Iraq War Veteran James M. Maher was a troubled young man who had at least one acquaintance frantically searching for him hours before his death because he had threatened to harm himself. But a medical examiner has concluded he did not take his own life,

Maher, 27, died of blunt-force trauma to his head. The injury, a result of a fall. There were apparently no witnesses.

Police say Maher had been drinking prior to his death. He had also placed phone calls to friends threatening to harm himself.

A hotel employee contacted The Batavian yesterday and reported that a man entered the hotel about 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and said he was looking for a PTSD patient who had left the VA facility and had threatened suicide.

The body of Maher was found in the bushes next to Blockbuster on Lewiston Road about 10:15 p.m. on Saturday.

Maher, a Mechanicville resident, was a patient at the VA Medical Clinic, where he was being treated for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), according to an obituary published in the Albany Times-Union.

The police will continue to investigate the case, according to a news release this morning, as they try to track down Maher's movements prior to his death.

A motorcyclist is in satisfactory condition at Strong Memorial Hospital after hitting a deer on Route 19 yesterday.

Jeffery Dorris, 43, of 54 Perry Ave., Warsaw, was traveling southbound on Route 19 in Pavilion at 6:11 p.m. when his bike hit the deer. Dorris was ejected forward and the motorcycle landed on top of him.

You might not think of Batavia as a hot retirement destination, but according to a study by American City Business Journals, it is -- after 249 more popular choices.

That's right -- Batavia, in wintry, high-taxed, economically challenged Western New York is the 250th hottest place to retire.

That puts it ahead of such places as Klamath Falls, Oregon, Knoxville, Tenn., Clewiston, Florida and Bay City, Texas.

A total of 940 cities were ranked in the list.

A young man who was found dead outside the Blockbuster store on Lewiston Road on Saturday night was being treated for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) at the VA Medical Center in Batavia, according to an obituary published in the Albany Times-Union.

The obituary reports that James M. Maher, 27, died of injuries sustained in a fall.

The official cause of death remains under investigation. It has been categorized by Batavia Police as an "unattended death." No foul play is suspected.

Maher was an Iraq war veteran, having served an 11-month tour in Iraq with the Army 101st Armored Division, earning the Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Achievement Medal.

A 2000 graduate of Mechanicville High School, Maher entered he military and served in New York City immediately after 9/11.

He was born in Saratoga Springs, July 17, 1982, son of Michael Maher and Janet (Tony) Amoroso, both of Mechanicville.

According to the obituary:

After being released, James worked at several mortgage brokerage firms in the Capital Region, and lastly worked for Royal Pharmaceuticals of Malta. Growing up, James was always the "daredevil" of the group, enjoyed bridge jumping, parachute jumps and parasailing, or as his family says, "The faster and higher, the better."

Donations are encouraged in his name to Jack Wisby PTSD Clinic, c/o Dr. Paul Harrigan, VAWNY Health Clinic, 222 Richmond Ave., Bldg. 5, Batavia, NY 14020.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. Dine-in, Take-Out, or Delivery. 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.

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.

Belladessa's Pizzeria/Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Here's a deal -- half off on a Family Meal Deal from Belladessa's, which is a large 1 topping pizza, 24 wings and 2-liter bottle of soda. It's a $25 value for $12.50.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Men, enjoy a $5 haircut again with this offer exclusive to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

Great Kutz

A pickup truck has reportedly gone off the road in the area of 2964 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road.

The truck is reportedly in a swamp area.

No report on injuries.

Mercy EMS and Town of Batavia Fire responding.

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We heard an investigator was 6296 W. Main St. (Route 262), Byron, the scene of last night fire, and so we e-mailed the Sheriff's Office for more information.

Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster sent the following reply:

The investigator assigned is currently back out at the scene. He will be consulting with the District Attorney's Office about possible charges later this afternoon. As far as arson, that will be one of several possibilities that will be discussed. 

A pedestrian has been hit by a dump truck in the area of 29 Summit St., Batavia.

The initial report had people trying to help her get up.

Mercy EMS and Batavia Fire and Police are responding.

UPDATE 2:54 p.m.: The person struck was not walking, but on a bicycle.

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A controlled burn of leaves apparently got out of control at 2099 Phelps Road, Pembroke.

Fire crews have been dispatched to the location to help put out a grass fire.

UPDATE 2:45 p.m.: Fire knocked down.

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A pedestrian was hit by an alleged hit-and-run driver Saturday at 6:14 p.m. on Route 5 in Stafford.

Richard D. Sanderson, 24, of 5563 Broadway Road, East Bethany, said he was walking along the road when a car crossed the white fog line and struck him with the passenger side mirror.

The mirror struck his hip.

Sanderson was transported to UMMC.

The driver has not been identified and no further description of the vehicle was released.

Gary W. Merritt, 50, of 9570 Bernd Road, Le Roy, is charged with reckless endangerment in the first degree. Merritt allegedly fired shotgun rounds at a neighbor's house. The rounds struck a glass door while the resident was standing near the door. The alleged incident occurred Saturday at 3:15 p.m. and was investigated by Deputy James Diehl. Merritt was released under supervision of Genesee County Justice.

Darryl Stephen Johnston, 34, of 111 Copeland St., is charged with petit larceny. Johnston is accused of stealing five bottles of booze off the bar at the Pizza Pantry in Corfu. The bar was closed at that time of day on Aug. 28. Johnston was arrested at his home in Rochester on Nov. 4.

Paul S. Banach, 22, of 166 Lake Road, Avon, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to stop for a stop sign, speeding and driving left of pavement markings. Banach was stopped Saturday at 2:50 a.m. by Deputy Jason Saile on Route 262 in the Town of Byron.

Arthur W. Hale, Jr., 48, of Foxe Harrow Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and driving left of pavement markings. Hale was allegedly observed crossing a double yellow line once, and a dotted yellow line twice on Route 33 in Stafford by Sgt. Greg Walker at 2:03 a.m. on Saturday. The officer stopped Hale and determined that he was allegedly driving drunk. Hale was also cited for failure to keep right and refusing to take breath test.

David M. Jackson, 32, of Bethany, is charged with harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. Jackson was arrested by State Police at 6:10 p.m. on Saturday. No further details available.

New Today: 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.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Family photos are more than just photographs. When you need photos for that special occasion, Carlson's is a great choice in Genesee County. We have a $50 gift card for $25.

The Color Salon, 35 Center St., Batavia, NY: Susan Francis, the owner and stylist at The Color Salon reminds women, "your hair is your greatest accessory." Francis has more than 20 years of experience helping women get the best hair color. We have a $50 gift certificate for $25.

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.

Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St., Batavia, NY: Winter teas, spices and fall colors for your home in stunning floral arrangements and seasonal wreaths are now available at Herbly Wonderful. We have a $25 gift certificate for $11.

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.

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

SOLD OUT

The back apartment in a three-unit complex at 6296 W. Main St. (Route 262) in Byron was completely gutted by a late night fire.

The fire was reported just before 10 p.m. and the cause remains under investigation, according to Tim Yaeger, Genesee County emergency management coordinator.

There are no reported injuries at this time, either to residents or firefighters.

As many as eight or nine people were in the back apartment when the fire started.

The fire was under control by 10:38 p.m., Yaeger said.

Red Cross Director Judith Nagel lives next door to the fire and was already providing relief in her home to a woman and her 17-year-old son. She was ready to provide assistance, she said, to the other residents, but they seemed to have dispersed. She indicated a number of people lived in the building.

"We saw smoke and heard people yelling," Nagel said. "This is my house. We looked out, saw smoke and came out to start assisting.

"The only time I've been able to respond quicker," she said, "was when it was in this place." She was pointing to the house on the other side of her home.

UPDATE: This morning, fire officials are saying the fire may have been caused by a spark from a bonfire in the backyard of the residence. When I was at the fire last night, I was taken into the backyard to take pictures, and there was clearly a bonfire still burning. The bonfire was about 40 yards from the house. The fire caused an estimated $75,000 in damage.

The fire was first discovered in a hallway leading to the back apartment.

Departments responding to the fire: Byron, South Byron, Bergen, Stafford, Bethany, Clarendon, Elba, Oakfield, Town and City of Batavia.

Byron and South Byron Fire have been dispatched to an apartment fire at Route 262, west of Route 237.

A first responder reports the building is across from the Presbyterian Church and is fully engulfed.

The initial caller was reported out of breath and talking excitedly.

All residents are reportedly out of the building.

The fire is now in a second alarm with Elba and Town of Batavia FAST teams responding, Stafford on standby.

UPDATE 10:02 p.m.: There are a number of residents out of the building.

UPDATE 10:09 p.m.: Town of Batavia FAST team is being reassigned to a task at the fire and City of Batavia FAST team is being brought in.  

UPDATE 10:19 p.m.: The Red Cross is responding to the scene. It has been ordered that the roof of the apartment building be opened up. A team of four firefighters is inside the building.

UPDATE 10:26 p.m.: For at least five minutes, water has been pumped into the fire scene. Just heavy smoke at this point. The roof has been opened up to the attic and firefighters are still working on the second story.

UPDATE 10:30 p.m.: All available units from Elba have been requested.

UPDATE 10:40 p.m.: Presumably, the Red Cross is the entity seeking to provide refreshments to the onlooking apartment dwellers.

UPDATE 10:47: All power has been cut off at the apartment building. One person at the apartment building reportedly can provide an eyewitness account of what happened, but the fire personnel will need an interpreter to communicate with him.

UPDATE 10:51: A code enforcement officer has been called to the scene. The eyewitness subject is being transported to a fire station to be interviewed.

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Engine 12 and Ladder 15 are responding to a reported car fire at 20 N. Spruce St., Batavia.

The car is reportedly close to a structure.

UPDATE 9:20 p.m.: Engine 12 on scene. "Smoke showing."

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A police official has confirmed that a body found near the Blockbuster location on Lewiston Road was an apparent suicide (see update below).

The victim was identified as James Maher, 27, a VA Home resident.

His family, from Mechanicville, was notified.

The official could answer no further questions and said the police department is planning a press release for Monday morning.

His body was apparently found in some shrubs near the business.

UPDATE 6:54 p.m.: Det. Pat Corona of the Batavia Police Department called a little while ago to emphasize that the police have not yet determined the cause of Mr. Maher's death. While suicide has not been ruled out, a "by the numbers" investigation has yet to arrive at a conclusive determination. There was no obvious signs of trauma, Det. Corona said. Within days, some initial facts will be available from the medical examiner, but it will take weeks (as usual) for toxicology reports to come back.

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We've learned from multiple sources -- though there is yet no official confirmation -- that a body was found about 10:15 p.m. outside the Blockbuster store on Lewiston Road in Batavia.

The City of Batavia Police Department has not yet released a statement about the discovery and there is no information available at this time about the condition of the body or exactly where it was located.

Our news partner WBTA has attempted to learn more information about the discovery.

Here's one e-mail account we received at 11: 52 p.m. about the situation:

I was just at Sportos and was told that there was a body found behind  Blockbuster. There was police going to the scene at about 10:15. A news van  is present right now with about 3 police cars. This was confirmed by a  Trooper going into the restaurant. He could tell us no more.

Genesee County will soon be home to the first shovel-ready agri-business industrial park in New York, according to Chad Zambito, spokesman for the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

GCEDC breaks ground on the project Tuesday and expects the first tenant to start building a $15 million food-processing facility in the spring.

"These are expensive ventures and private developers aren't willing to do it because of the cost that’s needed up front and the long-term return, so it’s something we have to do and we need everybody’s participation to make it happen," Zambito told WBTA.

The groundbreaking is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Kennedy Building of the Genesee County Fair Grounds.

The 200-acre park is located between state routes 5 and 63 in Batavia and sits in close proximity to O-AT-KA Milk Products. 

At full build-out, the park is expected to provide 1,200 jobs in Genesee County and generate $2 billion in revenue over 25 years.

The first tenant, a Canadian-based food processor, will hire 100 people to work at its facility.

When the infrastructure installation is complete, the site will contain nearly 200 acres  serviced by industrial-class electric, gas and rail. The park is dedicated to agri-business applications including food and bio-fuels processing and is owned by a unique public/private partnership.

It also has access to 6 million gallons of aquifer water daily, ideal for food production applications, and sits in an Empire Zone.
 
The GCEDC, along with its real estate affiliate the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation and an affiliate of Farm Credit of WNY share ownership of the park.

It was largely made possible by a state grant recently approved by Empire State Development and a matching grant from Genesee County. The GCEDC, Town of Batavia, National Grid and National Fuel are also providing funding. 

Phase 1 construction, being completed by Zoladz Construction Company Inc. of Alden, NY, will include water, sewer and roadway base installation.