City officials, local law enforcement, firefighters and community groups were at Birchwood Village this evening for the second in a series of three "National Night Out" events in the city.
The goal of National Night Out is to foster community understanding of city services and build relationships between city officials, especially law enforcement, and the community.
Sorry for the shaky camera!
Meanwhile, on the scanner...
What does a law enforcement officer advise when computers are on the fritz, say, possibly the server's down?
"We'll use stone tablets and a chisel."
Dispatch's reply: "As will we."
However, The Batavian remains steadfast in its belief that said communication tools belong in a newseum with the dinosaur (and mastodon) bones.
Here are the most viewed posts for July 2011:
July was a record traffic month for The Batavian, beating out records set in August 2010.
Visits: 335,359
Page Views: 601,325
Unique Visitors: 81,875
For comparison sake, the August 2010 numbers:
Visits: 256,391
Page Views: 443,330
Unique Visitors: 70,638
I knew I hadn't posted the most-read posts for a little while, but was surprised to find I hadn't done it since January. After the jump, the missing months.
June 2011:
May 2011:
April 2011:
March 2011:
February 2011
A fire behind a stove is reported at the Sportsman's Coonhunters Association, an archery club, located at 8776 Hopkins Road in East Pembroke. The flames are out but firefighters are called to check for extensions into the walls.
East Pembroke and Town of Batavia fire departments are responding. A firefighter on scene says extensions are unlikely. An infrared camera is requested to be sure.
The newest member of the Batavia Police Department has graduated from the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University.
Officer Matthew D. Lutey has been attending the academy for the the past 24 weeks. At graduation ceremonies Monday, Lutey was presented the Joseph E. Steblein Memorial Award, named after the academy's first director.
The award is presented to the individual who demonstrates overall excellence in all areas of training.
Officer Lutey is a graduate of Genesee Community College and served six years in the Air Force. He is currently assigned to Field Training Officers where he will complete 16 additional weeks of on-the-job training with time spent assigned to all shifts.
Library officials and supporters made a pitch to the Genesee County Legislature on Monday to protect funding for books, materials and support for the county's six libraries.
Funding has decreased in recent years and as budgets continue to tighten, officials are concerned that one key source of funding is in jeopardy.
"You’re frugal and we are, too," said Anne Engel, director of the Haxton Memorial Library in Oakfield. "We use everything two or three times. But there's a study that shows that for every taxpayer dollar that is put into a library, more than $3 is returned to the economy."
In 2010, county aid to the library system was $57,351, down from $60,370 in 2009.
Libraries are funded through a combination of school taxes, grants and fees and fines as well as county aid.
Library officials spoke to the Public Services Committee, whose members offered no feedback on the request nor was there any pending item up for vote.
Esther Marone explained that prior to 1984, the county provided no aid to libraries, but when the Richmond Memorial Library expanded and began providing more services, its expenses went up.
Rather than seek funding for just the Richmond library, the county's librarians got together and worked for three years on a plan to present to the legislature to provide aid to all of the local libraries.
Part of the reason, said Diana Wyrwa, executive director of the Richmond Memorial Library, was that some communities in the county have no direct expense for libraries, but residents still use neighboring community libraries, so the aid helps cover the expense of serving those residents.
And the libraries remain popular.
In 2010, there were 472,991 books circulated.
"The new book area always has people hovering around like bees looking for the newest and the greatest releases," Engel said.
Libraries pay a particularly important role for people who can't afford computers and internet access, by not only providing easy access to books and periodicals, but also computers for personal use.
In tough times, funding a library system is particularly important, argued Thomas Bindeman, (pictured above) executive director of the Nioga Library System.
"Whenever there’s an economic downturn, people come to libraries," he said. "When times get tough, we’re used."
Get ready to rock and roll at Dwyer Stadium Friday night with Batavia's own "In Plain View."
Pictured above in the band's poster are lead guitarist Joe Lambert (top left), drummer Mark Assenato (top right), bass player Mike Burns (bottom left) and singer Pete Cecere.
"In Plain View" has roots in the players' high school days, but officially got its name last year -- during 4th of July weekend, to be exact.
Burns, a graduate of Batavia High School, said his class celebrated its 26-year reunion -- that's right, 26-year reunion -- at that time, and the band got back together to play for the occasion. They were asked to play again the following night at a private party, which was held at Haul 4 Less.
"(And we thought,) 'Here's four guys who haven't played in 26 years,'" Cecere said, "'and what people see is what they get, in plain view.'"
Included in the group's repertoire are rock songs from almost every era, from the '60s to the present. They play songs that multiple generations will know and appreciate, as evidenced by the fact that Cecere has received positive comments from his daugthers and from some of his aunts and uncles.
"(We'll play) anything from The Kinks to Jimmy Eat World," he said. "We like to pick songs that are interesting and out of the ordinary, but still popular."
"Our goal is not to be the typical bar band," Burns said.
Dedication is a key ingredient in the work that "In Plain View" does. Lambert, who lives in New York City, flies into Batavia for every gig, which is followed by a good five, six or seven hours of rehearsal.
Cecere and Burns, for their parts, have been able to manage this while working full-time jobs. Cecere works in sales at Diamond Packaging. Burns is a manager of client services at the Rochester Institute of Technology -- and coaches a girls soccer team through a season of near total victory.
When asked how they found the time for rehearsals, Cecere replied: "Very carefully."
If you're going to be part of this band, he added, "You've got to do your homework."
"In Plain View's" pre-game concert will start at 5:30 p.m. and last about 45 minutes.
Anyone who purchases tickets to the Muckdogs game will get to see Friday's show at no extra cost.
The band's expenses are being covered by the Juliano Allstate Agency, but they themselves are not getting paid for the concert. As huge Muckdogs fans, all four members are more than happy to donate their time.
"We are extremely blessed to have the Muckdogs," Cecere said. "It's cheap (price-wise) family fun."
"We went by (Dwyer Stadium)," Burns said, "and Joe said, 'This is where we've got to play.'"
For more information on "In Plain View" and their upcoming concerts, visit www.inplainviewband.com.
Bottom two photos taken by Stephen Ognibene.
Batavia's 11-year-old All Stars run at a championship season came to an end Monday with an 12-2 loss to Tonawanda.
Tonawanda moves on to the state championship next week in Pinebush.
Batavia made it to the District 1 regional championship game after beating Seneca Falls and Oleans.
Batavia’s Casey Radka turned a double play for the team, with Jerry Reinhart who pitched well in the loss to Tonawanda. Nick Bezinque and Evan Bender had the hits for Batavia in a well-played game by both teams.
The 2011 11-year-old All Star roster included: Evan Bender, Alex Jones, Jerry Rinehart, Philip Koziol, Taylor Stefaniak, Nick Bezinque, AJ Marcello, Casey Radka, Griffen Moore, Michael Calderon and Cameron Ells.
The coaches were James Soggs, Dave Hall and Todd Bender
The team was coached by James Soggs, Dave Hall and Todd Bender.
Slide show of more photos below (be sure to click on the button in the lower right for full screen version).
Pictures from this event can be purchased by clicking here.
The clouds after the storm late yesterday were pretty spectacular. I was tied up on something else, so didn't have much time drive around for pictures. But as soon as I was free, I went out to one of my favorite spots along Creek Road and took this picture.
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.
Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.
Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.
Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY. Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985. Pizza, wings, pasta and more. We have $20 gift certificates for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)
Settler's, 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.
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. Decorate your home or office for summer. We have a $20 gift certificate 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.
SOLD OUT
Note: if you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.
An elderly female fell out of her wheelchair and struck her head on the pavement at the intersection of Oak Orchard and Hundredmark roads in Elba. Mercy EMS and Elba fire responding. Mercy Flight is responding to transport the victim.
UPDATE: Mercy Flight landed a few minutes ago.
UPDATE 8:31 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Strong Memorial Hospital.
A front porch carpet fire, believed to be out at this time, is reported at 11133 Saint Mary's St. in Pavilion. A person there suffered burns to the legs trying to put out the blaze. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS responded. They are checking the site with an infrared camera to ensure the blaze is out.
The victim is reportedly a 14-year-old who was playing with matches. A Sheriff's deputy is requested to the scene because of concerns of child endangerment.
UPDATE 8:10 p.m.: Those at the scene ask the deputy to "step it up."
UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: Mercy medics are en route to Strong Memorial Hospital with the burn victim. The Sheriff's deputy is back in service.
UPDATE 8:33 p.m.: Pavilion fire is back in service.
Scott Eric Hodgins, 43, of Creek Road, Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd. Hodgins is accused of punching another person in the head several times causing a concussion.
Latoya Yalonda Stanley, 23, of State Street, is charged with petit larceny. Stanley is accused of shoplifting about $96 worth of merchandise from Kmart.
Nicholas A. Clark, 21, of Pearl Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Clark was stopped late Friday by Le Roy Police after reportedly being observed vomiting from his vehicle while on Munson Street.
Sherry L. Demmer, 39, of 20 Ross St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Demmer is accused of kicking a neighbor in the chest during an incident at 10:30 p.m., Friday.
Joseph H. Schenk, 19, of Route 33, Bergen, is charged with menacing, 2nd. Schenk is accused of displaying and swinging a hammer toward family members during a dispute at 9:35 p.m., Friday. Schenk was jailed on $1,500 bail.
A two-car accident with injuries, not blocking traffic, is reported at Allegany Road near Roberts Road Route 63 and the Orleans/Genesee county line.
Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. "All parties are conscious. There is an infant involved." A second ambulance is requested out of Medina.
UPDATE: 3:13 p.m.: A responder says "We have three adults and three small children. All injuries appear to be minor at this time."
Smoke is reportedly coming from the basement of a house at 312 Eillicott St. in Batavia. City firefighters are en route. The landlord says the smoke is coming out of the cinder blocks.
UPDATE 1:51 p.m.: Fire command reports the smoke is coming from a crawl space and they have limited access to it. They are going to get at it through a breach they made in the wall.
UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: City fire has cleared the scene.
Photos submitted by Frank Capuano.
A two-car accident with minor injuries is blocking traffic at West Main Street and West Avenue in Le Roy. Le Roy Fire and Ambulance Service is responding.
UPDATE 12:53 p.m.: The roadway reopened.
An accident in the area of 7495 Maple Road is believed to have resulted in minor injuries.
OnStar reports impact was in the side of the car at 33 mph. There was air-bag deployment.
Alabama Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.
UPDATE 10:12 a.m.: A second ambulance requested to the scene.
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