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Gas leak shuts down East Bethany-Le Roy Townline Road

By Howard B. Owens

A gas line break caused by construction work has led to East Bethany-Le Roy Townline Road being shut down.

Le Roy Fire responded and now reports the road will be shut down for at least another hour.

National Fuel is on scene and is now checking area residences for leaks or pilot light problems.

UPDATE: Woman faces two felony charges after allegedly shooting husband in his knee

By Howard B. Owens

A Corfu woman is being held in Genesee County Jail without bail after allegedly firing a .22 caliber rifle several times at her husband Sunday night, striking him once in the knee.

Patricia A. Hardesty, 52, of 3483 County Line Road, Corfu, is charged with one count of assault, 1st, and one count of criminal use of a firearm, 1st.

Her husband, Robert Hardesty, was transported to ECMC where he is listed in stable condition.

UPDATE: The State Police have released more information regarding this incident. Hardesty and her husband reportedly argued all weekend. After the last argument, Hardesty allegedly grabbed a gun from inside the house and went out to the patio where her husband was cooking on the grill and fired several shots at him.

(Initial Report)

Batavia man allegedly tried to outrun law enforcement, until he ran out of gas

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia man allegedly led Avon and Livingston County law enforcement on a high-speed chase into Genesee County, where he initially evaded detection, according to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

A vehicle reportedly being driven by Randy S. Rumble, 27, of State Street, Batavia, was spotted in the Tops gas station in Le Roy and a Sheriff's patrol followed it out of the station and identified it as the same vehicle chased into the county.

Rumble was eventually taken into custody on Morganville Road when his car ran out of gas.

He's been charged with Genesee County with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, felony unlicensed operation, unlawful fleeing law enforcement, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, two counts of failure to stop for a stop sign, unlicensed operation and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Rumble was arraigned in Town of Stafford Court and jailed on $5,000 bail. Charges are pending in Town of Le Roy, Village of Avon and Livingston County.

At about 7:20 p.m., Avon police notified Genesee County dispatch of a pursuit on westbound Route 20. The pursuit entered Genesee County on Route 20 and continued north on Route 63.

At that point, the Avon patrol broke off the pursuit and lost sight of the vehicle.

A short time later, a citizen called dispatch and reported seeing a car matching the suspect vehicle driving north on Roanoke Road.

It was soon after that that a Sheriff's patrol spotted the suspect car at Tops.

Rumble allegedly drove from Tops north on Keeney Road. After confirming it was the suspect vehicle, the deputy attempted a traffic stop. The car continued on Keeney, onto Randall Road, across Route 237 onto Morganville Road, where it ran out of gas.

Rumble allegedly fled on foot. He was reportedly found a short time later lying in a hedgerow.

Involved in the pursuit and investigation were Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, Sgt. Greg Walker, Deputy Patrick Reeves, Deputy James Diehl, Le Roy Officer Emily Clark, Trooper Holly Hansel, Avon PD and Livingston County K-9.

Police Beat: Woman reportedly told not to drive, allegedly does, slapped with Leandra's Law felony

By Howard B. Owens

JodyLynn Wetmore, 35, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and with a felony count of driving  with a BAC of .08 or greater with a child passenger (in violation of Leandra's Law). Wetmore was reportedly observed at the East Pembroke Mud Races in an intoxicated condition. She was reportedly told by a Sheriff's deputy not to drive. Some time later, she was allegedly observed driving out of the parking lot. Wetmore was stopped at 10:14 p.m., Saturday, by Deputy John P. Weis. Wetmore allegedly had an 8-year-old passenger in the car.

Dean Wilkins, 46, of Route 20, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, and harassment, 2nd. Wilkins is accused of slapping his roommate, who had an order of protection in place.

James Michael Palladino, 33, of Waterman Street, Lockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and no or inadequate headlight. Palladino was stopped at 11:06 p.m., Saturda, on Route 77 in Pembroke by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Nicholas Anthony March, 23, of Phillips Road, Oswego, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. March was stopped for an alleged traffic violation at 1:48 a.m., Sunday, by Deputy Patrick Reeves, who reportedly found a quantity of marijuana in March's car during a search.

Jane Amanda Lachut, 23, of Phinney Road, Hannibal, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Lachut was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop on Route 77, Pembroke, at 1:38 a.m., Sunday, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Roberto R. Ayala, 25, of 5 Valleyview Drive, Batavia, is charged with assault, 2nd. Ayala is accused of striking another person with parts of a broken chair during a domestic incident 8:10 p.m., Thursday.

Philip J. Ritter, 56, of Stonehall Road, Rochester, is charged with public lewdness. Ritter is accused of urinating in public at around noon, Sunday, in the area of the town park, Town of Pembroke. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Anne C. Levy, 21, of 21 Prospect Ave., Ithaca, is charged with DWI and speeding. Levy was stopped at 11:51 p.m., Friday, on Pearl Street by Officer Dan Coffey.

Martin F. Jones, 39, of 10 South Main St., Batavia, is charged with exposure. Jones was observed by Officer Thad Mart allegedly urinating in public in Austin Park.

Chrystal Marie Bush, 21, of Oak Orchard Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bush is accused of shoplifting at Walmart.

Jonathan Paul Bouter, 26, of Oak Orchard Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Bouter is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Vincenzo M. Delucia, 34, of Rochester, is charged with DWI, a right-of-way violation and refusal to take a breath test. Delucia was stopped by State Police at 11:38 p.m., Saturday, in Darien.

Melessia A. Winkler, 23, of Amherst, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Winkler was stopped by State Police at 11:10 p.m., Friday, in Darien.

David R. Meier, 51, of Alexander, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, operating without insurance, no license, aggravated unlicensed operation and suspended registration. Meier was stopped by State Police at 7:08 p.m., Thursday, on Alexander Road, Alexander.

Accident reported in the Village of Elba

By Howard B. Owens

A two-vehicle accident has been reported in the area of 8 North Main St., Elba.

It is believed to be a minor-injury accident. There is air bag deployment.

Elba Fire and EMS are being dispatched.


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Five people injured in three-car accident on Route 19, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Five people were injured in a three-car pile up on Route 19 near Parmelee Road in Le Roy at 7:42 p.m., Sunday.

The accident was reportedly caused when the driver of a car, southbound on Route 19, failed to realize another car was stopped waiting to make a left-hand turn onto Parmelee. That car hit the car waiting to turn, pushing it into oncoming traffic, where it was hit by a pickup truck.

Cited for speeding was Quinton V. Holmes, 19, of 1141 Dale Road, Dale. Holmes was injured in the crash and transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Three passengers in Holmes' car were injured and taken to Strong: Jeffery A. Price, 16, Hannah V. Holmes, 16, Caleb C. Holmes, 6.

Also injured were Thomas M. Rowe, 36, of 9 Rock Island Road, North Chili. He was the driver of the pickup truck.

The other driver, Ann L. Fisher, 53, of 9604 Asbury Road, Le Roy, was not injured.

Another passenger in Holmes' vehicle, Tonisha M. Price, was also reported uninjured.

The accident was investigated by Sgt. Greg Walker.

(Initial Report)

Rollover accident in Stafford sends four girls to the hospital

By Howard B. Owens

Four teenage girls were taken to area hospitals following a single-car rollover accident off of Buckley Road in Stafford at 3:45 p.m., Sunday.

Taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital was Chelsea M. Mutter, 17. Also injured were driver Jessi M. Heale, 19, (also transported to Strong), Alexis R. Kenyan, 16, and Alison M. Budd, 17. Kenyan and Budd were taken to UMMC.

Mutter is listed in guarded condition at Strong. Strong lists all patients in ICU as "guarded."

Healey was reportedly driving her 1998 Chevy sedan down a stone lane in the area of 8740 Buckley Road when the car went onto the south shoulder for some reason. Healey reportedly overcorrected and lost control of the car. It overturned and landed on all four wheels.

No citations were issued.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Chad Minuto.

(Initial Report)

Muckdogs split pair in Jamestown

By Howard B. Owens

The Muckdogs five-game winning streak was snapped Sunday as Batavia split a double-header in Jamestown against the Jammers.

In a pair of low-scoring affairs, the Muckdogs dropped the first game 3-1 and picked up the nightcap 2-1.

With Williamsport beating Mahoning Valley 5-3, Batavia drops back into second place, a half game out.

In the first game, Nick Longmire supplied the Muckdogs' lone run with his eighth home run of the season in the 6th inning. Yuner Castillo had three hits. Third-year pro from Camden, Ariz., Zach Russell gave up three runs in three innings to get tagged with the loss. It was Russell's sixth start of the season. He's now 1-2, but his ERA remains a low 2.48.

In game two, corner infielder Jon Rodriquez hit his first home run of the season. Patrick Biserta, a first-year pro from Harriman, had two hits and an RBI.

Starter John Gast went three innings, giving up four hits and no runs. Matt North pitched two scoreless innings and was credited with the win, and Jose Rada, despite walking two and giving up a hit and a run, notched his 10th save of the season.

The Muckdogs are home tonight (7:05 game time) and take on Mahoning Valley. Tomorrow's game against Mahoning Valley starts at the unusual time of 11:05 a.m.

Following the two game series, Batavia hits the road for six games, returning on Aug. 10.  The next fireworks night is Aug. 13 against Hudson Valley.

Today's Deals: Margarita's, O'Lacy's, Matty's, Settler's and more

By Howard B. Owens

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St. Batavia, NY: In Irish pubs, it doesn't get more authentic than O'Lacy's. Be sure to try the homemade chips. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts,lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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.

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.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

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.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

SOLD OUT

Man reportedly shot during domestic dispute in Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

A woman has  reportedly shot a man in his leg during a domestic dispute on Countyline Road, Corfu.

The dispatcher first said the man was in the driveway and the woman inside, now the dispatch is that woman is in the driveway and the man is inside with the gun.

Law enforcement and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 8:43 p.m.: Police on scene, the .22 has been secured and a tourniquet has been applied to the man's leg.

Apparent accident on Route 19

By Howard B. Owens

We missed the initial call, but there was apparently an accident on Route 19 in the area of Selden and Parmalee roads.

It sounds like possibly three vehicles involved. There is a pickup truck about 20 yards off the road.

One person was transported by Bergen ambulance to UMMC.

Relatives of people involved in the accident are showing up at the scene.

That's all we know at this time.

UPDATE: A reader e-mails: "It is another car pile up, unknown number of cars in Le Roy, reported seven injuries and requested five ambulances -- Didn't sound like anything too serious though original call for Mercy Flight, then canceled a short time later."

Saturday was last day of business for Sallome's Italian Deli

By Howard B. Owens

Sallome's Italian Deil announced today that it is closing -- for good.

Saturday was its last day of business.

Owners Stephen and Penny Sallome said efforts to sell the deli over the past year were unsuccessful and the amount of work to run a food-service business was taking over their entire lives.

Sallome's will reimburse any gift certificates purchased prior to the closing.

A full statement following the jump:

Saturday, July 31st, 2010 Sallome’s Italian Deli has closed its doors permanently. We know that we are leaving many of our loyal customers extremely disappointed. However, this decision is what we feel is best for us and our family and we are truly sorry. It has been a very, very tough decision and we can only hope that most people will understand.

We began the process of purchasing the old “Betty’s Bridal Shop” in late 2007 after our youngest son graduated from high school and decided that it was the perfect time for us to fulfill my husband’s lifelong dream of having his own restaurant.

We fulfilled that dream when we opened in September 2008. When we reopened in August 2009 it was because it was advised to us that it would be easier to sell if it was open, so that’s what we did. Hoping that we would be able to sell it, or fall in love with it and not want to give it up. It’s been on the market for almost a year with only a few lookers.

The deli has brought us whole new respect for the “Mom and Pop” food-service establishments and the people who have chosen to do this their whole lives. It is extremely hard work, more than most people realize. With everything else that we have going on we just physically can’t keep up this pace. It is just too much.

We don’t wish to work our lives away. It has been a great journey and we have been fortunate enough to meet and employ some really great people. The business has grown tremendously and walking away is very difficult, however, we know that for us, it is the best thing to do.

We would like to make sure that for those who have gift certificates, including those purchased through The Batavian, that they get a refund. Simply mail the gift certificate along with name, address and phone number to the deli at 40 Oak St., Batavia, and we will send their refund directly to them.

If there is anyone who may be interested in either leasing or buying the deli property, we would love to talk to them. It’s a growing business, in a great location, with some really terrific food with a great deal of potential for the right person. Anyone interested in a fantastic business opportunity can reach Steve @ 585-356-3608.

Pachuco says: Don't leave your dog in your car

By Pachuco Owens

I hate hot weather. I much prefer snow. But summer is unavoidable, so I just do my best to stay cool and not over exert myself.

As hot as it is, as humid as it is, I'm glad my Alphas never leave me locked in a hot car.

If you don't believe hot weather is hard and even dangerous for a dog, read this piece called, "Your car is an oven."

Today, I've heard at least three calls (I listen to the scanner, too, you know -- it's my instinct to be protective) about dogs locked in cars.

You may think you're just running into the store for a minute, but if you meet a friend or relative inside that one minute could turn into 30 really fast and your canine friend could be dead.

Or what if you lost your keys? It happens, you know.

Heat and humidity, especially humidity, are bad for dogs. You wouldn't leave your children in a hot car -- I would hope -- so why leave your best friend?

Seven car pile-up on the Thruway, traffic snarled

By Billie Owens

A pile-up of seven vehicles is reported on the Thruway at mile marker 397.7 in the westbound lanes.

East Pembroke is responding along with Mercy EMS. Pembroke and Indian Falls and Darien are standing by in quarters.

Traffic is badly snarled and backed up. Cars are in the meridian and on the sides of the roadway. Multiple 9-1-1 calls have been received.

At least two injuries are reported so far and one person is trapped in a vehicle.

UPDATE (4:39 p.m.): East Pembroke units are back in service.

UPDATE (4:44 p.m.): Thruway traffic is moving again.

UPDATE (by Howard) 5:48 p.m.: Photos. Top photo, from Indian Falls Road. Bottom photo take at least five minutes after accident scene cleared, showing traffic still at a standstill past the Oak Street bridge (shown in the distance).

CORRECTION: This post originally contained information about Mercy Flight. Mercy Flight was never part of this incident. Mercy Flight was dispatched to the Stafford accident.

Rollover accident on Route 5, Stafford, with an injury

By Howard B. Owens

A rollover accident has been reported in the area of Buckley Road and Route 5 in Le Roy.

A person is trapped and there is reportedly an injury.

The vehicle is reportedly well off the road.

The patient is unconscious.

UPDATE 3:51 p.m.: One person conscious, one unconscious in the vehicle. Mercy Flight out of Buffalo is on in-air standby. Stafford Fire requesting a second ambulance.

UPDATE 4:01 p.m.: Mercy Flight responding with a 17 minute ETA. (Unrelated, but Elba Fire is responding to a reported plane crash in Wilson.)


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Fight reported at Pringle and Wood, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

A fight involving several men was reported at the corner of Wood Street and Pringle Avenue.

A purple van reportedly pulled up to the corner and four young men got out and started fighting with another group of men, and then fled.

Batavia Police have detained four young men with a purple van on Central Avenue.


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Photos: Post-game fireworks

By Howard B. Owens

Another great post-game fireworks show at Dwyer Stadium on Saturday.

Here's three photos of the show.

Muckdogs take sixth in a row to grab slender hold on first place

By Howard B. Owens

Behind another strong outing by starting pitcher Andrew Moss, the Batavia Muckdogs locked up a 16-win July and their six consecutive victory to move into first place -- by one percentage point -- over Williamsport.

The Muckdogs took down the Jammers, whom they play twice today in Jamestown, 6-1.

Moss went five innings for the Muckdogs (24-16) giving up one run and four hits to the Jamestown Jammers (23-17). Moss struck out six and moves his record to 5-1 with a 3.35 ERA.

Hot-hitting catcher Audry Perez was removed for a pinch runner after smacking a double in the third inning. He did not appear seriously injured, but there is no word on the extent of his injury.

He was replaced by Roberto Espinoza, a Venezuelan picked by the Cardinals in the June 2006 draft. Though Espinoza has four years of minor-league experience, this is his first season in Batavia, joining the team in mid-July. Espinoza picked up his first two hits as a Muckdog as well as drawing walk.

Fifth-rounder Nick Longmire had three hits and an RBI raising his average to .319.

Joey Bergman and Yuner Castillo each had two hits.

Perez and DH Victor Sanchez each had two RBIs.

More pictures after the jump:

Top Items on Batavia's List

Town Court Clerk Below are two lists: one details the myriad responsibilities that fall within the purview of the court clerk; the other summarizes the knowledge and abilities that court clerks possess or acquire through training. These lists are provided so that a judge and municipality can intelligently discuss the benefits that a court clerk can provide. The items below can also form the basis for a list of job duties should a municipality need to fill a vacancy in a court clerk position. Primary Responsibilities A. Maintain confidentiality of records and information when required to do so B. Prepare court calendar C. Collect monies, reconcile daily receipts, deposit receipts, prepare reports for monthly disbursements, reconcile bank accounts, and prepare administrative reports D. Enter convictions on drivers' licenses and prepare conviction reports electronically transmitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles E. Enter criminal conviction on NCIC reports and electronically send same to Division of Criminal Justice Services F. Respond to inquiries-in person, by phone, by e-mail and by mail-and provide assistance to lawyers, litigants, media, and members of the public G. Prepare monthly reports that are electronically sent to the Office of the State Comptroller H. Prepare orders, summonses, warrants and other court forms i. Communicate with outside agencies in order to coordinate the Court's activities and provide services to litigants. Such agencies include: ii. Law enforcement agencies, such as local police departments, New York State Police, Sheriffs office, FBI and CIA, US Armed Forces, and the Office of the District Attorney; I. Other courts, including superior courts and other local town and village courts; and i. Miscellaneous county agencies, such as Community Service, Community Dispute Resolution Center, Pre-trial Release, Probation, Stop DWI program, Victim Impact Panel, and Youth Court. ii. State agencies that require periodic reporting, including the New York State Unified Court System, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Office of the State Comptroller, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the Office of Court Record Retention. J. Examine court documents to ensure their accuracy and completeness K. Receive and file summonses, traffic tickets and other documents for court proceedings i. Assist the Justice at the bench during all Court proceedings Knowledge of: 1. The functions and organization of the Unified Court System ii. Basic legal terminology, codes and abbreviations iii. Court forms, practices and procedures, including those set forth in the Uniform Justice Court Act and the Uniform Civil Rules for the Justice Courts (22 NYCRR Part 214) 2. Ability to: i. Prepare judicial orders and decisions ii. Effectively communicate information orally and in writing iii. File and retrieve materials, extract data from various sources for entry onto court form iv. Research and interpret laws outlined in court documents and litigants' motions and other papers v. Perform mathematical tasks in order to compile court activity reports, total receipts, accept payments, and verify bills vi. Refer to appropriate documents, statutes, citations or other sources in order to respond to specific questions from attorneys, litigants and members of the general public vii. Interpret policies, statutes, rules and regulations and apply them in specific contexts viii. Establish work priorities ix. Constructively manage conflict with court users Qualifications: Highschool diploma recognized by the NYS Dept of Education or appropriate equivalent. Along with 4 years of college, specialization in criminal justice, law, business administration or related field. -OR- 2 years college with specialization in Business Administration or related field. Please email your resume to abrownell@townofbatavia.com no later than 12/16/2024. Pay is based on experience.
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