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Made in America store coming to Batavia Downs Gaming

By Mike Pettinella

Maybe you've been wanting to pick up an American Buffalo hoodie or a women's spaghetti-strap shirt with the Made in America logo on it, but you haven't had a chance to drive to one of the MIA outlets in Erie County.

Well, you're in luck (no pun intended) as plans have been finalized to locate a Made in America store in the lobby of Batavia Downs Gaming on Park Road.

"About three weeks ago, (Western Regional Off-Track Betting President) Henry (Wojtaszek), (Vice President of Operations) Scott (Kiedrowski) and I met with Mark Andol, owner of the Made in America franchise headquartered in Elma, and we signed an agreement to open a gift shop at Batavia Downs Gaming," said Michael Nolan, WROTB's chief operating officer.

"We feel that it's a good idea, especially being a public benefit corporation, that fits right in the bloodstream of our demographics."

Nolan said Batavia Downs will offer clothing apparel -- T-shirts, hoodies, etc. -- and other items, with some of the clothing to bear both the MIA and Batavia Downs Gaming insignias.

The announcement was made this morning at the WROTB Board of Directors meeting at Batavia Downs Gaming.

For more about the Made in America store, go to www.madeinamericastore.com.

In other developments, Nolan said:

-- He expects the Downs' partnership with FanDuel to offer fantasy sports competition at Batavia Downs Gaming at some of its OTB branches to "receive clearance" from the New York State Gaming Commission by next week -- "in time to be off and running for the 2016 NFL season." 

The gaming board approved FanDual's application to operate in New York State last week, action that came on the heels of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision to legalize interactive fantasy sports in New York. Previously, WROTB signed a four-year contract with FanDual.

-- That an EZ Bet kiosk is being placed at Letchworth Pines in Portageville. This will be the third such kiosk in Wyoming County, with the other two located at BenGo’s Express Mart in Attica and the Arcade Hotel.

Letchworth Pines was purchased last year by Kevin Sass, who has been involved in the bowling business since the late 1990s and also was a competitor on the Professional Bowlers Association Regional Tour. 

A grand opening, featuring prize drawings and refreshments, is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at The Pines. It is located at 6985 Fillmore Road.

Former local farmer, former local Assemblyman, R. Stephen Hawley, dies at age 94

By Howard B. Owens

Photo and story via our news partner, WBTA.

R. Stephen Hawley, who was 94 years old, died early this morning in Arizona.

Before his retirement, he had been elected to 10 terms in the New York State Assembly, serving 20 years beginning in 1973.

Hawley, a World War II Veteran, was a 1939 graduate of Batavia High School and at the beginning of his political career owned a family farm in Batavia.

Since 2006, Hawley’s son Steven M. Hawley has taken up his mantle of local representation in the State Assembly.

Law and Order: Batavia man arrested after domestic incident, State Street woman charged with harassment

By Billie Owens

Jacob M. Twardowski, 22, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree menacing. He was arrested at midnight on Aug. 24 following a domestic incident at his residence. He was transported to City Court, arraigned and released. He is due in City Court on Sept. 28. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice, assisted by Officer Peter Flanagan.

Cassandra L. Brunea, 43, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. She was arrested at 12:56 p.m. on State Street following a disturbance. It is alleged that during the incident Brunea subjected another person to unwanted physical contact by spitting on the person. She was issued an appearance ticket and released. She is due in City Court on Sept. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Michael S. Klotzbach, 29, of Boyce Road, Pembroke, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested at 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 23 after a physical altercation with an acquaintance. He was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 29. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library comes to the Byron-Bergen School District

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Richter Family Foundation runs a program that gives books to children under age 5 through The Dolly Parton Imagination Library. It has been in operation since 2004 and the Oakfield-Alabama, Elba, Pavilion, and Pembroke school districts participate in the program. Recently, Byron-Bergen was added to the program.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a set of books beginning with the children’s classic "The Little Engine That Could." Each month a new, carefully selected age-appropriate book will be mailed in your child’s name directly to your home. Best of all it is a FREE GIFT! There is no cost or obligation to your family.

To be eligible in the Byron-Bergen School District, the child must live in the Byron-Bergen School District and must be between the ages of birth and his/her 5th birthday.

A committee representing the Byron-Bergen School District, the Byron and Bergen Communities, and the Byron-Bergen Library is partnering with the Richter Family Foundation to bring the Imagination Library to the children.

If your zip code is 14020, 14021, 14058, 14143 or 14482, the only way to register is to fill out a registration form and mail it to the address indicated on the form. The forms can be found at the Byron Town Hall, the Bergen Town and Village Offices, the Byron-Bergen Library, and the Byron-Bergen Elementary Office.  

If your zip code is 14416, 14422, 14428, 14429 or 14470, you may fill out and send in a registration form or, you may register online at www.imaginationlibrary.com by clicking on the box “register my child” and following the directions.

The Byron-Bergen Imagination Library Committee consists of: Nancy Bailey, librarian, Bergen Public Library; Anna Marie Barclay, Village of Bergen mayor and retired teacher; Donna Gerrard, Byron resident and a mom and grandmother; and Brian Meister, Byron-Bergen Elementary School principal.

They know that you, the parents and your children, will love the Imagination Library and encourage you to sign up your children today. A family can register several children within the household as long as they are under age 5.

BMS to hold orientation Tuesday for fifth-grade students/parents and transfer students

By Billie Owens

Fifth-grade Student & Parent Orientation

Batavia Middle School, located at 96 Ross St. in the City of Batavia, will have a brief orientation program at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the Batavia Middle School Auditorium for fifth-grade students and parents.

Students will have the opportunity to purchase their locks. This will give fifth-graders an opportunity to practice, at home, before school starts. Please bring $4.50 for your child's lock. Exact change is always appreciated. If you choose to write a check, please make it payable to: Batavia City School District.

We will review the schedule for Connect Day (on Sept. 7th) and parents and students will receive some helpful materials.

It is not necessary to bring any school supplies with you at this time. Do, however, complete and bring with you the Emergency Go Home Plan, which will be mailed home with your child's teacher/homeroom assignment.

Come and get acquainted ~ We look forward to working with you as your child transitions to Middle School. If you have any questions, please call Julia Rogers, House Administrator at (585) 343-2480, ext. 3001, or at (585) 201-3389.

Transfer Student Orientation

All students in grades 6-8 who are transferring to Batavia Middle School are invited to attend an orientation program at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the Middle School Auditorium. The program will include an overview of our Middle School and will be followed by a building tour. School counselors will be available for students and parents.

Batavia's Great Tabernacle, a three-day festival of music and worship

By Howard B. Owens

Jericka, lead singer for the local Christian band Salt of Earth, sings during the opening of Batavia's Great Tabernacle, a three-day event of music and worship at the Genesee County Fairgrounds.

The event continues tonight with free performances by Jim Drew and Jason Upton, and with speakers each night, tonight is Pastor Kevin Traux.

Last night's guest speaker was Tim Bennett, and Robin Mark performed.

Ten arrests reported at Blink 182 concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Blink 182 concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday:

Jonathan W. Keough, 30, of La Mesa Lane, San Angelo, Texas, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being told numerous times to leave the venue. Keough was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Brandon J. Robinson, 23, of Willow Ridge, Amherst, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment, third-degree criminal trespass, and resisting arrest after allegedly jumping a fence inside the venue and then fighting with security guards. Robinson then allegedly resisted arrest. He was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $1,500 bail.

Nicholas J. Pascucci, 26, of Parmalee Road, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly biting a Live Nation security guard. Pascucci was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Mark J. Cone, 22, of Anglewood Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Jeremy J. Carr, 19, of Vinedale Avenue, Rochester, is charged with two counts of trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue twice after being ejected and told not to return.

Brandon J. Sarget, 28, of Douglas Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Michael J. Rawle, 22, of Appian Drive, Rochester, is charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly striking another person.

Allison J. Minnick, 23, of Maple Ridge Road, Medina, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass after allegedly jumping over the exterior fence into the venue after having been ejected earlier.

Rawson J. Duckett, 25, of Marlborough Road, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Philip J. Williamson, 19, of Seville Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

One person injured in Le Roy crash

By Billie Owens

One person is injured following an accident at the intersection of Oatka Trail and Circular Hill roads. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding.

Trail of truck parts leads investigators to vehicle allegedly involved in hit-and-run accident

By Howard B. Owens

Deputies were able to follow a trail of breadcrumbs, or in this case, truck parts, and, along with the help of witnesses, find and identify a suspect in a hit-and-run accident that occurred in the late morning in Le Roy on Monday.

James J. Riechel, 39, of Britt Road, Le Roy, was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident, following too closely, driving without a license and reckless driving.

According to reports, Riechel's 2002 Dodge pickup struck a Waste Management garbage truck that was in the midst of making its rounds. 

A witness said as the Waste Management driver called to report the accident, Riechel fled the scene.

The accident was reported at 11:40 a.m. in the area of 8550 North Road, Le Roy. 

There were no injuries reported.

The accident was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Loftus.

Reader submitted photo.

Tonight is Blue Devil Experience night at Van Detta Stadium as Mini Division Bulldawgs battle varsity team

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Tonight is the annual BLUE DEVIL EXPERIENCE night. The Mini Division Bulldawgs (8-9 year olds) will play against the Blue Devils varsity team under the lights.

 

Prior to the game, the kids will be allowed to go into the varsity locker room to hear Coach Brennan Briggs' pre-game speech and come out onto the field alongside the Devils.

Game time is at 7:15 p.m. at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia (Mini players are to arrive by 7 p.m.).

This will be the battle of champions ... as the defending 2015 NOFA Mini Division Champion Bulldawgs look to defend its 2-0 record vs. the TWO-time defending Section V Blue Devils.

Come out for an exciting game! GO BULLDAWGS!

Corfu woman arrested after two alleged drunk driving accidents and two altercations with Attica police Aug. 19

By Billie Owens

A 26-year-old Corfu woman was arrested on Route 98 in the Village of Attica after Attica PD initiated a traffic stop for a vehicle traveling with a flat tire at 2:59 a.m. on Aug. 19.

Upon further investigation, Jessica L. Zellner was allegedly found to be driving while intoxicated.

It was determined by Attica PD and the Wyoming County Sheriff's Department that Zellner had left the scene of two separate property damage accidents, one of which took place on Maxon Road, Town of Bennington, and the other on Route 354 in the Village of Attica.

During the arrest process, Zellner was also charged with refusal to take a breath test and unlawful possession of marijuana. She was also charged with resisting arrest, third-degree escape and third-degree attempted assault, following two different altercations that allegedly occurred at Attica PD headquarters.

She was arraigned in Village of Attica Court and put in Wyoming County Jail on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond. Zellner is to reappear in Village of Attica Court at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 12.

Law and Order: Man who lives on Pleasant Street in Le Roy arrested after allegedly striking tot in the ribs

By Billie Owens

Joshua D. Murphy, 30, of Pleasant Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 23 by the Le Roy Police Department. Murphy was charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. Murphy was arrested following the investigation of a child who had been struck in the ribs. Murphy allegedly struck a 20-month-old child in the ribs on Aug. 13. Murphy was issued an appearance ticket on the charge and is due in the Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 26 to answer to the charge.

Kenisha A. Thomas, 18, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on Aug. 14 by the Le Roy Police Department. Thomas was charged with: two counts of criminal mischief in the 4th degree, a Class A misdemeanor; one count of petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor; and second-degree harassment, a violation. Thomas was arrested following a larceny complaint at the Beautiful Kitchen Chinese restaurant on West Main Street. Thomas allegedly stole a tip jar from the counter of the establishment, which had approximately $60 inside. While fleeing the scene, Thomas allegedly damaged the exit door and struck an employee in the face. Thomas was arraigned and is being held at the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $200 cash bail or $400 bond. Thomas is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 6 to answer to the charges.

Jon Roblee, 40, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment, resisting arrest and unlawful possession of marijuana. He was arrested on the charges following an incident on Aug. 16 that originally occurred at 10 p.m. on Oak Street in Batavia. He allegedly pushed a subject at that location but left prior to arrival of police. Patrols later located Roblee on Bank Street and attempted to take him into custody. He allegedly resisted but was eventually subdued and arrested. He was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana. He was arraigned and jailed on $2,500 cash/bond. Roblee was due back in City Court on Aug. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Nicole R. Elmore, 28, of Erie Street, Le Roy, was arrested on Aug. 22 by the Le Roy Police Department. Elmore was charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. Elmore was arrested after she allegedly allowed a child to be in the area of numerous items of drug paraphernalia in her residence. Elmore was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. Elmore is to return to the Le Roy Town Court on Sept. 6 to answer to the charge.

Jason A. McFollins, 39, of Union Street, Batavia, is charged with: DWI; open container of alcohol; obstructed vision; aggravated unlicensed operation -- previous conviction; and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense. McFollins was arrested at 2:05 a.m. on Aug. 14 on Olyn Avenue in Batavia for allegedly operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. He was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 14. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Eric Foels.

Jonathan H. Wincott, 22, Gilbert Lane, Plainview, is charged with: refusal to take a breath test; speeding; unlawful possession of marijuana; and driving while ability impaired by drugs. He was arrested at 12:18 a.m. on Aug. 16 following an investigation into a traffic violation that occurred on East Main Street in Batavia a short time earlier. Wincott was processed at BPD headquarters and given several traffic tickets and an appearance ticket for City Court on Aug. 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Dianna Leon, 18, of Richmond Avenue, Batavia, turned herself in at city police headquarters on a bench warrant. It was issued because she failed to appear in court on a driving-while-ability-impaired charge stemming from a hit-and-run accident on Ellicott Street in Batavia on Halloween 2014. She posted $250 cash bail and was issued a computer-generated appearance ticket. She was due in City Court on Tuesday (Aug. 23). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze.

Patrick Neaverth, 35, no permanent address, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and second-degree burglary. On Aug. 13, Batavia PD was dispatched to a Kingsbury Avenue address for a report of a male lying on the floor of an enclosed porch. Police found Neaverth in the enclosed porch. The female resident has a valid order of protection against the defendant out of City Court. He was arrested and jailed without bail. He was due in City Court on Aug. 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Matthew Joseph Engert, 25, of Geddes Street, Holley, was arrested Aug. 8 on a bench warrant out of City Court for allegedly failing to appear on a charge of aggravated harassment. He was jailed in lieu of $2,000 cash or $4,000 bond and was due in City Court Aug. 10. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Jason Davis.

Darryl Simone Robinson, 52, of East Main Street, Batavia, turned himself in on a City Court bench warrant on Aug. 16. Robinson allegedly failed to pay a fine on Aug. 3 on an unnecessary noise conviction. Robinson was arraigned on the warrant then released on his own recognizance. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison.

Tyanna D. Green, 21, of Walnut Street, Batavia, was arrested on Aug. 16 on two bench warrants -- one for failure to appear in court, the other for failing to pay a fine from two separate incidents. Green was arraigned and the judge also signed and executed a warrant for violation of Probation. Green was jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail and was due back in City Court on Aug. 18. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jamie Givens, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Gina L. Avino, 41, of Haven Lane, Batavia, was turned over to BPD by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office on Aug. 19 on a bench warrant out of City Court. Avino was arraigned and jailed on $250 cash bail or bond and is due in City Court today. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins.

Cody Moore, 27, no permanent address, was arrested on a bench warrant Aug. 22. He allegedly failed to appear in Batavia City Court to answer charges of traffic violations. Moore was arraigned and put in GC County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail. He is due in City Court on Aug. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Sgt. Jason Davis, assisted by Sgt. Dan Coffey.

Jordan G. Merica, 24, of Main Road, Stafford, was arrested at 9:46 p.m. on Aug. 20 after being located in Kibbe Park in Batavia after hours and allegedly in possession of marijuana. Merica is due in City Court on Aug. 30. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by Officer Arick Perkins.

Two men arrested at ZZ Top concert

By Billie Owens

Two people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office during the ZZ Top concert at Darien Lake PAC on Tuesday (Aug. 23).

The following were issued appearance tickets to be in Town of Darien Court on Sept. 13:

George J. Kovach, 59, of Adam Street, North Tonawanda, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance not in its original container, after allegedly possession a quantity of a controlled substance during a suspicious condition investigation.

Earl J. Spencer, 39, of Grove Street, Tonawanda, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Last chance to register for GLOW Household Hazardous Waste/Pharmaceutical Collection

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Don’t miss out! Spots for the GLOW’s 2016 Household Hazardous/Pharmaceutical Waste Collection Event are going fast. Residents who want to dispose of materials at the Saturday, Sept. 17, collection in Batavia must have an appointment in order to attend.

GLOW accepts a wide range of household chemicals, oil base paint, home computers (NOTE LIMIT OF TWO (2) CRT TVs AND/OR MONITORS PER REGISTRANT), propane tanks and canisters, vehicle batteries and other materials. Microwave ovens and for the seventh year, thanks to the assistance of the Genesee County Sheriff’s office, pharmaceuticals (unwanted, outdated, unusable and over-the-counter medicines) will be accepted. These materials are accepted FREE OF CHARGE. There is a nominal fee for tires.

Funding is provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), GLOW’s county contributions and Covanta Energy.

This is a great opportunity for residents to dispose of household chemicals and medicines they no longer want or need. Past collections have resulted in the safe and legal disposal of thousands of tires, thousands of gallons of solvents, cleaning products and paint, not to mention vehicle batteries, propane tanks and computers. Whenever possible materials collected are recycled.

The collection is open to residents in Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties. To make an appointment residents are asked to call the GLOW office at 585/815-7906 or 800/836-1154, or email glow@co.genesee.ny.us

Art Exhibition of Introspection

By Genesee County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

Mindfulness, self-improvement and guidance are important themes in today’s crazy world. With all of this anxiety swirling around our society, it’s probably the most perfect and appropriate time for a wonderful painting exhibition called “Meditations” by Joanna Angie at The Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Gallery at Genesee Community College in Batavia.

“Meditations” runs through Sept. 24. The gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and open during GCC special events.

Buffalo artist Angie’s large, colorful thangka paintings explore the themes of compassion, community and knowledge. The images stem from the natural connection of Tibetan spiritual practice and the traditional form of art dating back to the 11th century. In addition to their stunning beauty, the thangka paintings serve as objects of devotion, aids to spiritual practice and sources of blessings to the who meditate upon them.

Angie’s colorful works are reflective of her life’s path. Her early childhood passion for colorful paintings began a journey of creative pursuits. Along the way, she got involved with Tibetan spiritual practice, which has taken her across the world to places like China, Tibet, India and beyond. After founding Buffalo Arts Studio in 1991, Angie directed the organization and worked on her mural career.

Visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more...

Photos: ZZ Top and Randy Bachman at Darien PAC

By Steve Ognibene

National recording artists and rock band ZZ Top performed last night, headlining three concerts in one week at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. They played many greatest hits off their 15-album career like "Legs," "Rough Boy," "Cheap Sunglasses," "Tush" and "La Grange."

Over 45-plus years of the band's success has also included TV and films early in 1990s as they appeared in the movies "Back to the Future Part III" and "Mother Goose Rock N Rhyme."  Very popular in the 1980s, they won three music video awards for "Legs," "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Rough Boy."

Earlier this month, Gregg Allman cancelled the remainder of his solo and U.S. tour with ZZ Top due to serious health issues, so Randy Bachman and his band opened for ZZ Top. 

The former lead guitarist of The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive from the 1960s and '70s played some classics like "No Sugar Tonight," "American Woman," "You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet" and "Takin’ Care of Business."

Also opening was Jonny Two Bags from Social Distortion who performed a 30-minute set.   

Tonight’s concert is pop / punk rock band Blink 182 and Friday’s performance is American bro-country duo Florida Georgia Line, both starting at 7 p.m.

Randy Bachman

Truck driver avoids injury after tire blows and he veers off Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A truck driver managed to escape an accident on the eastbound Thruway earlier this evening after a tire blew out and his truck veered off the roadway and into the woods.

The accident occurred at mile marker 400.1 (which he ran over -- picture below).

The accident was reported at about 7 p.m. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire companies responded and both agencies cleared the scene shortly after 8 p.m.

Photos submitted by a reader.

Car vs. bicycle accident reported on East Main Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A car vs. bicycle accident is reported at 505 E. Main St. and the bicyclist is said to be lying in the roadway. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:32 p.m.: A 14-year-old male who was the bicyclist is being transported to UMMC with a complaint of right knee pain. He was boarded and collared as a precaution, according to a medic.

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