A pair of local entrepreneurs who plan to open a teen nightclub in the former location of PowerHouse Gym on East Main Street, Batavia, say a major financial hurdle has been overcome and they're ready to move forward.

After initially announcing plans in January, just two weeks later, the venture had to be put on ice when Tim Walton and Mike Marchese learned they would need to install a $50,000 sprinkler system in the 7,350-square-foot facility.

Walton announced this week that additional, unnamed, investors are now involved in the project and Walton and Marchese have $100,000 available for the project.

Most of that fund is being bankrolled by Walton and Marchese, Walton said, but the local investors are willing to put in more money if needed.

"We don't want to cut corners," Walton said.

No opening date was announced.

"We've got a plan, contract and partnership that allows us to have direct access to over 20,000 teens in Western New York," Walton said. "We're going all out to make this a success."

Walton also announced a partnership with local DJ Marc Tillery.

"The move to buy into the DJ company was a move I made to allow us to have our own disc jockey company rather than have to hire out," Walton said. "I partnered with Tillery as a way to have more access to the current music, club mixes and even recording artists. Tillery has some connections with Hollywood stars, EA Sports, Boyz II Men, New Edition and his most recent connection is Island Def Jam recording artist Kenny Klassix."

Walton and Tillery previously joined forces in local marketing, as Walton bought out Tillery's advertising marketing company and merged it with his screen-printing business, TopLine Shirt Company.

Meanwhile, Walton has also sold out his interest in the DJ operation at Falleti Ice Arena to Firland Management.

The ice arena DJ operation was a venture he had gotten involved with in 2001. 

"I had a great time doing it while I did," Walton said. "It was great working with Rich Nobles, Dee Gugel, Bob Filighera and everyone else."

Christopher Jonathan Feidner, 25, Middle Road, Gowanda, is charged with burglary, 2nd. Feidner is accused of entering the Oakfield apartment of his estranged wife without consent on two occasions in June. During the first alleged incident, Feidner reportedly stole two Xbox game consoles and two PlayStation game consoles along with their controllers. During the second alleged incident, Feidner reportedly stole two laptop computers. Feidner is currently an inmate at Collins Correctional Facility in Gowanda serving time on an unrelated felony conviction.

To look at a reported $592,000 in profit and $4 million in assets for GCEDC, it seems obvious to wonder if the oft-criticized industrial development agency is going to give back some of the $238,000 it received from Genesee County taxpayers in 2010.

It's not that simple.

First, what we often refer to as GCEDC is really two organizations. There is the Genesee County Industrial Development Agency -- doing business as the Genesee County Economic Development Center, which is a public-benefit corporation -- and there is the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corp., a not-for-profit corporation.

As far as profits go, GCEDC generated a positive cash flow of $4,860 in 2010.

The GGLDC reported net unspent revenue of $589,183.

But it's not like that money is sitting a bank somewhere with the GCEDC having free reign on its distribution.

Much of the money comes from grants, both from state and federal agencies and entities such as National Grid and can only be used for designated purposes. It's money received but not yet spent and, though it will be spent, it can only be spent on specified projects and programs.

A $1.3 million increase in 2010 in operating revenue for GGLDC comes from a $900,000 Empire State Development Grant for the STAMP project in Alabama; and new rent revenue of $300,000 from tenants of the MedTech Center, opened in 2010.

Other grant revenue included $19,353 from National Grid for gas meters and service at MedTech; $175,000 from National Grid for STAMP; and a state grant of $752,716 for phase II development of STAMP.

In all, GGDLC had operating revenues in 2010 of $1.778 million and operating expenses of $1.189 million.

In 2010, GCEDC had $935,592 in revenue, which included a 77-percent increase over 2009 in fees from companies receiving GCEDC assistance. In 2009, there were $361,152 in fees paid. For 2010, that figure was $639,550.

Total operating expenses for GCEDC in 2010 was $930,732, which included $689,100 in salaries, wages and benefits.

As for GCEDC sitting on $4.4 million in assets, that includes $1.89 million in land held for development.

Assets also includes nearly $600,000 due this year and in following years from Darien Lake Theme Park in fees.

There's also more than $2 million in bank accounts.

Mark Masse, senior VP of operations, explained a portion of the accounts this way: $469,000 is from grants for revolving loan funds; $729,000 set aside for specific park projects and the work force development program; $230,000 in the operations checking account; $292,000 in savings that mostly came from the sale of One Mill (the former GCEDC office) and is a set aside for emergency expenditures.

Asked about all of the revenue and seeming profits of GCEDC, County Manager Jay Gsell said, "It's not that simple."

In some counties, the IDAs need to come to their legislators and ask for money for road and sewer improvements, Gsell said. That doesn't happen with GCEDC.

"You’ve got to look at the bigger picture," Gsell said. "What is that they’re doing? What is their game plan? What else have they got that money leveraged for? You know, there are a lot of things they’ve been doing that -- as far as infrastructure improvements in other parts of the county -- precludes the county from actually having to participate."

As far as changing the county's contribution to GCEDC, it's too soon to say, Gsell said.

“Certainly, it’s not something, as far as the budget is concerned, that I’m ready to say to the legislature, 'well let’s do this or let’s do that' as far as 2012 is concerned," Gsell said.

Chairwoman Mary Pat Hancock said she is certain any profits from GCEDC are being reinvested on behalf of the taxpayers, but she did say, reducing the county's share of contribution -- designed primarily to cover about half of the GCEDC's personnel expenses -- is not off the table.

“We look at that every year and certainly, this is a tough budget year," Hancock said. "This isn’t a discussion we haven’t had, that we’re afraid to have and that we won’t have.”

James Sunser, Ed.D, currently VP for Continuing and Extended Learning at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, has been named the new president of Genesee Community College.

He's expected to start his new job on Aug. 1 at a starting annual salary of $177,832.

The 51-year-old veteran educator replaces Stuart Steiner, Ed.D, who is retiring after 36 years as president and 44 years serving the college.

"We looked for all the qualities that Stu had given us over the years and tried to get a match," said Charles R. Ruffino, chair of the board of trustees. "No one is going to match Stu Steiner. He's one of a kind, but we were looking for a person is who is passionate, who lives and breathes community colleges, and who has financial experience."

Sunser is himself a product of community college education. According to a press release, Sunser graduated from Onondaga Community College in 1984, later obtaining a BS degree from Syracuse University, an MS degree from SUNY Brockport, a certificate of advanced study from the University of Rochester and his doctorate in 2010 from UR.

Neither of Sunser's parents attended college, but he told GCC's publicity office that his parents felt it was important for him and his sisters to attend college.

"My father was a very smart man and loved to learn," Sunser said. "Even though he didn't have a great deal of formal education, he was passionate about the importance of learning, and he urged me to get as much education as I could, and do as much good for other people as I could."

Sunser's family had limited financial resources, so he enrolled in Onondaga.

"A community college made all the difference in the world to me," he said. "My community college education gave me confidence, and opened up a world of opportunities."

His father, Carl "Sonny" Sunser, passed away in 1995 at 64 years of age.

"He would be very proud," Sunser said.

Prior to his current position with Onondaga, Sunser was was VP of finance, and it's that financial experience that was important to the search committee, said Ruffino.

"We’re looking at some difficult times, so we wanted a person who knows finances and would be able to cope with the possible problems coming up," Ruffino said.

Sunser's community activities in the Syracuse area include volunteering on the: YMCA of Greater Syracuse's Education Advisory Board; Syracuse City School District's Construction Advisory Council; Education Committee of Central New York Works; American Red Cross; and Onondaga Stop DWI.

Sunser and his wife, Roseann, a teacher, currently reside in Clay, a Syracuse suburb. They are parents of three children: Ryan, 23; Sean, 20; and Casey, 17. His hobbies include reading, especially books on leadership and history, golf, basketball and spending time with family and friends. The family plans to relocate to Genesee County this summer.

A 40-year-old Le Roy resident has been arrested, accused of growing marijuana without a license, which is a misdemeanor under York State Public Health Law.

Jose A. Martinez Jr., was also charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th.

While Title 7, Section 3382 of NYS Health Law makes it a crime to grow cannabis without a license, a Google search finds no provision in New York for obtaining a license.

Martinez was issued appearance tickets for Town of Le Roy Court and released following his arrest.

The bust came following an investigation by the Local Drug Task Force along with Le Roy Police, leading to the execution of a search warrant in the Village of Le Roy at the residence of Martinez on March 11.

Martinez was allegedly found in possession of a quantity of marijuana, a quantity of Darvocet and Ambien along with six marijuana plants.

UPDATE: I did find a reference on the NORML site that notes that the DEA has the ability to license -- though they never do -- farmers to grow hemp.

UPDATE: Article 33, Title 7 is the Controlled Substance Act, and it does contain provisions for licensing the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances. That seems to be the sections that apply here.

This is the first in our series on the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce award winners. Today, we feature Robert Bennett, winner of Wolcott “Jay” Humphrey III Excellence in Community Leadership Award. The awards will be presented at a dinner Saturday at the Clarion Hotel.

It takes a truly selfless man to find ways to go above and beyond to volunteer in his community for more than 20 years but Robert Bennett swears that his countless hours of community service have rewarded him just as much in return.

He has served on a number of boards and organizations in Le Roy and Genesee County just because he likes the feeling of being productive and doing good things for good people.

“I’ve made some great friendships and relationships,” Bennett said.

“The kind where if they need something, they call you and if you need something, you call them.”

When he heard he was to receive the Jay Humphrey III Excellence in Leadership Award at the annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, Bennett said he certainly felt humbled.

“What a great award. I was close friends with Jay – he and I worked on many different boards together. We’re old friends.”

Bennett used to work with Humphrey’s family at Wyoming County Bank. Although he’s remained in the banking industry, Bennett now manages the Le Roy Bank of Castile.

“My job at the Bank of Castile encourages everyone to get involved with the community,” he shrugged.

“Banking promotes getting involved…and there’s a lot of things that need your help but it’s not always the money. Anyone can write a check but sometimes it’s expertise, it’s running the projects or helping to guide these organizations.”

Bennett dedicates his time to the Genesee Community College Foundation and the college’s housing board. He’s been involved with United Way, the American Red Cross and he even helped develop the Le Roy Business Council. He is an active Le Roy Rotarian and a past president. He has coached sports teams, helped with Easter egg hunts, appliance raffles and various fundraisers for a number of different causes.

He plans to continue to make service to his community a priority and is currently looking forward to the annual Easter celebration in Le Roy, helping to choose which deserving graduating seniors will be awarded scholarships through the Le Roy Rotary, and working with the GCC foundation.

“If I get involved, I’m usually trying to just do something,” Bennett said.

“It’s not to be a member or a board director…I’m a people person. I just try to make a difference.”

Photos by Howard Owens

When it’s time to spend money on upgrades to your home -- new windows, roofing, siding or renovations inside -- arguably the biggest decision to make is choosing who is right for the job. Here are a few tips to steer you in the right direction:

Choose a Local Business

Yes, it’s nice to help out business in your hometown or county. But let’s face it, finding a knowledgeable, reliable contractor that you can trust to make changes to your nest shouldn’t be based on doing the local economy a favor, right?

Well, think of it this way – the local guy is the one that drives past your house regularly. Hiring a company from out of the immediate area could be giving them the “out of sight, out of mind” feeling for your house, making it just another job for them.

A local contractor doesn’t want to have to avoid dissatisfied patrons while they’re grocery shopping or going for a walk. He wants you to tell your neighbors (and his neighbors) that he did a job that exceeded your expectations.

References

When it comes to project work like home renovations, it’s important to ask your potential contractor for references. A reputable contractor will be more than willing to provide you with many references for you to check out.

If the contractor has only a few, it's almost like admitting he only has a few satisfied customers, and what does that tell you? Of course, the references he has elected to give you will tell you exactly what you want to hear. In some cases, the one or two references could be just a friend, family member or even a bar buddy.

An established contractor will offer a list of projects they’ve done in the past and encourage you to call any name or number on the list.

Deposits and Supplies

As a general rule of thumb, contractors shouldn’t ask for more than 10 percent of the overall project cost as an initial deposit. If someone has to ask for 50 or even 30 percent down, it indicates that he is paying for supplies as the project progresses – not receiving them from a supplier on credit. A typical contract asks for the project balance upon completion.

Unfortunately, many “handyman” contractors get a large portion of project costs up front and then fail to complete the job. From there, it's up to the homeowner to find recourse against the individual.

Also, if a contractor has to buy his supplies as he goes, it is likely that he may be trying to save money by purchasing the cheapest supplies. Another method of skimping is to use just scraps of materials instead of using larger, seamless pieces.

But established, reputable contracting companies turn in their scrap materials for credit with their suppliers – meaning they always use the best pieces for your home.

Warranty

Warranties vary when it comes to what type of changes are being made to your home, but a good contractor will offer guarantees for his work in the form of some kind of warranty.

For example, American Home Remodeling in Batavia offers a lifetime warranty on parts and labor for new windows.

“Once we put a window in your home, we aren’t going to nickel and dime you. If something happens, we’ll come out and fix it for free because we handle top quality products,” said owner Tim Stoddard.

Quality contractors are knowledgeable about manufacturers' warranties as well, and will consider the best value for each customer -- such as siding that is guaranteed not to fade or change color.

American Home Remodeling also touts lifetime warranties on roofing shingles through their manufacturer and they also offer a 15-year installation guarantee "no questions asked."

“If our customers have any issues with their roof in the next 15 years, we’ll come back and fix it no charge,” Stoddard said.

You really do get what you pay for

Although it’s important to find ways to cut costs in a difficult economy, everyone knows the saw "you get what you pay for."

It is possible to find a happy medium. With a solid, trustworthy contractor, an open line of communication can make the budget a priority without having to make unreasonable sacrifices with regard to quality, timeliness of the project, and/or supplies used to upgrade your home.

A farm supply company on Route 98 in Batavia will receive nearly $60,000 in tax abatements to help fund expansion and create four new jobs within the next four years, the Genesee County Economic Development Center has announced.

Monroe Tractor, 7941 Oak Orchard Road (the corner of Route 98 and West Saile Drive), plans to add 6,000 square feet to its existing 16,800-square-foot facility.

The total project cost is $514,000.

GCEDC said the tax abatements will not only create four new jobs, they will help retain 20 jobs.

For this project, according to GCEDC, for every $1 of tax abatement, $313 will be returned to the local economy over 10 years.

The Henrietta-based company, which has 11 locations in western and central New York, will receive a $39,287 property tax exemption and an estimated $20,000 sales tax exemption on materials used in the construction project.

The property tax exemption is designed to offset the increase in assessed value the project will generate.

A truck fire is reported in the area of mile marker 397 in the westbound lane.

The driver reports he used up the fire extinguishers he had on hand.

The fire is under the hood.

East Pembroke firefighters are being dispatched.

Mile marker 397 is just west of Slusser Road.

Matthew Joseph Stefani, 21, of Dodgeson Road, Alexander, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Stefani is accused of pushing another person to the floor during an incident at 3:19 a.m., Saturday.

Ronald M. Schutt Jr., 25, of Washington Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding (95 mph in a 55 mph zone), moving from lane unsafely, unlicensed operator, refusal to take breath test. Schutt was stopped at 3:36 a.m., Saturday, on Route 63, Town of Batavia, by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Christopher Aaron Saddler, 27, of Lydun Drive, Albion, was arrested on a warrant related to an aggravated unlicensed operation charge. Saddler was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for an alleged traffic violation in the Town of Oakfield. He was wanted on a warrant out of Batavia City Court and turned over to Batavia Police.

Michael Anthony Sweet, 25, of Walden Creek Drive, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Sweet's car was stopped at 1:43 a.m., Saturday, in the area of 5267 Route 33, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves reported that he could smell the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the car. Sweet, the report reads, "eventually produced the suspected marijuana." 

Amy Elinore Bluhm, 23, of Morrow Road, Covington, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Bluhm's vehicle was stopped by Sgt. Greg Walker for allegedly traveling 70 mph in a 55 mph zone. Upon investigation, it was determined that Bluhm was allegedly driving on a suspended license and had a warrant out for her arrest. Bluhm was jailed on $500 bail.

Rebecca Ann Piechowiak, 21, undisclosed address, Darien, is charged with petit larceny. Piechowiak is accused of shoplifting from Target on at least three separate occasions. 

Michael Todd Dibble, 19, of Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child and unlawful possession of marijuana. Dibble is accused of hosting an underage drinking party at his home.

John E. Hehnen, 55, of Dorsch Road, Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Hehnen was stopped at 12:23 a.m. Sunday on Akron Road, Town of Pembroke, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Edwin Leroy Stancliff, 31, of Alleghany Road, Pembroke, is charged with a felony count of DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater (second offense), failure to keep right, unlicensed operation, aggravated unlicensed operation. Stancliff was stopped at 1:44 a.m., Sunday, in the area of 1405 Little Falls Road, Pembroke, by Deputy James Diehl.

George Aden Vancleef, 48, of Oak Street, Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to dim headlights and driver's view obstructed. Vancleef was stopped at 12:36 a.m. Sunday on Akron Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Andrew L. Dailey, 28, of Washington Street, Spencerport, is charged with a felony count of aggravated DWI, a felony count of driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, moving from lane unsafely. Dailey was allegedly spotted in his car stopped in the middle of the intersection of Roanoke and Sweetland roads, Stafford, at 10:12 p.m. Saturday by Deputy Matt Butler.

A 17-year-old resident of Fairport is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was stopped for alleged traffic violations at 5:31 p.m. Sunday, on I-490, Bergen, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Reeves alleges that he could smell the odor of burnt marijuana come from the car. The youth was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Richard Dewey Smith, 18, of Macedon, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Smith was a passenger in a car stopped for alleged traffic violations at 5:31 p.m. Sunday, on I-490, Bergen, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Smith was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

A 16-year-old from Ontario is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The youth was a passenger in a car stopped for alleged traffic violations at 5:31 p.m. Sunday, on I-490, Bergen, by Deputy Patrick Reeves. Smith was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Anthony James Aina, 39, of Allen Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, refusal to take breath test and consumption of alcohol in a vehicle. Aina was stopped at 12:47 a.m. Monday on Oak Orchard Road, Elba, by Deputy James Diehl.

Ronald M. Odessa, 38, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and a one-way road violation. Odessa was stopped at 2:20 a.m. Saturday in the City of Batavia by State Police.

Thundershowers are expected to hit Genesee County this afternoon, with a prediction of rainfall at 100 percent by 5 p.m.

More than an inch of rain is expected.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch in effect from 1 p.m. through Tuesday morning.

A rapid rise in smaller creeks and streams is possible.  

Minor flooding is possible.

New York Times: Possible Republican Presidential Candidates 

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Route 20 and South Street Road in Pavilion.

Pavilion Fire Department, Mercy medics and Le Roy Ambulance are responding. Mercy Flight is on standby.

UPDATE 4:17 p.m.: There are two vehicles involved and two injuries reported. Mercy Flight is canceled.

UPDATE 4:19 p.m.: The two drivers are women who appear to have sustained superficial injuries.

UPDATE 4:30 p.m.: A third ambulance is called to the scene in nonemergency mode. No reason given.

March was Arts Month and it was a busy one. Here are some snapshots of Harvester Center activities, as well as arts-related activities elsewhere in Batavia.

The Batavia Players' production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" (Friday, March 18)

Garrison Starr performance at the Harvester 56 Theater (Thursday, March 31)

Photos submitted by Loren Penman

Starr (pictured with a wool cap) socializes during the champagne reception.

OATKA School of Glass

Photos submitted by Amanda Taylor

People learn how to manipulate glass in a kiln with the help of instructor Lance Taylor (left).

A guest instructor shows people how it's done.

A sample of a student's work.

Leadership Genesee members try their hands at glass art.

For previous coverage, see OATKA School of Glass one of Batavia's best-kept secrets.

"Anything Goes: Books and More"

Proprietor Mary Holmes showed me the above space, which she acquired this past month and which will be used for auctions, craft shows, etc.

For previous coverage of "Anything Goes," click on the following links:

Batavia siblings make a good team selling 'books and more'

Local woman opens retail store in Harvester Center

Coming Soon -- The "Moon Java Café"

(Sorry about the glare.) This is the sign for "Moon Java Café," which will be opening soon in the Harvester Center.

Meanwhile...

Student artwork display -- Richmond Memorial Library Gallery Room

The following are samples of art from Batavia students in grades K-12.

'Music in Our Schools' concert at Batavia High School (Thursday, March 31)

These songs are arranged in the order presented on Thursday night. My apologies -- it was hard to get good pictures from where I was sitting at some points.

Kathy Hochul, Democratic candidate in the NY-26 special election to replace Chris Lee, stopped at Kati's Place in Le Roy this morning to talk with voters.

The stop is part of a weekend effort by Hochul to visit all seven counties in the NY-26 on Saturday and Sunday. Yesterday, she stopped at Seaman's Hardware in East Pembroke. 

Her Republican opponent, Jane Corwin, also appears to be out on the campaign trail. She was in Genesee County yesterday but didn't notify the local media.

Yesterday, around noon, Corwin posted to Facebook:

Busy day meeting with folks in the community! Just left the Annual SCOPE Membership Meeting in Alabama and now on my way to the Wyoming County Hospital's 100th Anniversary Celebration in Warsaw. More on the schedule for later today.

No status updates from her since.

A trailer in Batavia that apparently hadn't been occupied for seven years and had no electricity or heat source caught fire Friday night.

The rear half of the trailer was destroyed.

A Sheriff's Office report says how the fire started is "unknown."

The blaze, at 9427 Alexander Road, was reported at 9:12 p.m. by a motorist from Attica.

The trailer is owned by Richard Hale, who told investigators that there was nothing of value in the trailer except some old lawn furniture and appliances.  

Hale, who lives on the property, said he didn't see or hear anything suspicious prior to the fire being reported.

Town of Batavia fire along with Alexander fire departments responded to the scene.

Tice's Rangers, a Revolutionary-era reenactment group was at the Oakfield Historical Museum, 7 Maple Ave., today for the museum's spring reopening.

Above, from left, are Bob Smith, of Batavia, John Dellapenna, of Batavia, Erick Michealsen, of Lockport, Paul Winnie, of the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Derek Lindquist, of Williamsville, Mark Houseman, of Medina, Joe Bucolo, of Lockport, Steve Kruppenbacher and Jeff Harding, of Newfane.

More pictures after the jump:

The Local Drug Task Force busted a suspected drug dealer late Friday night and it turns out to be the same man who was wounded in an unexplained shooting on Indian Falls Road nearly a year ago.

Taken into custody was Carlos A. Torres Jr., 35, of West Main Street, Batavia.

He was stopped at 9:45 p.m. on Lyon Street, City of Batavia, for suspected traffic violations. He was found to allegedly be driving under the influence of drugs and allegedly carrying cocaine, crack and heroin with an estimated street value of more than $7,000. 

"The weight of the powder cocaine, along with the number of bags of both crack and heroin, on top of his $4,000 (in cash), is significant for this county," said Sgt. Steve Mullen, head of the task force.

Torres came to the attention of investigators in May 2010 when he showed up at UMMC with gunshot wounds. 

At the time, he claimed he had been walking down Indian Falls Road when a car pulled up behind him, somebody demanded his wallet, then shot him. He called a friend who drove him to the hospital.

At the time, investigators couldn't corroborate his story. No shell casings were found in the area and no witnesses were located.

Eventually, Torres became the target of a drug investigation, which lasted about six months.

Torres was charged with one count of inadequate muffler, one count of improper or unsafe turn, one count of driving while ability impaired by drugs, one count of unlawful possession of marijuana, three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd (intent to sell), and two counts of criminal possession possession of a controlled substance, 3rd (aggregate weight of the powder cocaine and crack).

Participating in the investigation and arrest were uniformed members of the Sheriff's Office, City of Batavia Police, Orleans County Major Crimes Task Force and the Gensee County District Attorney's Office.

A 17-year-old was seriously injured in an accident on Bethany Center Road, Bethany, at 2:09 p.m., Friday, after the driver of a truck apparently pulled onto the roadway off Cacner and struck the car the youth was in.

The car continued southbound, striking a mailbox, going off the left shoulder of the road.

Karl R. Kennedy, no address given, was flown by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital where he is listed in guarded condition this morning (at Strong, any patient in the intensive care unit is listed as "guarded").

Kennedy was unconscious following the accident, according to the Sheriff's Office accident report. He suffered a head injury and was bleeding severely.

Charges are pending against the truck driver, said Deputy Bradley D. Mazur in his report.

The driver is identified as Dean W. Knauss, 53, of 9931 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany. He was driving a 1995 truck owned by a local dairy farm.

The car Kennedy was in was a 1998 Ford sedan driven by Michaela E. Baudanza, 17, of 7303 Morrow Road, Pavilion.  

Baudanza suffered minor injuries. Knauss was uninjured.

(Initial Report)