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Pavilion pastor named national 'Chaplain of the Year'

By Billie Owens

This information was provided by the Office of the Sheriff, Genesee County.

Genesee County Sheriff's Office Chaplain Philip A. Green was selected as the "2011 Chaplain of the Year" by the National Sheriffs' Association.

The award will be presented to him during the association's annual Summer Training Conference, to be held in St. Louis, Mo., in June.

He was nominated for this honor by Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha, who said that Green is most deserving of this prestigious award.

He is the senior pastor at First Baptist Church, located at 10982 South Lake Road, Pavilion. It is a position he has held since November 2003. He was appointed chaplain of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in May 2004 and serves on a voluntary basis without compensation. He previously served as chaplain of the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in Oshkosh, Wis.

Pastor Green is very active in his community; volunteering his time coaching youth soccer, boys modified soccer, and basketball at a local high school. He makes himself available to officers of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office day and night, whenever his assistance is needed.

Over the years he has assisted officers with making "death notifications" to victims' families and has assisted officers and their families in times of need.

He takes part in Sheriff's Office training sessions and has also instructed deputies on stress management. Pastor Green sponsors and hosts "Red and Blue Sunday" at his church each year, whereby he and his congregation recognize and express their appreciation to the first responders in Genesee County.

Pastor Green is a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains and a member of In-Pursuit Ministries. He has attended the International Conference of Police Chaplains conference and training seminars in Bradenton, Fla., at his own expense and is certified in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Pensacola Theological Seminary and is currently working on his doctorate of Sacred Ministry from Northland Baptist Bible College in Dunbar, Wis. He is also a 2007 graduate of Leadership Genesee.

Pastor Green lives in the Town of Pavilion with his wife, Marun, and their three children: Anthony, 8, Tyler, 5, and 4-year-old Laci.

Super Super Bowl Deal of the Day

By Howard B. Owens

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Don't let your sweetie go without flowers for Valentine's Day. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Scratch Bakery, 24 Main St. Le Roy, NY: Scones, cookies, cakes, breads, rolls and more. Call ahead, 297-2441, for availability or special orders. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

Batavia Downs Grandstand Bar & Grille, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY: A full menu, salad bar and drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50. (Must be new or current Players Club member to redeem. Expires Feb. 28)

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.

Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates 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.

South Beach, 59 Main St., Batavia, NY: Try the new lunch buffet. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50 (must be used by Feb. 28, 2011).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

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.

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 three weeks of yoga, 3 classes, a $30 value, for $15.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's, a great place for pizza, wings, subs -- eat in, take out or delivery. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; new all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have $20 gift certificates 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.

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

SOLD OUT

Wires, tree on fire on Route 63, south of York Road

By Billie Owens

Three or four electrical wires, still connected to the pole, are on fire on the north side of Route 63, just south of York Road. A nearby tree is also on fire. (The location is reportedly near an old house than burned down a long time ago.)

Pavilion Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 7:21 p.m.: National Grid has been notified. No arrival time estimate given.

Photos: Winter Fun Day for Genesee ARC

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee County Sno-Packers Snowmobile Club hosted clients of Genesee ARC today for the third annual "Winter Fun Party" at the club's facility in Oakfield.

The event is part of Genesee ARC's "Challenger Sports" program.

The party featured snowmobile rides, crafts and a lunch.

The club received a grant from KLIM, a maker of snowmobile clothing, so each participant received a KLIM beanie.

Photos from today's event can be purchased by clicking here.

More photos to view after the jump:

Hawley wants lawmakers in new session to have a sense of urgency

By Billie Owens

Here's a 'Legislative Column' submitted by Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.”

You don’t have to be a 'Renaissance Man' to appreciate Leonardo da Vinci’s advice.

Whether presented with an artist’s blank canvas or the complexities of engineering the future out of 15th Century technology, his attitude was to dare greatly without delay. In this new legislative session, the New York State Assembly must heed da Vinci’s words and act with the sense of urgency to our state’s current crisis demands.

In 2010, Albany’s legendary dysfunction reached levels of gridlock and infighting not seen since the Articles of Confederation. (This might be overstated – but only slightly.)

My colleagues and I must therefore renew our mission to serve our constituents, to earn the seats they have given us. I am committed to continuing my agenda from last year’s legislative session, including bringing jobs back to Western New York, reining in out-of-control taxes, and supporting economic growth through farming and other agricultural endeavors.

Costly unfunded mandates – essentially deferred taxes to pay for current, reckless spending – also demand Albany’s immediate attention in order to cut property taxes for working families.

Western New York’s rural communities occupy a special place in our state’s cultural and economic ecosystems. Our family farms are the sturdy backbone of the Empire State’s economy and our vast open spaces continue to draw visitors seeking peaceful, natural surroundings. It’s a way of life strengthened by a commitment to tradition and freedom for the individual.

But now, Albany bureaucrats want to change this culture of self-reliance and begin to dictate individual behavior.

The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is attempting to place new restrictions on property owners, including prohibiting them from burning materials or refuse in any open area. The state agency is undertaking this measure despite our lack of larger waste-management facilities found in suburban or urban areas - the very reason why some residents of the 139th Assembly District have safely and responsibly burned discarded material on their properties for generations.

A bill to prevent this power grab by the DEC was introduced in the Legislature in January 2010. Since that time, the measure has been held for further consideration in an Assembly committee. I am the prime sponsor of this vitally important legislative reform as the new session begins and will work with my colleagues to bring it to the Assembly Floor for a vote as soon as possible.

Landowners in rural communities must have the property rights protections that they deserve with the urgency required to prevent future arbitrary rulings from unelected, unaccountable government pencil-pushers.

Winter can sometimes make laggards of us, but now is no time to take it easy. As your assemblyman, I am renewing my focus and channeling my energies on the legislative priorities interrupted by last year’s chaotic session. There is no time to waste. Each day that passes is a missed opportunity to correct our course away from the fiscal cliff.

As we work together to create more private-sector jobs, reduce spending, and eliminate deficits, I will also continue to fight for your interests and our way of life here in Western New York.

As a small-business owner, I know what it takes to balance a budget. As a neighbor and friend of our region, I understand Albany’s actions can stifle economic growth and threaten individual freedoms in Western New York. This is our home, and here is my mandate: to act with urgency for your interests in 2011. ... “Being willing is not enough; we must do.”

Photo: Snowfall on Main Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Here's what Downtown Batavia looked like about 30 minutes ago. The snow has slowed considerably since then, but road crews report a new around of heavy snow crossing the county.

The weather advisory remains in effect until 1 a.m.

This is a particularly icy-slick snowstorm and there are reports of lots of cars sliding off roadways.

Two youths hurt in accidents still hospitalized

By Howard B. Owens

Two of Genesee County's young people seriously hurt in accidents this week remain hospitalized.

Cassandra Koepp, 17, injured in an accident on Wortendyke Road on Wednesday afternoon, remains in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital. Strong lists all patients in the intensive care unit as "guarded."

Jordan Paul Fleming, 22, who had his legs seriously injured when his car hit a tree on East Bethany-Le Roy Townline Road on Thursday is listed in satisfactory condition at Strong.

Lots of weather-related car wrecks

By Billie Owens

Predictably, the weather is creating hazardous road conditions. There are at least four accidents now -- and cars have careened off the roads in several other places countywide.

One car is well off the road on the westbound 490 at the Bergen exit.

Another accident is reported on the Thruway at mile marker 399.9, eastbound. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments responded. Air-bag deployment, no injuries.

Alabama Fire Department is responding to an accident on Alleghany Road, just south of Ham Road. Car, with heavy front-end damage, and a tractor-trailer.

Route 5 overpass of the Thruway. Driver only, no injuries, heavy front-end damage.

Wanted: 200 acres near Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

If you're a landowner with at least 200 acres in the Batavia area, here's your chance to sell it.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is trying to secure a plot of land that is central to Buffalo and Rochester for a new veteran's cemetery, according to a report in the Buffalo News.

When it was pointed out that most of the land east, west, north and south of Batavia is wide open, he said, “Apparently no one wants to sell.”

At present, the closest VA cemetery for those who have served in the armed forces is more than 100 miles away in Bath.

The parcel being sought by the VA needs to be within seven miles north or south of the Thruway and no farther than 20 miles east of the Thruway and Route 77 or 18 miles west of that rural crossing.

Prospective sellers -- even a mile outside the boundaries -- should call Gary Rothfeld, a VA real estate official at (202) 495-5534.

The deadline for proposals is Feb. 16.

One-car rollover accident on Thruway

By Billie Owens

A one-car rollover accident is reported on the Thruway, eastbound at mile marker 398.8. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding. There are injuries, but their severity is unknown.

Callers say responders should use caution upon approach since there are reportedly people running across the roadway to the accident scene.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: A responder says the accident is not a rollover.

UPDATE 3:01 p.m.: Apparently there are two separate incidents. One car is off the roadway at mile marker 398. A half mile eastward, a black SUV was overturned, but is now right-side up. The occupants are out and seem to have suffered lacerations only.

Moderate snowfall predicted this afternoon and evening

By Howard B. Owens

From 3 to 5 inches of snow are expected to hit Genesee County some time after 1 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued an advisory for the expected storm, which is effect until 1 a.m., Sunday.

The forecast doesn't call for much in the way of winds, though visibility is expected to be reduced a half mile.

The NWS warns of hazardous driving conditions during the storm.

Third suspect arrested in alleged fight at Le Roy tavern

By Howard B. Owens

A third suspect in an alleged fight at the Eagle Hotel in Le Roy on Jan. 23 has been arrested and charged with harassment, 2nd.

Steven Hare, 37, of 9 Washington Ave., Le Roy, was arraigned and released following his arrest.

Hare is accused of shoving another person during the alleged altercation.

Previously charged with assault, 2nd were Thomas B. Streamer, 40, of 28 Grover St., Warsaw, and Thomas W. Sherman, 41, of 108 North St., Le Roy.

One alleged victim was taken to UMMC with with facial, head and shoulder injuries.

Law enforcement officials plan vigilance for DWI over Super Bowl weekend

By Howard B. Owens

If you plan to down a brew or two over Super Bowl weekend, local law enforcement officials hope you'll remember: Don't drink and drive.

To help emphasize the point, the State Police announced they will have extra patrols on roads throughout Western New York and troopers will also man check points at undisclosed locations.

The Sheriff's Office, according to Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble, will also have extra cruisers on the road, though no checkpoints are planned.

From the State Police announcement:

The State Police plan to provide increased patrols in hopes that increased visibility and enforcement efforts will ensure that this upcoming weekend will be a safe one for people in Western New York.

Troopers and investigators will also check on liquor stores and taverns to enforce age restrictions on alcohol consumption.

Pair of Batavia hotels get sales tax break for new windows and doors

By Howard B. Owens

A pair of Batavia hotels are getting some tax relief through the Genesee County Economic Development Center because they are installing new energy-efficient doors and windows.

A GCEDC news release says the project will mean 21 retained jobs.

The Days Inn and Super 8 at 200 Oak St., Batavia, are expected to spend more than $220,000 on the project.

The owners will save about $9,000 in sales tax on materials under terms of the GCEDC arrangement.

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