Sallome's Italian Deli, 40 Oak St., Batavia, NY: Wraps, subs, paninis and pasta as well as pizzas -- Sallome's offers a tasty variety of Italian deli items for eat-in or take-out.  We have $10 gift certificates for $5 each.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY:  Spring colors aren't quite yet here, unless you go to The Enchanted Florist! Brighten up your home or office today. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

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

SOLD OUT

Several bars in Batavia tonight were popular spots for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, but Center Street Smoke House had students perform from McMahon School of Irish Dance (above). Meanwhile, O'Lacy's Irish Pub, as you would expect, was packed (below).

In a filing with the SEC, Batavia-based Graham Corp. announced raises for its senior executives, effective April 1, according to the Rochester Business Journal.

Pay for CEO James Lines jumps 3.8 per cent, from $265,000 to $275,000.

Three percent increases were given to Jeff Glajch, vice president–finance and administration and chief financial officer, to $216,000; Alan Smith, vice president of operations, to $183,536; and, Jennifer Condame, controller and chief accounting officer, to $132,613.

Yusuf A. Hassem told Judge Robert Noonan today that's he's not an evil man.

"Most of those things on my record are misdemeanors," said the 69-year-old con man who's criminal history dates back to 1957.

Noonan wasn't buying it.

"I'm imposing the maximum sentence and I know there is a prosecutor in Albany looking to do the same," Noonan said. "I don't know if you are going to live long enough to see daylight again or not, but society would certainly be safer if you don't."

Hassem, aka Louis L. Reed, was convicted by a jury Feb. 3 of grand larceny, 4th.

The maximum sentence Noonan could impose was two to four years in state prison.

The swindler stole $2,000 from a Batavia woman after meeting her at Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union. That day Hassem was dressed in suit that made him look like a possible African visitor and spoke to the woman in a fake Nigerian accent. He said he was new to the country and needed help with a banking transaction. Somehow, he managed to switch packages with her, handing her a pile of paper in a handkerchief, and walking off with her money.

The mother of three was working three jobs at the time, 70 hours a week, and the $2,000 represented her entire savings.

In court today (she asked that I not us her name and I agreed), the woman described how angry she was and how foolish she felt when she realized her money had been stolen.

"I had to rethink the situation and realize I was just being me -- helpful and good-hearted, and I got taken advantage of by a criminal that had sadly made a career out of taking from people," the woman told Noonan.

She said Hassem should be locked away forever and asked Noonan to throw the book at him.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman pointed out that Hassem has made contradictory statements about the events of that day and most recently told pre-sentence investigators that he didn't steal the victim's money.

"It’s clear this defendant can’t tell the truth," Friedman said. "We can't really protect society from him long enough because eventually he will get out and he will victimize people again. The maximum isn’t long enough, but let’s at least protect society for as long as we can."

Friedman noted that the Buffalo resident's rap sheet is 23 pages long and spans multiple decades, multiple states and multiple aliases.

His defense attorney asked for some a minimum sentence because of health issues and Hassem's age.

When it came time for Hassem to speak, he blamed the victim. He claimed that he flirted with the woman and she flirted back and that they had made a date for later.

"This is really about she couldn't get a dime from me," Hassem said.

When the aging grifter finished his disjointed speech, Noonan laid into him.

"Well, sir, it's hard to imagine that somebody could get to be nearly 70, and to be as intelligent a person as you seem, and then be so detached from reality," Noonan said.  "For you to think that this young woman would be attracted to you and that you could get a date with her, while it may have been in your mind that she was flirting back, while you're all dressed up in your funny little African costume, and that you could win her over as a little old man who needed her help, is hard to believe."

Noonan also ordered Hassem to pay restitution of $2,000, which Hassem also tried to dispute saying his family tried to pay restitution previously, but Friedman turned it down.

Noonan shut him off with a terse, "you also could have accepted a plea before this case went to trial for one and a half years. Those times are long gone. This case is over. The matter is adjourned."

At which point, Hassem was asked to sign some papers and he started to speak again, but his deputy escort said, "Do you want to add contempt of court to your charges?"

Batavia Fire Department is responding to a reported "transformer explosion" at 61 Walnut St. National Grid has been notified.

UPDATE 2:54 p.m.: The transformer is fine, says the fireman. They are leaving the scene. There are a couple of wires up high there that are dangling or loose. "Mighta been some squirrels," the fireman says, as a possible explanation.

A two-car accident, believed with injuries, has been reported on the Thruway in the area of westbound mile marker 382.

One person has been reportedly dragged from a vehicle and is lying on the ground.

One car is in a ditch.

Mercy Flight is being put on standby.

Le Roy Fire and Le Roy Ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 11:54 a.m.: An assistant chief reports one injury, with the patient complaining of neck and back pain.

UPDATE 11:56 a.m.: Mercy Flight cancelled.

Louis M. Reeb IV has been charged with DWI, unlawfully fleeing a police officer, speeding and reckless driving, among other charges.

The 19-year-old is accused of leading law enforcement on a 100-mph chase through the town and city of Batavia on March 8 before slamming his truck into a house on South Main Street.

Reeb appeared voluntarily in Town of Batavia court with his family this morning to answer to seven charges filed in the town's jurisdiction. He also faces three charges in the city.

The young man was released from the hospital yesterday.

The other town charges include unsafe passing, driving left of pavement markers and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

He was issued an appearance ticket for the City of Batavia charges, which are: reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and speeding. He is scheduled to appear in City Court at 9 a.m., March 31.

No bail was set for Reeb by Justice Tom Williams. He was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. He is to appear in town court again at 1:30 p.m., April 27.

Jennifer Keys, a regular contributor to The Batavian, was elected to a village trustee seat in the Le Roy election yesterday.

She was one of four people to win a contested seat in the five village elections held Tuesday.

Also winning in Le Roy was Robert Taylor.

The winners in Corfu were David Bielec and Thomas Sobczak.

(via WBTA)

A 47-year-old Bergen man suspected of DWI died shortly after being arrested Tuesday evening, despite the best efforts of Sheriff's deputies and EMS personnel to revive him.

Richard Fox, of 7936 Swamp Road, was pronounced dead at UMMC at 7:33 p.m.

The incident started at 5:59 p.m. when Deputy Timothy Wescott was dispatched to the Fox residence after a 9-1-1 call reported that Fox had just gotten in his car while intoxicated and driven off.

When Wescott arrived at the address, he reportedly found Fox's car in the driveway and Fox was in his residence, so Wescott questioned him about the alleged drinking and driving.

Based on the interview, Wescott conducted a field sobriety test. Fox reportedly failed the test and was placed into custody.

After Fox was handcuffed and placed in a patrol vehicle, he asked to speak to his wife.

Fox is described in a Sheriff's Office press release as cooperative throughout the entire process.

After Fox finished talking with his wife, Wescott noticed that Fox had become unresponsive. About this time, Deputy Chris Parker arrived on scene.

Wescott and Parker began to administer CPR to Fox and the Bergen Volunteer Fire Department ambulance was dispatched to the location.

The medics took over resuscitation procedures and began the transport to UMMC.

Efforts to revive Fox at UMMC were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead.

The investigation into his death is ongoing by the Sheriff's Office, Coroner Robert Yungfleisch and the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office.

A 79-year-old Batavia woman was taken by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital following a semi-truck vs. car accident at Jackson and Ellicott streets this evening.

The car was apparently flipped over by an 18-wheeler and it landed on its roof, narrowly missing the gas pumps at the Red Apple Kwik Fill.

The driver of the truck, Slawomir Milczek, said he never even saw the car until after he stopped to check his brake lines and saw the vehicle on its roof at the gas station.

“I didn’t see any car," Misezek said.  "I just come here, and ‘oh, my God. The car is in the gas station. What happened?’ I don’t know."

Sgt. John Peck said the initial investigation indicates the driver of the car failed to yield the right-of-way as she turned onto Ellicott from Jackson.

The car, driven by Josephine Barone of Swan Street, was caught under the wheels of the trailer, thrown into a railroad-crossing sign and flipped over onto its roof near the gas pumps.

“I don’t know what her condidtion is, but I did speak to her briefly and she was conscious and alert," Peck said. "I’m sure a lot of it is precautionary, but I don’t know the extent of her injuries.”

Mercy Flight landed in the parking lot of the Salvation Army.

Misezek was emotional and animated as he described the accident to local media (pictured above).

“Then I hear very big noise. Boom." Misezek said. "I think, my air hose is broken. And then I was a stoppen on the railway, so I can’t stop, so I move a little bit forward, OK. And then I was stoppen there. I just went from the truck and ‘what’s going on?’ I didn’t see anything around me."

LISTEN (recommended): Slawomir Milczek describe the accident (mp3).

Good turn out tonight for the community meeting on sex offenders called for by Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian and organized by Police Chief Randy Baker and members of his department.

Top photo is Det. Pat Corona explaining some of the information available to the community on sex offenders.

After his opening remarks, Det. Corona showed a video about the New York sex offender database.

And it was at that point that I had to leave rather abruptly to cover the accident at Jackson and Ellicott.

A motor vehicle accident in downtown Batavia prompted the landing just minutes ago of a Mercy Flight helicopter in the parking lot of the Salvation Army Store on Jackson Street (the old Star Market).

At the accident scene nearby, a car is reported to be on its roof, which required extrication of the occupant(S). Mercy EMS met the helicopter out of Buffalo at the gate of the Salvation Army.

No further details yet.

UPDATE 7:36 p.m.: The Life Flight helicopter is airborne, bound for Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

BATAVIA, NY -- Scott Doll didn't kill Joseph Benaquist. That's the defense attorney Paul Cambria said he will present at the Corfu man's murder trial starting May 3.

Cambria won't rely on expert psychological testimony to try and explain Doll's actions or statements, Cambria said at a hearing in Genesee County Court this morning.

"There is no such defense," Cambria told Judge Robert Noonan after District Attorney Lawrence Friedman asked for the results of any psychological evaluation of Doll. Cambria said no such evaluation has been done because Doll's state of mind won't be an issue in the trial.

"The defense is the defendant is not guilty. That’s the defense. We do not intend to offer any sort of psychological testimony. He didn't do it. That’s the the defense of the case."

Today's hearing was primarily to give Doll a chance to accept any plea offer before the trial date is confirmed, but Friedman hasn't made a plea offer to Doll.

"It has been the understanding from the start of this case that it had to be tried and Mr. Cambria agreed with that assessment," Friedman said.

The two attorneys, as well as Cambria's co-counsel, Daniel Killelea, discussed various issues regarding evidence in the case.

Killelea raised a concern about the prosecution's inability, so far, to narrow the time of Benaquist's death further than some time between 4:45 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. p.m., Feb. 16-17, 2009 (the prosecution puts the time of attack at between 4:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.).

"Obviously, a more narrow time is important to us as we prepare our defense, and at trial, to effectively represent Mr. Doll," Killelea said.

Judge Noonan said he couldn't really order the prosecution to name a more particular  time if Friedman doesn't have the evidence to draw that conclusion.

Outside of court, Cambria said the Sheriff's Office and District Attorney reached a hasty conclusion that Doll killed the 66-year-old Benaquist, who was found bludgeoned to death in the driveway of his Pembroke home. Cambria said they concluded Doll was the killer even before all of the forensic evidence was gathered.

"They rushed to judgement here," Cambria said. "In two days they had an indictment. We’re getting reports now (from the forensics lab). We just got one last week. And here they are rushing to judgment two days after it’s over. As far as we’re concerned, they have their opinion and when they get to court and they get crossed examined and we put in our evidence, then the jury will make a determination."

Sheriff's Office investigators say Doll was found covered with blood wandering on the east side of North Lake Road. 

The trial is expected to last three weeks.

For previous coverage, click here.

Photos: Cambria, back left, Killelea, and Doll exit the court house. Inset: Paul Cambria talks with the media.

It started out as a simple shoplifting accusation against a 16-year-old girl in Le Roy and wound up leading to a series of arrests including charges of assault, underage drinking and stealing.

The initial complaint came in on Feb. 27, when Le Roy Police were called to a local business that alleged a 16-year-old Village girl had stolen items and when confronted by management, the girl fought with them causing injury.

The girl was charged with petit larceny and assault, 3rd. She was jailed on an unspecified amount of bail.

During the investigation, police found two people under age 21 in possession of alcohol. Charged with unlawful possession of alcohol were Kenneth Michael Gray, 18, of 77 Myrtle St., Le Roy, and Nicholas A. Thurley, 19, of 61 Myrtle St., Apt. A-7, Le Roy.

Another person, Alan J. Delano, 19, of 556 Peck Road, Spencerport, was arrested on a warrant out of Monroe County. He allegedly gave a false name to police. He was charged with one count of criminal impersonation, 2nd.

Delano was jailed, but posted bail and was released from Genesee County custody and immediately picked up by Monroe County on the outstanding warrant.

Detective John Condidorio then determined that a coat containing a wallet and three credit cards found inside of a car was stolen from a house in Brockport. On Sunday, Condidorio relocated Delano and he was charged with three counts of criminal possession of stolen property, 4th. He was jailed on $2,500 bail.

John P. Richter, 57, of East Amherst, is charged with DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, criminal use of drug paraphernalia (scales) and unlawful possession of marijuana. Richter was stopped by state police on Route 77 in Alabama at 2:35 a.m., Monday. No further details were released.

Kyler S. Hapeman, 19, of 306 Caroline St., Albion, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hapeman was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop by Deputy Kevin McCarthy at 7:16 p.m., Monday, on Knowlesville Road in Alabama.

Linda M. Clemens, 49, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief and harassment, 2nd. Clemens was arrested by state police at 11 Mix Place, Batavia, at 7:30 p.m, Sunday in connection with an alleged incident in Stafford. No further details were released.

Accidents from the state police blotter:

8:35 a.m., Sunday, Thruway, Le Roy, mile marker 379.6, one vehicle; Driver 1: Patrick D. McCarthy, 41, of Stratford. No injuries reported.

(Updated 8:17 a.m., Tuesday)

Charles Zambito -- currently the county legislator serving District 2 (Elba, Byron and Bergen) -- would very much like to be the new county attorney.

With the retirement of John Rizzo this month, Zambito has let his fellow legislators -- who will pick the new county attorney -- know that he would like the job.

"It’s something that I had my eye on if there was an opening, but who knew if there would be an opening?" Zambito said Monday afternoon. "This is the opportunity and I’m interested."

Inarguably, the Elba resident is qualified. He's clerked for two local judges, worked as a public defender in Monroe County and spent 11 years in the local district attorney's office. He's also got decades of experience in insurance liability and litigation, not to mention the more than eight years he's served as a county legislator.

"Obviously, my experience with the county legislature got me interested in it, but it’s the kind of job that sort of fits with what I’ve been doing for the past almost 30 years," Zambito said.

The legislature will meet in closed session on Wednesday morning to discuss the county attorney position. Zambito's application for the job is likely to be considered. The topic is also on the Ways and Means Committee agenda for Wednesday afternoon.

County Legislature Chairwoman Mary Pat Hancock said since the legislature has not yet discussed the issue as a group, she couldn't say how Zambito's application will be received, but she said Zambito certainly seems qualified for the job.

"He has the experience," she said. "He's a good attorney and he has experience in insurance and risk management."

She added that his experience as a county legislator also helps.

In talking with Chuck on Monday afternoon, he clearly has an enthusiasm for the job and is hoping that the other legislators will support his application. He isn't applying for the job just because it seems like the thing to do -- he sees it as the right thing for him to do at this point in his career.

"I think I can fit in fairly well," Zambito said. "John’s been there a long time – over 30 years – I don’t know that anybody can just step in and replace him, but I think I can probably do as good a job as anybody with my background."

A new eight-bay hangar at the Genesee County Airport, with a price tag of about $600,000, received an initial OK from the Public Services Committee this afternoon.

In three resolutions -- one for construction of a required taxiway apron, another for a consultation agreement, and one for creation of a capitol project budget -- the legislative committee put in motion an effort to increase the amount of hangar space for airplanes at the facility.

Tim Hens, county highway superintendent, said the hangars will generate $30,000 in revenue.

"We already have a waiting list," Hens said. "The last set we built, we filled before they were even completed. The hangars will have an 11-year payback."

The committee voted unanimously to award the contract for apron construction -- at $359,704 -- to Stafford's A.D. Call & Sons. Hens noted it's been a long time since a local contractor won a bid with the county of this significance.

The FCC provides the grant money for construction of the apron, which is required to get the grant money to proceed with the design of the hangars.

C&S Companies out of Syracuse was awarded the design contract.

Once the design is completed, the actual construction of the hangars will go out to bid.

Sales-tax revenue has already been set aside to pay for the anticipated $600,000 construction cost, according to County Manager Jay Gsell.

On the same committee agenda today, the committee approved purchase of two new vehicles for the highway department. The winning bidder is Van Bortel Ford in Pittsford. Some committee members expressed an interest in awarding the contract to Le Roy Motors, which offered a bid only $300 higher than Von Brotel. Gsell cautioned the committee that state law prohibits "local preference" in awarding contracts.

Charles Daniel Bucci, 34, of 22219 Judge Road, Oakfield, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and criminal mischief. Bucci is accused of kicking in the basement door of his ex-girlfriend's house, breaking the glass in the process. He was reportedly found at 2:49 a.m., Saturday, sleeping in the basement.

Sara Jo Likus, 24, of School Street, East Pembroke, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and criminal trespass. Likus is accused of entering a residence in Le Roy without permission on Wednesday evening and getting in a fight with a woman at that residence. A 5-year-old child was home at the time.

Malik I. Ayala, 18, of 44 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with robbery, 2nd, petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. Ayala is accused of stealing an MP3 player from a 15-year-old youth in the parking lot of MacArthur Park. Another suspect has been identified and is being sought by police. Ayala was jailed without bail.

Amy Lynn Showler, 34, of 9 Pearl St., lower, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Showler is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Wendelyn Leigh Ruiz, 48, of 177 Menard Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI and reckless driving. After receiving a report of a vehicle operating erratically and forcing oncoming vehicles on to the shoulder on Route 33 in the Town of Batavia, Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello made contact with a vehicle allegedly driven by Ruiz. Upon investigation, Sgt. Sanfratello concluded that Ruiz was allegedly operating under the influence of prescription drugs.

Adam A. Fusco, 28, of 3613 Retsof Road, Retsof, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Fusco was reportedly stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves at 9:58 p.m., Friday, in the area of 675 Main Road, Pembroke.

Kurt Walter Guhman, 37, of 6213 Route 5, Stafford, is charged with criminal mischief, 4th. Guhman is accused of taking his wife's mobile phone during a domestic dispute, preventing her from making a call for help. Guhman was arrested at 8:15 p.m., Friday. He was jailed on $500.

William Holtz McGorray, 44, of 237 Wright Road, Alabama, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, and unsafe turn/failure to signal. McGorray was reportedly stopped by Deputy Jason Saile on Wright Road 2:44 a.m., Friday.

Joseph Nicholas Striegel, 19, of 509 Main Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Striegel is accused of hosting an underage drinking party. He was arrested at 1:14 a.m., Sunday.

Matthew Scott Williams, 22, of 5012 Hundredmark Road, Elba, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Williams is accused of stealing a shotgun.

Matthew Legler, 20, of 736 Paul Road, Chili, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Legler is accused of stealing a shotgun.

Andrew Steven Novak, 47, 7235 Telephone Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI as a felony and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater as a felony. Novak was reportedly involved in a car accident on Linwood Road, Le Roy, at 5:58 p.m., Sunday. Novak was also issued tickets for alleged failure to keep right and moving from lane unsafely.

Jason M. Wolf, 46, of 8770 Wenner Road, Williamsville, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and passing in a no-passing zone. Wolf was stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, on West Main Street Road, Pembroke, after the Sheriff's Office received a complaint of an erratic driver on Route 5, who was allegedly driving at a high rate of speed and passing other cars illegally.

Karri A. Kunst, 36, of 43 Ballantyne Road, Rochester, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, operating with a BAC of .08 or greater. Kunst was stopped at the intersection of Clinton Street and East Main Street in Batavia by Officer Matthew W. Baldwin after the dispatch center received a report of an erratic driver on Clinton Street Road, Town of Batavia.

Steen L. Bordonaro, 43, of 30 Woodcrest Drive, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, possession of an open alcoholic beverage in a vehicle and unlawful possession of marijuana. Bordonaro was stopped by Officer Frank Klimjack, who was following up on a report of a subject getting involved in a fight at a bar in Oakfield and driving to the city. Klimjack reportedly stopped Bordonaro's vehicle on Lewiston Road in the City of Batavia. Bordonaro was arrested at 12:24 a.m., Sunday.

James N. Lauricella, 23, of Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, equipment violation and a license plate violation. Lauricella was arrested by state police at 7:30 p.m., Saturday.

Scott B. Humel, 23, of Pembroke, is charged with disorderly conduct (creating a hazardous condition). Humel was arrested by state police at 12:49 a.m., Sunday. No further details available.

Accidents reported on the state police blotter:

8:41 p.m., Saturday, at Park Road, Batavia, two vehicles; Driver 1: Not identified (apparent hit-and-run); Driver 2: Margaret V. Janus, 39, of Albion. One injury reported.

5:36 p.m., March 12, parking lot of 48 Deli Express, Town of Batavia, two vehicles; Driver 1: Mark J. Geitner, 40, of Attica; Driver 2: Marsha K. Barton, 71, of Batavia. No injuries reported.