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The Department of Environmental Conservation called the Genesee County Dispatch Center to report the possibility of tires being burned on Railroad Avenue in Alexander. A first responder checked it out and found the location to be 3543 Railroad Ave.

Alexander Fire Department was called to respond, but the first responder on scene says he spoke to the homeowner who said he would put the fire out.

"He's just got a small fire burning here and he's going to put it out now," the first responder says.

No police response warranted, but DEC will follow up for a report tomorrow.

UPDATE 4:53 p.m.: Fire is out. Assignment is back in service.

Jason H. Freeman, 37, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with third-degree criminal mischief. He was arrested at 2:53 a.m. on Aug. 14 after he allegedly punctured two tires on a motor vehicle parked on Osterhout Avenue in Batavia; the damage totals more than $250. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and jailed in lieu of $2,500 cash or bond. He is due was return to city court on today (Aug. 22). The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Jacqueline Colleen Shepherd, 50, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief in the fourth degree. She was arrested for allegedly damaging property belonging to another person during an argument at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 on North Spruce Street in Batavia. She was due in Batavia City Court Aug. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Alexander E. Dills, 28, of Batavia, is charged with: criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree -- a loaded firearm; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree -- prior conviction for a serious offense; criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree -- shotgun/serious offense; two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; and criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument. Dills and a Middlebury resident were arrested at 8:55 p.m. on Aug. 15 after Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at a residence on Vernal Road in the Town of Middlebury. Dills was arraigned in Town of Middlebury Court and put in Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash or $5,000 bond. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Reagan.

Jarrod Keith Fotiathis, 24, Lexington Avenue, Rochester, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; improper right turn; moving from lane unsafely; no headlamps; unlicensed driver. At 5:21 a.m. on Aug. 17 on Hall Street in Batavia, Fotiathis was stopped by Batavia Police Officer Arick Perkins for multiple infractions while driving a 2015 black Mazda. He was arrested and released. He is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 28. Perkins was assisted by Officer Marc Lawrence.

Andrew Adeb Said, 50, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with promoting prison contraband in the first degree. On Aug. 21, Said was arrested and charged with this crime after allegedly illegally possessing a razor blade while confined to a correctional facility on Aug. 14. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court. No return court date provided. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Jason R. Skivington, 35, of Buffalo Street, Bergen, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; moving from lane unsafely; and failure to stop at a stop sign. Skivington was arrested at 3:07 a.m. Aug. 18 on Byron Holley Road in Byron after a one-vehicle accident. He was released on appearance tickets and is due in Town of Byron Court on Aug. 20. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jordan Stack, assisted by Deputy James Stack.

Michael Alan Tisdale, 30, of Rebaud Avenue, Silver Springs, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree and a vehicle registration plate violation. At 12:21 p.m. on Aug. 20, Tisdale was stopped on Route 98 in the Town of Batavia following the observation of a vehicle and traffic violation. A roadside search of the vehicle was conducted and a small quantity of a prescription medication -- a controlled substance -- was allegedly found. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Town of Batavia Court on Sept. 10. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan DeLong, assisted by Sgt. Michael Lute.

Austin Daniel Nowakowski, 19, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with trespass. He was arrested at 7:14 p.m. on Aug. 21 on Bonnie Brae Drive in Darien after allegedly entering and remaining unlawfully on private property while operating an off-road motorbike. He was released on an appearance ticket. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jared Swimline, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Dakota M. Smith-Neal, 27, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree and fourth-degree criminal mischief. The defendant was arrested on Aug. 19 following an investigation into a complaint about a disorderly male in the street -- on Central Avenue in Batavia -- at 11:09 p.m. on Aug. 18. He is due in Batavia City Court on Sept. 5. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Zhamiere J. Greene, 18, of Atkison Street, Rochester, is charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. Greene was arrested after a physical altercation on Maple Street in the City of Batavia at 8 p.m. on Aug. 13. The defendant is accused of striking numerous people under age 17. He was arrested, arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice. He is due in city court at a later date. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Justin T. Gladney, 30, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree harassment. He was arrested on Aug. 12 following an incident at 4:28 p.m. on North Spruce Street. He was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 13 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post, assisted by Officer Felicia DeGroot.

Fawn LM Kaczmarek, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was after a quantity of cash and presecription medications were stolen from a residence on Ellicott Street in Batavia at 2:20 a.m. on Aug. 16. She was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissigner, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Fawn LM Kaczmarek, 31, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was arrested at 10:28 a.m. on Aug. 19 for allegedly stealing three cans of Red Bull energy drink from the Dollar General store on East Main Street in Batavia. She is due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 27. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissigner, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Tammy Marie Caldwell, 49, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. It is alleged that on Aug. 15 at 9:42 a.m. that Caldwell stole property from a business on West Main Street in Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket for Aug. 27 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jordan McGinnis, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Frank Lynn Morrison, 38, of South Creek Road, Palmyra, is charged with failure to appear. He was arrested on Aug. 16 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court for failing to appear in court on June 4. He was held at jail then arraigned in Batavia City Court on a charge of falsely reporting an incident in the third degree at 11:37 a.m. on April 15. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Flanagan.

Laura A. Redenbach, 35, of Sheridan Drive, Clarence, is charged with failure to appear on Feb. 28 in Batavia City Court. She was located by NYS Police in Clarence and arrested on a Batavia City Court bench warrant. She was arraigned in city court and jailed on $500 cash or bond. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia GeGroot.

Krystal Lee Frye, 29, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, was arrested at 9:05 p.m. on Aug. 19 on a bench warrant. Frye was released on an appearance ticket and was due in Batavia City Court on Aug. 20. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Peter Post.

Genesee County Sheriff's deputies are called to the area of 5944 Main Road in Stafford for a report of a toddler riding a scooter near the roadway.

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans-Wyoming Opioid Task Force invites the public to attend its Overdose Awareness Day activities from 4 to 7:30 p.m. next Wednesday (Aug. 28) at Austin Park on Jefferson Avenue in Batavia.

The event – “A Time to Remember, A Time to Act” – will feature keynote speakers Robert Kent, chief counsel for the state Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, and Lori Drescher and Keith Greer, partners in the Rochester-based Recovery Coach University.

“Overdose Awareness Day is a time where we can come together to raise awareness, gather information and support families and loved ones as they struggle with substance use disorders and also to celebrate those in recovery,” said Sue Gagne, recovery center coordinator for Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

Food vendors will be on hand, and the event also will include a kids’ zone, live music and free Narcan training.

For more information, go to www.gowopioidtaskforce.org.

The event is supported by a grant from Greater Rochester Health Foundation.

Press release:

Save the date! Saturday, Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Genesee County Master Gardeners will be hosting their annual Fall Garden Gala at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

This plant sale features hardy perennials, most grown by Master Gardeners. Plant sale starts promptly at 10 a.m. No early birds please.

Fall is a good time to plant many perennials as there is still time for them to grow a strong root system before winter. Locally grown mums will also be for sale as well as a selection of house plants.

At 11 a.m. check out the demonstration on how to make a macramé plant hanger!

Don’t forget to stop inside for the Chance Basket Auction. You never know what treasures may appear, including unique garden art. The Chance Basket Auction drawing will begin at 12:30 pm.

The Master Gardener Helpline will also be open to answer your gardening questions. Not sure what your garden pH is? Bring in a soil sample for FREE soil pH testing.

Learn how to artfully arrange fresh flowers (from the garden) as talented Master Gardeners create arrangements and bouquets right before your eyes! These beautiful flower arrangements will be available for sale.

Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants and treasures for your garden!

For more information contact Jan Beglinger at CCE of Genesee County, (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, or stop by the CCE office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia. You can also visit our CCE website here.

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is seeking City Republicans who are interested in being considered for the Committee’s recommendation for Council-At-Large.

This position is for the seat soon to be vacated by Adam Tabelski.

The City of Batavia Republican Committee will make a recommendation to City Council with the appointment being made by City Council for the unexpired term.

Letters of interest can be emailed to City Republican Chairman David Saleh at salehdavej@gmail.com by Aug. 24^th.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) is pushing the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (H.R. 4194), bipartisan legislation which designates “9-8-8” as the universal telephone number for the national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system.

This system currently operates through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Veterans' Crisis Line. Congressman Collins is an original cosponsor of the legislation in the House.

“When experiencing an emergency, everyone knows to dial 9-1-1, but now those dealing with a mental health crisis will have an easy to remember number that will provide them with the help they need,” Congressman Collins said.

“This legislation is crucial in saving the lives of Americans all over the United States and end the stigma surrounding mental health.”

This legislation authorizes states to collect a fee limited to supporting local crisis centers that are affiliated within the national network area that funds the suicide hotline services similar to that of existing emergency services.

Also this legislation will set a deadline of one year for the FCC to complete the nationwide upgrade to ensure all lines have access to 9-8-8.

Photo and information from reader Wyatt Gaus:

This Friday (Aug. 23), Wyatt Gaus (who's wearing the sash in the photo with all the badges on it), will hold a can and bottle drive at 11 a.m. to benefit the community.

The event is part of Wyatt's Eagle Scout project and he plans to use money raised to refurbish fire hydrants in the Town of Batavia.

They will start behind Denny's restaurant on Bogue Avenue in the City of Batavia; citizens are welcome to drop off cans or bottles at that location. Someone will be there to accept drop-offs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow.

He and fellow Boy Scouts will canvass Bogue Avenue, Redfield Parkway, then walk over to North Lyon Street. Depending on how much time they have and how many cans and bottles they collect, they may go on Prospect Avenue, too.

Over the years, Town of Batavia leaders have overseen significant economic development in their municipality and, with that, have had to add professional staff to handle all of the negotiations, inspections, engineering studies and paperwork that comes with it.

On Wednesday night, the Town Board -- realizing that its employees are in need of more space to perform their jobs in a most efficient manner -- voted to contract with a Batavia design firm to provide a floor plan and elevations for a building that would connect Town Hall to the adjacent Town Highway garage at 3833 W. Main Street Road.

“We’ve been looking at this since 2012; even back then we knew we were short of space,” said Town Supervisor Gregory Post following the meeting. “We have three times the staff that we had when the building was constructed (2001-2002) … and now we’re left with a situation where seven employees are working in a room not much bigger than my living room.”

Post said he is expecting to receive renderings from Design & Drafting by Gina LLC, of Seven Springs Road as part of the contract, which calls for the town to pay the firm $60 per hour up to a maximum of $2,500.

He explained that the current building was supposed to have a full basement – which didn’t happen – and “lost 50 percent of its anticipated floor space during construction.”

“This is turning out to be a different concept than originally thought of (a freestanding addition), but we realized that our efficiencies could be enhanced by connecting Town Hall with the highway garage,” he said. “We will save in energy costs and create new office space within the connecting building.”

In other action, the board:

-- Set a public hearing for 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at Town Hall to consider the establishment and construction of a proposed Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park Sewer Improvement Area on East Main Street Road and the vicinity.

Post said that if the sewer improvement area comes to pass, rates would be established fairly by usage, with businesses in the Agri-Business Park (such as HP Hood and Upstate Milk) along with residents within its boundaries sharing in the costs.

The resolution states that the engineering firm of Clark Patterson Lee has already prepared a preliminary map, plan and report for the project, which calls for the installation of larger sanitary sewer pumps, electrical upgrades, installation of a new generator and other improvements.

The Town plans to pay the $400,000 project cost by the issuance of serial bonds -- offset by any federal, state, county and/or local funds received.

-- Voted to pay an additional $37,626 to Keeler Construction for unanticipated work during the construction of a new pedestrian bridge over the Tonawanda Creek as part of the Ellicott Trail Project.

According to the resolution, it was discovered that driving steel piles for the bridge abutment would have required temporary relocation of the overhead electric lines at an estimated cost of approximately $90,000, according to National Grid.

Keeler, to avoid this charge, revised the design to allow the use of drilled king piles to support the bridge at the reduced cost.

Post said work continues on Ellicott Trail, which is expected to open by the end of October.

-- Reappointed Rhonda Saulsbury as the Town Assessor for another six-year term, beginning Oct. 1 and ending Sept. 30, 2025.

A two-vehicle accident is reported at Oak Street and Richmond Avenue in the city. No injuries. It is blocking traffic. City PD and fire responding.

From City of Batavia Department of Public Works:

On Thursday, Aug. 22, the water will be turned off on Walnut Street from number 101 to the city line and all of Law Street starting at 8 a.m. for a water line repair.

The work may result in a period of discolored water in this general area after service is restored. Residents should check to make sure water clarity has returned before resuming activities such as laundry which may be impacted.

An animal control officer for Batavia Police Departmart is called to the parking lot by the UMMC Emergency Room for a dog showing signs of heat stress.

An EMS technician removed the dog from the vehicle after finding it locked inside. The rescuer is out with the canine awaiting the officer's arrival.

According to the National Weather Service, it's mostly sunny and 79 degrees in Batavia.

File photo. Story by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

TeeSean Ayala, 20, of Batavia, was sentenced this morning in Genesee County Court to five years in prison and five years post-release supervision.​ Ayala will also pay $9,987.98 in restitution to his victims.

Orders of Protection were issued for the families affected and Ayala is not allowed to possess any guns.​

In May, Ayala pled guilty to one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, a plea which satisfies seven other residential burglary charges, one dating back to 2015.​

The weapons charge is a class C violent felony; Ayala faced three to 15 years in prison.​

Ayala's attorney, Richard Shaw, told the court that Ayala has been bounced around between his mom and dad and has had a tough upbringing. He has an older brother in prison and has a drug issue now after taking a year off after graduating from high school.

He once had a basketball scholarship to the University of Buffalo.​

"He wants to be a positive role model, he made poor decisions based on his older brother. He has no prior convictions," says Shaw.​

Before sentencing, Ayala thanked Judge Charles Zambito for the chance to see his baby being born and then apologized to the families that were affected in the burglaries.​

"I'm sorry and I apologize to the families I have hurt, I take responsibilty for my actions," Ayala said.​ "I know this looks bad, but I'm not a bad kid and I apologize for going through all this.

"Being in jail the last nine months, it has been hard for me, I just want to be with my son. Whatever you give me, you are not going to be dissappointed, I want to be a good member of the community."​

On Nov. 15, Ayala turned into a driveway on Washington Avenue, which coincidentally was the County Manager's residence, and according to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, a .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol was thrown from the vehicle.

Ayala was in possession of a stolen handgun that had a defaced serial number in the vehicle during the traffic stop. His 14-year-old brother was in the vehicle at the time.​

He was later charged in a series of burglaries that occurred in the towns of Batavia and Stafford last fall.

After reading the victim's statements they expressed concern, Zambito told Ayala that "they expressed concern for their sense of security, but the worst part is, it was you and they trusted you."​

"You had plenty of opportunities," Zambito reminded the young man. "You were placed on probation, people and schools have tried to help you, you had a great opportunity going to UB and playing basketball and getting an education, that didn't happen and I don't know why."

In an Aug. 1st court appearance, the judge allowed Ayala to go home to be around for the birth of his child in exchange for cooperating with prosecutors.

Ayala has been an inmate at the Genesee County Jail since his arrest last November.

After sentencing, Ayala kissed his fiancée and their newly born baby goodbye. After hugging his mom, he was taken into custody by court deputies.

Judge Zambito wished him luck as he exited the courtroom.​

Here's a photo sent in by reader Chris Drew of the new Pratt Road Bridge over Tonawanda Creek in Pembroke.

With much to be done before next week’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house, Tuesday was not the time for a photo shoot of the soon-to-be-ready Liberty Center for Youth at the corner of Liberty Street and Central Avenue.

But it was an appropriate time for the major players in the project – Jocelyn Sikorski, Jeff Townsend and Rachel Hale – to give this reporter an inside look at what kids can expect when school begins on Sept. 4.

“We’re about 40 to 50 percent done (with the extensive renovations),” said Sikorski, executive director of the City of Batavia Youth Bureau, admitting to being somewhat weary from taking part in the move from the old youth bureau building on MacArthur Drive.

Sikorski also shared her excitement as the partnership between the City of Batavia and the Genesee Area Family YMCA (which evolved under the working title of Teen City) is ready to bear fruit at the former St. Anthony’s School, property which is owned by City Church.

“We’re really pleased with the way things are going,” she said. “This is going to be great for the kids.”

She was joined on the tour by Townsend, district executive director of the GLOW YMCA Inc., and Rachel Hale, the YMCA’s community development director.

The Liberty Center for Youth has a lot to offer for students from the ages of 9-16. Hours will be 2:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year and 1 to 6 p.m. during the summer.

The first floor will feature a tech center, video gaming room, four square room, table game room, boys and girls bathrooms, and cafeteria -- with stairs to the second floor located on both sides of the cafeteria.

A lift (elevator) also has been added per the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is located in an area that used to be the school’s kitchen.

Other ADA-required modifications include the placement of 28 security cameras inside and outside, and new doors and a ramp on the Central Avenue side of the building.

-- The tech center (25-foot by 20-foot) will offer 10 computer stations – five of them donated by Marchese Computer Products – along with tables for work space in what used to be the St. Anthony’s School library.

A smart board will be attached to one of the walls and computer tablets will be available for use by students. The room also will support activities such as job/life skills seminars and is designed for youth to interact on a 1:1 basis with staff or to work quietly in small groups.

-- The cafeteria (70x60) has been completely gutted and renovated, and is equipped with round tables and chairs. It will function as a room for arts & crafts, board games and team building and where kids can have their snacks.

“You can call this the ‘Blue Room’,” Sikorski said, noting the couple shades of blue paint on the wall.

This is where all the children will reconvene at the end of each day, around 5:30 p.m., to make sure everyone is accounted for during cleanup time, Sikorski said.

-- The video gaming room (12x20) and four square room (20x20) are located behind the south wall of the cafeteria and provide further entertainment.

A flat screen TV and gaming systems will be available on a rotating basis for a predetermined amount of time, with the equipment under lock and key.

The four square room is ready to go, with the rules prominently displayed on one of the walls.

-- The carpeted table game room (20x27) is across the hall from the cafeteria. It will offer pool, ping-pong, air hockey, foosball and more.

The second floor holds the check-in station and a large gymnasium (basketball court) that can be used for volleyball, floor hockey and other group activities.

Hale, who during an internship donated hundreds of hours writing grants and setting up the curriculum, said the youth center received an abundance of sports equipment and games through the Ralph Wilson Legacy Fund and the Rochester Community Health Foundation.

Students will enter through the main doors on the Liberty Street side of the building and immediately be “checked-in” at the window of a small office, which also can be used for one-on-one discussion, parental meetings and as a space for those with additional social needs.

After check-in, kids go directly into the gymnasium and from there can go downstairs if they wish.

The Liberty Center for Youth project has been the beneficiary of numerous grants, led by a $100,000 pledge from the Genesee United Way. The City and YMCA have entered into a lease agreement with owner City Church.

Hale said the success of the joint venture is a proud achievement for the community.

“It’s encouraging to watch these two entities come together … to create that space for individuals,” she said. “I’m very excited to see what will become of this new youth center.”

In preparation for its opening, the Liberty Center for Youth staff has participated in team-building exercises and will undergo CPR and first-aid training, sensitivity training and child abuse indicator training, Sikorski said.

Both Sikorski and Townsend will address the public at the ribbon-cutting ceremony from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, and will be there later that day (5 to 6:30 p.m.) to greet parents and grandparents at an open house.

Photo at top -- Ready to greet students at the check-in window of the Liberty Center for Youth (former St. Anthony's School) are these friendly faces -- Rachel Hale, left; Jeff Townsend and Jocelyn Sikorski. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

Press release:

Don’t miss out! Spots for the GLOW’s 2019 Household Hazardous/Pharmaceutical Waste Collection Event are going fast. Residents who want to dispose of materials at the Saturday, Sept. 14 collection in Batavia must have an appointment in order to attend.

GLOW accepts a wide range of household chemicals, oil-base paint, propane tanks and canisters, vehicle batteries and other materials. For the ninth 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 $5 charge for tires.

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

Instead of accepting electronics at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection, as GLOW did for many years, for the second year in a row GLOW will hold a separate Electronics Collection one week later on Sept. 21, also in  Batavia, also by appointment. It will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Due to the cost of electronics disposal there will be a limit of four CRT (tube type) TVs and/or monitors. As long as it is from a household there is no limit on other electronic equipment. Contact the GLOW office for a complete list of acceptable items.

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 collections are 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

Photo and rider information submitted by reader Nancy Ewert.

SYRACUSE -- Katherine Ewert, 13, of Batavia, and her horse Seamus won Grand Champion for the Dressage Young Rider Division for both Training and First Level on Sunday at the New York State Fair.

This was a United States Dressage Federation Schooling Show.

Katherine has been competing in dressage for three years through Genesee County 4-H, two of them at the state level. Last year, she was Reserve Grand Champion in dressage at the NYS Fair.

The middle-schooler has been riding horses since age 10.

About Dressage

The word "dressage" is French, commonly translated to mean "training." It is a highly skilled form of horseback riding performed in exhibition and competition, as well as an "art" sometimes pursued solely for the sake of mastery. In dressage, horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements.

At its best, the horse responds smoothly to a skilled rider's minimal aids. The rider is relaxed and appears effort-free while the horse willingly performs the requested movement.

Rules for it were first published in 1550 by Frederico Grisone, a thousand year after the first treatise "On Horsemanship" by Xenophone.

In modern dressage competition, successful training at the various levels is demonstrated through the performance of "tests" -- a prescribed series of movements ridden within a standard arena. Judges evaluate each movement on the basis of an objective standard appropriate to the level of the test and assign each movement a score from zero to 10.

To learn more about dressage, click here.

The county Highway Department announced that the Sumner Road bridge over Elevenmile Creek in Darien is now restricted to alternating one-way traffic with a temporary signal. The change took effect yesterday. This bridge is between Route 77 and Harlow Road.

The public will be notified when the road reopens to both lanes of traffic.

The Highway Department also announced that the Caswell Road Bridge between Walkers Corners Road and Cockram Road in Byron will be closed effective Thursday, Aug. 22nd through Oct. 4^th.