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Smell of smoke coming from multi-family structure on Vine Street

By Billie Owens

The odor of smoke is coming from a four-apartment structure at 25 Vine St. in the city.

City fire department is on scene. A firefighter says nothing is showing, but they are investigating.

One woman has been evacuated. She said she was not sure if anyone else was at home in the other three apartments.

UPDATE 12:05 p.m.: After investigating the building, nothing was found amiss and units are returned to service.

One car rollover accident reported on the Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A one vehicle rollover accident has been reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 392.

The driver is not injured, but unable to get out of her car.

Town of Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 8:43 a.m.: A fire chief reports roads are slick and icy. Also, the driver has gotten herself out of the vehicle. She's seems to be injured.

Photos: Jaycee's Christmas lights winners

By Howard B. Owens

Joseph Richmond of the Batavia Area Jaycees submitted this pictures of the group's annual Christmas lights contest winners.

Above, Most Colorful - 8485 Stringham Drive.

More pictures after the jump:

Friend of the Lighting Company - 16 Vine

Honorable Mention - 16 and 18 Tracey

Honorable Mention - All of Redfield Parkway

Most Commercial - 21 Union.JPG

Most Patriotic - 24 Roosevelt

Most Traditional - 12 Vernon Avenue

Overall - 2 Lincoln.

SimpleAndElegant - 14 Union Street

Freezing man found in snow bank off Route 20, Bethany

By Billie Owens

A male about 18 year old is reported to be lying in a snow bank, possibly suffering from hypothermia, at 4822 Route 20, near Silver Road.

Mercy EMS and a crew from Bethany Fire Department are responding.

UPDATE 3:46 p.m.: Responders have requested a deputy to the scene "to secure an item."

UPDATE 3:54 p.m.: The man is being transported to UMMC. A fireman is remaining at the scene until a deputy arrives.

UPDATE 4:01 p.m.: The deputy is going to the scene "to pick up a bicycle."

Local historian invited to 'revisit' Batavia with new book

By Daniel Crofts

Representatives of Arcadia Publishing have been traveling to communities across the country for at least 10 years for their "Images of America" series, and last winter they approached Larry D. Barnes, Batavia's resident historian.

According to Barnes, the South Carolina-based publishing company, which published another book on Batavia -- simply titled "Batavia" -- about 10 years ago, wanted to "take another look" at the city and its history.

Barnes' book, "Batavia Revisited," will explore different topics and feature different photos -- of which there are about 220 in all -- from the first book. It covers many of the major events that reshaped the city's appearance, including:

  • The relocation of the railroad tracks to the outskirts of town;
  • The construction of the Oak Street Bridge; and
  • The Urban Renewal of the 1960s and early 1970s

As a book that relies heavily on the use of photographs, "Batavia Revisited" is mainly focused on the period from 1860 onward. However, Barnes includes an introduction dealing with Batavia's earlier history, which goes back to the early 1800s.

"I also try to straighten out some misinformation over the years (about Batavia's history)," Barnes said. "For example, I've found over and over again in my research, that the person most people think built the Old City Hall had been dead for two years (before it was built). It was his son who built it."

Barnes is a retired Genesee Community College professor and a volunteer with the Genesee County History Department. He taught psychology, but describes history as a "second career."

"It's a personal interest of mine," he said. "I do a lot of (historical) writing and research."

The book will be on sale starting Jan. 17, and will be available for purchase at Present Tense books on Wasington Avenue (and probably at the Holland Land Office Museum as well).

For more information on the book, please visit its page on Arcadia Publishing.

DEC bans old wood boilers and adopts strict rules for new ones

By Billie Owens

This information comes from a news release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office:

On Dec. 23, a hearing -- without an opportunity for public input -- was held on outdoor wood boilers by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. It decided to go full-steam to outlaw existing units and require stringent, and costly, regulations for newly built ones.

Wood-burning boilers are commonly used on farms and multi-acre properties to convert accessible natural resources into energy for heating homes and businesses.

“Time and time again, we see that a lack of transparency in government breeds regressive, anti-business policies,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Previously, the DEC agreed to phase out their use, instead of banning them, after heated protests at public hearings, including at least one in Genesee County, and heavy scutiny from members of the Assembly Minority Conference.

Hawley characterized Thursday's hearing and the DEC's reversal as "an example of irresponsible bureaucracy at its worst. The DEC rammed through new regulations that will drive the cost...upwards of $10,000."

He says the decision ignores the impact on people in rural areas like Western New York and serves as yet another example of what happens when the power is taken from the public and given to bureaucracies.

"Once again, state officials have ignored the will of rural New Yorkers and ushered through their own misguided agenda, with no consideration of the expense to the taxpayer.

“In light of the recent controversy surrounding the DEC, I find it appalling that they would continue to repeat the mistakes of old, rather than turn over a new leaf."

Police Beat: A DWI arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Clinton James Laporte, 22, of Prole Road, Stafford, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to stop and insufficient tail lamps. Laporte was stopped at 2:52 a.m. on South Lake Street, Bergen, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Today's Deals: Red Osier, Delavan's, Settler's, Alex's, Larry's and more

By Howard B. Owens

Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

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.

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.

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.

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 $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

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.

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.

Batavia Downs Grandstand Bar & Grille, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY: A full menu, salad bar and drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50. (Must be new or current Players Club member to redeem.)

The Daily Grind, 85 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: For Batavia's finest coffee, smoothies, as well as fast and convenient breakfasts and lunches, stop into The Daily Grind. We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

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

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's 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.

SOLD OUT

Accident in front of Jim's Saloon

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with a minor injury is reported at 2677 W. Main St. Road in front of Jim's Saloon. East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding nonemergency.

It's most likely going to be a "sign-off." The patient is now in the kitchen at the saloon.

Work begins to form Genesee Justice Foundation

By Howard B. Owens

With a $2,000 donation from an unnamed local attorney, the Genesee Justice Foundation has been born.

At a meeting on Dec. 17, according to a press release, nine community members gathered to start the process of forming a nonprofit corporation in order to raise money to pay for a fully functional restorative justice program in Genesee County.

The pioneering program was threatened with elimination earlier because of the county's' budget crunch. The program was saved, at least temporarily, when director Ed Minardo offered to accept a layoff and current Genesee Justice staff members agreed to reduced hours.

The cuts eliminated approximately $100,000 in expenses, giving Genesee Justice at least a one-year reprieve.

The initial donation will help cover start-up costs for the foundation.

Anyone interested in joining the effort to save Genesee Justice, or to donate, can contact Jane Schmider, (585) 738-8292.

For previous coverage, click here.

Byron-based drug dealer given two years in federal prison

By Howard B. Owens

A Genesee County man will spend 24 months in federal prison for drug dealing, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Buffalo announced today.

Kenneth E. Munnings, 45, of Byron, was convicted in July in Federal Court of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana.

The charges stemmed from a join federal, state and local wiretap investigation, which revealed the defendant was responsible for obtaining significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana from a drug trafficking network in Rochester and then distributing the drugs in Genesee County.

Prosecutors say Munnings dealt drugs from some time in 2006 until October 2008.

Woman admits in federal court to forging employer's checks

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia woman faces up to 10 years in federal prison after admitting in a Buffalo court today that she forged more than 100 business checks, pocketing more than $85,000.

Deborah Dutton, 55, entered a guilty plea to a charge of check forgery.

Dutton was accused in October of making out checks to herself and others for her benefit, drawn on her employer's business account.

Sentencing is set for 9 a.m., April 11, in Buffalo.

Police looking for truck after somebody reportedly threw a cat out the window

By Howard B. Owens

Somebody reportedly threw a cat from a moving vehicle in the area of Sport of Kings on West Main Street.

Police are looking for a gray Ford utility truck with a ladder rack on it.

A unit is being dispatched to the Sport of Kings area to see if he can find the cat and check on its welfare.

UPDATE 4:40 p.m. (Billie): The truck was last spotted eastbound on Route 5. So far, the cat has not been located.

Police looking for old Ford reportedly driving erratically in the city

By Howard B. Owens

A 1978 Ford sedan is reportedly somewhere in the city being driven erratically.

There have been calls on it, but so far it's evaded law enforcement attempts to locate it.

Officially it's "dark colored," but one description of it said it looked like an old-school black and white police car.

Perhaps dispatch should put a call out for "1-Adam-12" and see if either Malloy or Reed answer.

Two-car collision on Bloomingdale Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at 385 Bloomingdale Road in front of Jan's Smoke Shop.

There is a minor neck injury reported. The location is between Shanks and Martin roads on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation.

Alabama fire and Mercy BLS are responding.

Police Beat: Driver charged with DWI following accident in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

Robert David Cassatt, 23, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely, and driving at a speed that is not reasonable or prudent. Cassatt was charged following a vehicle accident at 1:20 a.m. in the area of 7733 Oak Orchard Road, Elba. The accident was investigated by Deputy Jason Saile.

Collin M. Camp, 19, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unsafe speed for conditions and uninspected motor vehicle. Camp was charged following a traffic accident at 12:20 p.m., Dec. 5, on Byron Road, Stafford. Three people, including Camp, were injured in the accident.

Mandy Jean Fogarty, 21, of North State Road, Nunda, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Fogarty was charged following a vehicle accident at 11:30 p.m., Dec. 14, on Route 63 in Pavilion after Deputy Brian Thompson reported smelling the odor of marijuana coming from her car. Also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana was Amie Lynn Fogarty, 23, of North State Road, Nunda.

Mark Laney, 30, of Clinton Street Road, Bergen, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, speeding (49 mph in a 30 mph zone) and unlawful possession of marijuana. Laney was stopped at 11:50 p.m., Dec. 12, by Deputy Brian Thompson on Route 262 in Elba.

Batavia Area Jaycees announce Christmas lights winners

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Area Jaycees have announced the winners of their annual Christmas Light Contest, with awards in six categories this year, plus some honorable mentions.

Judging took place the evening of Dec. 18.

The winners are:

  • Most Traditional: 12 Vernon Ave.
  • Simple & Elegant: 14 Union St.
  • Most Colorful: 8485 Stringham Drive
  • Most Commercial: 21 Union Ave.
  • Overall Winner: 2 Lincoln Ave.
  • Friends of the Lighting Company: 16 Vine St.

An unannounced category for the Most Patriotic Theme was given to 24 Roosevelt Ave.

Honorable Mentions: All of Redfield Parkway; 16 and 18 Tracy Ave. (The Jaycees liked the wreath connecting the houses, which fits with a part of the Jaycee's Creed,  "The Brotherhood of Man..."); and 120 Elm St., for its hand-painted sign.

Top Items on Batavia's List

City of Batavia, NY Position: Full-time Building Maintenance Worker. Salary: $20.60 - $24.45/hour. The City of Batavia is accepting applications for one full-time Building Maintenance Worker. The work involves a variety of mechanical and other building maintenance tasks. Applicant must have a minimum of two years of full-time paid experience in general building construction or maintenance work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience indicating ability to perform the duties of the job. Civil Service applications may be obtained at City Hall in the Human Resource Department. Please send completed applications to Teri Dean, Employee Payroll/Insurance Clerk, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY, or via email to tdean@batavianewyork.com by September 20, 2024. Background check, psychological assessment, and physical/drug testing 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
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