batavia

A sunflower has popped up among the lillies at Jackson and Main streets, Downtown Batavia.

Independent Living of Genesee Region hosted a picnic for more than 60 people today at Dewitt Recreation Area celebrating the 21st anniversary of passage of the American with Disabilities Act.

After a lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers, some of the guests enjoyed the park, chatted in the pavilion or played Frisbee.

A boy at Dewitt Park seemed to have found some playmates for a game of duck-duck-goose this afternoon.

A caller reports smoke coming from a wall at 100 Pearl St., Batavia, Paris Repairs.

City Fire Department is responding.

The first unit on scene reports nothing showing.

UPDATE 3:33 p.m.: A firefighter on the roof reports nothing showing. The breaker has been shut off and the smoked stopped. "It appears to be an electrical problem," says a captain.

UPDATE 4:11 p.m.: City fire back in service.

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Jamie Scott Schlonski, 39, of Vine Street, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny 4th, criminal mischief, 3rd, possession of burglar tools and trespass. Also charged, Joseph Allen Hogan, 42, of Bank Street, Batavia. Schlonski and Hogan are accused of breaking into a location on Clinton Street Road, Bergen, at 2:05 a.m., and stealing the windows of the residence. The pair was arrested at 2:40 a.m. Schlonski and Hogan were issued appearance tickets. The case was investigated by Deputy John Weis and Deputy Jason Saile.

Grant A. Sundown, 47, of Skye Road, Basom, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, reckless endangerment, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. On July 3 at approximately 3:18 p.m., Sundown allegedly drove a vehicle into a set of stairs at a residence on Skye Road, Basom, while a person was standing on the stairs. There was allegedly an order of protection in place barring Sundown from having contact with that person. Sundown was jailed without bail.

A 52-year-old Batavia man barricaded himself in his residence, claimed to have a hostage and tried attacking deputies with knives and a sword during a standoff on Pine Hollow Drive on Monday.

The incident started at 8:30 p.m. when law enforcement was dispatched to 8 Pine Hollow Drive to deal with a subject who had allegedly threatened to stab two occupants of the residence.

When State Police and Sheriff's Office deputies arrived the suspect barricaded himself in the home and, according to a State Police press release, "threatened police with various cutleries, including a sword."

During the standoff, the suspect, Jody Blaine Gillett, claimed to have a hostage.

At one point, Gillett allegedly lunged at a deputy through a window attempting to stab the deputy.

After about two hours of negotiations, the State Police press release says, Gillett was "forcibly taken into custody."

Gillett was charged with menacing a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, and two count of menacing.

He was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on bail of $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond.

There were no reported injuries related to the incident.

Earlier this month, Gillett was arrested on a DWI charge stemming from a rollover accident on Clinton Street Road in February. Gillett was also arrested for alleged DWI in Le Roy in January.

Monday, Batavia Downs opened its 2011 harness racing season. Like last year, I spent some time in the stables and the grandstands taking a few pictures of the big day.

Mark R. Wnuk, 49, of 127 Hewitt St., Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, following too closely, improper/no signal and moving from lane unsafely. Wnuk was stopped at 6:14 p.m., Friday, North Lyon Street in the City of Batavia. During the traffic stop, he was allegedly found in possession of a metal knuckles knife, which was attached to his motorcycle. Wnuk was originally observed driving on Ellicott Street. Wnuk was jailed on $20,000 bail.

Jamie Lee Broadbent, 28, of Maple Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny.  Broadbent was taken into custody on a bench warrant out of City Court.

Douglas Nathaniel Clark, 18, of Milburn Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd. Clark is accused of throwing a rock at the Stafford Trading Post building on Main Road, Stafford, on June 18, causing damage to a window. The estimated damage exceeds $1,100. Clark was identified as a possible suspect when his mobile phone was found at the scene. 

Michele L. DiFalco, 22, no permanent address, is charged with resisting arrest. DiFalco is accused of violating the conditions of her release under supervision (RUS) contract. The RUS was related to three previous felony charges. Batavia Police responded to a report that DiFalco was inside a business in Tops Plaza at 6:30 p.m., Friday. Officer Kevin DeFelice attempted to arrest DiFalco and DiFalco allegedly refused to comply with the officer's orders. She then allegedly struggled with DeFelice. She was arraigned in Town of Batavia Court and jailed on $15,000 bail.

Gregory E. Armitage, 50, of Grand Island, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, 3rd. Armitage is accused of taking a vehicle from the owner in early June to perform maintenance on it and then not returning the car to the owner.

Sean Michael Howell, 37, of Avenue D, Rochester, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Howell is accused of trying to evade the gate at Darien Lake Theme Park at 11:08 p.m., Saturday, and driving his vehicle into a ditch. During an investigation of the incident by Deputy Joseph Graff, Howell was allegedly found to be intoxicated.

Sammy Paul Davis, 44, of North Street, Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Davis is accused of sending threatening text messages to another person.

Jeffery S. Kunkel, 24, of Oehman Blvd., Cheektowaga, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and failure to keep right. Kunkel was reportedly observed driving a vehicle at 7:45 p.m. Saturday, in the left lane of Sumner Road while following his girlfriend. The couple was reportedly involved in a domestic dispute. Upon investigation by Sgt. Greg Walker, Kunkel was allegedly found to be driving while intoxicated.

Daniel Francis Maxwell, 58, of East Bethany Le Roy Townline Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Maxwell was charged following a one-car accident on Sweetland Road, Stafford, at 5:50 p.m., Sunday.

Lance David Compton, 19, of Washington Street, Attica, is charged with assault, 3rd. Compton is accused of getting into a fight with another individual causing serious injuries on June 25 in the Cherry Hill Campgrounds during the Tim McGraw concert at Darien Lake. Compton was also charged with possession of alcohol by a person under age 21.

Nicholas Anthony Thomasulo, 40, of Warboys Road, Bergen, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Deputy Chad Minuto reportedly observed a vehicle operated by Thomasulo on Route 33, Batavia, stopped with its hazard lights on at 12:06 a.m., Sunday. Upon investigation, Minuto arrested Thomasulo for allegedly driving while intoxicated.

Justin Larry Balso, 20, of Loneoak Court, Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by person under age 21. Balso is accused of possessing Rolling Rock Beer at 1:10 a.m., Sunday, and consuming it to the point of intoxication. Balso was arrested in the area of 8484 Route 77 by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Veniamin Boyko, 19, of Bennett Road, Hilton, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by person under age 21. Boyko was allegedly intoxicated while at Darien Lake Theme Park at 7:02 p.m., July 18.

Rubim Kozyluk, 18, of Sunset Circle, Brockport, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by person under age 21. Boyko was allegedly intoxicated while at Darien Lake Theme Park at 7:02 p.m., July 18.

Philip Jared Clark, 21, of 3763 Karl Road, Alleghany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unlicensed operation. Clark was allegedly found in a parked car blocking a residential driveway on Route 77, Darien, at 8:14 p.m., Saturday, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Nicholas Michael Hart, 18, of West Ridge Road, Brockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, operating on a suspended registration and no insurance. Hart was stopped at 1:20 p.m., Sunday, on Route 77, Pembroke by Deputy Dana Richardson.

Rachel An Fromwiller, 27, of Main Street, Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to keep right and driver's view obstructed. Fromwiller was stopped at 2:37 a.m., Sunday, on Park Road, Town of Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Austin Keven Dorr, 20, of Washington Street, Attica, is charged with possession/consumption of alcohol by a person under age 21. Dorr is accused of possessing and consuming alcohol while at Cherry Hill Campgrounds at 8:40 p.m., Saturday.

Joshua M. Aldridge, 24, of Jackson Avenue, Lackawanna, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to obey a police officer. Aldridge is accused of driving a 1993 Saturn westbound on Sumner Road, Darien, at 10:58 p.m., Sunday, when he allegedly failed to stop when ordered to stop by Sgt. Greg Walker.

Tyler C. Herold, 20, of Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana. Herold was stopped on Broadway Road, Village of Alden, for allegedly not wearing a seat belt. State Police report that an investigation revealed that Herold was in possession of a small amount of marijuana and a small baggie of white powder. The contents of the baggie are being tested. 

Cuyler C. Gentile, 24, of Le Roy, is charged with DWI. Gentile was stopped by State Police for allegedly failing to keep right while traveling on Route 33 in the Town of Pembroke.  

Gianfranco Giacchi, 24, of 825 Center Road, West Seneca, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Giacchi was stopped at 11:46 p.m., Saturday, on Pearl Street by Officer Thad Mart.

Saturday was the final day of the Genesee County Fair, but I finally made it out to the fairgrounds to see what was going on, enjoy some fair food, a tractor pull and some rock 'n' roll, plus take a few pictures.

There are 41 photos in the slide show below. Recommended, click on the button in lower right for full-screen mode. Pictures may be purchased by clicking here.

A reader has alerted us that a bear has been spotted mosying along Route 5 near the Genesee County Fairgrounds. Perhaps remnants of cotton candy, caramel apples and fried dough proves irresistable to the omnivore.

After an evening at the Genesee County Fair -- yes, I finally made it, in the last hours of the last day -- I stopped by Center Street Smokehouse for some ribs and a drink. A band called The Feast was rocking the house, so I had to take a picture.

An electrical outlet is reportedly sparking and smoking at 10 Maple St., upper apartment (C), in the City of Batavia. The building has been evacuated. City firefighters are on scene.

UPDATE 9:33 p.m.: All units are clear. The problem, apparently, was overheated circuits. They were shut off. The landlord is aware of the situation.

Wednesday, I started a project about people working in the hot weather -- breaking news has gotten in the way of finishing it in the way that I planned.

I did get a chance on Wednesday to talk with David Bogue, a local UPS driver, Paul Bernardini, co-owner of Pauly's Pizza, and Jeff Wuest, owner of Excel Fence Company.

All three talked about the need to stay hydrated.

Bogue's truck doesn't have air conditioning and he's in and out of the hot weather all day, constantly moving.

"(Staying hydrated) is about all you can do in this," Bogue said.

Pauly's on Wednesday was, well, hot, like a pizza kitchen. 

"On a day like today, you wish it were December," Bernardini said. "There's not much you can do when it's 90 degrees outside. It's 100 degrees inside with the ovens going. You can walk into any place in town right now and it's going to be hot."

Bernardini said he makes sure he and his staff drink lots of fluids on hot days because there is no escaping the heat.

Wuest (above right, with Justin Finch, left) said dealing with the heat is just part of the job for him and his employees.

"We pack a cooler full of water and try to work at a steady pace," Wuest said. "We try not to over exert ourselves. We try to grab shade where we can and take breaks. Make sure to put sun block on and all that good stuff."

The concrete has been poured for the new South Beach patio and owner Ken Mistler said the patio will be open for business in two weeks "at tops."

After the concrete was poured and hardened a bit, it needed to be watered for several hours to help it dry slower and set harder.

Below, pictures submitted by Mistler of the work in progress.

A golf cart rollover with injuries is reported at Terry Hills Golf Course, located at 5122 Clinton St. Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding and Mercy EMS. It is believed the golf cart motor is still running.

UPDATE 12:06 p.m.: Mercy medics are on scene. The fire department's response is cancelled.

UPDATE 12:37 p.m.: The golf cart driver was transported to UMMC.

UPDATE 12:46 p.m.: The victim is a 48-year-old man from out of the area who suffered a possible broken arm and dislocated hip.

A car was on fire in the parking lot of Sport of Kings restaurant, 419 W. Main St. in Batavia. The city fire department was responding but the flames were knocked down by a passerby with a fire extinguisher. The fire truck is back in service. Police are on scene.

It turns out there are two sets of Ghost Riders in town, and both will play at Jackson Square tomorrow night.

Batavia resident Dough Mellenthine, one of the directors of the "other" Ghost Riders, describes it as a miniature drum and bugle corps and a "brass choir." They play everything from patriotic tunes to chorales to "fun-filled, good time music" (as worded in a press release).

Formed in 1996 to compete in the Drum Corps Associates (DCA) "World Championship," which is held every year at various locations throughout the country, the Ghost Riders have distinguished themselves numerous times. They have appeared in championships for 15 consecutive years, won the New York State American Legion Crown, and, last year, won the Silver Medal and position of first runner-up at the DCA World Championship with a score of 98.0.

Mellenthine co-directs Ghost Riders along with Rod Keppel. Music is arranged by "World Drum Corps Hall of Fame" and "Buglers Hall of Fame" member Donny Allen. Group members are professional musicians whose experiences range from education to judging music competitions.

"This is not beer tent stuff," Mellenthine said. "I believe we're Batavia's best-kept secret."

Ghost Riders will perform from 8 until 8:30 p.m. at Jackson Square tomorrow night. Mellenthine said they've been practicing all year for this performance, so it ought to be good!

To learn more about Ghost Riders, visit their Facebook page.

Photo submitted by Doug Mellenthine.

There is a report of six youths with baseball bats fighting at the intersection of Jerome Place and East Main Street.

UPDATE 12:01 a.m.: First officer on scene, no youths anywhere to be seen.

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A barn fire is reported by the homeowner at 4103 Batavia-Elba Town Line Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

Smoke is showing and a second alarm is called.

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: Units are also called from Elba, Oakfield, East Pembroke, Alabama and Corfu, which is standing in at Town of Batavia's hall.

UPDATE 4:21 p.m.: The location is just west of Pekin Road.

UPDATE 4:23 p.m.: This is a working fire, fully involved. "If you got somebody, roll," says the chief. National Grid is called in.

UPDATE 4:26 p.m.: Fire police are called to shut down the roadway.

UPDATE 4:32 p.m.: The site is determined to be in Elba's fire district and Elba is in charge of command.

UPDATE 4:37 p.m.: A tanker from South Byron is called in.

UPDATE 4:44 p.m.: Tankers requested from Bergen, Stafford and Bethany.

UPDATE 4:47 p.m.: The Elba Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary is called to provide cold refreshments for the responders. A pumper tanker and all available manpower out of Barre is requested. There's no ETA for National Grid. A tanker from Clarendon is called in.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: A second ambulance is called in.

UPDATE 4:59 p.m.: "The firefighters are going to need more water on the back of the building or they're going to lose the milking parlor."

UPDATE 5 p.m.: "The platform is shutting down." The chief asks for a list of all tankers at the scene.

UPDATE 5:02 p.m.: Tankers are requested from Darien, Pavilion and Corfu. A tanker out of York is called to stand by in Pavilion. It's the Post barn.

UPDATE 5:07: Every tanker is Genesee County is at the scene, with the exception of tankers from Darien, Pembroke and Indian Falls. Now those three are called in, too.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: A grass truck from Byron is called in. Indian Falls was already on scene. A unit from East Shelby in Orleans County is going to stand in at the Oakfield hall. Any available tanker in Livingston and Wyoming counties is requested.

UPDATE 5:23 p.m.: It is confirmed that all electrical power to the barn has been cut.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: The chief wants Elba Highway Department contacted to bring a load of stone to the scene.

UPDATE 5:29 p.m.: The barn is owned by Jeff Post, who is the fourth-generation family member to own it. The barn was built at the turn of the 20th Century by Leo Post. It is on a dairy farm. The barn was built around 1850. Stewart Post acquired the farm around 1890.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: Rescue manpower from Bergen and Albion requested to the scene.

UPDATE 5:39 p.m.: There are two barns on the property. Both are total losses.

UPDATE 5:40 p.m.: Food and beverage for 75 to 100 firefighters are requested.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: A third ambulance is called in, non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: Inmates from Wyoming Correctional Facility are being assembled for transport to the scene to help out. The Salvation Army is expected to the scene in about 40 minutes, presumably to help the auxiliary provide food and beverages.

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: Some Town of Batavia units returning. All out-of-county tankers released. In-county tankers to remain on scene.

UPDATE 10:03 p.m.: Elba command breaking down.

UPDATE 10:05 p.m.: Somebody just stole a pickup truck belonging to a fire police volunteer who was stationed at Pekin and Batavia-Elba Town Line Road. The truck, which has fire police lights on it, was last seen heading east on Batavia-Elba.

UPDATE 10:13 p.m.: The truck has been returned. "The guy thought it was his brother's truck."

UPDATE 10:26 p.m.: All units back in service.