fast Team, with mutual aid from the Town of Batavia and Le Roy Fire, responded to the two-alarm fire.

Herberger said the fire was somewhat difficult to fight because the basement is set up for a home hair salon, so there are barriers in the basement along with chemicals.

The original dispatch placed the fire at the YWCA on North Street but when crews arrived, they determined the fire was at the residence.  There was smoke coming from the chimney, which on a warmer day, indicates basement fire, Herberger said, and flames showing from at least three basement windows. 

County records indicate the home is owned by Joyce Meisner and Mary McCarthy.  The ranch-style brick house was built in 1950 and is 1,715 square feet. The assessed value is $155,000.

UPDATE: Press release,

On Monday, February 21, 2022, at 6:34 pm the City of Batavia Fire Department responded to reported smoke from a house at 167 Vine St. in the City of Batavia.  Initial fire units arrived at 6:38 pm to find smoke emanating from a one-story, single-family home.  One occupant of the home was assisted to safety by the City of Batavia PD and neighbors upon FD arrival.  Fire crews entered the home to find a large volume of smoke throughout with fire in the basement.  Crews had difficulty locating the fire due to its location in the basement.  The fire was placed under control at 7:32 pm.  Extensive fire and smoke damage were caused to the structure and contents.

Two civilian injuries were reported, however, both refused transport to the hospital.  No firefighter injuries were reported. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation by City of Batavia Fire Department fire investigators.  

The City of Batavia Fire Department was assisted by the City of Batavia Police, City of Batavia Bureau of Inspections, Town of Batavia FD, Alexander FD, LeRoy FD, Genesee County Emergency Dispatch Center and Emergency Management Office, Mercy EMS (as well as an ambulance from the FEMA deployment to the area), National Grid and National Fuel.

Photos by Jim Burns

Post-season for boys and girls basketball begins this week.  Here are the schedules for Genesee County's teams.

In boys basketball:

• Batavia (7-13), #8 seed, plays #9 seed Livonia (8-12) at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, in the B1 bracket
• Le Roy (14-6) #2 plays a team yet to be determined at 2 p.m. Saturday, at Le Roy, in the B2 bracket
• Alexander (7-13) #11 plays #6 Bloomfield (13-7) at 7 p.m., Tuesday, at Bloomfield in the C1 bracket
• Pavilion (2-18) #11 plays #6 Holley (10-10) at 7 p.m., Tuesday, at Holley in the C2 bracket
• Pembroke (14-6) #2 plays a team yet to be determined at 7 p.m., Friday, at Pembroke in the C2 bracket
• Oakfield-Alabama (19-1) #2 plays a team yet to be determined at 7 p.m., Friday, at O-A in the C2 bracket.
• Byron-Bergen (11-8) #8 plays #9 Red Jacket (11-9) at 7 p.m., Tuesday at Byron-Bergen in the C2 bracket
• Notre Dame (17-3) #1 plays a team yet to be determined at 7:30 p.m., Friday, at Notre Dame in the D2 bracket
• Elba (13-7) #2 plays a team yet to be determined at 7 p.m., Friday, at Elba in the D2 bracket

In girls basketball:

• Batavia (4-16) #7 seed plays #9 North Rose-Wolcott/Sodus (4-16) at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, at Rochester Prep CORRECTION: Batavia plays Greece Odyssey at home at 7 p.m. tonight in the B1 bracket
• Le Roy (6-14) #9 plays #8 Dansville at 7 p.m., Tuesday at Dansville in the B2 bracket
• Alexander (11-9) #7 plays #10 Marcus Whitman (9-10) at 7 p.m., Wednesday, at Alexander in the C1 bracket
• Pembroke 10-10 #7 plays #10 Perry (6-14) at 7 p.m., Wednesday, at Pembroke in the C2 bracket
• Pavilion (16-2) #1 plays a team yet to be determined at 2 p.m., Saturday, at Pavilion in the C2 bracket
• Oakfield-Alabama (17-3) #3 plays a team yet to be determined at 2 p.m., Saturday, at O-A in the C2 bracket
• Byron-Bergen (15-5) #4 plays Keshequa (15-5) #5 at 1 p.m., Saturday, at B-B in the C3 bracket
• Notre Dame (15-5) #3 plays a team yet to be determined at 7 p.m., CORRECTION: The game time has been changed to 6 p.m., Friday, at Notre Dame in the D1 bracket
• Elba (14-6) #3 plays #6 Hammondsport (10-9) at 2 p.m., Saturday

A possible basement fire is reported at 167 Vine St. Batavia. 

Smoke coming from the basement. 

A second alarm has been called. 

City Fire on scene. 

UPDATE: 7:22 p.m. Alexander Fast Team called to the scene.

Bob Knipe's passion for the arts, community, media, and technology are all symbolized by the new podcast studio at GO Art!'s home, Seymour Place, in Batavia, according to his son, Tom Knipe, and Knipe's wife, Linda Knipe, who both spoke Sunday prior to a ribbon-cutting at the studio.

"My dad was somebody who this is just such a fitting thing to do in my dad's honor," said Tom Knipe, who currently runs the industrial development agency in Ithaca. "He was a college media guy. He was a radio guy. He, he loved really good sound. He was an audiophile since forever. I remember him putting huge headphones on my head when I was two years old. Listen to this. So it's very fitting."

Knipe was involved in numerous community organizations, most of them around the arts.  He was on the board for GO Art! (and continued to be actively involved after his term on the board expired), as well as playing with and volunteering for the Genesee Symphony Orchester, Batavia Concert Band, and the Genesee Wind Ensemble.  He was also a Rotarian and served on City committees.

"He saw all of his activities as critical contributions to the local community and its economic development," Linda said. "He told us some time in those final days that music brought meaning to his life. He said, 'without music life is kind of a cruel joke. I believe that there is music to the atmosphere, the sciences, the flow of electricity, the beat of the heart. Music is fundamental to everything.' And volunteering was fundamental to Bob's character and upbringing as well."

GO Art! Executive Director Gregory Hallock recalled the arduous path he took to get his job.  He first applied in 2015 and didn't get the job.  He said it was Knipe who called him to say he didn't get the job.  He told him, Hallock said, that he wasn't ready. When the job opened up again in 2016, Hallock applied again.  Again, Knipe broke the sad news but this time with an alternative offer:  Hallock could become the assistant director, a position that hadn't existed before and would need to be funded through a grant.

"He had this plan," Hallock said. "He wanted me to come in as the assistant director because I wasn't from the area. He said you don't know anybody but you're meant to be here. He said, it's not your time. You need to be under somebody. So they hired, they got a grant to hire me, and brought me in, in February of 2016 so that I could work for a year under somebody else and then take over."

Linda Knipe said Bob always saw potential in Hallock and Hallock said Bob Knipe was always there for him.

He painted the main gallery.  He built art displays. When Hallock floated the idea of a library in Seymour Place, Kniped showed up with books to donate.  That was nearly five years before the library opened.

Whenever Hallock put the call out to board members, and even though Knipe was no longer on the board, he was always the first to respond.

"I always got a phone call or text from him, saying, 'What do we have to do? How do we make this happen?' Hallock said. 

Linda said Bob loved Batavia and wanted to see it prosper and its people do well.

"Those of you closest to Bob probably understood his motivations but he loved people," Linda said. "His efforts were to change people's lives for the better, individually through programs and through building a community that was fun, interesting, and fulfilling to live in. He worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for people to grow."

Top photo: Bob Knipe's grandchildren, Alice, Eleanor, and Alder, along with Linda Knipe and Tom Knipe, cut the ribbon in the new podcast studio.

Tom Knipe.

Teams from 17 high schools from throughout Western New York were at Batavia High School on Saturday for a winterguard circuit competition, including Batavia (top seven photos).

Music instructor Jane Haggett said winterguard is the indoor version of color guard and the teams are judged on the effectiveness of their program, including colors and props selected for the performance, on dance technique, equipment used, and the speed and efficiency of setting up for their performance and removing their set after the performance.

It's great fun for the students to throw and spin prop rifles and sabers during a routine set to music.

The music and the story of the routine are expected to work together for a cohesive performance. 

"The kids that participated are very passionate about the activity," Haggett said. "They love the team effort. They love to dance. They love spinning the equipment. It is definitely a bonding, family-oriented activity. They develop relationships forever with their teammates and with other students in the activity."

It's also fun for Haggett.

"I love seeing the kids be successful," Haggett said. "I love the fact that this activity teaches discipline, perseverance, respect. There are so many other character traits that these kids portray because they have this activity that they spent hours participating in."

Medina (bottom three photos) hosts a circuit competition on March 12. Then there are regional competition is later this year in Philadelphia and Pittsburg followed by the national champion, with Batavia participating, in Dayton.

Ryder J. Berry, 21, of Farmersville Station, is charged with grand larceny 3rd. Berry is accused of stealing money from a family member at 10:15 a.m., Oct. 12, at a location on Summit Street, Batavia. He was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision.

Linda L. Snyder, 39, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of criminal mischief 4th and two counts of harassment 2nd. Snyder was allegedly involved in a disturbance at 7:34 p.m., Feb. 12, on Highland Park, Batavia. Snyder was released on appearance tickets.

Casey T. Vaughn, 32, of Batavia, is charged with no lights on a bicycle, obstruction of governmental administration, and petit larceny. Vaughn allegedly led police on a foot pursuit after an attempted traffic stop at 1:12 a.m., Feb. 13. he was eventually apprehended in the area of Haller Place, Batavia. At the time of his apprehension, it was determined he was also wanted on four outstanding warrants. Vaughn was arraigned in City Court and released.

Lynn M. Homer, 48, is charged with petit larceny and conspiracy 6th. Homer is accused of shoplifting from a business on Ellicott Street at 5:45 p.m., Feb. 4. Homer was released on an appearance ticket. Also charged, Joseph W. Freeman, 37, of Batavia.

Shawn M. Twardowski, 39, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of trespass and one count of criminal trespass 2nd. Twardowski allegedly refused to leave UMMC at 1:05 a.m., Feb. 11.  He also allegedly entered a business on East Main Street, Batavia, at 7:56 a.m., Feb. 10, that he had previously been told he could not enter. He also allegedly entered a business on East Main Street at 1:42 p.m., Feb. 10, that he had previously been told he could not enter.  He was issued an appearance ticket in all three cases.

Samuel Dominic Tabone, 28, of Rochester, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing. Tabone is accused of committing a crime of an unspecified nature on Feb. 18 at a location on East Main Street, Pembroke. His release status is unknown.

Press release from AAA:

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.53, up four cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.63. The New York State average is $3.75, up seven cents from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.69. AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia - $3.68 (up eight cents from last week)
• Buffalo - $3.70 (up eight cents from last week)
• Ithaca - $3.76 (up eight cents from last week)
• Rochester - $3.75 (up nine cents from last week)
• Rome - $3.76 (up six cents from last week)
• Syracuse - $3.71 (up seven cents from last week)
• Watertown - $3.73 (up seven cents from last week)

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased while gasoline demand also decreased. Typically, a decrease in gas demand during winter would put downward pressure on pump prices, but elevated crude prices continue to push pump prices higher. Pump prices will likely rise if crude prices continue to climb. Oil prices remain over $90 per barrel this morning. Tension between Russia and Ukraine continues to be a factor in rising oil prices. Russia is a member of OPEC+, and any sanctions based on their actions toward Ukraine may cause it to withhold crude oil from the global market.

From Gas Buddy:

"With tensions still very high that Russia may invade Ukraine, gasoline prices kept moving higher, tugged by the rising price of oil as the market concentrates on possible outcomes from the situation that could affect global oil production amidst recovering demand," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "However, with nuclear talks between Iran and global powers ongoing in Vienna, the possibility exists that a new deal could bring Iran's crude oil supply back to legitimate markets, helping to ease a slight portion of supply concerns. While the proposition remains in the air for the time being, we're also just a few weeks away from the traditional start of the spring surge in gasoline prices, brought on by the change to summer gasoline, seasonal maintenance at refineries and rising demand. The weeks ahead could be rather ugly with rising prices, especially if Russia pursues a strong-arm invasion of Ukraine."

A car has reportedly hit a house at 3113 Batavia Oakfield Townline Road, Oakfield.

No word on injuries.

Dispatchers were contacted by a third-party caller.

Oakfield Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 3:51 p.m.: No damage to the structure. Minor damage to another vehicle. 

UPDATE 3:53 p.m.: Mercy EMS can cancel its response.

The National Weather Service is forecasting that by late tomorrow afternoon, the Tonawanda Creek could crest at 10 feet.

Measurements are taken behind the County Courthouse.

Currently, Law Street is closed with minor flooding near Walnut Street in the City of Batavia. Stegman Road in Pembroke is also closed.

Kibbee Park is flooded to the brim.  There is minor flooding on South Jackson.

Send your flood photos from anywhere in Genesee County to: howard@thebatavian.com

CORRECTION: This story previously used measurements and forecasts for the wrong stream gauge on the Tonawanda.  It's been corrected to reflect the correct stream gauge.

Kibbe Park

Law Street near Walnut.

Behind the County Courthouse

South Jackson.

Stegman Road has been closed, between Route 5 and Powers Road, in Pembroke, due to flooding.

Stegman Road runs next to Tonawanda Creek.

Richard N. Ervin, 34, of Clinton Street, Newark, N.J., is charged with grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd. Ervin is accused of being in possession of a stolen vehicle at 9:56 p.m., Feb. 15, on Alleghany Road, Pembroke. Ervin was arrested by Deputy Jeremiah Gechell.

Vivon Larue Wenner, II, 57, of East Oak Orchard, Medina, is charged with felony driving while ability impaired by drugs, felony DWI, driving left of the pavement markings, and following too closely.  Wenner was arrested following an investigation into a traffic stop at 6:55 a.m., Nov. 4, on Lewiston Raod, Oakfield, by Deputy Jordan Alejandro. Wenner was released on an appearance ticket.

Collin Robert Grimes, 22, of Oakridge Drive, Irondequoit, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unsafe tires, moving from lane unsafely, and speed not reasonable and prudent. Grimes was stopped at 5 a.m., Feb. 13, on Mullen Road, Stafford, by Deputy Morgan Ewert.

Eric David Murphy, 43, residence no specified, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, an uninspected motor vehicle. Murphy was stopped at 2:24, Feb. 13, at a location in Le Roy, by Officer Jordon Wolcott.

Shawn Michael Twardowski, 39, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with petit larceny.  Twardowski is accused of stealing two alcoholic beverages from Sav-A-Lot in Le Roy at 9:47 a.m., Feb. 16. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Joseph Conklin, 41, of North Avenue, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Conklin was located by Le Roy patrol officers Curtis Miller and Stephen Cappotelli in the basement of a residence on North Street, Le Roy, at 3:17 p.m., Feb. 11, in violation of a court order. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Thomas R. Collins, 51, of Sunnyside Lane, North Chili, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, resisting arrest, failure to obey traffic device, and obstruction of governmental administration. Collins was stopped at 8:48 p.m., Feb. 8, on West Main Street, Le Roy, by Officer John Ceneviva.  He was released on traffic tickets.

Coby L. Sanders, 43, of Church Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child. Sanders is accused of acting in a manner injuries to the mental health of someone under 17 years old during a disturbance reported on Church Street at 12:45 p.m., Feb. 13. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Kenneth R. Scott, 59, of Britt Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and unsafe movement of a stopped vehicle. Scott was stopped at 11:30 p.m., Feb. 12, on Main Street, Le Roy, by Officer John Ceneviva. He was issued traffic tickets and released.

Press release:

From the time she presented her budget proposals, Gov. Hochul has faced stern criticism regarding her initiative to mandate one accessory-dwelling unit (ADU) per residential lot. It was a policy that superseded local authority and unfairly put additional burdens on the residents who integrated into a community.  Thankfully the governor rescinded her initiative, and our suburban and rural communities are now protected.  I’m grateful that Gov. Hochul listened to the constituents of suburban and rural communities and glad for those citizens who will no longer have to worry about the character of their neighborhood radically changing.

It was a busy night at Seymour Place, 201 East Main St., Batavia, on Thursday night with GO Art! hosting two art show openings and a Celebrity Bartender Challenge.

In the challenge, Lauren Humphrey and Mandy Humphrey faced off in a tip-fund raiser for the arts council.

Artists Adrian Morris and Rita Mallison opened, for each of them, their first solo exhibitions.

Morris, above, is originally from Ireland. He married a gal from Stafford (they're now divorced) and moved to Genesee County about a decade ago.  He said he's been painting and drawing all of his life and enjoys his membership with GO Art because being part of the local community of artists is like being with a family (his family is all in Ireland, and he may return there at some point, he said, because his mother is getting older).

"I love the supportive nature," Morris said. "It gets me out of the house and I meet a lot of other artists and we socialize and network here."

He has given art demos at Seymour Place, most recently a pallette knife demonstration in which he produced an Irish landscape painting.

He specializes in landscapes and portraits and said he's done numerous portraits on commission for local residents and is available for more portrait commission work.

There is another Celebrity Bartender Challenge at GO Art! tonight featuring Rebekah Ireland vs. Ryan Duffy starting at 6 p.m.

Rita Mallison, a long-time Batavia resident, started painting just a few years ago.  She specializes in portraits of nuns, priests, saints, and religious heroes.  She took up the subject after her conversion to Catholicism but said she has long been fascinated by nuns and wanted to be a nun when she was a little girl.  She said she could never afford to buy paintings sho she keeps the prices of her paintings low.

In the main gallery is a show of work by William Mathews, which opened previously.

Residents of The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia, 257 State Street, are without heat and power tonight due to water infiltration into the basement of the facility.

Interim Chief Dan Herberger said crews have yet to determine the source of the water but it's possible that it is more than weather-related flooding.

"The fact that there is chlorine (in the water) tells us it may be city water, drinking water," Herberger said.

At about 11 p.m., a DPW crew shut off water to the facility.  That will help emergency responders determine whether the source of the water with chlorine is from a break in a line going into the facility or from a nearby water main.

"We're trying to rule out a water main break somewhere," Herberger said.

Firefighters from both the City of Batavia and Town of Batavia are on the scene running pumps in the basement to try and get ahead of the ongoing infiltration. 

Herberger said the water got into electrical chase ways and the heating system.  He said it will take an electrical inspection and HVAC contractors to determine when it is safe to turn on those systems again.

State Health Department officials are on scene to assist the facility in implementing its emergency response plan.

Herberger said for now the residents are warm.

"We're hoping not to evacuate," Herberger said. "That's the last resort."

UPDATE 1:33 a.m.: National Fuel requested back to the scene to turn the gas back on and get the heat back on.

It was Mike Rapone's night at Notre Dame and in front of a capacity crowd there to honor the legendary coach, the Fighting Irish emphasized the point with a win over archrival Elba 63-52.

Rapone said he wanted the focus to be where it should be, where it's always been, on the kids, but also admitted it was an emotional night for him.

"It really didn't hit me until tonight," Rapone said. "I've been talking, you know, this is my last year. It hit me tonight. It was pretty emotional."

Rapone coached at Notre Dame for 42 seasons amassing 709 wins (a Section V record), 32 Genesee Region championships, nine Section V championships, and two state championships.

On Wednesday, Jordan Welker led the scoring with 15 points. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Aiden Sisson scored 14 points each and Cody Henry scored 13.

For Elba, Zach Marsciell scored 23 points, hitting four three-pointers along the way.  Conner Scott scored 15 points.