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The Town of Byron annual Heritage Festival will be held on Saturday, July 27, at Fireman’s Park (behind the Byron Fire Hall on Route 262).

There will be:

• A fishing derby starting at 8 a.m. at Trestle Park;
• 5K starting at 8:30 a.m.;
• Parade at 1 p.m.;
• Town-wide garage sales;
• Craft vendors;
• Baked goods sale;
• Cruise in;
• Chicken BBQ
• Live bands starting at 2 p.m.;
• And fireworks at dark!

You won’t want to miss it!  Visit www.byronny.comor call the Town Clerk, Debra Buck-Leaton, at 585-548-7123, ext. 10, for details.

Press release from AAA: 

Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.77, down 2 cents from last week. One year ago, the price was $2.84. The New York State average is $2.89 – no change from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $3.  AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:

• Batavia -- $2.84 (no change since last week)
• Buffalo -- $2.85 (down a penny since last week)
• Ithaca -- $2.83 (down 2 cents since last week)
• Rochester -- $2.83 (down 1 cent since last week)
• Rome -- $2.85 (no change since last week)
• Syracuse -- $2.79 (down a penny since last week)
• Watertown -- $2.81 (no change since last week)

Pump prices are stabilizing signaling that supply and demand are likely in sync so motorists are seeing prices level out.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX, WTI increased by 33 cents to settle at $55.63.

Crude prices mostly declined last week after the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced that it does not expect oil prices to rise significantly because demand is slowing and there is a glut in global crude markets.

The IEA is reducing its 2019 oil demand growth forecast to 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) from 1.2 million bpd due to a slowing global economy amid the continuing U.S.-China trade dispute.

Concerns over the current excess of oil in the crude market overshadowed concerns of increasing tension in the Middle East last week though tensions in the Middle East spiked at the end of last week, so analysts will continue to monitor issues there.

A five-vehicle accident is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 385.9 in the westbound lane.

Minor injuries are reported but traffic is blocked.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

A car has reportedly hit a child on a bike in the area of M&T Bank, 9133 Oak Orchard Road, Elba.

Unknown injuries.

Elba fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 11:17 a.m.: Elba chief on scene says all responding units can stand by in quarters. 

UPDATE 1:09 p.m.: A reader conducted us to say a child was not involved but she was not a witness. We called Elba Chief Mike Heale who responded to the call. He said a passerby called dispatch. He said he was at the scene within seconds of the dispatch and there was nobody -- no patient, no vehicle -- at the scene, so the call was canceled.   

A heartfelt performance by Melanie, center, who performed at Woodstock in 1969, capped more than seven hours of musical tributes on Saturday at BataviaStock at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Melanie, famous for songs such as "Brand New Key," "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" and "What Have They Done to My Song Ma," was joined on stage by her son, Beau Jarred, and daughter, Jeordie.

Earlier, the crowd was treated to authentic tributes to Joe Cocker, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Santana, Sly and the Family Stone, Janis Joplin and The Who (below).

Photos by Mike Pettinella.

A dog is locked in a vehicle in this sweltering heat in the parking lot of BJ's Warehouse in Batavia. The caller reports it's in a black Ford Expedition parked in a handicapped space without a handicapped placard displayed.

It's 88 degrees and there's heat advisory in effect until 6 p.m.

An animal control officer is responding.

A porch fire with flames showing is reported at 6145 Quaker Hill Road, Elba.

Elba fire dispatched.

UPDATE 2:42 a.m.: An engine from Town of Batavia and a tanker from Oakfield requested to the scene.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: Barre had been dispatched but Elba command has said Barre can stand down.

UPDATE 3:42 p.m.: Fire is out. It was contained to the front porch. No extensions. Elba assignment back in service.

Batavia Downs Concert series continued on Friday night with the Gin Blossoms.

As their breakthrough hit of 27 years ago “Hey Jealousy” says, “the past is gone, something might be found to take its place.” What has taken the place of the past is a renewed and refreshed Gin Blossoms.

The band has gone through a lot of transformations. They have broken up, reformed and two years ago had their most successful tour ever.

Tonight they played their hits from their quadruple platinum record “New Miserable Experience” mixed in with their new catalog of music. 

Singer Robin Wilson (pictured above) sang with more fervor and emphasis on some of the more recent songs.

The band has been very busy touring and they looked comfortable and rested as they lounged outside at Batavia Downs before they went on stage. Critics are calling their work of the last two years some of their best.

Tonight’s entertainment started at 4:30, but the crowd was lit up until 30 minutes before the Gin Blossoms took the stage. By 8:30 the crowd had almost filled the entire infield of the track. 

Saturday Batavia Downs hosts BataviaStock from 1 to 9 p.m. Live racing returns to the Downs this coming Wednesday July 24^th. The next performance in the concert series is Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band July 26^th. 

David Bellavia, who received the Medal of Honor on June 25, will receive the Key to the City of Batavia in a homecoming program at 2 p.m., Tuesday.

Bellavia will be honored by city and county officials and will be asked to make a few remarks in a short program in front of City Hall.

Since receiving the Medal of Honor, Bellavia has been on the road almost constantly, traveling to New York City and Los Angeles to make public and media appearances on behalf of the Army.

President Donald Trump presented the Medal of Honor to Bellavia during a ceremony at the White House last month. Bellavia is the first living combat veteran from the Iraq War to receive the nation's highest military honor.

The award was presented for his heroic actions, saving the lives of his entire platoon, during the Second Battle of Fallujah on Nov. 10, 2004, which also happened to be his birthday. Bellavia distinguished himself by taking on a stronghold of insurgents single-handedly, killing four and seriously wounding a fifth.

A brass band is expected to play during the program and local veterans will be attendance to honor Bellavia, a Batavia resident.

The public is invited to the event.

In the event of rain, the program will be moved to the interior of City Centre, just inside the doors of City Hall.

City offices will close temporarily at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday and Jefferson Avenue will be closed during the program.

Previously:

• 'Extraordinary service': Batavia's SSgt. Bellavia first living Iraq vet awarded Medal of Honor
• Video: David Bellavia inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon
• Photos: David Bellavia tours the Lincoln Memorial
• Coverage: David Bellavia Medal of Honor press conference

Submitted photo of national country music recording artist JB Aaron will perform a fundraising concert Saturday at the Batavia VFW to help reduce the suicide rate among vets and solidiers.

Information from Western New York Chapter 19-6 of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association:

Did you know that every day in the United States, on average, 22 of our nation's veterans/soldiers take their own life? That number is more than 128,000.

That means that there have been more suicides since the 9/11 attacks, than there have been combined deaths in combat from the Korean War all the way through Operation Iraqi Freedom. This trend has to stop.

To help get these suicides down to zero, "Operation 22-0" -- 0 > 22 -- of the Western New York Chapter 19-6 of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is again hosting a memorial ride and fundraiser tomorrow (July 20) at the VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 in Batavia.

It will assist our veterans with the help they need to try to get that number down to nothing.

Operation 22-0 is an amazing group of people help vets and their families in any way they can.

You are invited to join them for a day of motorcycling riding, good food, fun and live country music for a good cause.

The day starts out with a motorcycle run. Registration starts at 11 a.m. Kickstands up at noon; ride until 3 p.m. The ride donation is $10 per motorcycle.

Cash bar afterward, and $20 for dinner starting at 4, plus a chance to win a door prize. Food by Babz BBQ includes pulled pork, chicken and side dishes.

The post's banquet and bar area is huge and air-conditioned; a great place to cool off on what is expected to be a scorcher!

Hear live music until 8 p.m.

Rochester's own Worthy Duncan and Josh Shaff will perform, followed by national recording artist JB Aaron, who along with his band the Brethren, donates much of his free time to organizations such as this. Aaron supports and gives back every chance he can.

Please come out and join us as we help those who have helped our country for so many years. They have helped us, now its our turn.

The VFW Veness Strollo Post 1602 is located at 25 Edwards St.

To learn about the history of the motorcycle group, click here.

To visit their Facebook page, click here.

Below is a video produced by Cosmic Video of JB Aaron and the Brethren performing "Cadillac Bound" in June 2018 at the American Warrior Festival at The Ridge in Le Roy.

Press release:

In anticipation of the high temperatures forecasted for Western New York, Batavia Downs Gaming has announced the following steps will be taken to ensure the safety of guests at the facility’s two outdoor concerts taking place this weekend -- The Gin Blossoms tonight and BataviaStock Woodstock Tribute on Saturday.

• The facility will have on site several tents for shade from which concertgoers can still enjoy the show;
• There will be misting tents at the facility;
• The facility will allow concertgoers to bring in factory sealed water with them to the shows. They will not allow coolers but patrons are allowed to leave and reenter the show with hand stamp if they have additional waters in their vehicle.
• On-site water sales at Batavia Downs shows are one ticket ($3) per water. From 4-6 today and 1-4 p.m. on Saturday -- one ticket will give you two waters.

“We saw the anticipated forecast and knew we had to act in the best interest of all the concert goers coming this weekend," said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO and president of Batavia Downs. “We encourage all patrons coming to the facility to apply sunscreen and if necessary bring sealed waters and umbrellas.”

Press release from Live Nation:

With temperatures expected to reach above 90 degrees, we’re taking extra precaution to keep attendees safe at Darien Lake Amphitheater this weekend during the heat advisories tonight at Thomas Rhett and Saturday (July 20) at 311 / Dirty Heads.

To help beat the heat, the venue is setting up misting tents inside both entrance gates.

In addition, we’re allowing guests to bring as many factory sealed plastic water bottles they’d like into the amphitheater.

We encourage guests to stay hydrated all evening by utilizing the multiple free water stations located throughout the venue.

Submitted photo and press release:

Officials from the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) once again made the annual trip to the New York Loves Nanotech Summit at Semicon West at the Moscone Center in San Francisco July 8-11.

GCEDC Vice President of Business and Workforce Development Chris Suozzi participated in a panel discussion with other economic development professionals about how infrastructure investments are advancing New York’s impact on the development and commercialization of emerging and existing technologies.

Suozzi highlighted investments at the Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (WNYSTAMP), the 1,250-acre high-tech greenfield developed in Alabama.

“Semicon West is a great event for us to not only talk about all the great economic development initiatives occurring in Genesee County, but across New York State,” Suozzi said. “New York is continuing to make investments in semiconductor infrastructure and the Buffalo-Rochester Metro Corridor stands out as an area that is providing the best workforce and STEM education in the country.”

New York State is at the forefront of advancing AI, quantum computing, power electronics, and neuromorphic computing capabilities through their advancements in process, equipment, materials and device technology-related research. 

Suozzi and GCEDC Director of Marketing and Communications Jim Krencik also led discussions with representatives of semiconductor and advanced manufacturing businesses seeking to invest in Genesee County and the talent-rich Buffalo-Rochester Metro Corridor.

Suozzi and Krencik were joined at Semicon West by New York Loves Nanotech, a statewide group led by economic development organizations, academic institutions, and technology companies. NYLN promotes WNY STAMP and the state’s assets to high-tech companies.

“Through our presence at this annual event and the relationships with have established with officials from advanced manufacturing companies, Genesee County’s assets will be well received as these officials are discussing ideal locations for their operations,” Krencik said.

For the 22nd year, NY Loves Nanotech had a large delegation of more than 60 officials attending the industry conference. NY Loves Nanotech, Empire State Development (ESD) and National Grid hosted a pavilion at the industry leading conference, which they co-exhibited with several other companies and organizations.

So far, New York has attracted more than $20 billion in nano-optics, photonics, and semiconductor investments. New York State’s world-class workforce and research and development capacities are huge asset, as are the infrastructure capacities at WNY STAMP.

A post on Facebook by a woman who is apparently a former employee of Mooney's Bar and Grill complaining that the Le Roy restaurant is rat-infested has gotten the attention of thousands of local residents.

In response, the Genesee County Health Department released the following statement.

The Genesee County Health Department is aware of the public’s concerns regarding vermin at Mooney’s Sports Bar and Grill located in Le Roy.

Public Health sanitarians have been working diligently with the restaurant manager and a licensed exterminator. An inspection by the department was conducted this morning, July 19, and no public health threats were identified.

The facility remains open and we will continue increased inspection frequency.

In the original post by Kayla Gangarossa, she writes, in part:

I’ve wanted to say something for so long but because I’m a mother of three and need an income I’ve kept my mouth shut! But due to recent events the public and all my regulars there have a right to know what’s going on!!! I’m sorry to all my fellow coworkers this may affect but it had to be done! Mooneys sports bar and grill in Leroy ny 65 lake st of Leroy to be exact has RATS!!! Hey we had them for MONTHS!!

Gangarossa included eight pictures she claimed to have been taken at the restaurant Wednesday night. The pictures showed what appeared to be at least one dead rat, another dead animal that may have been a mouse, some mousetraps and a whole in a door or wall.

She concluded her post with the statement, "Do NOT eat at Mooney’s ..."

The post has been shared nearly 2,000 times and has more than 1,500 comments.

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

Johnnie L Green III, 26, of NW 22nd Avenue, Opa-locka, Fla., is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly harassing a Darien lake Employee after the concert.

William D. Hoover, 18, of Forest Creek Lane, Grand Island, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Skye D. Weaver, 18, of Crouse Road, Bath, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana. 

Kyle N. House, 20, of Lawrence Woods, Orchard Park, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Benjamin C. Milligan, 50, of East Jensen Street, Fresno, Calif., is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Timothy J. Murphy, 19, of Aspinwood Place, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return. 

Jake R. Duffy, 18, of Caldwell Drive, West Seneca, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana. 

Nicholas S. Witczak, 30, of McKinley Parkway, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return. 

Andrew T. Ryan, 24, of Freshour Road, Canandaigua, is charged with trespass and disorderly conduct after allegedly refusing to leave the venue after being told numerous times to leave and also creating a disturbance at the venue. 

Leah C. Lincoln, 18, of Cider Circle, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly returning to Darien Lake property after being told not to return due to a prior incident. 

Heaving, dangerous and damaging hail, along with strong winds, is expected by 2:30 p.m. in a storm sweeping across the northern part of Genesee County, according to the National Weather Service.

Oakfield and Byron are mentioned specifically in the warning.

The storm is moving at 35 mph an hour and could bring gusts of 70 p.m.

Hail the size of ping-pong balls is expected. This could injure people and animals that are outdoors as well as damage roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. 

Cloud-to-ground lightning is also predicted.

The NWS recommends that people in the area move to an interior room of a building on the lowest floor possible.

Torrential rainfall is accompanying this line of storms. Flash flooding is possible.

UPDATE 2:30 p.m.: An severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for all of Genesee County, in effect until 10 p.m.

A "car into goose" accident is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 393.6. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. The driver reportedly has minor facial injuries.

Chief Shawn Heubusch welcomed three new police officers to the Batavia PD force today.

Adam Tucker, Alec Roberts, and Jordan McGinnis are ready to begin field training after being sworn in this morning at City Hall.

A semi-truck has come off the Thruway and landed on Route 5 in Pembroke and overturned.

One person was pinned by the trailer.

Mercy Flight is requested to the scene

Pembroke fire and Indian Falls fire dispatched and East Pembroke requested to scene to assist with a landing zone.

All responding units requested to park on the east side of the overpass or under the bridge because of the lack of a guard rail on the Thruway.

UPDATE 7 a.m.: The driver of a semi-truck on the Thruway may have fallen asleep before the truck struck a guard rail and flew off the Route 5 overpass landing on the roadway below. No other vehicles were involved. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to ECMC by Mercy EMS. A female passenger suffered leg injuries, and possibly other injuries, and was flown to ECMC by Mercy Flight. There were two dogs in the truck. One was located and taken to the animal shelter where it was given a bath to clean off diesel fuel. The dog appears to be in good health. The other dog is missing. The accident is under investigation by troopers from Troop T. There was nobody pinned under the trailer as initially reported. The woman was trapped in the cab of the truck and was being tended to by the male driver when firefighters arrived on the scene. There was a lengthy extrication process by volunteer firefighters. Route 5 is expected to be closed at least through noon.

UPDATE 8:50 a.m.: Pembroke's interim chief reports the second dog is in custody and uninjured. The dog was spotted on Route 5 and when first responders tried to corral him, he ran onto the Thruway. Somebody on the Thruway was able to catch him before he was harmed and an animal control officer is in route to pick him up and take him to the shelter.

Submitted photo.