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Opening at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, the Batavia Players bring to life Scrooge and his ghosts in a performance of Charles Dickens's “A Christmas Carol” at Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia.

There are also performances on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors.

The musical is directed by Patrick Burk, with music directed by Kathy White.

Photos by Howard Owens

Alexander beat Elba on Wednesday in Girls Basketball 72-65.

No stats were submitted for the game.

Photos by Debra Reilly.

Going up against defending Class B champions Waterloo, the Notre Dame Girls Basketball Team came up a little short on points to fall 61-58 on Wednesday.

The Lady Irish were led by Freshman Sofia Falleti, who dominated with a double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds. 

Also contributing to the Irish were senior Nina Bartz with 14 points and Emma Sisson with 10 points and eight rebounds.  

Photos by Pete Welker.

From Medieval times through the Renaissance, the classical period, and into modern carols, Christmas music has changed to reflect the times. On Saturday, at St. James Episcopal Church, the Genesee Chorale will take listeners through that journey in a program entitled "Christmas Through the Ages." 

"We're going to go through the process of the beginning of Christmas carols back in the 1400s and then work our way up," said Musical Director and Conductor Ric Jones. "It's a wide mix of styles and in music, a lot of things that will be familiar, some that there'll be new."

Jones said he expects the audience to find the performance as entertaining as it is beautiful.

"The whole concert begins with Gregorian chants so that's really cool," Jones said. "We have four instrumentalists. They're gonna be joining us on about six different pieces, so they'll really liven things up. We have some great, really cool arrangement of "Jingle Bells." It's a rearrangement of the Barbra Streisand version of Jingle Bells written for choir. That's a lot of fun. And then "Joy to the World," "Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending" -- there's some really beautiful, large moving pieces as well."

The concert also isn't without its challenges for the choir, which should also impress listeners.

"The biggest challenging piece is probably "Here We Come A-wassailing," which is a traditional song, but it's super challenging for the choir," Jones said.  "It's seven verses, and every verse gets more and more intricate. So it begins with the choir in unison and as we progress, it gets more and more integrated, and it breaks out into eight different parts of one point. So they're going to do great on that."

Jones said he always looks forward to the traditional Christmas concert because, for him, it signals the beginning of the season.

"You get into the mood and the spirit," Jones said. "Also, they're always well attended. They're always popular concerts because people just people want to hear great music at Christmastime."

The Genesee Chorale will perform Christmas Through the Ages 4 p.m. on Saturday at St. James Episcopal Church. For more information, click here. To purchase tickets, click here.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Le Roy voters on Tuesday approved a $12.5 million capital improvement project that will fund facilities repairs and a new multipurpose sports field.

There were 517 residents who turned out for the vote, passing the measure 323 to 194.

Superintendent Merritt Holly said, "Thank you to all district residents who came out to vote."

Previously: Le Roy Central Schools reviewing $12.5 million capital project for facilities repairs, multipurpose sports field

Every year, year by year, there are more Christmas lights at the Red Osier Landmark Restaurant in Stafford, and the annual Community Christmas night keeps getting bigger, too.

This year, owners Steve Foster and Tim Adams hosted vendors in the four dining rooms, which Foster thinks helped increase attendance.  

That was good news for Santa and Mrs. Claus, who had a busy night collecting Christmas wishes from visiting children.  The line to visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus snaked through all four dining rooms.

"It's a lot of work, but I just love doing it," Adams said. "I love doing all of it. I really don't know what else to say. I just love it. The kids love it. When you see the kids enjoying it, walking through it, that is really what makes it meaningful to me, that they have a place to see this because there is not really any place around here that does this any more."

The Christmas lights are Tim's thing, Steve said.  Each year, Adams adds on and the light display gets bigger and bigger.

"We love Christmas," Foster said. "We love putting up the lights.  We counted 3.5 million lights three years ago, but we stopped counting, so it's got to be well over four million at this point. Tim thinks he has a budget, but there's no budget. It's basically unlimited when it comes to Christmas."

When it comes to traffic, there's a lot of it, so the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department assists, and employees donate their time for Community Christmas night. The night is free for community members who visit unless they want to buy something from the vendors.

Adams said it takes him six weeks to get the Christmas light displays set up.

"I've always liked decorating for Christmas, so ever since we've purchased this place, I've kind of made it my goal to do a little something more every year," Adams said.  "The best part about the whole thing is it doesn't cost anybody anything to come here and look at the lights."

Photos by Howard Owens.

A house fire is reported at 26 North St., Le Roy.

The caller reported the fire and hung up without providing more information.

Le Roy Fire, City Fire, Bergen Fire, Pavilion Fire, and Le Roy Ambulance dispatched.

UPDATE 6:47 p.m.: All occupants are out of the house. Stafford and the Town of Batavia also responded. The fire reportedly started on the first floor and climbed through the wall into the attic.  There is heavy smoke damage.

Photos by Howard Owens

Asserting rights over the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, the Tonawanda Seneca Nation has filed a lawsuit against the federal government in U.S. District Court over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s approval of a right of way for an industrial wastewater pipeline through the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

The lawsuit asserts that the Nation has standing to sue because the refuge is historically and culturally interrelated with the Nation's ancestral territory, even though it is outside the boundaries of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. 

The pipeline, which received approval from both the Fish and Wildlife Service and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, is intended to move wastewater from WNY STAMP in the Town of Alabama to the north. 

Orleans County, despite previous approvals within its jurisdiction, has also sued to stop the pipeline.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center, developers of STAMP, are not named in the Nation's lawsuit.

An official with GCEDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Nation is claiming that the pipeline approval violates the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

The pipeline is not compatible, under terms of the law, with the purpose of the refuge, the suit claims.

The suit asserts that the Wildlife Service violated these laws granting approval for construction of the pipeline and seeks injunctive relief, which would mean stopping further construction of the forced main.

"Consultation with an Indian Nation must occur regarding sites with 'religious and cultural significance' that are off tribal lands, and federal regulations instruct agencies to consider that historic properties of religious and cultural significance are often located on ancestral or ceded lands," the suit claims.

NOTE: The lawsuit is 82 pages long. This story is a summary of key points of the suit. To read the full document, click here (pdf)

The Nation claims that a 19,000-acre area that includes the Refuge, the Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, the John White Wildlife Management Area and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation Reservation Territory from the Tonawanda Iroquois Oak Orchard Wetlands Complex, an area the nation is claiming is important to the Senecas for cultural and historic purposes.

"This relatively undeveloped corridor protects the culturally significant plants, animals, land, and water resources that are essential to Tonawanda Seneca traditional cultural practices and beliefs," the suit states.

The suit asserts the Nation wasn't afforded its right, under Federal law, to participate in the pipeline approval process.

"The Nation retains the right to practice its culture, religion and traditional lifeways within its ancestral Territory, both inside and outside its Reservation boundaries," the suit states, adding, "Cultural resources and historic properties of importance to the Nation are located on the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, based on traditional cultural knowledge of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and as confirmed by the Fish & Wildlife Service’s 1992 survey of the entire Refuge."

The Nation will be harmed if construction of the pipeline is allowed to continue, according to the suit.

"Construction and operation of the industrial wastewater and treated sewage pipeline through the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge will harm Nation citizens and their enjoyment of the Refuge, as well as the Nation’s cultural resources, which include both historical and archaeological resources and wildlife, plant, and water resources in their ancestral territory in Western New York."

The suit claims the wastewater treatment facility that will be connected to the pipeline will lead to noise, traffic, odors, vibrations, light, air, and water pollution, and that it will "negatively affect the Nation’s lands, waters, environment, cultural resources, and places of religious and cultural significance."

The suit claims that the Nation previously communicated its rights under the law to GCEDC in a letter in 2016:

The Nation’s sovereign right to its territory, including the natural resources of the territory, is protected by federal treaty. The Nation has federal reserved water rights attached to our territory and the STAMP project lies entirely in Seneca aboriginal land. Waters, including streams and wetlands, span the boundary between the STAMP site and the Nation. From time immemorial, our people have used and occupied the forests, streams and wetlands of the Nation’s territory, including those directly adjacent to the STAMP site. Fish, birds, deer and other wildlife pass freely through this area and many trees and plants, including medicinal plants, grow there. All of these are an integral part of the natural world that we give thanks and acknowledge every day as Haudenosaunee with the words given to us by the Peacemaker.

Previously, and primarily in response to the Orleans County lawsuit, GCEDC CEO Steve Hyde said he is not concerned about the legal challenges facing STAMP.

From The Batavian's prior coverage:

The northern route for the sewer line, he said, is the most environmentally sound option, which is why the route was recommended by the Department of Environmental Conservation.

"If you look at the reality of what we're dealing with, in that case, that particular situation, it is DEC permitted," Hyde said. "They spent three years reviewing the plans. The DEC directed us to put the flow there because it was the best place for the care of that water body versus where we were looking as an option in Genesee County. It would have been more environmentally challenging than to do it in Genesee, and that was the reason they selected that area. There was careful study by the authority that has the responsibility for maintaining and protecting our environment. And they issued the permit. And that permit is far more stringent than what the Medina Wastewater Treatment Plant is currently operating under because they're grandfathered. 

"So when I look at the challenges that are before us and presented, it's procedural things, and with procedural things, there are always ways to find solutions. So I am not at all concerned about proceeding, because it's a long pathway to do all this stuff anyway. And at the end of it, by proceeding, we're going to enjoy greater economic vibrancy here in this region."

Previously:

• County judge rejects Tonawanda Seneca Nation's suit against GCEDC in connection to Plug Power siting
• Settlement between Tonawanda Seneca Nation, GCEDC removes 200 acres at STAMP from possible development
• Complaints raised at planning board meeting about STAMP, Edwards Vacuum, addressed by officials
• Undeterred by legal challenges, Hyde bullish on STAMP's future

Alexander had an easy time of it against Lyndonville on Monday, netting the Trojans their second win of the season, 104-18.

Scoring:

• Trent Woods, 12 points, 10 assists, two rebounds.
• King Woods, 14 points, four assists and two rebounds.
• Dylan Pohl, 17 points and eight rebounds.
• Anthony Pellegrino, 14 points (four three-pointers)

Also on Monday, Oakfield-Alabama beat Barker, 64-44.

Photos by Pete Welker.

John A. Cabrera, 56, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, menacing 2nd, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration 2nd,  harassment 2nd, and promoting prison contraband 1st. Cabrera is accused of threatening another person with a handgun during a fight on Washington Avenue, Batavia, on Nov. 24. He is accused of fighting with police when they attempted to take him into custody. While being booked at the Genesee County Jail, Cabrera was allegedly found in possession of contraband. He was arraigned and released.

Shawna L. Lamont, 34, of Perry, is charged with bail jumping 2nd. Lamont is accused of missing a court date after being released on a charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance 5th. She was arraigned in City Court and released.

Benjamin G. Evans, 35, of Batavia, was arrested on three warrants on Nov. 28. Two of the warrants are related to incidents where Evans allegedly stole packages from porches. The other is related to a trespassing complaint on Swan Street on Sept. 19. Evans was arraigned and released. 

James L. Dart, 70, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Dart is accused of spitting on another person during a fight on Tracy Avenue on Nov. 27. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Carla L. Spikes, 33, of Batavia, is charged with harassment 2nd. Spikes is accused of punching another person in the face during a fight on Hutchins Street, Batavia, on Nov. 18. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Trevon L. Armstrong, 38, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Armstrong is accused of damaging a window at a residence on Denio Street on Nov. 16. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Haley M. Larnder, 24, of Batavia, is charged with two counts of bail jumping 3rd. The charges stem from two separate cases where Larnder is accused of criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. She allegedly failed to appear in court as ordered. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Daniel N. McDaid, 40, of Tonawanda, and April J. Conley, 39, of Lewiston, are charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. McDaid and Conley were charged following a traffic stop on Ross Street by a Batavia patrol officer. They were allegedly found in possession of narcotics. Conley was additionally charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence. She allegedly attempted to hide evidence. Both were issued appearance tickets.

Allyson P. Lawrence, 29, of Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Lawrence was allegedly found in possession of narcotics on Nov. 26 while being arrested on an unrelated warrant. Lawrence was arraigned and released.

Alex P. Brasky, 32, of Batavia, is charged with DWI. Braskey was stopped by a Batavia patrol officer on Nov. 22 on South Jackson Street, Batavia. He was arraigned and released.

Russell H. Blumer, 51, of Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment 2nd. Blumer is accused of punching another person during a fight on Thorp Street on Nov. 12 while a child was present. He was arraigned and released.

Jerome W. Amesbury, 58, of Batavia, was arrested on Nov. 26 on a warrant. The warrant stems from a traffic stop on Ellicott Street on June 23, which led to a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation 3rd and several traffic violations. Amesbury is accused of failure to appear in court as ordered. He was arraigned and released.

Trevawn O. Wright, 23, of Le Roy. Wright was arrested on a warrant on Nov. 23. Wright was initially charged on Aug. 13 with aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd after he was involved in a traffic accident on South Main Street, Batavia. The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court. He was arraigned in and released.

Jonathan W. Dodson, Jr., 37, of Holley, is charged with forcible touching and sexual abuse 3rd. Dodson was arrested by State Police in connection with an incident reported at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 1 in the Town of Elba. He was issued an appearance ticket. No further information was released.

Mark P. Heale, 55, of Bethany, is charged with torture/injury/not feed an animal. Heale was arrested by State Police in connection with a report taken at 2:14 p.m. on Nov. 21 in the Town of Bethany. He was issued an appearance ticket.  No further information was released.

Susan Ann Samanka, 60, of West Main Street, Batavia, was charged on Dec. 4 with sex offender failure to appear for photo. Samanka is accused of failing to report to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office as required for a photo as a registered sex offender by the required date. Samanka was held pending arraignment.

Joe Andrew Cortez, 41, of Park Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Cortez is accused of violating a stay-away order of protection at 12:43 p.m. on Nov. 23. Cortez was issued an appearance ticket.

Michael Robert Hawkins, 27, of Route 98, Attica, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd, speed not reasonable and prudent, and moving from lane unsafely. Hawkins was reportedly involved in a traffic accident on Simonds Road, Darien, at 11:51 a.m. on Dec. 1. During the investigation, Deputy Stephen Smith determined Hawkins was allegedly in possession of a large quantity of controlled substances. Hawkins was held pending arraignment.

There were no injuries on Friday afternoon after a car jumped a curb, struck a truck on Jefferson Avenue in Batavia and then turned sharply to its right and headed straight for the Wendy's building.

Sgt. Dan Coffey, Batavia PD, said it appeared that the driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal as the vehicle attempted to enter a parking space.

The vehicle struck a construction truck, a street sign, a pickup truck and then the Wendy's building.

There were no citations issued.

A camera mounted on City Hall captured the incident.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Police Department, Genesee County Sheriff's Office, and the Le Roy Police Department are preparing for the Ninth Annual “Shop with a Cop” event.  

The event will take place Saturday, Dec. 9 at Walmart located at 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive in Batavia. 

For those not familiar with the event, local children -- with the help of school resource officers and school officials from each school in Genesee County are selected to participate.  Children are provided funds and their own personal police officer/deputy to accompany them on a Christmas shopping trip at our local Walmart.  

Walmart graciously hosts and staffs the event.  Walmart also provides funding and goody bags for each child.

Grant money from Walmart, donations from the City of Batavia Police Benevolent Association, City of Batavia Civil Employee’s Association (CSEA), the City’s “Jeans for Friday” program, and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Employee Association make this event possible.  

All the participating agencies want to thank everyone in advance, especially during this time of the year, as it is an event that we are grateful to be able to participate in and provide for our community. In the past, community members/businesses have inquired about donating to the cause.  Donations can be brought to 10 W. Main St. Batavia N.Y. (Attn Detective DeFreze) or 165 Park Rd. Batavia N.Y. (Attn Sgt. Sanfratello).  Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 299 Batavia, N.Y. 14020 (Batavia PD) or P.O. Box 249 Batavia, N.Y. 14020 (Genesee County Sheriff’s Office).  Donations will allow more children to participate, or potentially increase the amount each child is provided, and lessen other costs associated with the event.  Any excess funds will be designated for the following year's event.  As of this writing, there are sufficient funds to cover this year’s event.  

We graciously ask that you keep us in mind next year!

Photos by Howard Owens

Photos by Howard Owens.

Supporters of Crossroads House were invited to hang an ornament on a Christmas tree to display at Eli Fish for the holiday season, with the tree being lit in a ceremony at the tavern in Batavia on Saturday.

Pinecone ornaments cost $25 each, and Crossroads was able to raise $2,500 to support its operations.

"Our memorial cones are all personalized with a person's name," said Debbie Paine, who chaired the fundraising effort and is secretary of the board of directors. "There are some that honor volunteers or whatever somebody felt that they wanted to buy and remember somebody for. It's a holiday fundraiser that first allows people to memorialize someone and also brings together our community."

This is a first-year event for Crossroads House, which provides hospice care at no cost to people in their final stages of life in Genesee County.

Photos by Howard Owens

A few shots from Winterfest in Le Roy on Saturday.

Photos by Howard Owens.

Byron-Bergen is the 31st winner of the Warsaw Kiwanis Tip-Off Tournament after beating Filmore on Saturday 80-54.

For the Bees, Braedyn Chambry had a big night, scoring 41 points. Brody Baubie scored 22 points. 

Photos by  Jennifer DiQuattro.

Pavilion dropped the afternoon consolation game in the 31st Annual Warsaw Kiwanis Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday, losing to Warsaw, 82-54.

Case Cummins scored 19 points for the Golden Gophers. Landan Stoddard scored 10 points.

Photos by  Jennifer DiQuattro.