A car was on fire in the parking lot of Sport of Kings restaurant, 419 W. Main St. in Batavia. The city fire department was responding but the flames were knocked down by a passerby with a fire extinguisher. The fire truck is back in service. Police are on scene.

The drivers of both vehicles involved in a two-car, head-on collision on Indian Falls Road on July 7 remain hospitalized but their health is improving.

Donald Sage, 70, of Judge Road, Oakfield, remains in intensive care at Strong Memorial Hospital. 

On a website set up by Strong for family members to share information about loved ones, his daughter reports that Sage recently was able to breath for 27 hours without a respirator. Sage suffered internal injuries and a broken arm.

Meanwhile, investigators were finally able to talk with Sonya M. Charache, 30, of Gorton Road, Alabama, a couple of days ago, according to Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

Charache is in intensive care at ECMC. (A family member reports that Sandra is out of intensive care, though will remain hospitalized for some time.)

Dibble said, as is common in traumatic accidents, Charache is unable to remember the accident.

Investigators are analyizing data from the computers on the vehicles, but that information will only get them so far in determining what happened, Dibble said.

"They can tell you about speed, braking and seat belts," Dibble said, "but they can't tell you why a driver crossed over into the other lane. We still don't know what caused the accident."

Basic elements -- wind, water and fire -- were all critical factors in a blaze that destroyed a 160-year-old barn on Batavia-Elba Town Line Road on Thursday afternoon.

The Elba fire was called in at 4:15 p.m. and the first Town of Batavia chief on scene reported only smoke coming from the barn.

Two minutes later, flames began shooting out the front door of the barn and within another minute they covered nearly a quarter of the roof. Even a quick response by a group of Genesee County volunteer fire departments couldn't beat the windswept flames from engulfing the front barn of Post Farms and spreading to a second attached barn.

Complicating matters for firefighters was the lack of public water on Batavia-Elba Town Line Road. 

Eventually, Elba Fire Chief Brian Russell would request every single tanker from all 17 fire departments in Genesee County to the scene along with tankers from Orleans, Livingston and Wyoming counties, not to mention a couple of milk trucks drafted into duty to bring water from nearby ponds.

"When you’re flowing this much water on a barn fire you just go through water really quick," Russell said. "It just takes time to fill up the trucks and bring them back in."

In temperatures that exceeded 90 degrees and humidity that raised the heat index above 100, water was also essential to firefighter safety. First, Elba's auxiliary brought in refreshments and then the Salvation Army set up a rest and recovery station. A portable pool was also set up that firefighters could get in as a way to cool off.

More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene. The large contingent helped ensure crews could remain fresh.

"You’re wearing a lot of equipment and a lot of gear," Russell said. "It doesn’t take long for a body to get overheated."

Russell was grateful for the mutual aid from more than 20 departments throughout the region.

"Mutual aid is key in any situation like this, from manpower, the other trucks, water, you’ve just got to have the other departments responding," Russell said.

A Sheriff's Office investigation concluded that the fire started by exhaust from a skid loader in one of the barns.

The barn was full of hay and straw, which complicated firefighting efforts even further.

The barns are part of Post Farms, a dairy farm. The second attached barn contained calves. They were all evacuated safely. No livestock was hurt as a result of the fire.

One firefighter suffered a minor case of heat exhaustion and was taken by Mercy EMS to UMMC. He is reportedly fine.

The Post Farm has been in the family since the 1890s, when Stu Post acquired it. It's currently owned by Jeff Post.

His grandmother, Louise Post, spoke with reporters and the family is devastated by the loss of the barns and the contents.

"I think they are all very sorry to have this happen, not only the ones who work here, but the remainder of the family," Louise said.

"We lost a lot of history and a lot of product," she added.

While the fire was in progress, neighbors complained about the water situation on Batavia-Elba Town Line Road. The fire, they said, is exactly why either the Town of Batavia or the Town of Elba needs to bring public water to the road.

Plus, the well water on the road is undrinkable.

Douglas Clark and his wife said they've been drinking nothing but bottled water for 15 years, and when farmers are spreading manure, their bathing water smells pretty bad.

"I also work with these farmers and I support these farmers, so what am I supposed to do?" Douglas said. "The town ought to put water right down this road."

(Initial Report)

Below is a slide show of more than 60 photos from the fire. Click on the button in the lower right to expand to full screen mode. Pictures may be purchased by clicking here.

It turns out there are two sets of Ghost Riders in town, and both will play at Jackson Square tomorrow night.

Batavia resident Dough Mellenthine, one of the directors of the "other" Ghost Riders, describes it as a miniature drum and bugle corps and a "brass choir." They play everything from patriotic tunes to chorales to "fun-filled, good time music" (as worded in a press release).

Formed in 1996 to compete in the Drum Corps Associates (DCA) "World Championship," which is held every year at various locations throughout the country, the Ghost Riders have distinguished themselves numerous times. They have appeared in championships for 15 consecutive years, won the New York State American Legion Crown, and, last year, won the Silver Medal and position of first runner-up at the DCA World Championship with a score of 98.0.

Mellenthine co-directs Ghost Riders along with Rod Keppel. Music is arranged by "World Drum Corps Hall of Fame" and "Buglers Hall of Fame" member Donny Allen. Group members are professional musicians whose experiences range from education to judging music competitions.

"This is not beer tent stuff," Mellenthine said. "I believe we're Batavia's best-kept secret."

Ghost Riders will perform from 8 until 8:30 p.m. at Jackson Square tomorrow night. Mellenthine said they've been practicing all year for this performance, so it ought to be good!

To learn more about Ghost Riders, visit their Facebook page.

Photo submitted by Doug Mellenthine.

There is a report of six youths with baseball bats fighting at the intersection of Jerome Place and East Main Street.

UPDATE 12:01 a.m.: First officer on scene, no youths anywhere to be seen.

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A grass fire has been reported at the intersection of Route 77 and Phelps Road.

Indian Falls and Pembroke fire departments dispatched.

Newstead, standing in for one of the departments, standing down. Akron, standing in, is responding.

UPDATE 9:14 p.m.: Pembroke, Indian Falls, all available manpower requested to the scene. The location has been identified as "Boulder Park." There is a 30-by-50 foot area on fire several yards from a building.

UPDATE 9:16 p.m. "There are remains of a structure that is involved now." Also, law enforcement requested to the scene.

UPDATE 9:18 p.m.: Corfu, returning from Elba, called the Indian Falls chief and asked if he needed a hand. One word answer: "Yes." Corfu fire in route.  

UPDATE 9:27 p.m.: Poles, rakes and a chainsaw needed to help clear a way to get to the structure. Lights being set up to illuminate the scene.

UPDATE 9:43 p.m.: Fire is out.

UPDATE 10:08 p.m.: Corfu back in service. Road reopened.

A pole fire is reported at the Skyline Resort at 10933 Darien-Alexander Townline Road in Alexander. The pole on fire is F59.

Attica firefighters are called since Alexander is responding to the barn fire in the Town of Batavia. Bethany is called to fill in at Alexander's hall.

UPDATE 4:38: The fire is out.

A barn fire is reported by the homeowner at 4103 Batavia-Elba Town Line Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics.

Smoke is showing and a second alarm is called.

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: Units are also called from Elba, Oakfield, East Pembroke, Alabama and Corfu, which is standing in at Town of Batavia's hall.

UPDATE 4:21 p.m.: The location is just west of Pekin Road.

UPDATE 4:23 p.m.: This is a working fire, fully involved. "If you got somebody, roll," says the chief. National Grid is called in.

UPDATE 4:26 p.m.: Fire police are called to shut down the roadway.

UPDATE 4:32 p.m.: The site is determined to be in Elba's fire district and Elba is in charge of command.

UPDATE 4:37 p.m.: A tanker from South Byron is called in.

UPDATE 4:44 p.m.: Tankers requested from Bergen, Stafford and Bethany.

UPDATE 4:47 p.m.: The Elba Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary is called to provide cold refreshments for the responders. A pumper tanker and all available manpower out of Barre is requested. There's no ETA for National Grid. A tanker from Clarendon is called in.

UPDATE 4:56 p.m.: A second ambulance is called in.

UPDATE 4:59 p.m.: "The firefighters are going to need more water on the back of the building or they're going to lose the milking parlor."

UPDATE 5 p.m.: "The platform is shutting down." The chief asks for a list of all tankers at the scene.

UPDATE 5:02 p.m.: Tankers are requested from Darien, Pavilion and Corfu. A tanker out of York is called to stand by in Pavilion. It's the Post barn.

UPDATE 5:07: Every tanker is Genesee County is at the scene, with the exception of tankers from Darien, Pembroke and Indian Falls. Now those three are called in, too.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: A grass truck from Byron is called in. Indian Falls was already on scene. A unit from East Shelby in Orleans County is going to stand in at the Oakfield hall. Any available tanker in Livingston and Wyoming counties is requested.

UPDATE 5:23 p.m.: It is confirmed that all electrical power to the barn has been cut.

UPDATE 5:25 p.m.: The chief wants Elba Highway Department contacted to bring a load of stone to the scene.

UPDATE 5:29 p.m.: The barn is owned by Jeff Post, who is the fourth-generation family member to own it. The barn was built at the turn of the 20th Century by Leo Post. It is on a dairy farm. The barn was built around 1850. Stewart Post acquired the farm around 1890.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: Rescue manpower from Bergen and Albion requested to the scene.

UPDATE 5:39 p.m.: There are two barns on the property. Both are total losses.

UPDATE 5:40 p.m.: Food and beverage for 75 to 100 firefighters are requested.

UPDATE 5:42 p.m.: A third ambulance is called in, non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: Inmates from Wyoming Correctional Facility are being assembled for transport to the scene to help out. The Salvation Army is expected to the scene in about 40 minutes, presumably to help the auxiliary provide food and beverages.

UPDATE 8:30 p.m.: Some Town of Batavia units returning. All out-of-county tankers released. In-county tankers to remain on scene.

UPDATE 10:03 p.m.: Elba command breaking down.

UPDATE 10:05 p.m.: Somebody just stole a pickup truck belonging to a fire police volunteer who was stationed at Pekin and Batavia-Elba Town Line Road. The truck, which has fire police lights on it, was last seen heading east on Batavia-Elba.

UPDATE 10:13 p.m.: The truck has been returned. "The guy thought it was his brother's truck."

UPDATE 10:26 p.m.: All units back in service.

In case you haven't noticed, it's hot.

The current temperature is in the mid 90s with a heat index over 100 degrees.

An excessive heat warning is in effect until 7 p.m.

For the next 10 days, at least, there is no relief from the heat in sight, unless you consider 87 degrees instead of 90 to be relief.

This morning, we did a quick video with City of Batavia Fire Chief Jim Maxwell about staying safe in hot weather.

From Genesee ARC:

Genesee ARC is in the final round of the Tops Charity Car Giveaway

During the first few days they have managed to stay right around number six (out of 10) in voting. The contest continues through 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 26.

Please vote and ask your friends and family to vote, too. If Genesee ARC is going to move higher in the ranking they need your help. That means INCREASING the NUMBER of people who are voting. They are up against some very large WNY nonprofit agencies, hoping to win this contest.

Together we can show them the wonderful community support of Genesee ARC. The Tops website is www.topsmarkets.com.

A man has allegedly been struck by a Toyota in a domestic dispute and he has a leg injury and a couple of broken ribs. The location is 11130 Bowen Road, between Buffalo Street Road and Broadway in Alexander.

Alexander Fire Department and medics are en route.

The female driver is at the Attica Police station and wants to tell her side of the story.

UPDATE 2:06 p.m.: Two State Troopers are now at the scene.

UPDATE 2:24 p.m.: Alexander Ambulance is transporting the victim to UMMC.

Press release:

Today, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul announced she will be opening the first phase of 26th District satellite offices early next month to provide residents with convenient and direct access to Congressional staff for assistance resolving problems.

“I promised direct access for constituents and I am very pleased to begin these operations in the first week in August,” Congresswoman Hochul said. “We will be expanding our outreach in the weeks and months ahead, as well as adding a permanent office in Monroe County, where we hope to serve even more constituents.”

The first four satellite operations will be located in Batavia (Genesee County), Lancaster (Erie County), Lockport (Niagara County), and Warsaw (Wyoming County). Thereafter, the Monroe County office will staff upcoming outreach in Livingston and Orleans Counties as well.

Batavia (Genesee County)
One Batavia City Centre
Conference Room
Batavia, New York 14020
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting Aug. 2.

Lancaster (Erie County)
Lancaster Municipal Building
5423 Broadway
Library/Conference Room
Lancaster, NY 14086
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting Aug. 3.

Lockport (Niagara County)
Lockport Municipal Building
6560 Dysinger Road
Snyder Room
Lockport, NY 14094
1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2 to 4:30 p.m., starting Aug. 3.
 
Warsaw (Wyoming County)
Wyoming County Building
143 N. Main St.
Room 202, 2nd Floor
Warsaw, NY  14569
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 2 to 4:30 p.m., starting Aug. 2.
 
Residents are encouraged to visit the offices during open hours to speak with a representative from Congresswoman Hochul’s office. All residents can still continue to receive assistance from the Williamsville office any day by calling (716) 634-2324 or by visiting the office at 325 Essjay Road, Suite #405, Williamsville, NY 14221.

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.

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.

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 $10 gift card for $5.

Cookies & Milk, 28 City Center, Batavia, NY. Cookies & Milk offers a wide selection of delicious cookies, cakes and pies. Now offering a full lunch menu that includes soups, salads and sandwiches. Stop by for something sweet! We have $10 gift certificates available for $5.

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.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

SOLD OUT

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

A mother in Bergen this afternoon managed to revive her toddler after finding the 2-year-old girl face down and not breathing in a wading pool behind her trailer.

The girl was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital and is expected to be fine, according to officials.

The initial call of a 2-year-old drowned came in shortly after 3 p.m. today and units from the Sheriff's Office and Le Roy Ambulance responded to the scene in a small trailer park on a horse ranch at 7302 Griswold Road, Bergen.

While dispatchers were on the phone and preparing to provide CPR instructions to the mother, the mother resuscitated her child.

"It was very good news that mom was able to bring her back, to resuscitate her, and it looks like she will be fine," said Sgt. Greg Walker, of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Walker described the pool as a small, rubber inflatable pool.

Walker said the child, whose name is not being released, was taken to Strong by Le Roy Ambulance to check for fluid in her lungs and ensure she's in good health.

Faith Smith, 8, cooled off with an ice cream sandwich on Norris Avenue yesterday...

...or maybe she was warming up in preparation for the donut-eating contest that came later.

Treats and games like this one kicked off the seventh annual National Night Out -- a yearly event designed to bring neighborhoods and community police together -- in Batavia. Last evening's event on Norris Avenue was the first of three "National Nights Out" this year. August will feature two more -- one at Birchwood Village, the other on Pringle Avenue.

This is a big change in the way National Night Out is done. Traditionally, it has been geared toward the community as a whole and held at public venues like Austin Park.

According to City of Batavia Youth Bureau Director Toni Funke (pictured right, with Lydia Schauf), who's in charge of National Night Out this year, there's a "different spin."

"We want to try and enhance relationships within neighborhoods," she said. "People can get out, meet their neighbors, and talk to their department heads in the city."

In other words, it has become a way to revive the lost art of the block party.

What has remained the same, however, is the goal of fostering positive community relations. City police officers, public servants and representatives of various agencies/organizations in Batavia were there to answer questions, provide information on their services, and just give everyone a good time.

Activities, attractions and goodies for kids and families included food, fingerprints, art, a balloon toss, an egg race, a K9 demonstration (courtesy of Sheriff's Deputy Brian Thompson), an ambulance, two fire trucks and more!

Members of the local "who's who" were there to greet everyone including:

City of Batavia Police Detective Rich Schauf

City Manager Jason Molino (who, upon hearing that I was on assignment for The Batavian, asked: "Where's Howard?!") 

Police Chief Randy Baker

Batavia City Council President Marianne Clattenburg

Local organizations/agencies included:

Justice for Children Advocacy Center - Coordinator Colleen Marvel collected a saliva sample from Peyton Woeller. She gave the Woellers and other families Child I.D. Kits, which parents keep handy in the unfortunate event that their children go missing.

Genesee County Youth Bureau -- There's Peyton again with his sister, Quinn, doing sand art.

City of Batavia Water Bureau

City of Batavia Fire Department

And here's folk from Target!

People also had a chance to win two prizes: a Muckdogs Family Four Pack for participating in a scavenger hunt, and a six-month membership at Next Level Fitness for filling out a survey for the city.

If you are interested in hosting National Night Out in your neighborhood next year, call Toni Funke at 345-6420.

More pics:

Detective Schauf gets "busted" in the K9 demonstration.

Sarah Adams gets to see what life is like behind the wheel of an ambulance.

Lastly, a nice local relic:

A 100-year-old wooden water main, courtesy of the City of Batavia Water Bureau.

Just because it's hot and muggy doesn't mean it's not too early to start thinking about football, Batavia Youth Football, that is.

BYF is conducting registration for its 48th season Friday and Saturday at Batavia City Centre in the main concourse.

Children ages 7 through 13 with a weight between 45 and 130 lbs. are eligible.

There are three divisions, ages 7 and 8, ages 9 and 10, and ages 11, 12 and 13.

Cost is $85 per player. 

All games are played at Lions Park with the season opener Sept. 3. The season runs through October.

Practices begin Aug. 8 with a scrimmage and picnic at Kibbe Park on Aug. 27.

A birth certificate and weigh-in is required at sign up.

The registration on Friday and Saturday will be the last two days to register for BFA.

Sign ups on Friday are from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On those days, children may also register for cheerleading. The is is $65 and registration will be capped at the first 150 to sign up. Cheerleading is open to children age 7 through 13.

For more information, contact Steve Grice at 344-4636 or byfinc@gmail.com.