Thank you again to Dr. Russ and Dr. Marcella for your generosity given to the community and a special thanks to their spouses too!  God Bless you all!

Food, music and a day out with your friends and neighbors -- Downtown Batavia's 6th Annual Summer in the City festival appeared to be a success on all of those counts yesterday.

Main Street was bustling all afternoon and into the evening.

More photos after the jump:

Thanks to Abby Scalia and Samantha Luce for helping with balloons at The Batavian booth.

Tom Monnier submitted this photo of a frog that he found in his backyard a couple of days ago.

He writes:

I did a bit of research because I'm no frog expert, but I found it to be a tree frog. I live right in the Village of Oakfield so it's rather rare to see this frog on my grill! Had to take a picture and it seemed very photogenic! Figured maybe someone might be able to tell me if I will be seeing more of them around this season.

A person in East Pembroke suffered a severe arm injury at a garage at 2452 Main Road. The victim is reported to be in and out of consciousness and bleeding severely.

Mercy Flight is responding and a landing zone is set up at the back of a nearby elementary school. East Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are also responding. Town of Batavia is called to help with traffic control.

A chain reportedly broke, creating a "mechanical malfunction," resulting in the injury.

UPDATE (12:50 p.m.): Mercy flight has landed. Medics will have the patient there in a minute or so. The patient is now alert and oriented, with a severely injured, possibly fractured, arm.

UPDATE (1:05 p.m.): Mercy Flight is airborne, heading to Erie County Medical Center. All emergency responders are back in service.

(by WBTA News Intern Ashley Chiocco)


The Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate MedTech Centre has opened.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting took place yesterday (Friday) afternoon during the building’s grand-opening celebration on Assemblyman Stephen Hawley Drive.

The $7.2-million building will be home to GCC’s state-of-the-art nursing facilities, UMMC’s therapy programs, and provide space for emerging biotech companies.

GCC’s Nursing Program Director Kathy Polumbo tells how the new facilities will enhance the students’ learning experiences.

"We have all the latest technology in our classrooms," says Palumbo. "And I think the labs are the real 'piece de resistance.' We have a very realistic environment with our simulators.

"So what we're hoping is: We will make the sutdents better prepared for when they actually get their first job and they come into the real world."

The MedTech Centre is just the first building to be completed in GCEDC’s Upstate MedTech Park.

PHOTO: Area representatives, EDC officials and members of GCC pose at yesterday's ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Three people were transported to area hospitals Friday evening following a two-car accident on Sumner Road and Route 77 in Darien.

One car allegedly stopped on Sumner at Route 77 but then pulled out on Route 77 while making a left-hand turn and was struck by the second vehicle, which was traveling southbound on Route 77.

The accident occurred at 7 p.m.

The driver of vehicle one is identified as Melissa M. Kenney, 40, of Exchange Street, Irving.

The second driver is Frederck W. Burtis, 30, of First Avenue, North Tonawanda.

Kenney had a passenger in her car, Rosemarie DeGeorge, 41.

Kenney and DeGeorge were taken to ECMC. Burtis was transported to UMMC.

While our initial report indicated that Mercy Flight was dispatched and did land, the accident report indicates all three passengers were taken by ground ambulance to the hospitals.

A driver says a female passenger struck him in his arm while he was driving, causing him to lose control of his car Thursday evening, resulting in a one-vehicle rollover accident.

No one was injured. The accident occurred at 6:43 p.m. on Route 33 near Caswell Road, Stafford.

The 2008 Chevy sedan was driven by 27-year-old Romer M. Williams, of East Bethany-Le Roy Road, East Bethany.

Williams told Deputy Matthew Butler that when he was struck in his arm, he lost control of the car. He swerved to the right shoulder, tried to correct and the car went into a sideways skid across the roadway and onto the opposite shoulder, where it rolled onto its side.

His passengers were Yalawn J. Christin, 22, and Charles A. Small Jr., 26.

No citations were issued.

The following arrests were made in conjunction with the Toby Keith concert on Friday at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Ethan J. Young, 20, of North Road, Churchville, is charged with trespass. He is accused of returning to the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Young was jailed on $250 bail.

Stephen Masich IV, 27, of Broad Street, Tonawanda, is charged with disorderly conduct, harassment ,2nd, and robbery, 3rd. Masich allegedly pushed two females while inside the concert venue and stole a cell phone from another woman and threw it. Masich was released on $5,000 bail.

Emily M. Skotnicki, 22, of Sand Pebble Drive, Chili, is charged with disorderly conduct. Skotnicki allegedly yelled obscenities while being ejected from the concert venue.

James R. Phalen, 18, of Four Rod Road, Alden, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Phalen is accused of pushing a security guard to the ground while inside the concert venue.

Tristen L. Johnson, 26, of Cedar Grove Drive, Rochester, is charged with trespass for allegedly being found on the roof of the box office of the concert venue.

Kevin A. Olewniczak, 20, of Lockwood Drive, Lockport, is charged with trespass after allegedly re-entering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

The following people received citations for alleged underage drinking:

Christina N. Limura, 19, of Southwind Way, Rochester
Breanna M. Leiby, 19 of Stony Point Road, Spencerport
Carly A. Barner, 20, of Lambeth Loop, Fairport
Christopher M. Weber, 18, of Crittenden Road, Alden
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Pohl Road, Alden
Zachary R. Garbacz, 18, of Rusher Road, Alden
A 17-year-old of Cedar Street, Alden
Nicholas J. Theodorakos, 18 ,of Oak Orchard Road, Albion
Ciara L. Livecchi, 18, of Spruce Street, North Collins
Emily E. Ricotta, 19, of Elm Street, North Collins
Kristen F. Beaver, 19, of Kenview Avenue, Tonawanda
Courney A. M. Moccia, 18, of Park Dale Avenue, Fort Erie, Ontario
Zachary M. Pronti, 20, of Townline Road, North Tonawanda
Richard M. Ferguson, 20, of Aiken Road, Lockport
Katelyn E. Moore, 20, of Rosedale Drive, Amherst
Eric M. Dimarco, 20, of Indian Trail Road, Williamsville
Mitchell D. Silverberg, 20, of President’s Walk Williamsville
Travis T. Mattison, 18, of Ridge Road, Brockport
Andrew T. Wahls, 18, of Campbell Road, Spencerport
Salvatore M. Marascio, 18, of East Canal Road, Brockport
Brendon A. Sodoma, 18, of Gordon Road,  Brockport
Abby L. White, 19, of East Wautoma Beach Road, Hilton
Sherry L. Mogavero, 19, of Isherwood Road, Niagara Falls
Jason T. Lamanna, 19, of Nickerbacker Road, Ontario
Chelsea M. Guererri, 19, of Pleasant Street, Seneca Falls
Jessica D. Prokop, 20, of Bowen Road, Elma
A 17-year-old, of Bettylou Lane, Cheektowaga
Chelsey M. Bloom, 19, of West Avenue, Medina
Amanda L. Grant-Revels, 19, of Mead Avenue, Medina
Kelly L. Wass, 20, of Brown Schoolhouse Road, Holley
Codey W. States, 20 of Petersmith Road, Kent
Tyler J. Aina, 19, of Waterport-Carlton Road, Albion
Gregory G. Lioy, 20, of Hillary Lane, Penfield
Eric G. Ramsperger, 20, of Winchester Drive, Fairport
Demetri S. Athanasopoulos, 20, of Sarah Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Dylan J. Joudrey, 20, of Chippawa Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Citizen tips have led to the arrest of a suspect in an alleged hit-and-run accident on Richmond Avenue early Saturday morning.

David R. House, 28, of 140 Summit St., Batavia, is being charged with leaving the scene of a personal motor-vehicle accident, moving from lane unsafely and operating a vehicle without insurance.

House is accused of hitting a car that was legally parked on Richmond Avenue near VanDetta Stadium around 2:15 a.m., Saturday.

A woman who had attended an event at the stadium that evening was sleeping in the car.  She was injured in the accident.

On Monday, Batavia Police issued a statement to local media asking for information that might help investigators identify a suspect.

State Police assisted in the investigation.

Batavia's biggest day of the summer arrives tomorrow (Saturday): It's time for the annual Summer in the City, when people from all over the region join in for a day of great food, cool music and hot, classic cars.

And The Batavian will return with a booth this year handing out our free balloons, as well as selling T-shirts for $5 and a limited number of barn-picture prints for $12 (You love our barn pictures, right?).

While the annual event is taking place only on Saturday this year, it will cover a large portion of downtown, stretching from Main and Ellicott to Main and Liberty streets.

The Main Stage will be on Main Street next to the Old County Courthouse, with vendors on Court and Jefferson. Main near City Centre will contain food vendors and a kids' zone, with space set aside for classic cars on the rest of Main as well as Jackson, Bank and Center streets.

All of those streets will be closed to automobile traffic from 8 a.m. until at least 11 p.m.

The festival opens at noon and runs until 10 p.m.

Elvis impersonator Terry Buckwald and the Ghost Riders provide headline entertainment along with Nik and the Nice Guys.

Nonprofits which might want to donate to the former Cristina's Restaurant location on Ellicott Street in Batavia need to act quickly, said owner Charles Brumsted today.

He set a deadline of 3 p.m., Aug. 26, for nonprofits to apply for ownership of the property.

At the same time, Brumsted is facing a deadline of his own -- he has until Sept. 17 to dispose of the property one way or another, or go to trial on a series of misdemeanor charges levied by Batavia code-enforcement inspectors.

Brumstead was summoned to Batavia City Court today -- his attorney appeared on his behalf -- to answer to a series of complaints by the city that Brumstead has not been maintaining his property in compliance with local codes.

The allegations include: problems with the roof; cracks in exterior walls; a front door boarded over with plywood; and the structure's vacant appearance, all of which create a blighted appearance in the neighborhood, among other complaints (Source: WBTA).

Brumsted told WBTA's Geoff Redick today that the deadline in court and the new deadline for the nonprofits is merely a coincidence.

"The deadline that was set for Thursday, August 26th," says Brumsted, "was solely...to the effect that we were overwhelmed with the amount of response, and the not-for-profit organizations that have come forth for the interest in Cristina's restaurant."

Brumsted told The Batavian that some 15 nonprofit organizations have expressed an interest in the property.

The selection criteria, he said, will be based on what the nonprofits want to do with the property and how well that use will serve the community.

Of course, if the property is donated to a nonprofit, it will be taken off the city's tax rolls. At the same time, if the right nonprofit put the property to good use, it would bring people and activity to that section of Ellicott Street.

"I still own property in that area," Brumsted said. "I want to see something that helps other businesses in the area."

In a brief conversation today, City Manager Jason Molino said he didn't have a position on whether the property remains with a private owner or goes to a nonprofit.

"It's his property and he can do what he wants with it," Molino said, adding "Of course, he has a few issues to clear up first."

In other Batavia City Court actions on code-violation allegations:

• Latina's is in significant compliance with city codes, officials said. The deadline for full compliance was extended to Sept. 17.
• Ron Graziaplena, who has upset some neighbors with his 19 mallard ducks and other issues in his yard on Oak Street, appeared with an attorney, Frank Zinni. Judge Robert Balbick gave the attorney until Sept. 17 to get up to speed with the case.

There's a motor vehicle accident with injuries at Route 77 and Sumner Road in Darien. It is blocking traffic.

Darien fire and Mercy EMS have been dispatched and a fire chief has requested information about the availability of Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 7:14 p.m.: Route 77 has been closed in both directions. Mercy Flight should be on scene shortly.

UPDATE 7:17 p.m.: Mercy Flight is on the ground.

Pavilion Fire Department is responding to a report of a broken natural gas pipeline at 11043 River Road.

The line was reportedly struck by an auger by construction workers on site.

The location is between Ellicott Street Road and Starr Road.

UPDATE (5:08 p.m.): RG&E is being notified about the broken pipe.

When the overture began and the curtains opened, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had seen the 1954 film "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" years and years ago but didn’t remember it at all.

(My mother reminded me that it was the movie with the extremely agile male dancers; surprisingly, that didn’t help.)

The show takes place in an Oregon fur-trapping town circa 1850, and tells the story of the seven Pontipee brothers, who all live together without parents or wives.

Because they have no women around to do the housework, the oldest brother, Adam, goes into town -- where the Pontipees are not welcome due to their rowdy behavior-- and quickly proposes to Milly, a waitress.

The two get married and Milly takes on the seemingly impossible task of training Adam’s brothers to be gentlemen. But when the brothers fall in love with girls from the town, they abandon all they’ve learned from their sister-in-law and mayhem ensues.

It’s a cute, fun story with a happy ending and upbeat songs and the actors all seemed to be enjoying themselves while telling it.

Retired schoolteacher Carol Smith said she came because she likes to follow some of her former students in the cast.

“I think it’s amazing,” she said at intermission. “I’m really enjoying it. The leads especially are doing amazing.”

I agreed. Brittany Mruczek and Justin Soble were outstanding as Milly and Adam; both of them were believable as their characters and they have fantastic singing voices. The rest of the ensemble provided solid backing.

Nicholas Dunn, Kraig Marsh, Casimir Mruczek, Adam Secor, Matthew Smith and Eric Waples were audience favorites as the other six brothers, entertaining the crowd with their boisterous antics and impressive harmonizing.

Their brides -- played by Melzie Case, Rachel Fischer, Erin Kruppner, Kaitlin Logsdon, Maryssa Peirick, and Katelyn Rogers -- were equally entertaining as they giggled and flitted around the stage, becoming more and more bold as the show went on.

Even many of the smaller characters who only had a few lines, such as James Barcomb and Alyssa Buckley as Mr. and Mrs. Perkins and Charles Smith as the Preacher, were memorable.

And of course everyone knows that a cluster of dancing 5-year-olds in 19th Century attire just cannot be beaten.

Sixteen-year-old Rosalie Mortellaro is a veteran of the Summer Youth Theatre program but was unable to participate this year because of family plans this weekend (a wedding, coincidentally). However, that didn’t stop her from coming to support her friends from shows past.

"It’s excellent,” Rosalie declared. “I’m surprised to see some new faces and it’s nice to see old faces.”

The show at Batavia High School seemed to go off without a hitch, earning a standing ovation early into the bows.

As I walked out, people all around me were raving about the performance, using words like “incredible” and “phenomenal.”

All in all, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is great entertainment for the whole family. (The only glitch was the venue's ridiculously long line spilling out of the ladies' room at intermission.)

Editor's Note: Video submitted by Penguin Multimedia.

Timothy V. Meyers, 17, of 2481 Walker Road, Darien, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Meyers is accused of stealing a 2006 Yamaha Blaster four-wheel ATV from a house on Dodgeson Road, Alexander.  The ATV was recovered by Erie County law enforcement at a house in Clarence.

Jeffery Allen Good, 34, of Route 98, Alexander, was picked up on a bench warrant. The charges prompting the warrant were not released. Good was jailed on $500 bail.

Charles Anthony Smalls, 26, of Shefflen Avenue, Bronx, is charged with assault, 2nd. Smalls was a passenger in a car involved in a rollover accident on Route 33, Town of Batavia. Smalls reportedly left the scene of the accident and was located a short time later. When he was identified, deputies learned there was a warrant for his arrest from NYS Parole.

Matthew D. Derrick, 25, of 4036 West Main St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Derrick allegedly sent eight text messages to a person he was ordered not to contact.

Roger A. Laird Jr., 41, formerly of 11 Mix Place, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Laird was found inside of a particular residence in alleged violation of an order of protection.

An Albion man was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital last night following a single-car accident on Fotch Road in Stafford that knocked down power lines and caused a car fire.

He's been charged with DWI and additional charges are possible, according to Chief Deputy Gordon Dibble.

Jeffrey A. Mooney, 57, of 4928 Quaker Hill Road, Albion, was reportedly driving his 1999 Ford Taurus on Fotch Road when his car left the road at the 90-degree turn.

Mooney got himself out of the car and passersby pulled him away from the car, which became fully engulfed in flames, and downed electrical wires.

Dibble said Mooney complained of internal pain.

The investigation is being conducted by Deputy Howard Carlson and is continuing.

(initial report)

New Today: South Beach, 59 Main St., Batavia, NY: Only recently reopened, a fine/casual dining atmosphere, offering steaks and seafood and daily specials. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50 (must be used by Nov. 30, 2010).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. 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

A call has come in of a single-vehicle accident, car vs. pole, in the area of 7789 Fotch Road, Stafford.

The initial report is of a person down, in the roadway, with wires over him and the caller afraid to touch him. A car is on fire.

A first responder says the victim is on the side of the road, conscious but in pain.

Mercy Flight is is being dispatched.

Mercy EMS and Stafford Fire is on scene.

UPDATE 11:24 p.m.: Both high-voltage and low-voltage wires are damaged. National Grid has a 30 minute ETA to arrive on scene. Also a fiber optic cable belonging to the phone company has been completely burned through.

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A property damage accident is reported at the traffic roundabout at South Main and Pearl streets in Batavia.

The vehicle is reportedly leaking fluids.

The caller said the single-vehicle incident resulted in a traffic sign being knocked down and the operator of the vehicle reportedly fled the scene.