Joshua Tyrise Lyons, 18, of Fellows Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with petit larceny. Lyons is accused of stealing a Valentine's present from a location in a common area at Genesee Community College.

Andrew DeMara Hewitt, 27, of Skyline Circle, Brockport, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Hewitt was arrested on a warrant out of the Town of Byron Court. Hewitt is accused of stealing scrap metal from a location in Byron. Hewitt was jailed on $250 bail.

Christopher Patrick Ball, 29, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Ball is accused of contacting a person he was ordered not to contact.

This winter has seen a drop in the normal activity around our bird feeder. Juncos, chickadees, nuthatches and the like have been infrequent visitors. That's not surprising -- the mild winter has afforded them ample feeding opportunities afield. Despite the food abundance in the wild, the cardinals have shown up with regularity.

The sharp-shinned hawk, pictured above, must be enjoying the winter weather, as small birds make up a good part of its diet. I've seen that intense stare at close range once before. My first encounter with a "sharpie" took place while I sat in a tree stand. That autumn afternoon it flew in for a brief stop, perching a few feet away -- I assumed it was attracted to the turkey quill fletching on my arrows.  

The cardinal's coloration causes it stand out even on a dismal day or in a forest interior. Though pleasing to the eye, with bird-eating raptors in the vicinity it's akin to placing a target on its back. 

The sharp shinned hawk's long legs, short rounded wings and very long tail all come in handy for coursing through the woodlands at high speed in pursuit of its prey.

This cardinal has so far managed to stay off the sharpie's menu. Around our home, at the first sign of trouble small birds fly into a spiraea hedge or thick  grapevines in an adjacent woodlot.

While they are built for winged pursuit, the sharp-shinned hawk will also pounce on its quarry from a low perch, notably small mammals such as mice and voles. That may have been what he was up to before I arrived. In the above photo, he's unfolding his wings and a second later he was airborne, flying deeper into the woods.

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported on Route 98 between Pike and Rose roads, Batavia.

The roadway is partially blocked.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 8:16 a.m.: A second ambulance requested to the scene, non-emergency.

With Shop Batavia, you can shop local (keeping more of your dollars in the local economy) and save money.

Check out the coupon page for great offers from local businesses, including, but not limited to:

• $5 off a new battery from Darien Auto.
• $100 off a shed
• $10 off a bill of $20 or more at North Pembroke Hotel
• $1 off a large sub from Northside Deli
• Buy one set of guitar strings, get a second free, from Roxy's Music
• Half-price tire rotation & spin balance from Sloat Tire

Also, from Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning, you can purchase a special deal -- $25 off a residential heating and air diagnostic.

Two men are in custody after an alert neighbor on Weatherwax Road in Oakfield spotted a possible burglary in progress this morning and called in a description of the vehicle as it left the scene.

A Town of Oakfield worker heard the description of the red Dodge Dakota on his radio and spotted the vehicle as it turned from Route 262, heading south on Route 63, and contacted dispatchers. He or another witness reported the vehicle turned onto Galloway Road.

Within minutes, troopers Holly Hansell and Stephen Kosowski were on scene and stopped the vehicle on South Pearl and Batavia Oakfield Townline roads.

Taken into custody on suspicion of burglary in the third degree were Steven Mullen, 25, of 3035 Maple Ave., Oakfield, and Robert Propst, 31, of 9 Raymond St., Batavia.

Mullen was jailed on $10,000 bail and Propst is being held pending arraignment in Genesee County Court.

Press release:

On Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 7– 9 p.m. czb will present the final community improvement plan with their findings and recommendations to the community regarding the City of Batavia housing market, neighborhood vitality, and downtown.

czb is a nationally recognized planning practice specializing in neighborhood redevelopment and community planning. The City of Batavia engaged the consulting services of czb to assist with developing a community improvement plan.

Over the summer months, czb met with various stakeholders throughout the community such as volunteers, property owners, property managers, Realtors and business owners in order to better understand the challenges and demands facing Batavia. On Oct. 5 and Dec. 6, public meetings were held at city hall to share and present the initial findings and to receive feedback from the community.

The meeting on Feb. 22 will be held in the Batavia City Council Board Room on the second floor of city hall. The czb team will make a presentation to share their final draft of the community improvement plan.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) is hosting a blood drive at the Batavia Salvation Army Headquarters, 529 E. Main St., from noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 17. The assemblyman is encouraging anyone able to donate to stop by the event and help save a life.

“Every donation to our local blood banks is critical in their efforts to save the lives of our friends, family and neighbors,” Hawley said. “Giving the gift of blood truly is giving the gift of life, and I look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces at this event helping our community.”

All those who have not donated since Dec. 23 are encouraged to participate. If you wish to donate, you may call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule an appointment, or visit redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are accepted as well.

Anyone age 17 or older, weighing at least 110 pounds, and in good health is eligible to donate blood. In New York state, 16-year-olds may donate blood provided they bring an original signed "New York State Informed Parental Consent for 16-Year-Old to Donate Blood" form to the blood drive. The form can be found at www.DonateBloodNow.org/16.

A two-car collision with injuries is reported at South Lake Road and Cohocton Road. There is possible entrapment in one vehicle. Mercy Flight #5 is put on standby. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments along with Mercy EMS are dispatched. Akron fire is responding to the scene since their extrication tools may be needed.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: A responder at the scene says everyone is out of the vehicles. Akron's response and Mercy Flight are cancelled.

UPDATE 1:34 p.m.: Pembroke command requests a second ambulance (which will be provided by Darien). One car rolled over into a ditch. There are two people injured.

UPDATE 1:59 p.m.: One patient is being transported to UMMC and another is being taken to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville.

UPDATE 2:20 p.m.: The Pembroke and Indian Falls assignment is back in service.

When Lynn Belluscio first proposed starting a barn quilt project in Le Roy, she was hoping to get 30 or so quilts installed on barns in Le Roy by June.

Well, 30 or so won't be a problem, it turns out. The idea caught on fast. Now she's thinking maybe 50.

The project was conceived to help promote the Le Roy Bicentennial, which the town, village and historical society will celebrate this summer.

Belluscio first heard about barn quilts -- large sections of plywood painted with the patterns of quilts -- on a phone call of town historians. Then she saw how the idea had taken hold in the Town of Neversink, so she thought it would be a great project for Le Roy.

After Belluscio got the support of the historical society and announced the plan in the Le Roy Pennysaver, she started getting handfuls of requests for barn quilts.

"People say to me, 'Did you ever expect it to be this popular?' and I would say, 'I was hoping it would be,' " Belluscio said.

The quilt patterns might come from a family heirloom, a quilt in the historical society collection or a pattern from a book, but all are intended to help weave a story together of the history and culture of Le Roy.

Quilt sizes include 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8. They might be hung on a barn, an outbuilding or a garage.

The historical society is maintaining a library of paints and other supplies for residents who want to paint their own quilts.

One of the quilts being painted by Belluscio is 8' x 8' and based on a quilt that was given by members of the Methodist church to a departing pastor in 1898 (top photo). It is signed by 200 members of the congregation.

The completed barn quilt will be auctioned off March 10 at the historical society's annual dinner, with a minimum bid of $150, with that amount going to the bicentennial project.

Even though the historical society has yet to publish a map of all the installed quilts -- and they're not all installed yet -- people are already discovering the project and driving around looking for the quilts, Belluscio said.

"People are discovering their own back yard, or back roads," Belluscio said. "They're going out to find them and we're happy to see that happening. It's something really neat that is happening."

Any other Le Roy residents interested in a barn quilt, Belluscio can be contacted at 768-7433. The society has also set up a website for the project.

Here's a list of installed quilt locations:

• 46 E. Main St.
• 8148 North Road
• 8042 Lake Road
• 8041 R. Main
• 8457 North St. Road
• 63 Lake St. (Rt. 19)
• 9573 Asbury Road
• 9743 Asbury Road (4) & across road
• 6195 Sweetland Road
• 8506 Lake Road
• 23 E. Main St.
• 9423 Summit St. Road
• 6849 W. Main Road
• 8283 Harris Road
• 9396 South St. Road
• 8587 North Road
• 8090 Black St. Road (corner of Linwood Road)
• 9290 York Road
• 1719 Craig Road, Linwood
• 9696 Asbury Road
• Conlon Road (south of North Road)
• 8343 Gully Road
• 36 Lathrop Ave.
• 13 Summit St.
• 8171 W. Bergen Road

Route 5, Town of Le Roy

Asbury Road

Asbury Road

Stein Farms

Route 19

Press release:

Batavia Downs Casino Raceway added over $18 million to the Genesee County economy and generated over $24.5 million annually in revenues for the region and the state, according to a new economic impact analysis conducted by an independent firm.

This analysis also estimates that nearly 460 local, full- and part-time jobs are supported by Batavia Downs Casino. The New York Gaming Association (NYGA) released part one of the two-part report today to outline the positive economic impact gaming has had on the local economy.

A second report, which will be released next week, will show projections for future regional job growth and revenues that will be generated if enhanced gaming is authorized in New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature will consider passing a constitutional amendment to authorize enhanced gaming.

“As a facility we are excited at the possibility of having enhanced gaming at Batavia Downs Casino,” said Mike Kane, president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, which owns Batavia Downs Casino. “Not only does it mean more jobs for our area, but it means more monies can be generated for the New York State Lottery and for the 15 counties and two cities that our public benefit corporation serves.”

According to estimates from the analysis, in 2011 Batavia Downs Casino provided 457 local full- and part-time jobs, with 313 of those jobs representing direct employment by the casino. Batavia Downs supported 90 jobs for racing and breeding. Wages and salaries for employees totaled more than $5 million.

Additional findings from the report show that in 2011, Batavia Downs Casino:

• Accounted for over $18 million in economic output for the region;
• Reinvested nearly $3 million into the local economy with the purchase of goods and services (including construction) from businesses in Genesee County;
• Accounted directly and indirectly for over $3 million in revenues for Genesee County municipalities, and;
• Generated nearly $20.5 million in state revenues, of which $16 million went toward education in New York State, which is the equivalent of paying the salaries of more than 231 elementary and secondary schoolteachers throughout New York State.

Since 2005, Batavia Downs Casino provided $3.65 million in aid to municipalities and contributed $94.5 million to New York State education and has never missed a payment.

The nine racetrack casinos comprising the New York Gaming Association include:

• Batavia Downs Casino
• Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway
• Empire Resorts at Monticello Casino & Raceway
• Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack
• Hamburg Casino at the Fairgrounds
• Resorts World Casino New York at Aqueduct Racetrack
• Saratoga Casino & Raceway
• Tioga Downs Casino
• Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel

The New York Gaming Association members have contributed $1.96 billion to the state in 2011. Over $830.5 million has gone to fund education in New York State which is the equivalent of paying the salaries of more than 11,900 elementary and secondary schoolteachers throughout New York State. The nine Racetrack Casinos employ nearly 5,500 New Yorkers directly and have created a total of 17,400 jobs both directly and indirectly across the state.

The economic impact analysis study was conducted by Appleseed, Inc., a New York City firm that specializes in providing economic and social research analysis.

Download: Appleseed report (PDF)

Patricia M. Anderson is indicted on two counts each of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Anderson is accused of selling cocaine March 4 at 355 W. Main St., Batavia, and again on March 16 at 312 Ellicott St., Batavia.

Shuvon J. Williams is indicted on counts of criminal contempt, 1st, criminal contempt, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Williams is accused of violating an order of protection on Sept. 22 and acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child.

Tremaine J. Halftown is indicted on a charge of criminal contempt, 1st. Halftown is accused of violating an order of protection on Dec. 24.

Christopher M. Lambert is indicted on a charge of burglary, 2nd. Lambert is accused of illegally entering a property in Elba on Aug. 14 with the intent of commiting a crime.

John W. Hackett is indicted on counts of felony DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation. Hackett is accused of driving drunk Oct. 8 in the City of Batavia.

Photographer Ameka Cooper has decided it's time or her to focus on her family, rather than the daily responsibilities of running a studio, so Wyoming-based Carlson's Studio is closing its Jackson Street location.

Owner Kevin Carlson said Carlson's will continue to provide photography services to its Genesee County clientele at its expanded "Photo Park" in Wyoming County.

Cooper took maternity leave several months ago and during her time off decided to dedicate her time to her baby girl, Autumn, and husband, Ron.

"Ameka’s unique style, passion for the art of photography, and involvement in the community, have made her clientele loyal and eager for her work," Carlson said. "It is with admiration, deep appreciation and pride that we say farewell to Ameka Cooper after 12 years of devoting her life to the Carlson family."

Meanwhile, Carlson is expanding the company's studio -- founded by his father in 1950 -- in Wyoming County. The studio is more than just a room in a building. It is a 23-acre park-like setting.

The expansion in Wyoming will triple the number of sets available to clients, Carlson said.

"I talked with photographers from across the country and brought back some amazing background ideas for our seniors this year, combined with techniques and inventive approaches to photography," Carson said "Innovative indoor sets will come to life as you step in them. Traditional backgrounds will be transformed into edgy sets with dramatic lighting, unique flourishes and imaginative props. It will all be unveiled this Spring."

The full press release after the jump (click on the headline to read):

It is true in photography, as it is in life..…the one constant is change. Carlson's Studios is evolving with the changing times, as it celebrates over 60 years of dedicated photography service in Western New York.  "We remain devoted to providing our customers with the most creative images. We utilize the newest technological advances, and maintain the highest quality standards in the industry." say Kevin Carlson, second-generation owner of Carlson's.

Kevin returned from the National Professional Photographers Association's National Convention, Imaging USA in New Orleans, brimming with enthusiasm. We are bursting at the seams, with so many new ideas to integrate into our already burgeoning variety of offerings. The energetic staff at Carlson’s is hard at work, preparing for an exciting summer!

Change comes to our Batavia location, where we celebrate our evolution, while embracing our roots. In 2004, Ameka Cooper enthusiastically accepted the challenge of running, managing and assuming the role as the main photographer of the Jackson Street studio. Her passion, talent, and personal connection to her clients invoked a bond of trust that inspired works that become a part of a person’s history in images.  Ameka’s unique style, passion for the art of photography, and involvement in the community, have made her clientele loyal and eager for her work.

It is with admiration, deep appreciation and pride that we say farewell to Ameka Cooper after 12 years of devoting her life to the Carlson family.  These days, you can find Ameka happily focusing on her family. Autumn, her precious daughter born in August, and her husband, Ron, are the main subjects of her devotion now. She is looking forward to living and experiencing all the moments that she has captured for other families. There is no replacing Ameka and all she brought to the studio to make it a success and so we have decided to close the doors.

However, I’m excited about expanding our original location in Wyoming and bringing all that made that studio special to the Wyoming location. Be assured Carlson’s will still provide service to the Batavia area, and are hopeful that clients will make the small trip south to experience all that Carlson's Wyoming studio has to offer. Kevin and Ameka would both like to take this opportunity to thank everyone’s loyalty and patronage in Batavia over the last eight years. While we won't have a physical presence in Batavia, if you need us, we are just a phone call away."

Carlson's Wyoming Studio is where it all started back in 1950. Located just 17 miles south of Batavia on 23 acres, it offers an abundance of outdoor backdrops. The "Photo Park" as it is often called, includes a white sand beach, a pond and dock, wildflower field and a winding country road among client favorites. Constantly evolving, new and novel elements are added every year and this year will be no exception.

Our biggest news however is the expansion of our indoor sets/backgrounds, tripling the offerings we now have.

"I talked with photographers from across the country and brought back some amazing background ideas for our seniors this year combined with techniques and inventive approaches to photography. Innovative indoor sets will come to life as you step in them. Traditional backgrounds will be transformed into edgy sets with dramatic lighting, unique flourishes and imaginative props. It will all be unveiled this Spring.

"Look for the "Steam Punk" set coming soon and keep checking out Carlson's Studio facebook pages over the next few months to see all the progress. This consolidation and transition will further cement Carlson’s commitment to the art of photography. As a 'thank you' for past and future business ALL new and existing Batavia clients will be given a $50 gift certificate on their first visit to the Wyoming studio.

Adapting to change seems to be a theme over my last 30 years. Carlson's creativity, quality and service will continue to insure that the Carlson’s vision lives on for years to come.

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.

Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Delavan's, 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.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Greg'ry's Bakery, 13 North Lake Road, Bergen, NY: The bakery offers a variety of the finest cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, breads, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and so much more. Each treat is made the same as it has been for decades and baked right here. Come in and sample some for yourself! We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Jagged Edges Salon, 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, NY: Jagged Edges Salon is a walk-in and appointment salon for men, women and children. It is a fun, welcoming salon that offers all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, treatments, and facial waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kravings offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

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 $20 gift certificate for $10.

Palm Island Indoor Water Park, 8250 Park Road, Batavia, NY: The newest family fun center in Genesee County, featuring a hot tub, monsoon lagoon pool and play area, tipping buckets, water slides, arcade with 15 games and birthday party rooms. We have a pair of gift certificates worth $40 in merchandise or services for $20.

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.

Rancho Viejo, 12 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Traditional Mexican cuisine, from tacos and burritos to pollo norteno, Rancho Viejo brings a bit of "South of the Border" to Batavia's restaurant scene. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Salsa & Curry, 13 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: An authentic Mexican restaurant, offering all of your favorite dishes from enchiladas and burritos to tacos and fajitas, as well as daily Indian food specials. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Scooter's Family Restaurant, 3711 W. Main St. Road, Batavia NY: Nestled just outside of the Village of Batavia, Scooter's offers a homestyle menu, daily specials, kid's meals and homemade desserts! We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Settler's, 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.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl, 21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

SOLD OUT

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

Leaders of Western Regional Off-track Betting Corp. are lining up support to turn Batavia Downs into a full-service casino and they took their case to the Genesee County Legislature on Wednesday.

In a meeting with the Ways and Means Committee, three representatives of Batavia Downs told the committee that getting Genesee County's support for the plan is crucial to lining up support from the other 15 counties that co-own Western Regional OTB.

"You're the key," said Mike Nolan, VP of administration for Western Regional OTB and Batavia Downs. "You're the host county and the place where we live. You gain the most to benefit from what happens at Batavia Downs. We're hoping you can be the leader so we can go to the other municipalities and say we have your support."

The committee unanimously approved a resolution supporting Batavia Downs becoming one of the nine racing facilities in New York to offer table games along with slot machines.

Legislator Mary Pat Hancock said she isn't fully supportive of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's push to legalize casino gambling across the board in New York, but she could support this resolution because it limits gaming to just the existing racing and video-terminal facilities (often called "racinos").

The earliest Batavia Downs could offer table games -- such as blackjack and poker -- would be January 2014.

For that to happen, the current State Legislature and the next one seated must approve a constitutional amendment to legalize casinos, and then the amendment would be voted on in a statewide referendum.

During the process, state lawmakers would need to also pass enabling legislation that would government how the casinos are run.

If all of that could happen by November 2013, then Batavia Downs could start offering new games and begin construction expanding the existing facilities -- creating 1,000 construction jobs and leading to more than 400 new full-time jobs at the casino.

Nolan (top photo), who met with the committee along with Mike Kane, president and CEO, and OTB Board Member Richard Siebert, said there is still opposition from Senecas, but that is an issue for the governor's office to deal with. In the meantime, Batavia Downs needs to line up its own support and make its own plans in the hope that casino gambling is approved in New York.

It's apparently getting easier for drunken drivers to avoid DWI checkpoints so the governor's office is funding an experimental program for "enhanced" checkpoints.

Genesee County has been selected, along with Erie and Westchester, as one of three counties statewide to test the program, according to Assistant County Manager Frank Ciaccia.

The Ways and Means Committee voted Wednesday to approve acceptance of a state grant of $21,755 to fund the operation of six enhanced roadblocks.

Unlike most grants, where the state sets the amount of money it will make available, local officials were able to determine a budget for the program and tell the state how much it needed.

The enhanced checkpoints will be multi-agency efforts, involving the Sheriff's Office, State Police, Batavia Police Department and the Le Roy Police Department.

At each of the six checkpoints, the lead agency will set up and run the roadblock while patrols from other participating agencies will prowl the streets around the checkpoint looking for drivers who are seemingly trying to avoid getting stopped.

Ciaccia said drivers have learned to look ahead for checkpoints, see the lights, and make a turn to avoid them, but there are also apps available now that people can download to their smartphones that will give them advance warning of checkpoints.

For Android phones, there are at least a half-dozen such apps available and Google has reportedly refused to block their distribution.

In June, Apple announced it would ban such apps for the iPhone, but an app called DUI Dodger is currently available for $2.99 in Apple's App Store.

Legislator Ray Cianfrini, an attorney, expressed concern that the enhanced checkpoint program may run into legal issues because, for example, not everybody making a left-hand turn is doing so to avoid a checkpoint.

"Anybody who doesn't go through a roadblock is now suspicious?" Cianfrini said. "Innocent people who have nothing to hide are going to get dragged into the whole thing and I'm not comfortable with the concept."

No dates were announced for the checkpoints.

The Sheriff's Office will act as lead agency on four checkpoints, and Batavia and Le Roy will each conduct one.

Out and about in Le Roy this afternoon taking photos for a story I hope to write tomorrow, I came across this scene on Black Street Road.

Le Roy Fire Department and Ambulance Service is dispatched to 8404 E. Main Road, Le Roy, for a report of a natural gas leak in the residence.

Reportedly, the stove was left on all day.

UPDATE 7:40 p.m.: All residents out of the building. Only one truck responding, per the chief. Le Roy ambulance is tied up on another call. The chief doesn't require another ambulance to respond.

UPDATE 7:47 p.m.: Le Roy fire back in service.

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City Fire Department is responding to Dollar General at 577 East Main St., Batavia, for the report of the smell of electrical burning inside the store.

UPDATE 7:07 p.m.: City fire clearing the scene and responding to a medical call. Power has been shut off and maintenance called in.