A reader provided this mobile phone photo of Mercy Flight at Area 51. A motocross rider reportedly suffered a back injury in an accident this evening.

More information if it becomes available.

A grass fire, now deemed to be a controlled burn at the end of Coward Road, is reported -- nonemergency response requested from Byron, South Byron and Le Roy fire departments.

The area is south of the railroad tracks, east of the roadway, at 7404 Ivison Road.

The verified controlled burn means all units are back in service, standing down from this initial call.

Here's a press release we received from Congressman Chris Lee's office:

Representing the families and friends of victims in the attack on Pan Am Flight 103, Congressman Chris Lee and two other freshmen NY lawmakers are demanding an investigation into new allegations surrounding the release of the infamous Lockerbie bomber.

Lee and Reps. Michael E. McMahon (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) and Daniel B. Maffei (D-Syracuse) circulated a bipartisan "Dear Colleague" letter urging fellow members to sign onto their demand that the British Government immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the release of Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi.

The congressmen represent districts which suffered numerous losses when the aircraft exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland on Dec. 21, 1988.

Recent reports have linked British Petroleum’s (BP) interest in securing a $900 million oil-and-gas exploration deal off Libya’s coast with al-Megrahi’s inclusion in a prisoner transfer agreement with Libya.

These allegations are incredibly concerning and are further complicated by reports that al-Megrahi remains in notably good health a year after being released on compassionate grounds for his terminal illness.

“Like most Americans, I was outraged by the release of the Lockerbie bomber, but the allegations that have recently surfaced really add insult to injury for the families of the victims,” McMahon said.

“If it turns out that an ally of the U.S. could have released this terrorist to further its own business opportunities, that country will not only have disgraced itself, it will have utterly disrespected the victims and their families for the most vile reasons. We deserve answers and the British Government needs to provide them immediately.”

Maffei said: “Central New York lost dozens of our own in the bombing of Pan AM Flight 103, so our community felt a particularly acute pain when Scotland released Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi last year. We are concerned that the U.K. may have released al-Megrahi because of lobbying from a private company.

"If that is the case, it is worse than an international embarrassment: it is an affront to justice, an insult to the victims who died in 1988, and a slight to the families who have dealt with that unimaginable pain for more than 20 years.”

Lee said: “Megrahi’s release was outrageous and an insult to the families of his victims. Western New Yorkers, and all those who lost loved ones on Pan Am Flight 103, deserve a full investigation into Megrahi’s release and the possibility that a business deal was behind it.”

Four of the 270 victims of the Lockerbie bombing came from Rep. McMahon’s district, with the two youngest age 20 and the oldest age 33. All four were traveling home for the holidays.

Forty victims of the bombing came from Rep. Maffei’s district, including 35 Syracuse University students who were returning home after having studied abroad.

Similarly, Western New Yorkers in Rep. Lee’s district who lost friends and family on Pan Am Flight 103 have reached out to him in recent days after the allegations about Megrahi’s release surfaced.

The letter being circulated by the freshmen lawmakers requests not only for an investigation into allegations surrounding al-Megrahi’s release to Libya, but also for British Government officials to address Congress on the matter.

Yesterday, Batavia Downs opened its 64th harness racing season. Officials were kind enough to let me hang out in the stables and take pictures.

Thirty-three more pictures after the jump:

This is the first in a series of videos we're posting to help you get to know your Batavia Muckdogs players better.

Scratch Tom Lewin off Batavia's "Most Wanted" list.

The man city inspectors believe is responsible for another summer of gull poop and stink around the former Latina's Foodland voluntarily appeared in Batavia City Court yesterday morning with his attorney.

An arrest warrant was issued for Lewin after he failed to appear in court last week. 

On Friday, Amherst PD reportedly went to his house looking for him, but he wasn't home.

Lewin did not enter a plea to the code violation charges against his company, LKLWL Properties, which owns the Ellicott Street building. He is schedule to appear in court again at 10 a.m. on Aug. 20.

A 14-year-old girl who was raped in a Corfu parking lot did a bit of her own sleuthing online to help investigators identify her alleged attacker.

The girl, at first too embarrassed to come forward, only knew her alleged attacker's first name. Friends had introduced him and they exchanged some text messages before agreeing to meet.

When they got together in June, 2009, in a Corfu parking lot, the man reportedly served her wine coolers. Then he allegedly forced her to have sex.

Eventually, using Facebook, according to Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster, the girl found the 20-year-old man she believed raped her.

Arrested last week and charged with rape, 1st, rape, 2nd and unlawful dealing with a child was Randy A. Reiss, of 23 Danita Drive, Akron.

Wayne P. Fielding, 23, of East Bird Road, Byron, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Fielding is accused of throwing his mobile phone at the windshield of his girlfriend's car, causing the windshield to break. Fielding was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Cassandra L. Brunea, 37, of Alexander Road, Alexander, is charged with offering a false instrument for filing. Brunea is accused of signing a statement against a suspect in another case. Some of the information in the statement was allegedly falsified.

Kimberly Melissa Volk, 21, address not released, is charged with petit larceny. Volk is accused of stealing cash on several different occasions while working food stands at Darien Lake.

Donald A. Carney, 50, of Pavilion, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child, 1st. Carney was arrested by State Police at 11:05 p.m., Saturday. No further details were released.

Albert C. Osborne, 24, of Cheektowaga, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Osborne was stopped at 11:20 p.m., Friday, by State Police, on Route 77, Darien.

Carl R. Caughill, 20, of Niagara Falls, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 and failure to keep right. Caughill was stopped by State Police at 10:30 p.m., Friday, on Route 77, Darien.

A motorcycle has hit a deer in the area of 4003 W. Main St. Road, Batavia.

Two people are reported unconscious.

Mercy EMS and Town of Batavia Fire responding. Mercy Flight is on stand by.

UPDATE 3:00 p.m.: Two Mercy Flight helicopters requested to the scene.

UPDATE 4:37 p.m.: No official word yet on the investigation. Two people were transported by Mercy Flight, and at least one of those helicopters went to Strong Memorial Hospital. An officer said it didn't look like either rider was wearing a state-approved safety helmet (though they were wearing helmets). The injured deer was put down after the accident. More information when it becomes available.

UPDATE: The driver and passenger have been identified: Driver, David L. Patrick, 63, of 21 Birchwood Acres, Perry. Passenger, Nancy L. Patrick, 58. The driver was taken to ECMC and the passenger to Strong. The accident investigation revealed that the deer entered road from the southern shoulder and ran into Nancy, causing David to lose control of the bike.

UPDATE: Both people were taken to Strong. Both are listed in guarded condition. At Strong, "guarded" means the patient is in the intensive care unit.

View Larger Map

The initial call was for a "couch on fire" at 5006 Ridge Road, Elba, but a chief on scene reports that actually, it's a riding mower outside the residence that is on fire.

Elba Fire is responding.

Workers began cutting up Bank Street today as part of a project to replace sewer and water lines and repave the street.

Nearly a year ago. Gov. David Paterson announced the city would receive $411,000 of stimulus funds for the project.

The contract was awarded to Conestoga Rovers & Associates for plans and administration of the project. B. Beardsley Management & Enterprises is the contractor.

I spotted the possibility of this hay field with its crop cut and rolled a few days ago, but wanted to go out on a clear morning for a picture. I did that this morning. The location is on Clinton Street Road near Griswold.

At least one person was injured in this single-car rollover accident on Ford Road (Route 262) in Elba.

The accident occurred around 7:30 a.m.

The driver, from Buffalo, reportedly told investigators that he was checking his GPS at the time of the accident.

No further details available at this time. This post will be updated when we receive the accident report from the Sheriff's Office.

UPDATE: The driver has been identified as Steven J. Scott, 19, of Ford Road, Elba. He was taken by ground ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital. He was cited for alleged unsafe moving from lane of travel.

Elizabeth R. George, 19, of 587 Council House Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Mickey Aaron Jacobs, 18, of Poodry Road, Basom, is charged with menacing, 2nd. George and Jacobs were arrested as a result of an ongoing investigation into an alleged incident on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation at 4:14 a.m., July 21. Previously arrested were Cara L. Skye and Stormy Skye. George allegedly punched another person in the face a couple of times. Jacobs allegedly brandished a rifle, which reportedly caused fear in one witness, who was told to "back off" during the argument.

Timothy J. Becker, 45, of 653 Ellicott St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Becker is accused of pushing another person during a domestic incident. The person who was pushed fell down a flight of stairs. Becker was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Michael A. Shelter, 20, of 1050 Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with DWI, failure to stop at a stop sign and inadequate exhaust on vehicle. Shelter was stopped at 3:51 a.m., Saturday, on Washington Avenue by Officer Dan Coffey.

Jameson A. Crocker, 23, of 117 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unsafe lane change. Crocker was stopped at 2:36 a.m., Sunday, on West Main Street in the city by Officer Mark Lawrence.

Sean P. Flynn, 24, address not provided, is charged with DWI and moving from lane unsafely. Flynn was stopped at 11:29 p.m., Friday, on Route 33, Pembroke, by Deputy Brad Mazur.

Douglas Scott Sprague, 43, of South Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Sprague is accused of punching another person in the back of the head.

Sean N. Lindquist, 48, of Judge Road, Alabama, is charged with DWI and failure to keep right. Lindquist was stopped at 9:24 p.m., Friday, on Ledge Road in Alabama by Deputy Jason Diehl. Further charges possible pending lab results.

Ryan Micael Flatley, 23, of Union Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and making a U-turn at grade. Flatley was found stuck off the road at 12:19 a.m., Saturday, on Tinkham Road in Darien by Sgt. Brian Frieday. Flatley apparently tried to make a U-turn and became stuck.

Name Redacted Upon Request, 18, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant stemming from charges of reckless endangerment and harassment, 2nd. xxxx was reportedly spotted in the parking lot of Department of Social Services by a probation officer who knew of the warrant for a failure to pay a fine in Town of Le Roy Court. xxxxxx was detained until Sheriff's deputies arrived. He was jailed on $500 bail.

Melissa Courtney Kent, 18, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Kent is accused of stealing several items from a car parked near a party on Route 19, Town of Le Roy, over Memorial Day weekend.

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.

Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St., Batavia, NY: Unique specialties for your home and garden, from floral arrangements, to heirloom vegetables, herbs, teas and spices. 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.

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.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. A great Valentine's gift!

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for seven weeks of yoga, a $70 value, for $35. Next session starts Aug. 2.

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 $100 gift card for $50 (+$2 PayPal Service fee).

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

SOLD OUT

The First United Methodist Church Red Sox squared off against the Sertoma Braves Saturday in the Paul E. Sputore Batavia Minor League championship game. 

Teams stand on the sideline during National Anthem

as a stiff breeze unfurls the flag

Chandler Baker started on the mound for the Red Sox

under the watchful eye of battery mate Brianna Janes

Alex Kunes started on the hill for the Braves

with assistant coach Dan Kunes keeping an eye on the action.

Braves supporters

the Red Sox faithful

Here's something you don't see everyday - a Red Sox fan in pinstripes!

after taking a pitch, Alex Frongetta turns to get the call

his reaction speaks volumes

score keeper checking out the action from the press box

Andrew Francis takes over mound duties for the Sox and like Chandler, does an effective job.

With his team leading, coach Vin Misiti  remains intense, not ready to celebrate....

until now!

kneeling, l to r, Mike Alvut, Chandler Baker, Sammy Bartz, Bryce Reigle, Andrew Francis, Luke Grammatico and Spencer Misiti. Back, l to r, assistant coach Vin Misiti Jr, head coach Vin Misiti, Maya Urban, ass't coach Jeff Bartz, Alex Frongetta, Tanner Cook, ass't coach Mike Francis and Brianna Janes.

Vin takes several moments to adress both players and parents, reflecting back on the season.

and a special thanks to these fellas, Paul and Louie, whose behind the scenes work and dedication make the Batavia Minor League possible.  

So far too few people have joined the “voluntary subscription” program. I’ve thought a lot about what it will take to get the program to really take off, and what it boils down to is — a lot more work. For the most part, feedback about the program has been positive, but that hasn’t translated to people taking the time to join in the kind of numbers we need to make it profitable. I could get out and actually sell it, or I could try to hire somebody to try and sell it, but either approach means a good deal more work with maybe a coin-flip chance of being successful.

With that in mind, I think my time can be better spent for the sake of The Batavian, our readers and our advertisers, if I don’t work that hard on the membership program and instead worry about producing content for the site and taking care of the needs of our advertisers.

I’m suspending the membership program. Perhaps in a year or two, the time might be better to give it a try again.

If you mailed in a check, I can either mail it back to you or let me tear it up (I’ve not deposited any of the checks yet). If I don’t hear from you, I’ll just tear up the check.

If you paid by PayPal, I’ll refund your money.

BTW: Top Line Shirt Company will still provide free T-shirts to the people who did join. They just need to bring in the voucher we sent to them last week.

After giving a lot of time to this program over the past couple of months, it's not a joy to suspend it, but I also feel a good deal of relief that there will be less of a distraction keeping me away from writing stories, taking pictures and working with advertisers.