Walk into Batavia Downs and you don't necessarily hear the cash register ringing, but you can certainly hear the cha-ching of video gaming.

And it's a good thing. It turns out that harness racing may be fun to watch, but it isn't profitable for the race track.

The historic facility is again projecting a loss for living racing, but will more than make up for it off of slot machines.

"I think everybody in the harness racing industry statewide understands that without video gaming, harness racing would no longer be in existence," Michael Kane, vice-president of Western OTB, told WBTA (mp3). "You need harness racing to have video gaming. It's a cost of doing business."

Kane added, though, that Western OTB works very hard to reduce its losses in racing.

Harness racing is expected to lose $1.3 million dollars, but overall Western OTB is projected to turn $5 millions in profits, thanks to those dinging, donging, clanging, light-flashing machines on the second floor of the Down's building.

A year ago today, a large black plume of smoke cast a dark shadow over the City of Batavia, alerting many residents to the fact that there was a big fire some place. It turned out to be at My "T" Acres/Call Farms, on Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia.

Today, the large barn that was destroyed is being rebuilt.  Phil Call said it's been a challenging process to get the barn rebuilt, but that it made the most sense to rebuild on the same location on the original foundation. Otherwise, he said, it isn't the Calls way to make a big deal out of such a thing and declined a more detailed interview.  He said they were just glad to be rebuilding.

UPDATE: Nate Fix, a lieutenant in the Town of Batavia Fire Department, sent the following pictures he took the day of the fire.

Sandy Konfederath, from Genesee ARC, arrives at Ken Barrett Chevrolet this morning with an armload of toys to donate to the annual toy drive sponsored by WBTA and several local businesses.  The toy drive continues until 4 p.m. today.

UPDATED 12:37 p.m.: An Amherst man died from injuries sustained in an accident this morning on Route 77 in Alabama.

Anthony Acquisto, 32, was driving a 2004 Jeep north on Route 77 when he apparently lost control of his vehicle and crossed into the southbound lane where his Jeep was struck by a Peterbilt tractor trailer.

He died at 10:25 a.m., according to a Sheriff's Office announcement a short time ago.

Acquisto was taken by ground ambulance to ECMC after Mercy Flight was unable to fly because of weather.

The truck driver, Michael J. Oley, 58, of Medina, was taken by Mercy EMS to Medina Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Alabama and Pembroke fire departments assisted at the accident scene.

The accident is still under investigation by the Sheriff's Office.  It is being conducted by deputeis R.E. Meides, E.K. Seppala, Investigator R.M. Stone and Sgt. J.M. Meier.

Previously: Serious injury accident reported in Alabama

A Silver Springs man is accused of distributing cocaine and marijuana in Pavilion and Batavia after allegedly selling drugs to an undercover agent.

Mark A. Washburn, 20, of 31 East Duncan Ave., Silver Springs, was taken into custody by members of the Wyoming County Drug Task Force on the Genesee County warrant.

Washburn is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal sale of marijuana and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The investigation was conducted by the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

He is being held in Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.

Brian T. Rushing, 23, of 127 West Park St., Albion, is charged with one felony count of grand larceny. Rushing, operating under the DBA of B&R Roofing and Siding, allegedly was paid $5,500 to perform home repairs for a residence in Bergen, but never completed the work and allegedly never purchased the necessary materials.

Rushing was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. The investigation was conducted by Deputy John Baiocco, Investigator Timothy Weis, Sgt. Greg Walker and State Police Investigator Mike Notto. Rushing's name also shows up in today's State Police blotter on another charge of grand larceny in Albion with a value of less than $3,000.

Natalie A. Catuska, 27, of 37 Prospect St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to keep right. Catuska was observed by Deputy Christopher Parker allegedly crossing the center line after making a turn from Route 33 onto Wilkenson Road at 1:47 a.m. today.

Allen Leonard George, 51, of 101 Harvest Road, Fairport, is charged with criminal contempt. George is accused of calling his ex-girlfriend in violation of an order of protection.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

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.

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.

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Route 63 near Shepard Road is blocked by a two-vehicle accident.

No injuries are reported.

Mercy Flight is being dispatched to a two-vehicle accident on Route 77 just south of Route 63 in Alabama.

UPDATE 6:57 a.m.: Fire police are being dispatched to shut down Route 77 at Judge Road.

UPDATE 7:00 a.m.: Alabama Fire reports one critical injury, working on extrication.

UPDATE 7:03 a.m.: The patient has been extricated. Also, Shelby Fire has been dispatched to the north side of the accident on Route 63 for traffic control.

UPDATE 7:09 a.m.: Mercy Flight reports weather will prevent the helicopter from setting down at the original landing zone near the accident and is now going to land at the Oakfield-Alabama school. Oakfield Fire is being dispatched to O-A.

UPDATE 7:13 a.m.: A second ambulance has been requested, non-emergency, for the truck driver.

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A car rolled over on Telephone Road in Pavilion, and the accident is blocking traffic, but there are no injuries.

Law enforcement is on scene.

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Ok, only Paul's brother Gene and his son, would have the nerve with no fear to climb on top to do the lights!

This young man helped decorate the tree on the bus.

Last Saturday, PJ and Ruth Reiner opened their garage and home for the annual Care-A-Van bus decorating party. A team of family members and volunteers gathered together for an enjoyable evening of decorating the bus.

We kick off our Christmas tour with Christmas in the City, Friday night. Be sure to stop by and get one Paul's famous brownies and hot chocolate.

On Saturday morning, we will be at Batavia Gardens for our weekly grocery distribution

On the evenings of December 19th through December 22nd, we will be going out with the bus each evening beginning at 6:00 PM. We will be taking Christmas gifts and a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings for families that normally would not have Christmas.  We coordinate with other agencies to make sure that the families we bless are not receiving from another agency.

We always welcome folks that would like to come along and be a blessing who might have a heart to sing a few Christmas carols. If you have never experienced this, why  not have this be your first year? If you are interested in joining us, please call us at 343-0328. It would be a ride you will never forget!

Many people get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and forget the true reason for the season, the birth of Jesus. We go forth to share of the wonderous celebration of the season.

We are in need of donations of candy canes. Last year, we gave away over 800!

Financial donations are needed as well to be able to bless families with gifts.  Donations can be mailed to  4 Lewis Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020. We take Christmas to approximately 15 families. We thank all of you who continue to partner with us with your prayers and financial contributions to help Keep the Light On here in Batavia! God bless and Merry Christmas!

Four people suffered minor injuries when one car reportedly rear-ended another on Batavia-Stafford Townline Road in Stafford at 3:38 p.m. yesterday.

Mark A. McLaughlin, 19, of 5872 Griswold Road, was driving north when he allegedly struck the back of a car driven by Anjelica E. Sistrunk, 22, of 308 E. Glen Ave., Syracuse.

Sistrunk had stopped before turning into 8170 Batavia-Safford Townline Road.

There were three passengers in Sistrunk's car -- Darlene Parsons, 22, Nikkia Travis, 19, and Journey M. Sistrunk, less than a year old. 

The three adults in Sistrunk's 1996 Saturn sedan were taken to UMMC where they were treated an released.

McLaughlin, driving a 2005 Toyota sedan, was treated at the scene and released.

With a patient on board, a Mercy Flight helicopter made an emergency landing at the Buffalo airport yesterday morning.

The Batavia-based crew was taking a patient from Orleans County to ECMC when the helicopter began to show signs of losing power.

Margie Ferrentino, spokeswoman for Mercy Flight, spoke with WBTA this morning and said the pilot decided it would be safer to land at the air field rather than a rooftop in Buffalo.

"If he had to enact emergency procedures, he would have the resources to support him," Ferrentino said (mp3).

Ferrantino said a replacement chopper was brought into Batavia by yesterday afternoon.

The patient was driven from the Buffalo Airport to ECMC by ground ambulance.

Photo illustration courtesy Mercy Flight.

With little fanfare -- only a small sign on the front door -- Ponderosa Steakhouse announced today that it is closing its Batavia location. The simple sign reads "This location has closed. We thank you for your patronage."  It then says that people with coupons can take them to one of Ponderosa's locations outside of the area.

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

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

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.

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.

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.

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 $15 gift card for $7.50.

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

I'm hanging out at The Daily Grind, Main and Jackson, for a little while this morning.  I'll be doing a couple of posts from there -- including the Deal of the Day -- so if you're in the area, feel free to stop in and say hello.

Minor injuries, and possibly no injuries, are reported for a driver whose car hit a tree in the area of 1487 Ledge Road in Basom.

A first responder reports that the driver is out of the car and walking around.

Mercy EMS is responding.

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My name is Luke and I'm a poodle/Labrador retriever mix, obviously quite adorable. I am a neutered male that they sent up North in hopes of finding a better life than the one I had down South in, of all places, Mississippi.

Children delight me and I like big people, too. I have good manners as evidenced by my nice leash behavior and my complete housebrokenness. I'm still puppyish (read: young and excitable) so playtime is important. I'm crate trained. Find me in Kennel 15. 

If you are nice and responsible, please consider adopting me. My name is Dottie. I'm a retired, single mom. My last humans let me have countless kittens before dumping me and my most recent litter at the shelter door one cold evening.

Well, I've decided to be much more particular about my next owners, so these are my requirements: I'd like a bed and regular food and water. Oh, and I insist you obtain a good brush to use on my head, cheeks and back. I have never owned a toy in my life, but I'm willing to give the leather micey-ones a try. They smell good.

If you think you're qualified, please come in so that I may meet you. I'll be conducting interviews during regular shelter hours in Cage 87.

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