Batavia Police are responding to a report that part of the roof of Pontillo's has blown off and is currently traveling eastbound on Main Street.

UPDATE: A little while ago, a Batavia Police officer reported the roof portion was recovered and returned to the Pontillo's property.

The results of the Pool Poll conducted by the LeRoy Village Board were shared this evening at the Village Board meeting. There were 124 polls turned in of which 92.7% (115) were homeowners; 8.9% (or 11 polls) were in the 21-40 age range, 43.5% (54) were in the 41-60 age range, and 47.6% (59) were 61 or older; 24.2% (30) had children, while 75.8% (94) did not; 58.9% (73) answered yes they want a poll, with the remaining 41.1% (51) saying no. Of those who responded that they want a pool the majority, 50.7% (37) stated they want a year round facility (option D involving a joint municipality venture with the village, town, and school district), 20.5% (15) chose option B (Spend $140,000 next year with more repairs to be done in following years...), 15.1% (11) chose option A (build a spray park), and 13.7% (10) chose option C (spend $395,000 to completely renovate the pool....). If you want to know more information about the break down let me know.

It's troubling, though, that only 124 polls were turned in out of approximately 1900 households in the village and even more in the Town. I knocked on more than 124 doors campaigning this fall and almost everyone had an opinion about the pool.

I have 3 questions for everyone, especially those living here in LeRoy:

1.)Why was there such a low turn out?

2.)What could be done to improve turn out?

3.)What kind of a message do you think this low turn out sends to the board?

As always, thank you for your time and your thoughtfullness.

I need to get this sweatshirt order turned in -- two people at Christmas in the City told me they intend to order them, but haven't yet.

I'm going to place our order with T-Shirts Etc. within the next few days. 

Also, I'm not sure I can get hoodies. If you want a hoodie, request it in the PayPal notes box. If I can get a hoodie, I will, but otherwise, please just be happy with a regular sweatshirt!

Also, if you would rather mail a check, send it to: The Batavian, LLC, 200 E. Main St., #5, Batavian, NY 14020.

He was the last caught, the last to admit guilt, but Michael J. Wells will be first of three Elba bank robbers to go to state prison.

And he's going away for a long time.

Judge Robert Noonan did not impose the maximum sentence available to him under terms of a plea agreement, which was 15 years. But he told Wells this afternoon that under state law, he was required to impose a lengthy sentence and that he had no qualms about doing so.

The sentenced imposed on the 24-year-old was 12.5 years, followed by five years of supervised release. Under determinant sentencing rules, Wells is looking about 10 years in prison. He could serve another five if he got into any trouble after release.

Wells has no prior criminal convictions or offenses that might indicate he would try to rob a bank and, by all accounts, no history of drug use or alcohol abuse. According to his attorney Thomas Burns, Wells comes from a good family.

Even so, Noonan said he didn't understand what led Wells to participate in a viciously violent crime.

"When this case first came before me, I thought, though I didn't say it to court personnel, 'When this case plays out, I'm going to understand what this is all about,' and here we are six months later and this still all puzzles me. ...

"This is like somebody plucked a person from out of nowhere and said, 'why don't you commit some terribly violent crime?' And you, even being an intelligent human being, said, 'Sure, I'll go along with that.' This is just totally perplexing, and as I close your file, I'm just as puzzled by that today as I was on the first day."

And it was a violent crime.

Two of the women who were working in the M&T Bank branch in Elba on June 19 spoke before Noonan sentenced Wells. Both described an event of sheer terror that has left them traumatized -- both are undergoing treatment for PTSD -- and they said, scarred for life.

Patty Hackett, a 19-year employee of M&T Bank who has shown up for every court appearance for all three defendants, spoke first. She began by explaining how she and her husband worked hard to raise two children and send them to collage. When the children were babies, her husband worked three jobs -- including pumping gas at night and working on a farm on weekends -- to help make ends meet. When it came time to pay for college for their children, he again took on a second job.

"Not once did it ever cross his mind or our minds to rob a bank because we needed cash," Hackett said.

She then described in some detail the events inside the bank during the robbery. She was on a conference call when Wells, Dennis Abrams and Demone Dillon entered the bank yelling and waving guns.

"They came running through the doors Rambo-style," Hackett said.

She was going to try and grab the other teller that morning -- Alicia Nichols -- and try to make it to the bathroom where they could lock themselves in, but before she even got out of her chair, Abrams grabbed her, she said, and threw her to the ground.

"He was holding a gun at me," Hackett said. "I was terrified. I was sick. I was thinking, 'God, we’re going to be robbed and I’m going to die.'"

Later she added, "I thought, 'This is it. We're going to die. Please help me dear God,' I remember saying. I remember seeing a picture in my mind of my beautiful daughter and my beautiful son and my husband who is the love of my life."

Theresa Claybourn who was the branch manager that day, also described a scene of terror in which she thought for sure she was going to die.

"I believe that second man was intending to keep me at bay and I thought at any second he was going to come over and see my phone off the hook and think I called the cops and then shoot me dead," Claybourn said.

When it came his turn to speak, Wells, who has largely remained stone-faced every time he appears in court, didn't say much, but he did express regret for his actions.

"I made a terrible, horrible decision that day and I wish I could change it," Wells said. "I know that I can’t. If anything comes out of this, I hope that others will learn from my poor, bad example."

Both Abrams and Dillon will be sentenced at a later date.

WBTA's Dan Fischer was given permission to tape record the hearing and will have audio available online and on air later today and tomorrow. He may air the entire hearing tomorrow morning. We'll update this story with the time when that information becomes available. We'll also link to any audio he posts once they are available.

UPDATE: Audio from WBTA, Patty Hackett describes how the crime has changed her life (mp3).

The accident scene at Ellicott Street and Main has been cleared and the roadway has reopened to traffic.

In the words of the dispatcher, "Cedar Street. The usual -- semi, bridge, ripped open."

Numerous power outages have plagued Genesee County throughout the day, with the largest and longest lasting affecting more than 300 customers in the western area of Batavia (both city and town).

Power to those customers is not expected to be restored until after 3 p.m.

Five hundred customers in Alexander had power restored an hour or so ago. Many of the other power outages affect five customers or less.

National Grid provides an interactive map of power outages on its Web site. Snapshot of the map above taken about 1 p.m.

Emergency crews from Alexander are responding to 2864 Pike Road for the report of an accident in which a garbage truck struck a utility pole, causing wires to fall. The wires are across the roadway and believed to be live. But the pole has fallen into a swamp and may require special equipment to remove it.

UPDATE (1:05 p.m.): The nearest cross street to the accident site is Wortendyke Road. Three or four poles have been affected, including one reported at 3220 Pike Road. The area is about a mile in length, "quite a stretch," "quite a Slinky." Alexander Fire is requested to provide traffic control. A wire is also reported to be laying across Beaver Road near Pike. Beaver Road will be shut down in order to handle the situation. National Grid has been advised.

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It's me, the one, the only Jack Picasso. I have a jazzy name to fit my jazzy personality. I'm 6-months old, sweet as French apple pie and active like the puppy that I am.

See, I was here before, as a stray, then I went to a nice home. But, alas, my owners felt that I needed more attention than they could give. So here I is agin. Dang.

I'm a great dog -- neutered, housebroken, good with children and other dogs. I am also behaved on a leash. Besides all these wonderful attributes, I am charming, amusing and fun to look at. Am I right? The picture of this collie-mix speaks for itself, does it not?

I'm in Kennel 20 biding my time until I can get out and PLAY!

P.S. I love to roll on my back and have my belly rubbed. Just thought you'd like to know. 

Guess what I told Santa I wanted for Christmas? Surprise! A new home, ideally with my sister, too.

My name is Tiger. (Clever, huh?) I'm 5 years old, neutered and an orange, well, tiger cat. My sister is an 8-year-old, spayed, gray tiger cat named Runsky. She's not the sourpuss that she looks like in this picture, believe me.

Our young owner recently passed away and we nice, mellow siblings are looking for a new abode. We are accustomed to going outside and would do well in a home that will continue to let us come and go. But we do need a warm fuzzy bed at night and a sweet person to care for us.

I'm in Cage 82 and you may inquire about Runsky at the front desk.

Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY   14020
(585)343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter

An in-store video helped a downtown liquor store owner discover that one of his customers had apparently stuck a bottle of vodka in his pocket and walked out the front door last week, so he was keeping an eye out for the suspect's return.

On Monday, a man fitting the description of the suspect David Buchholtz saw on video came into the store again, made a bee-line for the vodka shelf. Apparently thinking he was unobserved, the guy allegedly stuck another bottle in his jacket and walked out -- this time, not even making the pretense to stop and pay for the booze.

Buchholtz waited for the man to leave the store -- not wanting a scene in the store where he might get in a tussle and damage inventory -- and then grabbed him from behind. He got the suspect in a head lock and held him until police arrived, which didn't take long.

Arrested and charged with petit larceny was Steven A. Lewis II, 29, of 541 E. Main St., Batavia.

A second charge of petit larceny is pending further investigation into the original alleged theft.

In other Police Beat news:

Dennis Edson, age unknown, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, was charged with disorderly conduct this morning. Edson allegedly flipped off a police officer while he and others observed the accident activity on Ellicott Street this morning from in front of the Court House.  Lt. Eugene Jankwoski described Edson as somebody known to police for allegedly making the same gesture toward cops in the past, but has generally been ignored. This morning, Edson allegedly did it in front of a crowd of people. Edson then allegedly resisted arrest. Jankowski also said that Edson "got mouthy" with City Court Judge Robert Balbick. Balbick ordered Edson held on $1,000 bail.

Johnson O. Quanton, 19, of 36 Merrimac St., Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Quanton allegedly tried to exit the campus bookstore at Genesee Community College with books that had not been purchased.

The City of Batavia Fire Department, along with Liberty Mutual Insurance, wants you to be fire smart. Liberty Mutual is giving away $10,000 grants to fire departments that display a commitment to fire safety. A total of 10 grants will be awarded.

By simply going to BeFireSmart.com and completing a 10-question fire safety quiz, you will credit our fire department and increase our chances of receiving one of the grants to be used for fire prevention in our community. The site has a section for children as well and gives parents a fun way to teach fire safety to the whole family.

The results will be announced later this month so complete the quiz today, credit the City of Batavia Fire Department, be fire smart, and help us help you.

The Daily News printing press is without power this morning. Publication of the paper has been delayed "indefinitely" according to an announcement this morning.

Strong winds and lake effect snow will combine to create "near blizzard-like conditions" tonight, according to the National Weather Service.

A winter storm watch is in effect from 7 p.m. through Thursday evening.

An arctic cold front will hit WNY later this afternoon, turning rain into snow. The back side of the storm will carry lake effect snow.

The National Weather Service warns the storm will "create very difficult driving conditions."

Heavy lake-effect snow is expected to hit Genesee County by Thursday morning.  Driving conditions could be especially treacherous in parts of Erie and Genesee counties tomorrow morning.

A tree has reportedly fallen on a car at 13 Clay St., in Le Roy.

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Emergency crews are responding to a number of weather-related incidents.

Electrical wires are reported to be fallen, on fire and arcing in the trees at 8971 Wilkinson Road in East Pembroke. National Grid has been advised.

Also, wires are reported to be dangling from a pole at Broadway and County Line Road in Darien. It is believed they are phone wires, not electrical power lines.

A tree is reported to have fallen on the shoulder of the roadway, partially blocking it, at 1445 Route 20, east of Route 77, in Darien.

Ellicott Street between Main and Court is closed in both directions until further notice following a one-vehicle accident.

A Jeep SUV damaged a telephone poll and now National Grid crews are trying to figure out how to keep the poll standing, or the wires from coming down, when the car is removed.

Lt. Eugene Jankowski said Ellicott could be closed for hours while the National Grid makes repairs.

The driver, who has not yet been identified, was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with unknown injuries.

The accident occurred about 8:30 a.m.

Jankowski said police are asking that drivers plan on avoiding the area and not try to evade the barricades.

UPDATE: The driver has been identified as 41-year-old Julie Conover of Batavia.

Roads were slick  this morning, but the ice will be melting as the sleet turns to rain.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid 40s.

The chance of precipitation is near 100 percent.

Winds will continue in the 35 mph range, with gusts up to 60 mph by this evening.

Temperatures will drop by tonight with 1 to 3 inches of snow accumulation, and blowing snow, expected.

The current temperature is 35 degrees.

Buyers: Please remember the six-month rule -- please don't buy a gift certificate you bought within the past six months.

Sallome's Italian Deli, 40 Oak St., Batavia, NY: Wraps, subs, paninis and pasta as well as pizzas -- Sallome's offers a tasty variety of Italian deli items for eat-in or take-out.

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.

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. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Great Kutz is Batavia's newest full-service hair salon. Women, try Great Kutz for a haircut at the incredibly low price of $7, exclusive offer from to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

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.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Time to visit Pudgie's and buy your Christmas tree. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

Kravings Kafe, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

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

Great Kutz - Women

A driver reports striking a pole on Buckley Road in area of Prentice Road in Stafford and complains of a head injury.

Stafford Fire and Mercy EMS have been dispatched.

UPDATE 7:44 a.m.: Pole is down. Wires are down.

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