Kyle Jackson, 21, of Slusser Road, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Jackson allegedly drove an electric shopping cart across the Walmart parking lot, onto Route 63 and into the parking lot of Rite Aid at 4:30 a.m., June 12.

Douglas G. Goodwin Jr., of 130 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with offering a false instrument, 2nd, grand larceny, 4th, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Goodwin is accused of entering an apartment and stealing a hot water tank, gas and water lines and other items. Goodwin was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Foster M. Brandt, 22, of 20 Tracy Ave., Batavia, was arrested on warrants for obstruction of governmental administration and criminal mischief, 3rd. Brandt was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Christina A.M. Deluna, 33, of 122 State St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Deluna was arrested by Batavia PD following an investigation into a domestic incident reported at 6 p.m, Friday.

Angela S. Bianco, 42, of 137 State St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bianco was allegedly seen on security footage at Save-A-Lot taking a Red Osier billfold belonging to another customer.

Bryon Gilbert Keller, 18, of Sumner Road, Corfu, is charged with petit larceny. Keller is accused of stealing a laptop computer from a residence in Darien.

Frank Lyman Stanton, 32, of Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and no/inadequate exhaust system. Stanton was stopped at 12:32 a.m. Sunday on South Lake Road, Bergen, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Joshua Todd Fullmer, 20, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, and unlawful growing of marijuana. At 5:48 p.m., Saturday, deputies responded to a report of a fight at 3124 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Upon investigation, Fullmer was allegedly found in possession of brass knuckles and had several marijuana plants growing on his property.

Joshua Christopher Uptegrove, 27, of Meadville Road, Alabama, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Uptegrove allegedly pushed another person during an argument.

At first glance this photo appears to be nothing more than some tall wild grass. But a look just beyond the grass reveals an ominous shape and a pair of sinister-looking eyes. Even before I took this photo the first image I saw was that of a large bundle of feathers with a pair of enormous wings extended.

A closer look revealed a great horned owl that had apparently just made a kill and looks none too pleased over my intrusion. Judging from its size I'd say it's a female and she's on full alert, unsure of my intentions. Her raised tufts and intense, glowering stare seem to be saying, "stay away."   

You may find it funny, but, I took several photos and talked to her the entire time. Though still eyeing me warily, she seemed less tense. Unlike a few previous encounters where the owls repeatedly clacked their beak and emitted a hissing sound, this gal just looked at me as I took her picture.    

I've long had an infatuation with mature great horned owls, dating back to my first enounter in the late Sixties. They are an ultimate predator, and while highly nocturnal, they do make daytime hunting forays. They can rotate their head 280 degrees, enabling them to watch their own back, so to speak. That's quite an asset while hunting from a perch. Their long, thick talons will easily skewer flesh and they are built for silent flight as there is no swooshing of air as it passes though their feathers. Except for mating calls and territorial warnings, they navigate the wilds without making a sound.

Eventually I turned and walked away, as fascinated as ever with the great horned owl.

James Maslow, member of Big Time Rush, which performed at Darien Lake last night, stopped in at Next Level Fitness yesterday for a workout.

Big Time Rush is both a boy band and a television series on Nickelodeon.

Maslow is a singer-songwriter and actor from La Jolla, Calif. who plays in the television series a Minnesota Hockey player who's moved to Los Angeles and cast into the band Big Time Rush.

Pictured are Andrea Mistler, Kristin Bates, Maslow and Tim Walton.

Photo submitted by Tim Walton.

New York Times: Momentum Builds Against N.S.A. Surveillance

A deputy has been dispatched to Gabbey Road, Pembroke, to check on a dog in the roadway.

The dog is wearing a sweater.

Last night, it was time again for the party of the year in the Town of Batavia with the fire department's annual Harley Raffle.

Paul Berardini, owner of Big Pauly's Pizza, won the Harley Fatboy.

Prints of photos available for purchase by click here.

One night you're playing the Grand Ole Opry. A few nights later, you're playing a campground. That's the life of a touring country star.

But Phil Vassar made it clear last night that he couldn't be happier playing Frostride in Le Roy.

He praised the setting. He praised the hospitality. He praised the acoustics of the venue.

"This is a special place," Vassar told the crowd after his fourth song. "We play a lot of places around the country and there's no place else like this."

On Tuesday, Vassar played at the Opry in Nashville and two days ago a 13,000-seat theater in Memphis on Thursday, but on Tuesday he said he was thrilled to be back at Frostridge, meeting with fans before the show and playing in the open air.

Vassar has 19 hit singles, including two number ones, "Just Another Day in Paradise" and "In a Real Love."

The opening acts included Rochester's Johnny Bauer, Jordan Diggory and Madeleine Snyder, a talented 15-year-old from Pittsford.

A minor-injury accident is reported on Ledge Road, near Route 77, Alabama, with a pole and wires down.

A woman has cuts on her neck.

Alabama fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 10:22 a.m.: The pole is reportedly laying across the roadway.

The Rangers, of the American League, beat the National League champs, the Mets, yesterday in the Batavia Minor League championship game.

More information about the game once it's e-mailed to us.

To purchase prints, click here.

A program to bring more higher-end apartments to Downtown Batavia is starting to produce results.

Yesterday, visitors were able to view two new apartments at 17 Jackson St. owned by Dr. Edward A. Sielski that were renovated as part of Batavia's community plan.

A $60,000 Main Street Improvement Grant -- funded by the state, administered by the Business Development Committee -- helped pay for the $270,000 project.

The second and third floors of Sielski's building -- his dentist office is on the first floor -- were converted to a pair of 1,000-square-foot apartments. Each is two floors with a kitchen and living space on the first floor and bedrooms, a bathroom and washer/dryer combo on the second floor.

The back apartment overlooks Jackson Square.

There are several more downtown apartment projects in the works under the auspice of the program.

Julie Pacette, economic development coordinator for the BDC, said studies have shown there is pent-up demand for higher-end apartments in Downtown Batavia.

The target market is the professional person or couple earning $60,000 to $75,000 a year who wants to live in a more urban environment. They don't mind walking up stairs and want to walk to the public market, the grocery store, theater, restaurants, bars, post office and gym.

Sielski said he's already received several calls about the apartments without even advertising them.

For the open house, one of the apartments was furnished by Max Pies with decorations from Valle Jewelers.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS: The total project cost was $270,000 ($100K more than originally reported). This does not include architectural fees). That's 22 percent of the project cost.  The NYS Main Street Grant Program allows grants up to 75 percent of project costs. The first apartment completed under the program was in the Valle Jewelers building, owned by the Valles, and rented immediately.  The rents for these apartments is expected to be $950 to $1,000 a month.

Dr. Sielski with his family, from left, Neil, Lauren, Dr. Sielski, Claudia and Elise.

You don't see rectangular hay bales much these days, but while out in Alabama this afternoon I spotted a few in a field off Maple Street Road.

And below, a tractor in a field off Sanders Road, Stafford.

Val Zinni and Carmen Del Plato will perform in Jackson Square tonight as part of the Over the Hill Musicians Society show.

Performing as the Hutchins Street Blues Brothers Rhythm and Blue Review, Zinni and Del Plato will reprise a performance they've staged a few times over the years since 1981. That year they entered the talent show -- which was right after "The Blue Brothers" movie came out -- at the St. Anthony's Lawn Fete. 

Del Plato said after winning the talent show, Zinni kissed Monsignor Aquavia "right on top of his bald head," John Belushi-style, Del Plato said.

At first, Zinni and Del Plato performed to recorded music, but a few years ago they started performing with Del Plato's brother's band.

"We'll be performing two songs because the band won't let us do any more than that!" Del Plato said.

Show time is 7 p.m.

Photo by Shelley Zinni.

Press release:

RICHMOND AVENUE (from Park Road to Oak Street) will experience traffic delays on TUESDAY, JULY 30 BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 4 P.M.

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane for paving operations. The following side streets that intersect with Richmond Avenue will see temporary traffic closures preventing access to Richmond Avenue while paving operations are ongoing:

Park Road, Redfield Pkwy, Bogue Avenue, Woodrow Road, Union Street, Vernon Avenue and Lyons Street.

Residents and businesses are not to park on the roadway during paving operations.

Residents and businesses of Richmond Avenue (from Park Road to Oak Street), will have access to their properties, but should expect delays when paving operations are in front of their properties.

The Town of Batavia Fire Department is pleased to announce our 14th annual Harley Raffle to be held this Saturday night, July 27th, at 7 p.m.

This year the lucky grand price winner will take home a 2013 Harley Davidson Fat Boy model FLSTFB or $10,000. (Winner Not Need Be Present To Win.)

ONLY 2,500 tickets were sold and we are now officially SOLD OUT!

• 1st Prize - $500
• 2nd Prize - $500
• 3rd Prize - $500
• 4th Prize - $500

GRAND PRIZE - Last Ticket Drawn Is For The Motorcycle! (Winner has choice of $10,000 cash prize or Motorcycle)

Admission to the event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! You do not need a raffle ticket to come to the event.

The event includes Live Entertainment from the band 7th Heaven from 8 p.m. until Midnight. Food from Alex's Place and beverages will also be available for purchase as well as 50/50 and Pull Tabs.

Doors at 7 p.m.

The Raffle is to take place this Saturday night at the Town of Batavia Fire Dept. Rec. Hall, 8380 Lewiston Road (Rt. 63) Batavia, NY 14020. (Across from Kmart, just down the road from the Batavia Downs.)

Everyone is Welcome! Must be 21+ to drink and anyone under 21 years must be accompanied by their PARENT or GUARDIAN.

For more information, visit us online: http://www.townofbataviafire.com/

Proceeds to benefit the Town Of Batavia Fire Department.

A wheat field is reported to be on fire at near Sanders and Bartoff roads. Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: The fire is out and Stafford units are clear.

Justine and Shayna Lawrence with Aubrey were among the shoppers showing up this afternoon for the Genesee Country Farmers Market at Batavia Downs.

The market is open on Tuesday and Fridays in the Downs parking lot.

All of the produce is grown by the vendors themselves and they displayed well-stocked tables today.

Below, the little red-headed girl holding an ear of corn is 2-year-old Alice, of Oakfield.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Route 77 and Ledge Road. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. A person is believed to have a fractured leg and is not able to get out of the vehicle. It is blocking traffic.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: Another ambulance is requested along with aid from Pembroke and Indian Falls fire. There are two additional patients, one with a head injury, and the other with a spine and neck injury.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: Mercy Flight 5 out of Batavia is called to the scene.

UPDATE 1:19 p.m.: The landing zone will be an adjacent strawberry field.

UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: The helicopter landed a couple of minutes ago.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, bound for Strong Memorial Hospital. A Mercy medic ambulance is taking one patient to Unity Hospital in Rochester, formerly named Park Ridge Hospital.

A motorcycle wreck is reported at 58 Lake St. in Le Roy. The rider has a broken ankle, according to a responder on scene. An ambulance from Caledonia is requested. The roadway is not blocked. Le Roy fire is responding.

UPDATE 12:54 p.m.: Le Roy fire is told to hold all equipment in quarters.

UPDATE 12:56 p.m.: Caledonia is being cancelled. The injured person will be transported to a hospital by personal vehicle.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is in service.

Bradman Chiropractic will be hosting an anniversary party and open house event to celebrate 25 years of serving familes in the Genesee Region. A significant milestone, Dr. Bradman has helped thousands of people since his doors opened in 1988. We welcome everyone to bring your family down to celebrate with us this Saturday July 27th from 1 to 5 p.m.!

Visit us online at: http://bradmanchiropractic.com

Press release:

Join us at Dwyer Stadium Aug. 6th, 7th and 8th for our youth baseball camp!

Kids ages 6-14 will receive two days of on-field instruction from the Muckdogs players and coaches on Aug. 6th & 7th from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Children will learn from the pros in the areas of hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and bunting.

Then on Aug. 8th, campers will be able to come back to Dwyer for a private autograph signing with the team 30 minutes before the gates open (5:30 p.m.) and then be recognized on the field prior to the Muckdogs game vs. the Hudson Valley Renegades (Tampa Rays affiliate).

Campers will also receive a special T-shirt not available in the team store, a camp photo, two tickets to the Aug. 8th game, as well as daily lunch, all for only $70. Registration forms are available at Dwyer Stadium and online at muckdogs.com. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.