A trailer being pulled by a pickup truck is on fire on the Thruway. Town of Batavia Fire Department is headed to mile post 386 westbound. There is also a grassfire at this location.
Update: Troopers on location at 387.7 westbound with Town of Batavia fire.
Update: Fire is reported to be out.
Update: Mercy Medic 3 to scene for subject with burns to hands and arms.
A GCC nursing graduate who once worked at the Batavia Nursing Home and had a couple of brushes with the law while in Batavia is a "person of interest" in the death of a young woman in Auburn, the Syracuse Post-Standard reports.
The murder victim, of Katie Socci, 29 of Auburn, had a child with Donald F. McNamara. She was reported missing earlier this week and a day later her body was found in a shallow grave.
McNamara's ties to the case have police looking at him as a possible suspect.
The Post-Standard reports that McNamara was accused in 2006 of reckless endangerment, a charge he later entered a guilty plea on, for firing a military-style rifle within Batavia city limits.
In February 2007, his license was suspended for a time after admitting to withdrawing narcotics for personal use.
In 2008, while employed at the Batavia Nursing Home, he was accused of criminal mischief. He was accused of altering the labels on medications.
For the full Post-Standard story, click here.
My parents are flying into Buffalo tonight and will be spending Saturday and Sunday in Batavia. Much of our weekend, then, will be taken up with showing them the beauty and wonders of Genesee County. We'll do some sightseeing on Saturday, and on Sunday, Billie and my mom are going shopping and I'm taking my dad to the Batavia Muckdogs game.
Alecia Kaus, a local freelance journalist (she shoots a lot of news video for Buffalo and Rochester TV stations) will monitor the scanner for us and report anything that needs to be reported. If something big breaks, well, we'll figure out how to handle that if it happens.
Of course, I'll still be around and check in on the site from time to time.
It should be a beautiful Saturday and we're hoping it doesn't rain on Sunday. Have a nice weekend, and to all the dads, Happy Father's Day.
The photos are from a short little drive I took this afternoon. Top, a cloud disperses the sun's rays over West Main Street Road, and below, a duel stand of trees on South Main Road (which, as many times as I've driven down this street, I've never noticed before).
Here's a press release from Steve Hawley.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) was one of several Assembly Minority members to speak up against a bill that sought to ban smoking in cars carrying passengers ages 14 and under.
The measure was ultimately defeated and removed from consideration. While Hawley noted that the intent of the legislation was admirable, he described the bill as an affront to personal freedoms and liberties. He also questioned whether a convertible would be exempted and told “no,” further
exemplifying the absurdity of the inane legislation.
“Most everyone can agree that people shouldn’t smoke in the car with young children present, but government does not exist to legislate what a citizen should and should not do,” Hawley said. “This bill is a blatant example of government meddling with the rights of individualism to an obscene extent.
"Just as we cannot legislate who is qualified or unqualified to be a parent, the legislature cannot tell a citizen of legal, tobacco-purchasing age that they cannot smoke in their own vehicle.”
A little less than a year ago, there was only one independent bakery in Genesee County. As of yesterday, there are six.
The latest to open is Sweet Ecstasy, next to the Stafford Trading Post, in Stafford. Above are Tonisha Price, Carla Price, Ginny Robins and Debra Ingham. In the store, Sweet Ecstasy offers cookies and pastries and takes special orders for cakes and other baked dessert items.
Sweet Ecstasy took over the former location of Heavenly Sweets • Deli, which has moved to the corner of routes 63 and 19 in Pavilion. Heavenly Sweets offers pastries, bread and cakes, as well as a fully stocked deli counter. Pictured are owner Bonnie Totten, lower center, Peggy Ellis, left, Caitlyn Meeder and Sherif Woodworth.
The first of Genesee County's current six bakeries is Greg'ry's in Bergen. Greg'ry's was opened 17 years ago by Diane Cunningham. It was started nearly 20 years ago by Gregory Stefl, who sold it to Diane Cunningham. She sold it two years ago and then reacquired the bakery just two weeks ago.
Her new partner, Maura Schaffer (unfortunately, not in today when I dropped by unannounced) has created a line of all-natural pet treats. The bakery still carries a full line of breads, pies, cakes and pastries.
The trend of new bakeries started with Mary Margret Ripley opening up Scratch Bakery in Le Roy (on Main Street, sharing space with Java's). Scratch does most of its business special order, though there's usually cookies and scones (one Ripley's specialities) available in the store. Ripley also has a number of wholesale customers and sells items at local festivals. Customers can order a full line of cakes, cup cakes, pastries, cookies and bread. Ripley also offers home delivery.
Michelle's Bakery and Cafe opened in February on West Saile Drive, Batavia. Michelle said the bakery specializes in old-fashioned pastries, "like grandma used to make." It's a full-service bakery and owner Michelle Farina, left, said the shop can make a decorated sheet cake for any special occasion. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch and offers sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups. Farina also offers catering. Pictured with Michelle are Samantha McDonald, Cassandra Hirsch and Liz Fenton.
The second newest bakery is Buttercrumbs Bakery in Corfu. Owner Darlene Miller, right, said she researched more than 100 bakeries, including some as far away as Florida, before coming up with a business plan. The shop, right in the Village of Corfu, has a seating area and offers pastries, pies and bread as well as cakes on special order. Miller said the closing of the village grocery store created a real opportunity for her and local residents have responded enthusiastically to the new business. "Corfu has never had anything like this before," said Miller, a longtime resident. Pictured with Miller is Julie Patterson.
It's perhaps just coincidence that I finally got around to putting this post together (I started planning on it back when there were only four bakeries) on the same day my dad is arriving from California for a weekend visit. I grew up in the bakery business and have always loved what a good, independent bakery can produce.
The baked goods at the chains can never match what a good independent bakery makes. Genesee County is now blessed with six quality local bakeries. As consumers, we need to be sure to support them. Entrepreneurs like these owners are what make a community strong and prosperous.
Trevor Wanberg, of Rochester, was in the little park behind the Upton Monument this afternoon waiting for a friend to get off work so they could jam. Wanberg said he and his friend are looking to get a band together, but don't get many chances to practice together. Wanberg is generally only able to make the trip to Batavia on his days off, when his girlfriend, who has a job in Batavia, is able to give him a ride. While I snapped a few pictures, he picked out a crisp version of Neil Young's "Needle and the Damage Done."
Justin Zane Barker, 22, of North Lyon, Batavia, is charged with burglary, 3rd. Barker is accused of burglarizing the Beaver Brothers Restaurant at Darien Lake Theme Park sometime during the morning hours of Sept. 6, 2009. (Barker was also recently part of a trio that allegedly refused to leave a local hotel, leading to a multi-agency manhunt for Derick Barker.)
Lena M. Evans, 23, of 4037 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, is charged with three counts of petit larceny. Evans is accused of shoplifting from Target on April 11, from Kmart on April 19, and from Bed, Bath & Beyond on an unspecified date. The petit larcenies were investigated by deputies Parker, Richardson and VanValkenburg.
A caller reports the smell of a possible electrical fire coming from the garage at 3269 W. Main St. Road, Batavia.
East Pembroke Fire Department and one engine from Town of Batavia are dispatched.
Local entrepreneur Tim Walton has arranged for iTeen to bring an MTV season premier party to Falleti Ice Arena on June 24.
The premier party will be for the MTV series "The Challenge: Rivals." Cast member Wes Bergmann will be on hand and teens attending the event will all have a chance to meet him and get their pictures taken with him.
The entire skate floor will be turned into one huge dance floor.
"Were going all out for this," Walton said.
ITeen, with more than 20,000 followers on Facebook, is based in Buffalo and hosts events in nightclubs such as PURE, Infinity and Club Paradise.
iTeen is for high school students only and is supervised by NYS licensed security that have handled numerous of these events before.
"We take safety seriously," Walton said. "Our security takes the highest priority in making sure that it is a safe atmosphere. We overstaff on security, with each one being NYS security licensed or a police officer, and some are even EMT certified as well."
The June 24 party, which will run from 7 to 11 p.m., is the first of several iTeen events he hopes to bring to Batavia.
Here's a press release from Genesee Community College.
On Monday, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees conducted the following business:
-- Approved a Resolution of Sympathy to the family of Rev. Kenneth A. Dodd, who died May 27. Rev. Dodd had served as a member of the College's Board of Trustees since 1992.
-- Authorized President Stuart Steiner to execute documents for the sale of the Verizon cell tower lease with the college to Unison Site Management. In addition to receiving about $176,000 in the sale, the college will receive 50 percent of any new revenues Unison generates from cell tower clients. The sale is subject to an environmental review and approval by the Genesee County Legislature, sponsor of the college.
-- Awarded two contracts for various projects on the Batavia campus, including: replacement of concrete in front of the main entrances; addition of a courtyard adjacent to the Conable Technology Building; and electrical and lighting work on the college's tennis courts. V.J. Gautieri Constructors, LLC, of Batavia, was the successful bidder for general construction services with a bid of $419,750. Kaplan Schmidt Electric, of Pittsford, was the successful bidder for electrical services with a bid of $212,000.
-- Heard Nominating Committee Chair Glenn R. Morton report that the committee plans to nominate Charles R. Ruffino as board chair for the 2011-2012 year; Maureen T. Marshall as vice-chair; and Diane D. Torcello as secretary. Officers will be elected at the board's July meeting.
-- Heard that Karlyn M. Finucane has joined the college staff as technical specialist for the Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) program, which coordinates college courses and services to area high school students. She is a resident of Lancaster.
-- Heard President Stuart Steiner report that 1,479 students had enrolled in the college's summer sessions. Registrations are still being accepted for the second summer session, which runs from July 5 to Aug. 6. Every area high school graduate will receive a scholarship for two summer courses, and high school students can still register for the second session. Steiner said he believes that the summer 2011 session will have the second-highest summer enrollment in the college's history. And although fall enrollment was not on the board's agenda, Steiner said that the fall semester will likely produce a new record enrollment.
-- Heard Assistant Vice President for Human Resources Gina M. Weaver report that a broad-based Strategic Planning Committee had completed the draft of a new strategic plan for the college. It encompasses goals in six areas: student success and preparedness; faculty and staff success; economic impact; relevant and impactful programs; culture of trust and innovation; and financial sustainability. Board Chair Charles R. Ruffino thanked Weaver and the committee for the year-long effort. Ruffino referred the draft plan to an ad-hoc Board of Trustees Strategic Planning Committee, comprised of Trustees Melvin J. Wentland, Maureen T. Marshall, Donna M. Ferry and Laura J. Bohm.
This is a press release from Genesee Community College.
At the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees on Monday, they agreed to locate an educational wind turbine at the Batavia campus in cooperation with Batavia, Alexander and Pavilion high schools.
The three schools received a Title I federal grant to purchase the wind turbine, which will be used by the high schools and the college for science and engineering instruction. Trustees anticipate locating the turbine at the northeast corner of the campus. The turbine will be much smaller than many windmills, standing only 70 feet. The schools identified the Batavia campus an ideal location for the turbine since it is believed to be the windiest location in Genesee County.
The turbine will generate a variety of wind and meteorological data that will be transmitted to a computer housed at the campus. Students will use and analyze the data as part of their educational programs. The college has identified at least nine engineering, chemistry and physics courses that would use the turbine and turbine-related data. Eight Genesee Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Physics courses offered in area high schools are also expected to use turbine data. And at least two of the high schools are developing courses that would specifically include use of the wind turbine.
Hundreds of students will directly benefit from the equipment each year, said Eunice M. Bellinger, Ph.D, executive vice president for Academic Affairs. The turbine could also be used for community courses and demonstrations in the future, President Stuart Steiner said.
In addition to its small size, the wind turbine is very quiet, rated with a noise level of 35 decibels, which is softer than a typical conversation. One side benefit of the wind turbine is that will generate about 1,500 kilowatt hours of electricity a year, which will slightly decrease the college's electricity bill.
Besides supporting educational programs, the wind turbine reflects the State University of New York's system-wide commitment to an "energy-smart" New York.
"We have a real commitment to sustainability and we want to help meet SUNY's vision of an energy-efficient New York state," Bellinger said.
Press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kathy Hochul today announced that Genesee County Airport will receive nearly $1.3 million in funding for its apron expansion, which will provide greater and safer aircraft movement, as well as aircraft parking at the airport.
“This is great news for both the Genesee County Airport, as well as all the aircrafts that travel through here,” said Congresswoman Hochul. “This funding will help the airport rehabilitate aprons, as well as enhance and expand the safety of aprons.”
The viability of the airport is important as it houses a State Police helicopter, numerous crop-dusting planes, and a medical helicopter used to transport victims in emergencies.
The airport is also used for training by the Army National Guard.
It was meet-the-players evening at Dwyer Stadium as fans and the 2011 Batavia Muckdogs were able to mingle and meet for the first time.
The evening included a whiffle ball home run contest for both adults and children, live music, hot dogs and pretzels along with an autograph session when fans could come on the field and meet the players.
The home opener is at 7 p.m., Friday. There's also a game at 1 p.m. on Father's Day, Sunday (and I'll be there with my dad, though I doubt we'll have a catch on the field after the game.).
More pictures after the jump:
This evening, 10 young women who are about to graduate from high school were awarded scholarships totaling well over $5,000 from the Batavia Zonta Club.
Kasey Edgerton, from Oakfield-Alabama High School, who was described as “a scholar, an actor, a feminist…a volunteer,” was awarded the Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship.
Kasey will study English and Japanese at SUNY Albany with plans to become a teacher of English as a Second Language.
The Winnie Legg Business Award was given to Amy Schmidt, who will begin her studies in International Business at Elmira College after graduating from Batavia High School. As she wrote in her application, Amy enjoys traveling abroad as well as interacting with people of different cultures and hopes to incorporate these interests in her career.
Aimee Hurlbut, also a student at Batavia High, was awarded the Muriel Pies Art Scholarship.
Aimee plans to study in a 2+2 program through Genesee Community College and Roberts Wesleyan College, where she will major in Business Administration and Graphic Design. A recommendation letter from her coach explained that, “(s)he feels that she must not only take time to improve her own life but also to improve the lives of others.”
The Sis Babbage Scholarship for music was awarded to Maryssa Peirick from Batavia High School, who will study Vocal Performance at SUNY Fredonia in the fall. Maryssa aspires to sing with the New York Metropolitan Opera.
She wrote, “I know that perseverance and dedication are what will make me successful.”
Justine Saraceni of Notre Dame High School was given the Education Scholarship.
Justine will study Childhood and Special Education at St. John Fisher College. She was described as being very active in the community, including extensive volunteer work. She was quoted as having written in her application, “I need to be willing to fight through any obstacle that comes my way.”
A Batavia High School Student, Nicole Guilds, was presented with a Math & Science Scholarship. She will study Nursing at Genesee Community College, with plans to transfer to D’Youville College.
Nicole aspires to work in the oncology ward of a hospital like Women’s and Children Hospital in Buffalo. She wrote that she “will be able to educate less fortunate women.”
A Scholarship for Math & Science was awarded to Kelsey Scott of Elba High School, who will be attending SUNY Geneseo to study Biology. The valedictorian of her class, Kelsey participates in numerous activities including SADD, the Big Buddy Program and Pageturners.
In a letter of recommendation, her library club advisor explained, “I have found her to be a mature young lady with great potential.”
Alexis Kegler from Pavilion Central was given the Mabel Ellis Memorial Scholarship in Math & Science. She will be studying Nursing in a 2+2 program with Genesee Community College and SUNY Brockport.
In her application, Alexis expressed her motivation to succeed in the sciences, a field that remains somewhat male-dominated.
A Math & Science Scholarship was also awarded to Nicole Bailey of Byron-Bergen High School. Nicole will attend Clarkson University to study Environmental Engineering. She plans to help companies to “go green.”
In a letter of recommendation, Nicole’s Social Studies teacher and coach stated, “I have no doubt…she will make her community proud.”
Brittani Scharlau from Alexander High School was presented with the Ann Robertson Memorial Scholarship in Math & Science. In the fall, she will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology with a major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Brittani’s Advanced Placement English teacher wrote in a recommendation that she “thrives when challenged” and cited her character as one of her greatest strengths.
Zontanian Patti Pacino explained, “That’s what our group does; we take care of women all around the world and in our very local area.”
All of the award recipients were described as being very involved in their schools, activities in their communities and volunteer work.
This year, there were also many qualified applicants who could not be awarded scholarships; so, the Zonta Club is planning to add more scholarships. Patti Pacino closed by encouraging members to “get out there and work” in order to make even more scholarships available to young women in the community.
Thanks to the loyalty and support of her many voters, Lisa Barrett's song,"When You Look at Me," is now one of three finalists in the international contest for "Best Original Song."
Yes, she's made it to the sixth and final round.
Barrett, who lives in Batavia, says she's very grateful to all of the people who have gotten her this far. She submitted the following to The Batavian:
There's so much I'm feeling...an array of emotion.
I do have butterflies this time around! I also feel like I'm watching this happen to someone else.
I'm so grateful to all who have been voting and standing by me. I wouldn't be here without them.
I'm taking this all the way to #1 because it's too important to me! There's so much more I need to do on this journey.
There are so many more songs to sing and write, so many more people to heal with the music.
I will continue bringing awareness for pediatric cancer research in Austin's memory.
I also do this in memory of my dad, Sigmund Racki. I look to carry on his legacy and his love for music. He always told me and my sisters that we could do anything if we just set our minds to it. (Well dad, I did just that)
This competition has brought back so many memories of Austin, both happy and sad.
I remember one time in the hospital when Austin pointed to me. He wanted to sit with me, and then fell sound asleep.
I also remember visiting his home. I walked in and talked with my sister, Gail. Well, Austin heard my voice and came running with his arms outstretched towards me. He jumped in my arms with the biggest smile! That was in December, and it was the best Christmas gift I could have received. With so much sadness, I try to hold onto those happy moments in my heart.
Finally, it's time to put a Western New Yorker on the map!
Voting for Lisa's song will last through Monday. Here is the procedure:
1. Go to www.bestoriginalsong.com
2. Click on "Click Here to Listen"
3. Select Stage 6 - June 13th Show Date
4. Vote for and/or download "When You Look at Me"
For previous coverage, see:
Batavia singer/songwriter has high hopes for very personal song
Singer/songwriter advances to next round in world competition
Batavian Lisa Barrett moves up in international song contest
Danny D. Williams, 22, of 21 Wood St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, coercion, 2nd, criminal mischief, 4th, criminal trespass, 2nd, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Williams is accused of being at a residence on Thorpe Street at 10:58 p.m., Monday, and being loud and disruptive. When his female acquaintance asked him to leave, according to police, Williams allegedly refused. During the incident, Williams allegedly damaged a glass vase and a mobile phone. Williams allegedly grabbed the phone from the woman's hand and threw it against a wall when she threatened to call police. Three young children were in the residence at the time. According to police, a "no offensive conduct" order was in place at the time of the alleged incident. Williams was taken into custody Tuesday and jailed on $750 bail.
Press release:
The City of Batavia Democrat Committee has endorsed the following candidates:
THIRD WARD
Kathryn Balbick Bellamy – 5 Lewis Ave.
Katie is a graduate of Notre Dame High School and is the daughter of City Court Judge Robert Balbick and Jane Balbick. She grew up in Batavia and currently resides with her husband James and two children at 5 Lewis Ave. Katie has worked and is trained as a paralegal. A member of the City of Batavia Democrat Committee, Katie looks forward to representing and serving the residents of the Third Ward.
FOURTH WARD
Pierluigi Cipollone – 1 Union Square
An Italian born naturalized citizen, Pierluigi’s father brought his family to Batavia in 1960. We lived on the south side of Batavia. He attended St. Anthony’s Elementary School and Notre Dame High School. He obtained an associate’s degree in Computer Science from GCC and moved on to receive a bachelor of technology degree in Computer Systems from Rochester Institute of Technology. A former employee of Xerox, Pierluigi has successfully started a small business here in Batavia.
FIFTH WARD
Kathy Briggs – 3 South Main St.
Incumbent City Councilwoman Kathy Briggs received the endorsement of the Democrat Party. Kathy is known for her constituent service and for working on the city budget that has erased a large shortfall over the past three years. Kathy has served the Fifth Ward for many years and has been instrumental in restoring fiscal responsibility to the city.
SIXTH WARD
Rosemary Christian – 29 William St.
A longtime advocate for her constituents and the residents of the Sixth Ward, and the longest serving council member, Rosemary Christian received the endorsement of the Democrat Party. She has worked as part of a cooperative measure amongst all council members to address the budget shortfall and measures relating to employee benefit costs.
Residents on Douglas Street in the city are confused about a seemingly new effort by a code enforcement officer to ticket them for parking, at least partially, on the grass.
That's illegal, but some residents spoke at Monday's city council meeting and said they've been doing it for years, if not decades, and never a peep before from city officials.
“(The city) is telling us that what a parkway is, is grass…or stone (between the road and sidewalk),” Barbara Shephard said. “And we can’t park in that parkway at all? We have to park in the road? It’s ridiculous.”
After a lengthy discussion that sometimes got heated, the council agreed to consider the matter at a future council conference meeting.
During the discussion, one resident was gaveled down by Council President Marianne Clattenburg.
According to WBTA:
“Leave it alone – now. And if you don’t: at the next meeting, I’m gonna be here,” Shephard sternly told the council. “Oh yeah. I’m gonna be here again, and I’ll be here all the time. Leave them alone, you understand?” Shephard’s stern delivery prompted Council President Marianne Clattenburg to ask Police Chief Randy Baker whether Shephard’s statements constituted a threat. When the Chief replied that they did, Clattenburg banged her gavel and cut Shephard off.
Genesee County volunteer firefighters were called to the scene early this morning of a tanker truck fire that claimed the life of the truck's driver in Barre, Orleans County.
The tanker was carrying ethanol and the fire reportedly spread quickly into the wooded area around the accident.
To fight an ethanol fire, fire fighters must use foam, so Genesee County units that have foam cabability were called to the scene.
Units responded from Town of Batavia, Elba, Byron and Oakfield, along with Genesee County Emergency Services Unit and the county's hazmat team.
The fire is now out and clean up work along is in progress.
One Elba tanker along with the hazmat team and ESU remains on scene at this time. Emergency Coordinator Tim Yaeger said the remaining Genesee County personnel wlll be on scene yet for quite some time.
Above, Deputy Brian Thompson, K-9 "Pharoah" and Brian's son, Ethan, at the Target Store in Batavia.
This afternoon, Thompson and Pharoah, assisted by Ethan, put on some working dog demonstrations for store patrons. Typically, Pharoah would search for drugs, but a couple of times, Thompson let Pharoah pursue Ethan down the aisle (see photos below).
Ethan, who graduated from high school Saturday, is in his last week working for Target, and his last week working for The Batavian, so store management let Ethan spend part of his workday today helping his dad with the demonstrations. Ethan is heading off for a one-year Christian education program in the Adirondacks.
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