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Child killed in rollover accident in Barre

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATE, 10 a.m. Saturday.

An 8-year-old girl was killed in a one-vehicle rollover accident Friday night after the driver swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway.

Abagail Buzard, who was ejected from the vehicle, was pronounced dead at UMMC.

The SUV was driven by Courtney Buzard, 17, of Albion.

Initial reports:

Elba Rescue is responding to a rollover accident in Orleans County in which three people are reportedly injured and a baby is missing.

The single-vehicle accident is reportedly near Spoils Bank Road off Oak Orchard Road (Old Route 98).

UPDATE: There is more than one incident going on. I believe two ambulances initially responded and I believe Mercy 3 is enroute. (There's a concert at Darien Lake tonight which is also contributing to a lot of radio traffic.)

UPDATE: Three Genesee County ambulances responded, and possibly one from Orleans County. One ambulance took an 8-year-old to UMMC. Another ambulance took a 3-year-old and a father to Strong. A mother and another child were taken to Lakeside. No Mercy Flight transport reported.


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For-sale sign posted on Pontillo's in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

This is a reader-submitted photo of a for-sale sign on the Pontillo's building on E. Main Street in Batavia. A caller informs us the sign was placed on the building at 4 p.m. We're working on getting more information.

Couple caught in full embrace in Oakfield parking lot

By Howard B. Owens

A Genesee County couple was arrested at 8:30 a.m. and charged with public lewdness.

The couple was allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse in the parking lot of Santino's Pizza in Oakfield.

To save the couple further embarrassment, we're withholding the names, though they were released. The woman is 21 and from Le Roy. The man is 27 and from Oakfield.

Barclay wins, becomes first Pet of the Week

By Pachuco Owens

The inaugural choice for Pet of the Week, by all accounts a prestigous distinction, was definately a tough one to make. There were several worthy prospects, and I thank all for participating, but the heart-melting eyes of Barclay and his overall mien made him a standout. He submitted this bio:

My name is Barclay James Newton and I am writing to be considered for your new Pet of the Week feature. I feel I deserve this dignified distinction because my parents say that I am the most loyal, loving, gentle and humble dog they know. My mom says I am the dog of all dogs, the Gold Standard. My dad says there never has been a dog like me and there never will be again. I guess they would know since they have four dogs here and one in heaven (Hey Maisie!).

I'm not so sure what all the fuss is about- I'm just doing my job as a dog, man's best friend and all that. I would like to say that I have a particularly special place in my heart for my human cousins- hey Kort & Ken, love ya! Whenever they come to play, I can't even contain my excitement -- I HAVE to get out to the car to meet them and walk them into the house! They're my girlie girls and I love them to pieces!  Well, I guess that's all for now. Can't wait to see all the upcoming Pet of the Week articles.

Your Friend,
Barclay

If your pet is worthy of pet of the week, have him or her e-mail me at pets (at) the batavian dot com.  Please have your pet send a handsome picture and his or her story. Click here for more information. Your pet could win a $10 gift certificate from Genesee Feeds.

Sheriff's employees gives away school supplies at Muckdogs game

By Howard B. Owens

Gary Diegelman and Norm Itjen, president of the Genesee Sheriff's Employees Association, hold two of the school backpacks the association gave away to school-aged children last night at the Batavia Muckdogs game. The backpacks contained school supplies and a gift card for Wal-Mart.

Sealer spilled on Junction Road in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

I didn't catch the initial call, but apparently there was an accident this morning around the 6800 block of Junction Road in Pavilion involving a sealer truck.

Sealer and yellow paint were apparently spilled on the roadway.

The highway superintendent is enroute to investigate the scene. The two vehicles involved have been towed away.


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Overheard on the scanner: "It was what overnight?"

By Howard B. Owens

From the field: "Apparently the car was toilet papered over night, if you get any calls."

Dispatcher: "It was what overnight?"

Field: "I'll call in."

(I didn't catch what was reported just above the first line above.)

Police Beat: Petty crimes and DWIs

By Howard B. Owens

Danielle L. Young, of Orchard Park, is charged  with DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08. Young was stopped by State Police on Sumner Road in Darien.

Kaylie N. Rumon, 23, of Elmira, is charged with  DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08. Rumon was stopped by State Police in the City of Batavia.

Joey Somsy, 21, of Buffalo, is charged with DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08. Somsy was stopped by State Police on Colby Road in Darien.

Brian P. Verney, 25, of Attica, is charged with petit larceny and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Verney is accused of shoplifting from Wal-Mart. He was arrested by State Police and jailed without bail.

Amy L. Showler, 34, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Showler is accused of shoplifting from Wal-Mart. She was arrested by State Police.

A 15-year-old from Batavia is charged with petit larceny and trespass. The alleged crime occurred on West Saile Drive on Aug. 23 in Batavia and was investigated by State Police.

Erica Michelle Raphael, 24, of 335 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny.  Raphael is accused of shoplifting from Target.

Today's Deals: Main St. Pizza, Center Street Smoke House, South Main, Settler's, Adam Miller

By Howard B. Owens

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have four $5 gift certificates ($10 value) that can be used together or separately for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Ribs, brisket, steak, prime rib -- Center Street is a meat lover's paradise. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, N.Y.: 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 $9.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: 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, N.Y.: 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.

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

SOLD OUT

 

Rollover accident on Saile Drive by airport

By Howard B. Owens

One car is on its side following a two-vehicle accident on Saile Drive in front of the Genesee County Airport in Batavia.

There is no entrapment in either car. There are two people injured. No fire.


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City government

By David Green

I know there has been a lot of talk about the City of Batavia saving money. Here is an idea that seems to be going around Erie county, lets downsize Council. Batavia seems to have a large council considering the times, maybe eliminating the two "at large"  positions to cut more fat from the city budget might be a good idea. Not sure if it has been looked at, but if we are looking to save money in the city, why not start at the top? Maybe its just me, but wouldnt that be responsible government?

Technology Meets Taste: Cornell Works with Local Farmers to Extend the Availability of Sweet Cherries

By

By Becky LeFevre

Summer is almost over! Labor day is approaching, school is about to start, and the cherries are in season. Cherries in season? Thanks to creative cultivating and new storage technologies, local farms really do have fresh cherries in season RIGHT NOW! Schwab Farm, located in Gasport NY, has been working with Cornell researchers this season on testing the effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on different varieties of sweet cherries. Modified Atmosphere Packaging, or MAP, is the technical term for plastic storage bags that extend the life of fresh produce by controlling the atmosphere (specifically the CO2 and O2 levels) inside the bag. Given a more controlled climate, produce stays fresher longer.   But, its not as easy at it sounds. Each type of produce, and each variety within each type, reacts differently to the MAP. At Schwab Farm, different varieties of sweet cherries are placed in MAP and the effects of the MAP are carefully studied to see which varieties of sweet cherries perform best in the new packaging. This current testing will help fruit growers in the future know which varieties to grow for use in MAP, so that the freshest sweet cherries can make it to market much later into the season.

Sharon Brent from Schwab Farms sells produce at the Genesee Country Farmers Market (located in the Batavia Downs parking lot on Park Rd.) every Tuesday and Friday, and hopes to have sweet cherries for sale until Labor Day. That is remarkable, considering the typical sweet cherry season in western New York ends around the first of August. In addition to the use of MAP, cherries are available from Schwab Farm because the farm grows a wide variety of cherries that mature at different times. While some varieties are done around Aug. 1st, many other varieties continue to mature throughout the month of August. 

Cornell chose to specifically study the effects of MAP on sweet cherries for a few reasons. Cherries are becoming more popular due to recent discoveries of their health benefits. Cherries have powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and even the ability to reduce the risk of some types of cancer and Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, sweet cherries have a very short shelf life, and here in the northeast we have a relatively short growing season. MAP can greatly help farmers meet the local demands for cherries. Instead of purchasing an alternative at the grocery store, local consumers can buy fresh produce from local farms much later into the season. This means our dollars stay in the local economy, and fruit we eat is as fresh and nutritious as possible.

With fresh cherries available later in the season, there may be a need for some fresh ideas on how to use them. Pick up some sweet cherries this week at the Genesee Country Farmers Market and try one of the quick recipes below.

 
Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
(Measurements are approximate; add more or less according to your taste)
2cups fresh sweet cherries, washed and pitted
1 ½ cups of plain yogurt
3 Tblsp. Honey
½ tsp. Vanilla extract
Ice
Process all ingredients in blender until smooth. Enjoy!
 
Salad Greens with Cherries and Blueberry Vinaigrette
This simple salad is absolutely delicious, a welcome change from the traditional garden salad. The Blueberry vinegar is a great compliment to the cherries. Add some grilled chicken and sliced almonds to turn this side salad into a complete meal.
 
1 head of lettuce or an assortment of mixed salad greens
1 small red onion, finely sliced
2 cups of sweet cherries, pitted and cut in half
Hill N’ Hollow Blueberry Vinegar (This vinegar is locally made in Genesee County and tastes sweet and spicy, with a hint of cloves. It can be purchased from Present Tense Books and Gifts on Tuesdays at the Genesee Country Farmer’s Market)
 
Wash and tear lettuce and place in bowl. Top with sliced onion and sweet cherries. Serve with Blueberry Vinegar. 

Mancuso ready to move forward with Masse project with grant in place

By Howard B. Owens

 

At a press conference this morning, Tom Mancuso, president of Mancuso Development, said he was "delighted" the state approved a $1.5 million grant to help advance the Masse Gateway Project.

Even though the grant was $1 million less than originally requested by the city, Mancuso said the project should still be able to move forward.

It will cost at least $3.1 million and create an entrance off Masse Place into the Harvester industrial complex. The plan is to turn the old buildings into space suitable or light industrial and commercial uses for small businesses.

Mancuso said the the funding "really entitles us to spend a lot more money." In addition to the planned private investment from Mancuso Development, Mancuso implied his company will also need to come up with an additional $1 million to complete the project.

Audio: Tom Mancuso talks about the project.

The Batavian's news partner, WBTA, covered the press conference.

Man allegedly found with stolen car jailed without bail

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia man is in jail without bail after being found driving a car that was reported stolen Wednesday morning.

The auto theft was apparently part of a house burglary in the 200 block of State Street.

Reginald Wilson, 36, of 112 State St., is charged with criminal possession of stolen property.

Wilson was reportedly found driving the stolen car on Lehigh Street at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Police are investigating whether he was involved in the auto theft and burglary.

Batavia businessman charged with writing bad checks

By Howard B. Owens

Paul Pontillo, of Pontillo's Pizza in Batavia, is accused of writing bad checks from a business account.

The alleged bad checks were written in 2008.

The 53-year-old Pontillo was arraigned in City of Batavia Court yesterday and released on his own recognizance.

Previously:

Police Beat: Driver charged with DWI following roll over accident

By Howard B. Owens

Gregory M. Brew, 24, of 4799 Linden Road, East Bethany, is charged with DWI and unlicensed operationof a vehicle. Brew was arrested at Strong Memorial Hospital following a rollover accident on East Road at 10:38 p.m. on Wednesday. No other vehicles were involved in the accident. Deputy Matt Butler investigated the incident.

Tyrell T. Harris, 19, of 114 W. Englewood Ave., Teaneck, N.J., and William P. Ponder, 19, of 3905 Carpenter Ave., Bronx, are charged with trespass. Harris and Ponder were allegedly involved in an incident at College Village and told to leave. After Sheriff's deputies left College Village, Harris and Ponder allegedly returned. They were jailed on $250 bail each.

William Grey Neff, 35, of 1210 S. Main St., Medina, is charged with forcible touching. Neff is accused of forcibly touching a woman.

Kelly A. Decker, 23, of 127 Liberty St., upper, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Decker is accused of stealing $200 from July 23 to Aug. 20 while employed as a cashier at Kmart.

Dustin R. Benham, 20, of Darien, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Benham was arrested by State Police in the Town of Batavia. He was held without bail. No other details were provided.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Superintendent of Water and Wastewater (HELP Program), City of Batavia, NY The City of Batavia, NY seeks a creative, team-oriented professional to serve as Superintendent of Water and Wastewater. The Superintendent oversees all administrative, operational, and maintenance aspects of the community’s water and wastewater systems including the City’s water plant, wastewater plant, and the City’s water distribution system, as well as building maintenance, street lights, traffic signals, and pump stations. $87,300 - $105,856 yearly. Send cover letter, resume, and contact information including email addresses for five work-related references, and completed Genesee County application to: Teri Dean, Employee Payroll/Insurance Clerk One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020 or tdean@batavianewyork.com Accepting applications until the position is filled. Background check, personality assessment, and physical with drug testing are required. Candidate must become a resident of the County of Genesee or any adjacent town to the County of Genesee within 6 months of the date of conclusion of the probationary period for the City of Batavia. EEO See the full job description at: https://www.geneseeny.gov/Department-Content/Human-Resources/Job-Specifications Genesee County Application: https://www.geneseeny.gov/Department-Content/Human-Resources/Human-Resource-Forms
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AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC CITY OF BATAVIA SALARY $25.54-$30.08 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  One year of full-time paid experience as a skilled automotive repairman. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT AND CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT: . Possession and maintenance of appropriate valid license(s), as required. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age. BENEFITS:  Health Insurance  Dental Insurance  Paid Holidays  Paid Vacation and Personal Time  Paid Sick Time  New York State Retirement  Deferred Compensation  Flexible Spending  Life Insurance Civil Service Applications are due to Human Resources no later than November 1, 2024. Human Resources One Batavia City Centre Batavia, NY 14020 tdean@batavianewyork.com Phone: 585-345-6340 www.batavianewyork.com
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