batavia

Leiland B. Jonathan, 42, and Larue F. Jonathan, 36, both of Basom, are both charged with both charged with DWI and three counts of driving drunk with children under 15 in the car. Leiland's DWI charge is a felony because of a prior DWI conviction. The couple was involved in a motor-vehicle accident at 11:39 p.m., Thursday, in the Town of Clarance, according to the Buffalo News. Following the accidents, witnesses reportedly told police they saw the driver and passenger switch places. Larue was also charged with charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest.

Joseph Leonard Elmert, 24, of Dugway Road, Conesus, and Joseph Bly Gohlman, 20, of Maple Beach Road, Geneseo, are charged with criminal trespass. Following an investigation into a report of a suspicious vehicle complaint in Darien at 7:39 p.m., Thursday, Elmert and Gohlman were allegedly found in a secured area of Darien Lake Theme Park without permission. The two men allegedly climbed a fence to gain entry.

Kevin Michael Bartz, 35, of Route 98, Varysburg, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and trespass. Bartz allegedly became involved in an altercation with another person while on private property. The incident was reported in Corfu at 10:50 p.m., Dec. 4.

Jared R. Burns, 25, of 309 Washington Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Burns is accused of pushing another person while that person was holding a child.

Press release:

David Cecere, executive vice president for Tompkins Insurance Agencies, has been selected by Safeco Insurance as one of its 12 “community heroes” from across the country. Based on applications submitted by Safeco agents, Cecere’s selection to this group of heroes has earned his favorite local charity, the United Way of Genesee County, a $5,000 charitable donation from Safeco.

But that’s not all. … and you can help! In a nationwide contest to determine which local hero can get the most votes, two of these 12 will win even more for the charity of their choice. When the voting is over on Dec. 15, the hero with the most votes will receive an additional $10,000 from Safeco Insurance for the nonprofit he or she supports! The charity supported by the runner-up gets $5,000.

Anyone can vote for Cecere as our own local community hero, and support the efforts of the United Way of Genesee County. To read more and cast your vote, go to:
http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/175622  before the Dec. 15 deadline. You can vote once each day.

Why vote? One of the strengths of the United Way is that it assists a wide range of people and groups in local communities. Cecere feels strongly about that the breadth of services the United Way can provide. As an extremely active board member for the United Way of Genesee County (affiliated with the United Way of Greater Rochester) in New York, he’s seen first-hand the benefits such a strong safety net can provide to society.

The list of ways the United gives back to the community is too long to list here, but includes youth advocacy, literacy efforts, support for neglected, abused, disabled, pregnant and addicted individuals. (Read the full story on the voting link.)

Over the years, he has served as the United Way Campaign chair, the board chair, and the New Accounts chair and treasurer — an impressive range of roles for a charity that provides such an impressive range of support.

Help our local hero do more by voting today!

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., has 15 offices in Western New York and six offices in Central New York. A part of Tompkins Financial Corp., (trading as TMP on the AMEX), the agency is affiliated with The Bank of Castile, Tompkins Trust Company, and Tompkins Financial Advisors. It is an independent insurance agency offering coverage through more than 25 different companies for businesses and consumers. Further information is available at www.tompkinsins.com.

Press release:

On Thursday, Governor Cuomo announced $785 million in economic development funding through Regional Economic Development Councils. A $450,000 portion has been carved out for the City of Batavia to improve commercial and residential mixed-use buildings.

The city had applied to the NYS Office of Community Renewal in April for these grant funds which are earmarked to enhance streetscapes and to renovate 20 buildings consisting of 10 commercial and 10 residential units within downtown.

The application was reviewed again by the Regional Economic Development Council during the state’s newly defined consolidated funding application process. Overall, it was an extended process compared to previous rounds for competitive applications. The total project will be at least $750,000 worth of public-private investment.

“The city is extremely pleased that we were awarded these funds,” said Jason Molino, city manager. “It complements the city’s strategic planning efforts and the city council’s commitment to revitalizing the civic heart of our community.”

A variety of properties were identified in the original application along Main Street, East Main Street, Center Street, Jackson Street, Court Street and School Street. Also included was the former Carr’s warehouse located at 13-15 Jackson St., rear. Just last week, the Batavia Development Corporation began to solicit developer interest in the property for redevelopment purposes.

“I am thrilled that we may dangle a little carrot in front of the prospective developers,” added Julie Pacatte, Batavia Development Corporation economic development coordinator. “Not to mention, it demonstrates the forward-thinking efforts of the city leadership.”

Pacatte was not as pleased with the lack of state funding for the new Save-A-Lot store planning to open Dec. 21 at Ellicott and Jackson streets.

“It was a very competitive process with hundreds of applications across the state,” she said. “We have already begun to look at other options to assist.”

Along with the Save-A-Lot project, the City of Batavia had also applied for Vine Street infrastructure improvements and a grant for the needed repairs to the police station. Those projects weren't funded either.

As for the NY Main Street grant, it is expected the state contract process will take another 30-60 days to complete. Meanwhile, the grant funds will not likely be available until early Spring 2012.

In all, Genesee County received $1.9 million out of the Finger Lakes Region award of $68.8 million for 93 projects. Another $1.1 million is available for the county through shared programming with other out-of-county communities.

For some time I've been intrigued by the idea of taking a picture of the Batavia Downs sign. Last week, while in the parking lot of Office Max, I spotted an angle that looked promising. Driving home tonight, I thought the light conditions might be right to give it a try.

Press release:

Mancuso Business Development Group is proud to announce that Creamy Creation LLC will be the first new business in the Masse Place redevelopment project.

An international leader in the development and production of cream-based beverages, the Creamy Creation team will be growing into over 7,000 square feet of office, laboratory and storage space.  Construction will begin as soon as plans and approvals are finalized to renovate a portion of the empty industrial building for their unique operations.

Creamy Creation entered the North American market in the early '90s with a one-person sales office located in La Crosse, Wis. In 1995, the U.S. operations relocated to Batavia, NY in the heart of New York dairy country.

Partnering with Genesee County's O-AT-KA Milk Products resulted in a steady source of top quality New York milk and cream as well as a competent and dedicated workforce. Creamy Creation opened a new production facility on the grounds of O-AT-KA in 2008 and its staff has since grown to nine people. Plans are in place to add two more people in 2012.

More than 60,000 square feet of flex space for office and commercial uses in a park-like setting was created at Masse Place by the partial demolition and creative revitalization of a portion of the Batavia Industrial Center.

“These buildings that were originally built in 1907 now have new utilities and facades so that we can attract businesses and jobs for the 21st Century to Batavia,” said B. Thomas Mancuso, SIOR, the president of the Mancuso Business Development Group.

The Masse Place redevelopment effort started in 2004 as a result of the City of Batavia’s Central Corridor Redevelopment Plan. Actual demolition did not begin until the summer of 2010 and the initial phase of improvements was just completed this August.

Press release:

Downtown Batavia – The first “Taste Of The Holidays” hosted by the Batavia Business Improvement District, which took place on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3, was a huge success. More than 400 people attended the Friday night tastings under the Holiday Tent.

Seven area restaurants participated and three winners were selected by the people as the “Best of…The Taste of the Holidays” based upon their favorite tastings.

First place went to the B.I.D.’s own Sunny’s Restaurant,12 Batavia City Centre, for their outstanding Artichoke French and Vodka Pasta dishes. Second place went to Delavan’s, 107 Evans St., for their scrumptious Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions, and in third place was Batavia’s Original, 500 E. Main St., for their delicious Specialty Pizzas. Other participants were: Coffee Culture, Molasses Hill, O’Lacy’s Irish Pub and T.F. Brown’s. All should be congratulated as they made the debut of this event most successful.

Three individuals who won the gift certificates were: Jeff Allen from Oakfield, Darrell and Janet Smith from Medina, and Carrie Lawrence from Batavia.

Jeff Allen from Oakfield said, “Hope this is a tradition that will grow.”

We hope so, too, and encourage more area restaurants to join us next year. Any restaurants who are interested in participating or individuals who would like being on the committee for the 2012 “Taste of the Holidays,” please let us know by calling Don Burkel at the B.I.D.: 344-0900.

Chad Alexander Koschuk, 25, of Genesee Street, Alden, is charged with petit larceny. Koschuck is accused of shoplifting a DVD worth $19.99 from Kmart.

Stephanie Lynn Buss, 23, of Genesee Street, Alden, is charged with petit larceny. Buss is accused of shoplifting jewelry worth $20.49 from Kmart.

Kati Mancuso, 28, of Fordham Drive, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Mancuso is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Jenny Elizabeth Stephens, 28, of Jerome Place, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Stephens is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Christopher James Seller, 49, of Cedar Street, Akron, is charged with DWAI/alcohol and speed in zone (56 mph in a 40 mph zone). Seller was stopped at 12:24 a.m., Wednesday on Route 5, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Philip Michael Busch, 20, of Bowen Road, Alexander, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Busch is accused of hosting an underage drinking party at his home.

People are reportedly smoking pot in plain sight in front of the Harvester Center on Harvester Avenue. City police are heading there now.

Beset by problems, limited in resources, but possessing much potential, Batavia can make big strides toward a brighter future over the next three years, according to consultants hired by the city to help with strategic planning.

After going through some of the strengths and weaknesses in Batavia, the consultants laid out a 36-month plan -- leading up to the city's centennial celebration -- and a couple of longer-range initiatives the city can pursue.

"We're not the kind of consultants who paint you a bunch of pretty pictures and tell you this is what you should be when you can't afford it," David Boehlke said. "We want to be realistic."

The 36-month plan:

• Develop 12 block clubs or three neighborhood associations
• Create a resident task force supporting neighborhood activities
• Sponsor 24 celebratory events
• Promote six to eight events focusing on business success
• Establish a citywide awards committee
• Establish at least one community tour
• Sponsor 10 open houses per year
• Graduate three leadership classes of eight participants each
• Complete one new gateway sign each year
• Install community identity banners at 12 locations
• Create a resident communication initiative
• Implement a community-wide tree planting/guardian project

In additional, the city should pursue three longer-range projects:

• Establish a program to help potential home owners qualify under the federal Farmers Home Loan Program (since Batavia qualifies as a rural community, Batavia residents would qualify for loans).
• Purchase blanket flood insurance, which would lower insurance costs for homes and businesses in flood plains and increase property values by $10,000 or more, making rehabilitation more economically viable. ("Inside the dotted lines, property owners get their equity sucked right out," Boehlke said.)
• Establish a program to target 12 properties a year on corridor streets (such as Oak and Ellicott) for improvements.

In all, the three-year plan would cost $60,000 per year. The funds could be obtained through grants and gifts from local big businesses, Boehlke said.

"We've seen it done in other communities," he said. "If you don’t invest at least at that level, I don’t see any of this happening."

Downtown needs to be an important focus for improvement, both Boehlke and Charles Buki said.

The mall has failed as a retail space and City of Batavia residents are spending more than $24 million annually in other markets that they might spend in Batavia if given the right options.

The city has opportunities to capture those dollars in entertainment, dining, apparel and home furnishings.

"A reason some of the restaurants (in town now) aren't doing as well as they could is there aren't enough of them," Buki said. "They need to be clustered together."

The city and the BID need to work together to recruit businesses to downtown that will help keep some of the money being spent outside the city, inside the city.

"You're doing loads of the right thing now, but you need to do loads more," Boehlke said.

Here's what the consultants found is working for the city:

• The housing stock is largely in good condition
• The market is affordable for home owners
• There is a quality rental housing market
• Downtown has great potential
• The city has forward-looking leadership

They described Batavia as an authentic small city, with a viable business community, responsible property owners and committed citizens with a good city government.

• The city is losing population
• Lower home ownership rate than the competition
• Older, aging community
• Aging home stocks
• Struggling renters
• Downtown that's not working optimally

According to Boehlke, enough families with purchasing power have moved out of Batavia over the past 10 years that the city has lost about $20,000 in annual purchasing power per week over that 10 year span.

As for ownership rates, Boehlke said, "It's not that you have too much rental. It's that your competition has less rental."

When asked who the competition is, Boehlke said it's the Town of Batavia, primarily.

"The town is your competition at this stage because if somebody wants to build, that’s where they’re going to build because that’s where it makes the most sense to build," he explained.

The aging population -- 25 percent of city home owners are 65 or older -- is especially a problem when combined with the aging housing stock. Eighty percent of the homes were built before 1930.

"They’re getting old and the houses are getting older and you don't have a incoming flow of buyers," Boehlke said.

On the rental front, a significant number of renters in the city don't have a car, which limits their employment opportunities, which means they continue to struggle to make ends meet.

"There are limited employment opportunities, but it's not surprising that they come here," Boehlke said. "You have better schools and safer streets. (Struggling renters) may not be economically the best outcome for your community."

Downtown isn't failing, both consultants said. It isn't working optimally. There is room for improvement.

"When you're a visitor, the impression you get is that downtown is fading," Boehlke said. "There are enough storefronts closed, enough homemade signs hanging in windows, that it speaks to a downtown that isn't valued. If you don’t know this town and you drive downtown for the first time, your impression is that the community is a lot more stagnant than it is."

If the city doesn't act to reverse course, Buki said, the outcome is predictable: population loss will continue, Batavia will continue to get older, home ownership rates will keep falling, there will be no new housing, and renters will continue to struggle and be a challenge.

Photo: Charles Buki

St. James Episcopal Church, undergoing renovations, was dressed up with a big red bow today. Workers attached the bow to the cover of the scaffolding around the church tower.

Submitted by Batavia City Schools:

Highlights from the Batavia City School District Board of Education meeting on Dec. 5, 2011, include the following:

Explanation of the district policy about holidays

Superintendent Margaret Puzio reported that many questions have been asked about our district’s policy on celebrating Christmas. In response, she wrote a short explanation to post on the website along with copies of the actual board of education/district policies that pertain to the topic. For the link to that full message, copy/paste this into your address bar: http://www.bataviacsd.org/news.cfm?story=832&school=0

Enjoy holiday concerts!

In addition to praising last week’s Winter Concert performances by the Morris Chorus under the direction of Mrs. Lisa Gilebarto, and the Jackson Chorus under the direction of Ms. Robin Crowden, Superintendent Puzio encouraged all to attend upcoming concerts around the district.

Click on the headline above to read more: 

* Thursday, Dec. 8, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The Batavia High School Winter Concert includes performances by the BHS band under the direction of Ms. Jane Haggett, the BHS orchestra under the direction of Mr. Gilbert Pease, and the BHS women's chorus and Select Chorus under the direction of Mr. Daniel Grillo.

* Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 7 to 8 p.m.

The John Kennedy Chorus Winter Concert
 features the John Kennedy Chorus, under the direction of Mr. Jeff Langdon.

* Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 7 to 8:15 p.m.

The Batavia Middle School Winter Concert includes performances by the BMS band under the direction of Ms. Jane Haggett, the BMS orchestra under the direction of Mr. Gilbert Pease, and the BMS girls chorus and Mixed Chorus under the direction of Mr. Daniel Grillo.

* Wednesday, Dec. 21, from 7 to 8 p.m.

At the Batavia Middle School Auditorium, the Sixth-grade Chorus/Advanced Band Winter Concert 
includes performances by the BMS sixth-grade chorus under the direction of Mr. Daniel Grillo, and the Batavia Advanced Band under the direction of Mrs. Dawn Mark.

Batavia High News Ex-officio Student Board Member Taylor Harkness reported that:

• The boys’ JV and varsity teams won their respective tournaments in Olean this past weekend (12/2 and12/3). In addition, Justin Washington was named tournament MVP, and Jalen Smith and Tommy Prospero were named to the all-tournament team.
• The BHS chapter of the National Honor Society is supporting the Salvation Army’s effort to supply warm, clean, usable coats for those in need by asking all to drop off old coats at the BHS learning center by Friday, Dec. 16. The NHS members will deliver them to the Salvation Army.
• Also at the high school, the Z-Club has placed a donation box in the BHS main office for those wishing to donate toys and lightly loved stuffed animals for the Toys for Tots drive for Galisano Hospital. The box will remain in the office until Dec. 9.
• The senior class Vendor Blender was a success, and that auditions will soon be starting for the BHS production of "Guys and Dolls."

Batavia Middle School Update

The number of schools identified by New York State as “in need of improvement” jumped from 99 in 2010-2011 to 847 in 2011-2012. A significant explanation for the jump is federal pressure on the state to increase academic expectations and performance of students.

Principal Sandy Griffin and Assistant Principal Tim McArdle presented information about the Batavia Middle School’s move from recently being named a “High Peforming Gap-closing School” in annual rankings by the NYS Education Department to being identified as a “School In Need of Improvement” (SINI) by the State.

The noted increase in expectations has (made it) less predictable than in the past and (there are) higher cut points for proficiency -- so from Year A to Year B, students had to have a higher grade in order to be considered proficient.

But while the bar has risen quickly, the fact that the bar has been raised is a good thing. Mrs. Griffin and Mr. McArdle, viewing the SINI status as a gateway to future success, have been working hard with the rest of the staff on developing and strengthening school-wide initiatives that emphasize implementation of the Common Core State Standards, higher-order thinking skills, and literacy skills, including writing about information text.

For this school-wide push toward increased rigor and advanced learning, they are utilizing a three-pronged approach that includes faculty collaboration, emphasizes continual assessment of teaching methods and measured results to improve instruction, plus increases in personalized instruction.

The results thus far have been encouraging and Mrs. Griffin and Mr. McArdle expect that the academic benefits students are reaping from these initiatives will be reflected in increased assessment scores and increased preparedness for the 21st Century.

Financial Summary Report for October 2011

Business Administrator Scott Rozanski reported on the October 2011 revenue and expenses for the district, reviewing them in comparison to the October 2010 figures.

Total recorded revenues were up by slightly more than $1,090,000, or 5.3 percent, primarily due to a $706,000 or 4.13 percent increase in the tax levy. Two other revenue categories also contributed to the increase: Non-property tax items (utility tax) and state and federal aid.

The utility tax, which, as previously reported, had been in decline for several school years including 2010-2011, increased by $84,900, or more than 46 percent. State and federal aid were up $324,000 or 8.4 percent over last year at the same time, primarily because of the increase in the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) payment in October. The state makes this payment on districts’ behalf as part of their annual aid, and it's therefore recorded by districts as revenue.

Expenses were down by about $959,000 or 10 percent, as compared to October 2010. Approximately half of the decrease was in the timing of payments on the GV partnership bills. In 2010-2011, there were three payments made in October whereas in this school year only two were made in October.

In addition, Mr. Rozanski highlighted adecrease of $247,000 or nearly 22 percent in Central Services. This stems from a change in our purchasing cycle and the subsequent timing of orders being processed, and in part to charges for work done to the administration building for roof repairs and repair for earthquake damages. Those expenses were initially charged to the general fund until they could be reconciled at year's end and charged to repair reserves.

Gail Patricia Rumble, 47, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with identity theft. Rumble is accused of using another person's identity to secure services illegally.

David L. Andrews, 24, of 19 Holland Ave., Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Andrews is accused of possessing a license plate stolen from a local business.

Jeffrey L. Deats, 25, of 10 Olyn Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Deats is accused of threatening another family member.

Todd Steven Logsdon, 21, of Otis Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Logsdon was apprehended at about 8 p.m., Oct. 21, following a report of a suspicious condition on Route 63 in Batavia. Logsdon was found by Deputy Brad Mazur to be allegedly operating a motor vehicle in an intoxicated condition.

Two men suspected of being in the country illegally were arrested Monday afternoon following an accident at Route 98 and West Saile Drive.

Taken into custody were Juan H. Gomez, 25, a resident of Hamlin, and Humberto O. Escalante, 24, a resident of Elba.

Both men were charged with illegal entry and turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.

Gomez was the driver. Gomez allegedly made a left-hand turn from Route 98 onto West Saile Drive and failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic.

Injured in the crash at 5:18 p.m. were the driver and passenger of the other vehicle, Judith M. Drews, 65, of Byron, and Judith M. Drews, 90. Both women were transported to UMMC by Mercy EMS with minor injuries.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff.

The doors to Oatka School of Glass opened on Monday evening, giving visitors -- mostly Chamber of Commerce members -- a chance to see what the school has to offer, most notably its new glassblowing class area.

New instructor Justin McKenney gave a lengthy demonstration and lecture on how glassblowing works and how he teaches his classes.

The Alfred University graduate taught glassblowing in the Boston area before deciding to move back with his wife to her hometown, Buffalo.

McKenney said the new glassblowing school at Oatka is the only one of its kind between Buffalo and Corning.

Classes are structured to give people the ability to just dabble in glassblowing -- close supervision on making, for example, Christmas ornaments -- or new students interested in a long-term hobby can start with glassblowing 101. There are also family classes and one-on-one instruction.

McKenney will provide more glassblowing demonstrations during Holidays at Harvester from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday.

For more information on the school, click here.

Bottom photo, some of the Christmas decorations made Saturday by 75 Girl Scouts who visited Oatka on Saturday.

LPL Financial is growing, and to accommodate the growth has moved into new office space in Downtown Batavia.

The financial services office is now located at 216 E. Main St., #3.

Joining LPL as a financial advisor is Judy Thompson, who has more than 30 years experience in the financial services industry.

“We are very excited to have Judy working along side us at LPL,” said Marc Staley, managing principal. “She brings tremendous experience to our office, along with many wonderful relationships throughout Genesee and Wyoming counties”

Thompson joined the firm Nov. 28.

“I am thrilled about continuing my career as an independent advisor,” Thompson said. “I am very passionate about servicing my clients, and dedicated to the ongoing commitment that it takes to build solid relationships with them.”   

Thompson joins the team that already included Jill Meeder, relationship manager.

Staley said that with Thompson’s addition, LPL needed more private and functional office space, so the firm moved from its former location at Main and Jackson streets.  

“Jill and I knew we wanted to stay downtown and remain in the BID," Staley said. "We loved our old location, but privacy and confidentiality became an issue as we grew. Our new space has four large offices, a conference room and a nice reception area.” 

The space also opens the door for adding another financial advisor to the staff at some point in 2012.

It's a matter of finding the right person, Staley said.

“Judy and I share a very similar approach to managing our clients, and it just happens to fit perfectly with LPL’s model," Staley said.

Judy lives in Attica with her husband Peter. She can be reached in her new office at 345-9797 or by email at judy.thompson@lpl.com.

Photo: Staley, left, Thompson and Meeder.

Wednesday, Dec. 7, Center Street Smoke House will celebrate 10 years in business.

To commemorate the occasion, co-owner Cregg Paul is planning a special menu at 1940s era prices -- draft beer for 50 cents and BBQ ribs, for example, at $3.41.

"Not a lot of places that have survived 10 years," Paul noted. "I've seen a number in Batavia come and go, come and go, come and go, so to be around for the 10 year mark is quite an accomplishment."

In 2000, Paul, his brother Scott and friend Tommy Freeman bought at auction a building on Center Street from the City of Batavia that was in a serious state of disrepair.

"It was one of the few free standing buildings that hadn't been torn down by urban renewal or anything else," Paul said, explaining the trio's interest in the location. "It was a great spot, great history, and it needed to be saved. It was about to cave in when we got it."

The renovation to the 1930s-era structure was total.  Workers spent nine months just removing everything from the interior, then contractors installed new wiring, pluming and heating and air, not to mention building a speciality kitchen for southern BBQ.

The group of friends realized their dream of owning and operating a southern BBQ in the heart of Western New York on Dec. 7 when Center Street opened its doors for the first time.

"Ten years ago when we were thinking about it, we realized there wasn’t really any kind of southern food around anywhere," Paul said. "There was nothing here. Rochester was limited. Buffalo was limited.  We always loved going down south and the food was the best part about going down south, so we thought we would bring that back up here."

The celebration started Wednesday at 4 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m.  Besides BBQ beef ribs, the menu will include at $3.41 each, mac & cheese, meat loaf, chicken and biscuit, with hamburgers going for 75 cents and cheeseburgers for 95 cents.

A two-car accident with injuries and blocking traffic is reported at Oak Orchard Road and West Saille Drive in the Town of Batavia.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: One person has chest pain. A basic life ambulance is also requested.

UPDATE 5:28 p.m.: Traffic is getting very backed up. A State Trooper is rerouting traffic on West Saille. A fire unit is going to head to the Thruway for further traffic control.

UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: A third ambulance is requested.

UPDATE 5:49 p.m.: So far, one patient is being taken to UMMC.

UPDATE 5:54 p.m.: A second patient is being transported to UMMC.

This information comes from Geoff Redick at WBTA.

A registered sex offender from Batavia will serve two to four years in state prison after sentencing today in Genesee County Court.

Marlek Holmes, 37, pleaded guilty about a month ago to Dissemination of Indecent Material to a Minor and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Police said he sent an indecent text message to a 16-year-old girl and attempted to engage the girl in intercourse.

Holmes also pleaded guilty for Failure to Register and Failure to Verify his address, as is required by New York State law for all registered sex offenders.

Holmes will serve concurrent sentences on all four charges.

In court today, some details of a pre-sentence interview with a probation officer were released. In the interview, Holmes allegedly told an officer that he considers his sexual conduct "vanilla," and he said his actions are his "normal sexual conduct."

In a rare turn, Judge Robert Noonan did not address Holmes prior to sentencing.

Holmes had nothing to say to the judge.

Patrick Leslie Gugliuzza, 32, of Meadowbrook Terrace, Corfu, is charged with assault, 3rd. Gugliuzza is accused of punching another person in the face several times breaking his tooth and causing other injuries.

Austin L. Wester, 17, of 3373 Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, escape, 3rd, and obstructing governmental administration. Wester turned himself in to Batavia PD on the above charges and was jailed on $250 bail.

Julious Murphy, 59, of 319 Ellicott St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Murphy is accused of striking a child multiple times with a belt causing bruising.

A 17-year-old, of East Bethany Le Roy Townline Road, is charged with petit larceny. The youth is accused of stealing a half dozen eggs from Tops Market in Le Roy.

Guadalupe Hernandez, 35, of Bank Street Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to signal turn, speeding and unlicensed operation. Hernandez was stopped at 2:39 p.m., Saturday on Bank Street Road, Batavia, by Sgt. Brian Frieday.

Press release:

The Batavia Area Jaycees will be out driving around on Dec. 18th looking at all the homes that are decorated for the Holiday Season. Judging will take place within the City of Batavia limits.

The following categories will be looked at:

• Most Traditional

• Simple & Elegant

• Most Colorful

• Most Commercial

• Overall

This contest and the awards for it are meant to be given out as a friendly community project. If you have any questions about the contest, please leave the Jaycees a message at 343-5775.