batavia

A vehicle is reportedly barreling down the westbound I-490 traveling in the wrong direction -- that would be eastbound. Law enforcement is trying to track down the driver.

UPDATE 2:44 p.m.: Monroe County reports the driver was last spotted near the Bergen exit.

UPDATE 2:48 p.m.: Genesee County officers traveled to the Churchville exit without spotting the vehicle and then turned around. The ball's in Monroe County's court now, so to speak.

Virginia Martinez and her four children lost nearly everything Friday in the apartment fire at 26 Maple St., Batavia.

Though fire crews were able to pull out just about all of their belongings from their first-floor apartment, clothing, household and other items were so heavily smoke and water damaged, they're not of much use.

"They need to start over," said Tammy Scheidweiler (on the outside right), so she's organized a donation collection with her husband John (left) in the parking lot of Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union this afternoon. 

Four bags of clothing have been dropped off. 

Virginia's four children are ages 7, 5, 3 and almost 2.

Tammy said she's known Virginia since she was just a baby, "and they're like family to me," explaining why she organized the donation effort.

The children also lost most of their toys.

UPDATED 12:03 p.m.

The drivers of both cars that collided head on at 6:44 a.m. on Lewiston Road, just south of Galloway Road, Batavia, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said the cars appeared to hit squarely, though the speeds of either vehicle have not yet been determined.

It's unknown what caused a northbound white sedan to cross the double-yellow line.

The sedan hit a minivan.

The sedan, a 1997 Buick, was driven by Quayeshawn D. Smith, 25, of 4590 Mill St., Medina.

The minivan, a 2002 Mazda, was driven by Rosemary Calla, 74, of 34 S. Main St., Oakfield.

Sgt. James Meier said he doesn't believe weather conditions, light wind and a light drizzle, contributed to the accident.

No other passengers were in either vehicle.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS responded to the scene, though Mercy medics went back in service shortly after arriving at the accident.

Lewiston Road was closed in both directions between Galloway Road and Veterans Memorial Drive from shortly after 7 a.m. until 9:36 a.m.

Oakfield Fire provided traffic control at Galloway and Route 63.

The accident is being investigated by the Crash Management Team of the Sheriff's Office, which includes Sgt. Meier, Sgt. Bill Scott, Deputy Brad Mazur and Investigator William Ferrando.

A serious injury accident is reported in the area of 7936 Lewiston Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS requested to the scene.

Mercy Flight unable to fly due to weather.

Route 63 closed in both directions

UPDATE 7:40 a.m.: This is a double fatal accident.

UPDATE 9:36 a.m.: Lewiston Road is reopened. Town of Batavia is back in service.

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The Batavia High School Girls Softball Team was at Clor's Meat Market today selling chicken BBQ dinners as a fundraiser for the team.

More than 20 fencers were at Batavia High School today for a tournament sponsored by En Garde. The event was part of the USFA WNY Epee Circuit division and winners scored points toward a division championship. Fencers came from as far away as Syracuse, Binghamton, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo. Fencers ranged in age from 15 to 57.

When I was at DeWitt Park this morning I got to drive out to the far side of the park and found that Paul Osborn is getting new paths installed, new trees planted at this lookout platform installed.

Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts were in DeWitt Park today for Earth Day to do a little clean up. The girls found a whole area of old auto parts that had been dumped, no doubt, decades ago, and dutifully picked up every scrap.

Dozens of families brought their cars to the Batavia fire station today for inspections of their child safety seats or to get them properly installed.

Recently, another seven Batavia firefighters went through training in child safety seats, giving the department the capability to provide year-'round-service to local families looking to ensure the safety of their children when riding in a car.

State troopers and Sheriff's deputies assisted with the inspections today.

Despite the unrelenting rain, it was a busy day for Clor's Meat Market today -- with several groups needing Clor's one-of-a-kind BBQ chicken. So Chuck Gugel had a couple of employees set up BBQ pits in a vacant-lot area behind Faletti Ice Arena near the skate park off Evans Street. Pictured are Troy Colton, left, and William Griffin.

A persistent drizzle didn't dampen the green spirits of some Batavia residents who turned out for the city's Earth Day park clean-up effort today at Austin Park (with clean-up crews dispersing to other parks after a meeting).

Above, Kaitlin Logsdon at Austin Park, and below, Batavia City Council President Tim Buckley with Katie Buckley, and wearing the trash bag is Dave Russell.

A child playing with fire is the most likely cause of a blaze that gutted the second floor of an apartment building at 26 Maple St., Batavia, on Friday.

According to Lt. Jay Steinbrenner of the Batavia City Fire Department, the physical evidence and the version of events given by the mother are consistent and the fire will officially be deemed accidental.

It's unknown if the child was playing with matches or a lighter.

The names of the occupants of the three unit complex are not yet available.

The mother burned her hand trying to grab a pillow that had been set on fire so she could throw it out of the apartment.

When she couldn't successfully deal with the fire herself, she evacuated her children from the apartment and then called 9-1-1.

Heavy smoke and some flames were already billowing out of the second-floor windows by the time the first firefighters arrived on scene at about 1:30 p.m.

Steinbrenner said that one firefighter observed upon entering the building, "It's a big fire real quick."

The upstairs rooms were filled with thick black smoke when firefighters entered through northside door.

The wind was from the south, so smoke and flames were being blown in the opposite direction. Firefighters needed to push the blaze -- they wanted to push it toward the southside windows, which would give them the best chance to save as much of the structure as possible.

In all, Steinbrenner said, he thought the city crews did a good job of accomplishing their goal.

Though the building was razed, the first floor remained structurally sound and the two downstairs occupants were able to recover almost all of their personal belongings.

"The fire was contained to the second floor," Steinbrenner said. "I thought we did a good job. The tenants downstairs were able to salvage their possessions. There was very little damage downstairs, just water damage."

Today's game between the Empire State Yankees and Norfolk Tides has been postponed due to rain.

This game will be made up as part of a double-header on Sunday, April 22. Two seven-inning games will be played, with the first game starting at 1:05 p.m. Gates open at noon.

Any person with tickets to today’s game can exchange their tickets for any other Yankees game or any Muckdogs regular season game, subject to availability.

Ramon Ortiz of the Empire Yankees delivered the first pitch -- a called ball -- to Norfolk's Xavier Avery and history was made at Dwyer Stadium: the first Triple A ball game ever played in Batavia.

There were 1,319 fans on hand to witness the history-making game.

Two pitches later, the Yankees were down 1-0 as Avery rocketed a pitch from Ortiz over the right field wall.

While Ortiz got hit pretty hard in the first inning, he settled down to last seven innings and the Yankees came back with a three-run eighth inning to salvage a 6-4 victory.

The two teams go at it again today at 1:05 p.m., tomorrow at 1:05 p.m. and Monday at 12:05 p.m.

Double play sequence:

Below, Rep. Kathy Hochul throws out the first pitch (photo provided by Kevin Manne).

More game pictures after the jump (click on the headline to view):

It was the Ugly Purse and Tie Luncheon today to raise money for the Child Advocacy Center. The second annual event is a chance for local residents to show off their most gaudy ties and purses.

The luncheon was held at Terry Hills.

Top photo, Susan Privitera, of Le Roy, with a fur-and-bug-covered handbag of her own making.

Sheriff Gary Maha.

Mike Flannery, left, Edgar Lougheed, both from Byron, and Det. Pat Corona.

Though it ways more than 2,600 pounds, a new Celtic-style cross was placed with loving care atop the tower at St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia this morning.

The cross raising caps a $500,000 restoration project at St. James that should be completely finished some time in July.

Bill Farmer, chairman of Catenary Construction, said his crews have repaired mortar, replaced 278 pieces of stone and put a new roof on the tower. In a few weeks, the white wrapping around the scaffolding will come off, the scaffolding lowered and the giant stained glass window repaired. When that's done, the project is done.

As the cross was raised this morning, Farmer and Rev. Steve Metcalf looked on with obvious joy.

"This is without a doubt the best part (of the job)," Farmer said. "It’s a pretty noble service to set a cross and it’s a once-in-a-professional-career moment."

The cross is a highly compacted concrete, and where the previous cross lasted only about 100 years, this cross will last hundreds of years, Farmer said.

"We're very pleased with it," Metcalf said. "(As I watched the cross go up) I began to think about people being able to see a new cross as a sign of renovation, not only of the building, but of this congregation."

When Metcalf arrived at the church a couple of years ago, he said, the facade was crumbling and it was hard for anybody to even approach the building. The front doors couldn't even be opened.

"There was this sense that we weren't open to the community," Metcalf said.

Donations from the congregation and members of the community along with state charitable grants helped pay for the restoration.

If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here.

A three-unit apartment building at 26 Maple St., Batavia, was destroyed today by a raging inferno that consumed the upper floor of the building shortly after 1:30 p.m.

The tenants of all three units -- a mother with three children, a mother with two children and a single male -- were home when the fire erupted and all residents, including children, escaped the blaze.

One woman suffered burns on her hands.

The cause of the fire is still undetermined.

What remains of the structure will be demolished this evening.

The mothers with children are being assisted by Red Cross.

The property is owned by Thomas Snyder and was assessed at $80,000.

Retired firefighter Frank Capuano said he remembers that when he was a child the building was a grocery store / corner market.

All city fire platoons were called to the scene, with mutual aid from Town of Batavia and Elba fire departments, and Oakfield filling in at the city station. Mercy EMS provided medical and rehab support.

No firefighters were injured.

UPDATE 6:16 p.m.: Chief Jim Maxwell said the fire has been ruled accidental. No further information is being released at this time.

If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here.

A house fire is reported at 26 Maple St. in the City of Batavia. Evans Street is shut down at Watson Street. City firefighters are on scene.

UPDATE 1:36 p.m.: Two Mercy rigs are requested to the scene.

UPDATE 1:37 p.m.: Maple Street is shut down at Thorpe.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: A Fast Team from the Town of Batavia is called in as well as a town crew to fill in at the city's fire hall. A female with burned hands is waiting for treatment at the corner of Evans and Maple. The second floor of the structure is fully involved.

UPDATE 1:43 p.m.: Mutual aid from the Town of Elba is on scene. There's a vehicle at the scene that needs to be moved (the owner of vehicle's wife works at the warehouse/transfer facility on Ganson Avenue, but they don't have the owner's name. He was seen walking down Maple).

UPDATE 1:52 p.m.: The inside fire is knocked down. They are starting rehab of the fire scene. A rep. for National Grid is called and will be there shortly. Now they are calling for a fill-in at the city station from Oakfield. The city's third platoon is called to the scene. The house is the light brown (or dark tan) two-story at the corner of Evans and Maple, across the street from the church.

UPDATE 2:01: An adult female with first- and second-degree burns to her hands is being transported to UMMC. The National Grid rep. is on scene.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: There's fire in the ceiling above a first-floor bedroom and they are going to break into the ceiling to put it out. Oakfield is in the city's fire hall.

UPDATE 2:23 p.m.: Fire under control.

UPDATE 2:37 p.m.: A National Fuel rep. is called to the scene.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: The American Red Cross is called to come to the aid of a mother and her three children. There are other occupants who live in the home, but they have not yet determined other information about them.

UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: The other family who lives in the house is "all set" and will apparently not require Red Cross assistance.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m.: The building owner is on scene.

UPDATE 3:34 p.m.: Elba firefighters are back in service.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: Red Cross is on location. City fire crews are rolling up their hoses and preparing to leave the scene.

UPDATE 4:02 p.m.: Mutual aid responders from the Town of Batavia Fire Department are back in service.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: The structure will be demolished this evening.

Press release:

On Saturday, April 21, the City of Batavia Fire Department will hold a Child Safety Seat Check Event at fire headquarters (18 Evans St.) from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., rain or shine.

Nationally certified technicians will be on hand to answer questions, check recalls, and assist with making sure all seats are installed correctly. Parents should remember to bring both the car seat and the child so that proper instruction/installation can be done.

Did you know three out of four car seats aren’t used correctly? Surprised? Stop down this Saturday to our event and ensure your children are traveling safely.

For more information contact city fire headquarters at 345-6375.

Press release:

The always popular annual fashion show at Genesee Community College is just around the corner, and this year, students from the Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising and Tourism & Hospitality programs are serving up a feast for the eyes with "Soiree."

The 31st annual celebration of student creativity will highlight various clothing design themes, including party scenes featuring "Cocktail Hour," "Fairy Godmother's Masquerade," "Slumber Party" and "Bridal Party."

The traditional runway show is the largest of its kind in Western New York with more than 1,400 attendees over two shows. It provides guests with a glimpse of the glamorous and ever-changing world of fashion. Two shows are scheduled for April 28 -- at 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. in the Forum at the Batavia campus.

"The fashion show is the final exam for Fashion Business students who are enrolled in the special events marketing course, Fashion Show Production," said Rick Dudkowski, GCC professor of Business, Marketing and Fashion.

"The class members are responsible for producing a traditional runway show, which has clothing from local stores, but also original designs created by our fashion design students. More than 160 models will take part in scenes featuring women's, men's, plus-size and children's wear."

Professor Dudkowski says the show combines the interests and academic pursuits of several college departments working in collaboration. The college's Tourism and Hospitality Management students work under Genesee instructor Amy Slusser to coordinate extensive "front of the house" operations such as refreshments, décor, door prizes, music and light refreshments, and the overall festive ambience.

Genesee's Student Safety Patrol members work behind the scenes ensuring safety and security in the parking lots and throughout the shows.

In addition to student creations, guests will also preview clothing lines made in and sold around Western New York, and The Future Dance Center from Hamburg will provide pre-show entertainment.

Dress donations will be collected for Fairy Godmothers of Rochester with a donation earning free admission. Presale tickets are $5 but they will also be available at the door for $7. To order tickets or for additional information contact Fashion Show secretary Cheryl Young at (585) 345-6830.

The "Soiree" lineup includes:

•    Enkai – A party scene with international flair, featuring traditional clothing and hand-embroidered accessories from the Republic of Yakutia, designed by scene coordinator Zhanna Zakharova of Russia, as well as modern and Americanized Asian fashion that evokes the Orient through the use of textiles and details, styled by scene coordinator Jeonghyun Park of South Korea. Clothing provided by H&M, Fashion Bug, Maurices and student design by Sayaka Matsushita.

•    Swag Social – It's the biggest fashion party of the year for hipsters! Scene coordinator Akkera Dorsey of Rochester designed many of the pieces. Scene assistant: Sherard Brown (Ithaca). Menswear provided by The Black Tongue and accessories provided by Xsquisite Boutique.

•    The Urban Social – A presentation of uptown sophistication that exudes New York City energy. Scene coordinator: Mandy Ciccone (Rochester). Clothing and accessories from Francesca's Collection; hair styled by Robert Federico.

•    The Boat Party – Highlights of the hottest spring trends in menswear with a nautical theme paying homage to pure "Americana" -- the classic preppy look! Scene coordinator: Michael Burton (Buffalo). Clothing provided by H&M.

•    Plus One – Party attire for curvy ladies and their men with clothing to highlight the fuller figure provided by Ashley Stewart, CATO Fashions and Peebles. Scene coordinators: Chelsea Gravelle (Gansevoort) and Taylor Rock (Buffalo).

•    Cocktail Hour -- Drawing inspiration from design icon Coco Chanel, models will showcase timeless elegance with a sexy and chic update of the "little black dress." Scene coordinators: Shannon Kelly (Saranac Lake) and Nicole Mastrosimone (Rochester). Designs by student Ashley Arter. Accessories provided by Accessorize4u, Forever 21 and Maurices.

•    PlayDate -- The party never ends for these fashionable WNY children, as they model clothing that takes them through their energetic days! Scene coordinators: Hillary Pacos (Buffalo), Shauna Scott (Bronx) and Samantha Vogt (Buffalo). Fashions from 77kids and Kmart.

•    The Green Party – The epitome of creativity, scene coordinators and designers Chelsea Gravelle (Gansevoort) and Tricia Mekarski (Buffalo) prominently feature duct tape in their environmentally friendly clothing.

•    Fairy Godmother's Masquerade – Every girl dreams of the perfect dress for her prom and this garden-inspired masquerade party features dresses donated by students, M.A. Carr Bridal and community members that will be given to Fairy Godmothers of Rochester for those in need. Scene coordinators: Lorraine Briggs (Rochester) and Taryn Michalak (Brockport). Jewelry provided by Cookie Lee.

•    Paparazzi Party -- Celebrities such as pop superstar Lady Gaga and designers Tommy Hilfiger and Alexander McQueen influence the clothing embraced by today's fashion-conscious party-goer. Scene coordinators: Felicia Pfalzer (Pembroke), Marissa Giambrone (Attica) and Marian Smith (Brockport). Clothing provided by Charles Men's Shop and original student designs.

•    Accessorized Affair – "Puttin' on the Ritz" with a preview of the hairstyles, make-up and accessories that will put some pizzazz in any wardrobe. Scene coordinators: Julia Sallade (Belmont) and Alyssa Biancuzzo (Pavilion). Accessories provided by Rue21.

•    Riot – Edgy style fuses good girl with rocker chic! Scene coordinator: Hillary Pacos (Buffalo). Featuring clothing from Peebles, Maurices, Stan's Harley Davidson, Bruggies and Free People.

•    Slumber Party – Sultry looks inspired by the glamorous heyday of Hollywood's pin-up girls and vintage lingerie. Scene coordinator: Taylor Rock (Buffalo). Clothing provided by Embrasse-Moi and jewelry from Lambert's Design Jewelers.

•    Bridal Party – Love is in the air as models float down the runway in the latest trends for weddings. Scene coordinator: Ericah Rogers (Rochester). Assistant Kate Herbik. Clothing provided by David's Bridal and Hickey Freeman.

After each show concludes, guests are invited to a reception of refreshments and door prizes.