Family members, friends and fellow firefighers gathered at the Corfu Fire Hall this morning for a memorial service for William Dix, who died Wednesday at his business, Jay E. Potter Lumber. He was 56.

Dix served the local firefighting community, and the community of Genesee County, for 40 years.

"He will be with us wherever we go," said Betsy Abramson during a short and dignified graveside service in Alabama following the memorial service. "Everyone who knew Bill so intimately, please, please, tell these precious little ones what a wonderful grandfather they had."

Three Batavia men were injured in a weekend accident in Alabama, according to State Police.

None of the injuries were life threatening, but the driver, 23-year-old Adam L. Durfree, of Bank Street, Batavia, was charged with DWI.

Sgt. Kurt Schmidt said investigators concluded the accident was the result of alleged speeding and drinking.

Durfree's car struck a tree at 6324 Knowlesville Road, Alabama, after he apparently lost control of it and it slid off the roadway.

Also injured were William Morgan, 18, of North Lyons, Batavia, and Anthony Ogden, 18, of Holland Avenue, Batavia.

The accident occurred at 5:47 a.m., Saturday.

Durfree was treated and released at UMMC. Ogden was taken to UMMC and Morgan was taken to ECMC by ground ambulance. Schmidt said Morgan suffered multiple cuts.

I met Marc Coppola on Saturday and today he sent along this note, which I thought worth sharing:

Howard,

Nice running into you at Summer in the City in Batavia this past Saturday. As I mentioned, I thought it was ironic that someone commented on your site that I was anti-gun when in fact I hold and carry permits for my own guns (and have) for almost 19 years now. And, in case anyone should ask, I do support the right to keep and bear arms. I believe that while the approval process for obtaining a pistol permit in NYS could be quicker, we do it right, trying to assure that those who pose a real threat to society or themselves, don't wind up with a dangerous weapon.

On a more current legislative issue, microstamping, I think that the reasoning and idea behind it has merit, but there are two things lacking that would prevent my support: technology and economics.

My understanding is that the technology of microstamping is still in its evolution stage. Given this, I think it is a large step and therefore premature to enact such a law for NYS at this time.

Secondly, since the law would only apply to guns legally purchased in NY state, and data shows that most guns used in the commission of a crime originated from outside NYS, you have to question the true impact of the legislation.

On the economic side of the equation, this may cause just another burden on NYS businesses that sell or deal guns and related equipment. It puts NYS again, in a less competitive position, which could hurt a strong industry, especially in upstate NY.

Sorry if I sound like I'm on the soap box, just something I wanted to clarify since it was mentioned.

Unfortunately our government leaders, well-intentioned at times, take knee-jerk reactions to things without fully exploring and considering the true impacts, both positive and negative. Using guns for hunting and sport is a tradition and culture particularly in upstate, throwing the baby out with the bathwater so to speak is not good policy.

Take care,
Marc Coppola

(Note: He is a Democrat running for state Senate in the 61st District.)

A 17-year-old from Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The youth allegedly became involved in a verbal argument with another person during "Summer in the City." When police officers approached, the youth allegedly yelled obscenities at the officers. When the officers, who were on foot patrol for the festival, attempted to arrest the youth, the youth allegedly resisted.

John Martin King, 34, of Cockram Road, Byron, is charged with harassment, 2nd. King allegedly placed his hands around a woman's throat during an argument. King was jailed without bail and an order of protection was issued.

Joshua Stanley Martaus, 26, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with menacing, 3rd, harassment, 2nd, and possession of a controlled substance outside its original container. Martaus is accused of striking a female family member several times and causing fear of serious physical injury. He also allegedly choked her. Martaus was jailed on $500 bail.

Elizabeth Leach, 19, of Le Roy, and Cassandra Majors, 18, of Le Roy, along with a 17-year-old from Stafford and a 16-year-old from Le Roy, are charged with criminal mischief, 4th. The four teenagers are accused of vandalizing park benches on Main Street in Le Roy.

Tyler Ewell, 18, of Le Roy, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Ewell is accused of borrowing a car and not returning it within the "short period of time" he agreed to borrow the car. He was jailed on $250 bail.

Jeffery J. Cervone, 42, of Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Cervone is accused of making verbal threats toward another person. He was jailed on $750 bail.

Jose Lopez-Torres, 21, of Oak Orchard Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, illegal entry, speeding and unlicensed operation of a vehicle. Lopez-Torres was stopped at 9:21 p.m., Saturday, on Route 98, Batavia, by Sgt. Brian Frieday. Lopez-Torres was handed over to the Border Patrol following his arrest.

Phyllis Arlene Brew, 40, of 6741 Main Road, Stafford, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Brew was arrested following a report of a physical altercation between mother and daughter. Brew was jailed on $500 bail.

John Alfred Jensen, 43, of 5751 Little Canada Road, East Bethany, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Jensen was arrested following a report at 7:01 a.m., Saturday, of a man sitting in a car drinking on Federal Drive, Batavia. Upon investigation, he was allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance.

William Floyd Engle, 43, of Sackett Road, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, refused breath test and unsafe start. Engle was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle accident at 1:08 a.m., Sunday. He is accused of driving his motorcycle while intoxicated.

Brenda Lea Freida, 43, of Munger Road, Holley, is charged with DWI and unlawful parking on a highway. The Sheriff's Office received a report of an unresponsive woman in a vehicle in the parking lot of Batavia Downs at 4:05 p.m., Saturday. Deputies responded with Mercy EMS. Upon investigation, Sgt. Greg Walker concluded that Freida drove her 2000 Jeep to the parking lot in an intoxicated condition and parked in a driving lane. Freida also allegedly refused a chemical test.

William A. Muoio, 39, of Byron, is charged with a felony count of DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to obey traffic control device, driving while using a mobile phone, and running a red light. Muoio was allegedly observed by Le Roy Police Officer Emily Clark talking on his phone while stopped at a green light. Clark then reportedly observed Muoio drive through a red light.

Kristina Marie Green, 22, of Buffalo Street, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Green is accused of being involved in a single-car accident on Alexander Road, Alexander, at 3:25 a.m., Saturday.

Robert C. Hinett, 22, of 5682 McPherson Point, Livonia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI - driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, and failure to yield right-of-way when entering roadway. Le Roy Sgt. Michael Hare reports that Hinett nearly hit Hare's patrol vehicle at 3:45 a.m., Saturday, when Hinett attempted to pull out in a lane of travel, causing Hare to break abruptly to avoid a collision. Upon investigation, Hinett was allegedly found to have a BAC more than three times the legal limit.

The following people were arrested in connection with the Disturbed concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center:

David D. Bull, 27, of West Avenue, Attica is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, and criminal mischief, 4th. Bull allegedly damaged two vehicles parked in the concert venue parking lot. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Josua N. Roshia, 27, of Van Allen Road, Watertown, is charged with disorderly conduct. Roshia allegedly got into a fight with another patron in the concert area. He was jailed on $250 bail.

David P. Zimmer Jr., 24, of Chapman Parkway, Hamburg, is accused of pushing a security guard while inside the concert venue. Zimmer was jailed on $500 bail.

Michael J. Hayes, 25, of Berger Road, Port Byron, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Robert P. Albini III, 29, of Sunrise Drive, Amherst, is charged with disorderly conduct and trespass. Albini is accused of fighting with security while being ejected. Albini later allegedly returned to the concert venue, leading to the trespass charge.

Christina T. Anderson, 35, of Fry Street, Rochester, is charged with trespass. Anderson allegedly re-entered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

David Leake, 45, of Strohm Street, Rochester, is charged with trespass. Leake allegedly re-entered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Patrick J. Brink, 36, of Janet Street, Auburn, is charged with trespass. Brink allegedly re-entered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

James M. Quinlan Jr., 25, of Essex Street, Syracuse, is charged with trespass. Quinlan allegedly re-entered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Amanda K. Jutze, 23, of Allegheny Road, Darien, is charged with trespass. Jutze was reportedly told several times to leave the concert venue and allegedly refused to leave.

Jason W. Senik, 29, of Upper Mountain Road, Sanborn, is charged with disorderly conduct. Senik is accused of throwing a lit cigarette and striking a security guard with it.

Nicholas P. Miano, 20, of South Lane, North Tonawanda, is charged with false personation. Miano is accused of providing a false date of birth. He was also issued a citation for alleged possession of alcohol under age 21.

A 16-year-old, of Warner Avenue, North Tonawanda, is charged with false personation. The youth is accused of providing a false date of birth. He was also issued a citation for alleged possession of alcohol under age 21.

The following people received citations for alleged possession of alcohol under age 21:

Gabrielle M. Rosen, 19 of Pino Alto Court, Williamsville
Patrick R. McNally, 19, of Columbia Street, Hamburg
Katherine T. Lauricella, 19, of Giblin Drive, West Seneca
Sydney R. Lauricella, 19, of Giblin Drive, West Seneca
Timothy J. Giesser, 20, of Twain Court, Tonawanda
Tyler L. Coy, 20, of E. Shelby Road, Medina
Nicholas P. Massong, 20, of Holley Brook Road, Penfield
A 16-year-old, of Basket Road, Webster

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Get started on your spring gardening projects. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Give yourself the gift of flowers, or give to a friend. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY. Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

The Daily Grind, 85 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: For Batavia's finest coffee, smoothies, as well as fast and convenient breakfasts and lunches, stop into The Daily Grind. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Weddings, new babies, family portraits, pet portraits and group events -- preserve those memories with professional photographs. We have a $120 gift card for $60 (+$2 PayPal Service fee).

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

The Enchanted Florist

Batavia Fire is responding to a report of a transformer arcing in front of the Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St.

UPDATE 11:01: p.m.: National Grid requested to the scene. It's described as primary wires arcing at the top of the pole.

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Hundreds of Genesee County's firefighters were in Corfu this evening to pay respects to William Dix, who died Wednesday.

Dix served as a deputy fire coordinator with Genesee County Emergency Services for 22 years as well as past chief of the East Pembroke Fire Department and most recently as commissioner with the East Pembroke Fire District.

Services for Dix will be tomorrow (Monday) at 11 a.m. at the Corfu Fire Hall with burial to follow in Alabama.

Thank you again to Dr. Russ and Dr. Marcella for your generosity given to the community and a special thanks to their spouses too!  God Bless you all!

Food, music and a day out with your friends and neighbors -- Downtown Batavia's 6th Annual Summer in the City festival appeared to be a success on all of those counts yesterday.

Main Street was bustling all afternoon and into the evening.

More photos after the jump:

Thanks to Abby Scalia and Samantha Luce for helping with balloons at The Batavian booth.

Tom Monnier submitted this photo of a frog that he found in his backyard a couple of days ago.

He writes:

I did a bit of research because I'm no frog expert, but I found it to be a tree frog. I live right in the Village of Oakfield so it's rather rare to see this frog on my grill! Had to take a picture and it seemed very photogenic! Figured maybe someone might be able to tell me if I will be seeing more of them around this season.

A person in East Pembroke suffered a severe arm injury at a garage at 2452 Main Road. The victim is reported to be in and out of consciousness and bleeding severely.

Mercy Flight is responding and a landing zone is set up at the back of a nearby elementary school. East Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are also responding. Town of Batavia is called to help with traffic control.

A chain reportedly broke, creating a "mechanical malfunction," resulting in the injury.

UPDATE (12:50 p.m.): Mercy flight has landed. Medics will have the patient there in a minute or so. The patient is now alert and oriented, with a severely injured, possibly fractured, arm.

UPDATE (1:05 p.m.): Mercy Flight is airborne, heading to Erie County Medical Center. All emergency responders are back in service.

(by WBTA News Intern Ashley Chiocco)


The Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate MedTech Centre has opened.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting took place yesterday (Friday) afternoon during the building’s grand-opening celebration on Assemblyman Stephen Hawley Drive.

The $7.2-million building will be home to GCC’s state-of-the-art nursing facilities, UMMC’s therapy programs, and provide space for emerging biotech companies.

GCC’s Nursing Program Director Kathy Polumbo tells how the new facilities will enhance the students’ learning experiences.

"We have all the latest technology in our classrooms," says Palumbo. "And I think the labs are the real 'piece de resistance.' We have a very realistic environment with our simulators.

"So what we're hoping is: We will make the sutdents better prepared for when they actually get their first job and they come into the real world."

The MedTech Centre is just the first building to be completed in GCEDC’s Upstate MedTech Park.

PHOTO: Area representatives, EDC officials and members of GCC pose at yesterday's ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Three people were transported to area hospitals Friday evening following a two-car accident on Sumner Road and Route 77 in Darien.

One car allegedly stopped on Sumner at Route 77 but then pulled out on Route 77 while making a left-hand turn and was struck by the second vehicle, which was traveling southbound on Route 77.

The accident occurred at 7 p.m.

The driver of vehicle one is identified as Melissa M. Kenney, 40, of Exchange Street, Irving.

The second driver is Frederck W. Burtis, 30, of First Avenue, North Tonawanda.

Kenney had a passenger in her car, Rosemarie DeGeorge, 41.

Kenney and DeGeorge were taken to ECMC. Burtis was transported to UMMC.

While our initial report indicated that Mercy Flight was dispatched and did land, the accident report indicates all three passengers were taken by ground ambulance to the hospitals.

A driver says a female passenger struck him in his arm while he was driving, causing him to lose control of his car Thursday evening, resulting in a one-vehicle rollover accident.

No one was injured. The accident occurred at 6:43 p.m. on Route 33 near Caswell Road, Stafford.

The 2008 Chevy sedan was driven by 27-year-old Romer M. Williams, of East Bethany-Le Roy Road, East Bethany.

Williams told Deputy Matthew Butler that when he was struck in his arm, he lost control of the car. He swerved to the right shoulder, tried to correct and the car went into a sideways skid across the roadway and onto the opposite shoulder, where it rolled onto its side.

His passengers were Yalawn J. Christin, 22, and Charles A. Small Jr., 26.

No citations were issued.

The following arrests were made in conjunction with the Toby Keith concert on Friday at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Ethan J. Young, 20, of North Road, Churchville, is charged with trespass. He is accused of returning to the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Young was jailed on $250 bail.

Stephen Masich IV, 27, of Broad Street, Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct, harassment ,2nd, and robbery, 3rd. Masich allegedly pushed two females while inside the concert venue and stole a cell phone from another woman and threw it. Masich was released on $5,000 bail.

Emily M. Skotnicki, 22, of Sand Pebble Drive, Chili, is charged with disorderly conduct. Skotnicki allegedly yelled obscenities while being ejected from the concert venue.

James R. Phalen, 18, of Four Rod Road, Alden, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Phalen is accused of pushing a security guard to the ground while inside the concert venue.

Tristen L. Johnson, 26, of Cedar Grove Drive, Rochester, is charged with trespass for allegedly being found on the roof of the box office of the concert venue.

Kevin A. Olewniczak, 20, of Lockwood Drive, Lockport, is charged with trespass after allegedly re-entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

The following people received citations for alleged underage drinking:

Christina N. Limura, 19, of Southwind Way, Rochester
Breanna M. Leiby, 19 of Stony Point Road, Spencerport
Carly A. Barner, 20, of Lambeth Loop, Fairport
Christopher M. Weber, 18, of Crittenden Road, Alden
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Pohl Road, Alden
Zachary R. Garbacz, 18, of Rusher Road, Alden
A 17-year-old of Cedar Street, Alden
Nicholas J. Theodorakos, 18 ,of Oak Orchard Road, Albion
Ciara L. Livecchi, 18, of Spruce Street, North Collins
Emily E. Ricotta, 19, of Elm Street, North Collins
Kristen F. Beaver, 19, of Kenview Avenue, Tonawanda
Courney A. M. Moccia, 18, of Park Dale Avenue, Fort Erie, Ontario
Zachary M. Pronti, 20, of Townline Road, North Tonawanda
Richard M. Ferguson, 20, of Aiken Road, Lockport
Katelyn E. Moore, 20, of Rosedale Drive, Amherst
Eric M. Dimarco, 20, of Indian Trail Road, Williamsville
Mitchell D. Silverberg, 20, of President’s Walk Williamsville
Travis T. Mattison, 18, of Ridge Road, Brockport
Andrew T. Wahls, 18, of Campbell Road, Spencerport
Salvatore M. Marascio, 18, of East Canal Road, Brockport
Brendon A. Sodoma, 18, of Gordon Road,  Brockport
Abby L. White, 19, of East Wautoma Beach Road, Hilton
Sherry L. Mogavero, 19, of Isherwood Road, Niagara Falls
Jason T. Lamanna, 19, of Nickerbacker Road, Ontario
Chelsea M. Guererri, 19, of Pleasant Street, Seneca Falls
Jessica D. Prokop, 20, of Bowen Road, Elma
A 17-year-old, of Bettylou Lane, Cheektowaga
Chelsey M. Bloom, 19, of West Avenue, Medina
Amanda L. Grant-Revels, 19, of Mead Avenue, Medina
Kelly L. Wass, 20, of Brown Schoolhouse Road, Holley
Codey W. States, 20 of Petersmith Road, Kent
Tyler J. Aina, 19, of Waterport-Carlton Road, Albion
Gregory G. Lioy, 20, of Hillary Lane, Penfield
Eric G. Ramsperger, 20, of Winchester Drive, Fairport
Demetri S. Athanasopoulos, 20, of Sarah Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Dylan J. Joudrey, 20, of Chippawa Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Citizen tips have led to the arrest of a suspect in an alleged hit-and-run accident on Richmond Avenue early Saturday morning.

David R. House, 28, of 140 Summit St., Batavia, is being charged with leaving the scene of a personal motor-vehicle accident, moving from lane unsafely and operating a vehicle without insurance.

House is accused of hitting a car that was legally parked on Richmond Avenue near VanDetta Stadium around 2:15 a.m., Saturday.

A woman who had attended an event at the stadium that evening was sleeping in the car.  She was injured in the accident.

On Monday, Batavia Police issued a statement to local media asking for information that might help investigators identify a suspect.

State Police assisted in the investigation.

Batavia's biggest day of the summer arrives tomorrow (Saturday): It's time for the annual Summer in the City, when people from all over the region join in for a day of great food, cool music and hot, classic cars.

And The Batavian will return with a booth this year handing out our free balloons, as well as selling T-shirts for $5 and a limited number of barn-picture prints for $12 (You love our barn pictures, right?).

While the annual event is taking place only on Saturday this year, it will cover a large portion of downtown, stretching from Main and Ellicott to Main and Liberty streets.

The Main Stage will be on Main Street next to the Old County Courthouse, with vendors on Court and Jefferson. Main near City Centre will contain food vendors and a kids' zone, with space set aside for classic cars on the rest of Main as well as Jackson, Bank and Center streets.

All of those streets will be closed to automobile traffic from 8 a.m. until at least 11 p.m.

The festival opens at noon and runs until 10 p.m.

Elvis impersonator Terry Buckwald and the Ghost Riders provide headline entertainment along with Nik and the Nice Guys.

Nonprofits which might want to donate to the former Cristina's Restaurant location on Ellicott Street in Batavia need to act quickly, said owner Charles Brumsted today.

He set a deadline of 3 p.m., Aug. 26, for nonprofits to apply for ownership of the property.

At the same time, Brumsted is facing a deadline of his own -- he has until Sept. 17 to dispose of the property one way or another, or go to trial on a series of misdemeanor charges levied by Batavia code-enforcement inspectors.

Brumstead was summoned to Batavia City Court today -- his attorney appeared on his behalf -- to answer to a series of complaints by the city that Brumstead has not been maintaining his property in compliance with local codes.

The allegations include: problems with the roof; cracks in exterior walls; a front door boarded over with plywood; and the structure's vacant appearance, all of which create a blighted appearance in the neighborhood, among other complaints (Source: WBTA).

Brumsted told WBTA's Geoff Redick today that the deadline in court and the new deadline for the nonprofits is merely a coincidence.

"The deadline that was set for Thursday, August 26th," says Brumsted, "was solely...to the effect that we were overwhelmed with the amount of response, and the not-for-profit organizations that have come forth for the interest in Cristina's restaurant."

Brumsted told The Batavian that some 15 nonprofit organizations have expressed an interest in the property.

The selection criteria, he said, will be based on what the nonprofits want to do with the property and how well that use will serve the community.

Of course, if the property is donated to a nonprofit, it will be taken off the city's tax rolls. At the same time, if the right nonprofit put the property to good use, it would bring people and activity to that section of Ellicott Street.

"I still own property in that area," Brumsted said. "I want to see something that helps other businesses in the area."

In a brief conversation today, City Manager Jason Molino said he didn't have a position on whether the property remains with a private owner or goes to a nonprofit.

"It's his property and he can do what he wants with it," Molino said, adding "Of course, he has a few issues to clear up first."

In other Batavia City Court actions on code-violation allegations:

• Latina's is in significant compliance with city codes, officials said. The deadline for full compliance was extended to Sept. 17.
• Ron Graziaplena, who has upset some neighbors with his 19 mallard ducks and other issues in his yard on Oak Street, appeared with an attorney, Frank Zinni. Judge Robert Balbick gave the attorney until Sept. 17 to get up to speed with the case.