Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS are at the scene of a rollover accident on the Thruway near the Batavia exit.
Injuries are reportedly minor. One vehicle is on its roof.
A State Trooper has been requested to the scene.
A legislative roadblock could jeopardize New York’s ability to win a federal lottery of sorts – President Obama is ready to hand out $4.5 billion in education funding to select states that demonstrate a solid plan to improve education.
One of the criteria in Obama's "Race to the Top" competition is a commitment to increasing the number of a state's charter schools. That’s the biggest obstacle the New York Legislature faces in coming up with a winning application.
The state is heading toward a legislative package that increases the cap on charter schools from 200 to 400, but also makes it much harder to get a charter school approved. The Legislature refused to act last night on a compromise bill offered by Gov. David Paterson that would have made another 200 charter schools more likely.
Critics of the legislation – such as New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg – have blasted the Legislature for risking New York’s chance at hitting a $700 million jackpot.
Batavia City School District Superintendent Margaret Puzio is not among the critics.
First, she said, charter schools are just one of the criteria in the competition; second, charter schools are not necessarily a great thing for education.
“States may loose points (for not increasing the number of charter schools), but the bigger question is what has the state done in the past and what is it doing in the future to improve failing schools,” Puzio said. "If we have really effective public schools, we would have less need for 400 charter schools."
Charter schools, Puzio indicated, actually detract from the ability of public schools to improve.
“Charter schools are very controversial,” Puzio said. “People say that public schools are a monopoly, that they are controlled by the teachers' union, that they can’t be truly innovative. That’s just not true.”
There have been no attempts to start a charter school in Genesee County, at least as far as Puzio knows, and she's been in the area since 2002.
If there were such a school in the county, it might draw students from not only Batavia, but Elba, Pavilion, Corfu or any part of the county, and the federal dollars for each of those students would follow the students, Puzio said.
That puts public school districts at a disadvantage, Puzio said, because charter schools can be selective in their admission criteria while public schools must take all students.
“Unless they are held to the same standards, it seems unfair to take funds from public schools and give them to charter schools,” Puzio said.
The lack of interest in charter schools in Genesee County is one of the things that indicates local residents are largely satisfied with the quality of the area's public schools, Puzio said.
"My general takeaway is that what happens with school budget votes and what we see in surveys is that the people of Genesee County find our public schools are very responsive to their needs," Puzio said.
A former Le Roy Fire Department chief was sentenced this afternoon to 90 days in jail and five years probation for misappropriating public funds in 2006. He must also pay fees and fines totaling more than $2,500, plus adhere to a number of other stipulations.
Stephen C. Smith appeared in Genesee County Court wearing white sneakers, black slacks, a light gray sweater and shirt, with bandages on his right hand. He offered no comment when Judge Robert Noonan asked him if he had anything to say for himself.
Smith pled guilty in mid-October to forgery in the second degree.
He served as Le Roy's fire chief from 2004-08, and four more as an assistant chief.
"You certainly should be ashamed for what's brought you here today," Noonan told Smith, while acknowleging that part of Smith's punishment has already been self-inflicted.
"It's a blow to remove you from something you've long been associated with," Noonan said.
Genesee County Justice will supervise Smith's probation. He must provide a DNA sample and pay a $50 fee to be registered in the criminal DNA database. He can drink no alcohol and must submit to random testing. He must get a substance-abuse evaluation and write a letter of apology to those affected by his actions. He cannot associate with scofflaws and convicts.
Smith's Attorney Thomas Burns' asked that his client be allowed to pay his restitution at a rate of $50 a month, and Noonan agreed. The judge also agreed to a jail sentence of 90 days, instead of the six months sought by the Prosecutor Kevin Finnell.
Smith will serve the sentence at a rate of 48-hours weekly, from 10 a.m. Mondays until 10 a.m. Wednesdays.
An Alexander man who was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight yesterday following a motorcycle accident was treated and released, according to a patient information clerk at Strong.
Landen P. McCormick, 21, was northbound on Sandpit Road in Alexander when he reportedly failed to negotiate a curve and struck a guard rail, according to State Police.
McCormick was ejected from the motorcycle and according to reports yesterday, suffered a possible head injury.
No tickets were issued.
A Batavia woman awaiting trial in Erie County jail for allegedly trying to suffocate her baby tried to commit suicide, the Buffalo News reports.
Even though she was on suicide watch and reportedly under constant supervision, Marcia Mitchell, 29, somehow managed to swallow the entire contents of a bottle of aspirin.
The News reports Mitchell is in critical but stable condition at a hospital in the Buffalo area.
Mitchell is accused of trying to suffocate her baby in May 2008 while in a Buffalo-area hospital following a fire at her family's home.
Belladessa's Pizzeria/Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Here's a deal -- half off on a Family Meal Deal from Belladessa's, which is a large 1 topping pizza, 24 wings and 2-liter bottle of soda. It's a $25 value for $12.50.
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.
The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.
NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.
The Mane Attraction
Expect slick roads this morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for much of Western New York.
A freezing drizzle over night is expect to continue and keep roads icy until 11 a.m.
The weather service advises caution on untreated roads and urges commuters to allow extra time to get to work.
WBTA has interviewed three of the winners of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce annual awards.
Listen to the MP3s:
A motorcycle accident has been reported at the intersection of Sandpit and Dry Bridge roads, Alexander.
The driver reportedly suffered a head injury.
Mercy Flight is being put in the air.
Alexander Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.
UPDATE 4:04 p.m.: Mercy Flight in the air. Four minute ETA
UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: Mercy Flight 5 in the air, transporting to Strong Memorial.
The distinction of Conservation Farm of the Year 2009 has been awarded to John and Shelley Reynolds of Reyncrest Farms.
The Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors made the selection and will present the award at the "Celebrate Agriculture" dinner on March 13 at the Alexander Fire Hall.
Reyncrest Farms is located on 9666 Alleghany Road in Corfu. It grows feed crops on 1,500 acres and has more than 600 dairy cows.
The longtime family business was chosen because of its environmentally friendly ways, including crop rotation, growing grass buffers along streams and ditches and installing an extensive and sophisticated drainage system.
The Reynolds family also tries to be a good neighbor when it comes to spreading manure -- they limit it to dry days and will postpone the chore if a neighbor has a party.
It's not the first time Reyncrest has received the Conservation Farm of the Year award. It also won it in 1982 when the farm was operated by John's father, the late Ed Reynolds.
Reyncrest Farms built a new barn in 2008 and a new milking structure in 1997. The big, old red barn -- plainly visible on Alleghany Road -- was spruced up last year thanks to about $5,000 from the Campbell's Soup Co. The barn was one of only five chosen nationwide for refurbishment as part of Campbell's "Help Grow Your Soup" campaign.
Elisa Dipietro, left, and Lynn McKeown prepare a lunch in the YWCA kitchen for a special meal in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. today while Gordo Gonyo works in the background.
Fastec, 7184 West Main Road, Le Roy. Fast, friendly service, specializing in foreign cars, but Fastec can service any make and model. We have a $22 gift certificate for $11 that is valid for up to six months from date of purchase. It's good for an oil change or state safety/emissions inspection.
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.
Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and flowers are a great way to show love. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.
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.
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.
Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Family photos are more than just photographs. When you need photos for that special occasion, Carlson's is a great choice in Genesee County. This is a great Valentine's gift. We have a $100 gift card for $50 (+$2 PayPal Service fee). The card expires in April.
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. Just in time for Valentine's!
Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When it's time for a great hamburger, Jackson St. Grill will serve you among the best around. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.
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.
NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.
Diane G. Geary, 44, of 4036 West Main St., Apt. #8, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny and possession of stolen property. Geary was arrested by Det. Kevin Czora following an investigation into the theft of prescription hydrocodone (pain pills) and a social services check from another individual. Geary was jailed on $1,000 bail.
David W. Wells, 21, of 6962 Townline Road, Bergen, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, unlicensed operation, improper left turn and failure to stop. Wells was stopped at 1:44 a.m. Saturday by Deputy Jason Saile on Route 19 in Bergen.
Gene Robert Schmidt, 42, of 3150 Dodgeson Road, Alexander, was picked up on a warrant for an alleged violation of probation. Schmidt was stopped for an alleged traffic violation on Dodgeson Road by Deputy Jason Saile and it was discovered there was a warrant for his arrest. Schmidt was jailed on $5,000 bail.
Rebecca Jo Cornell, 35, of 439 Sandhill Road, Caledonia, is charged with petit larceny. Cornell allegedly left the Target store in Batavia without paying for $101 worth of merchandise.
Robert M. Hopkins, 27, of 234 North Spruce St., Batavia, and Jason W. Lebar, 24, of 8170 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, are charged with trespass. Hopkins and Lebar were reportedly on the grounds of the New York State Veterans Home without permission. They were jailed on $250 each.
Kimberly A. Brodsky, 18, of 4 Elm St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or more, operating with one headlight, operating with one headlamp and unlawful possession of marijuana. Brodsky was stopped by Officer Dan Coffey at 2:44 a.m. Sunday on Jackson Street.
Joshua R. Gebhard, 22, of 279 Palmer Road, Churchville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Officer Dan Coffey reported finding a small quantity of marijuana during a traffic stop.
Reported accidents from the State Police blotter:
4:34 p.m., Jan. 10, Route 98, Batavia, one vehicle; Driver 1: Susan A. Haight, 20, of Albion. No injuries. No citations.
4:00 a.m., Jan. 11, Route 5, Indian Falls, one vehicle: Driver 1: C.C. Bennett, 23, of Corfu. No injuries. No citations.
1:40 p.m., Jan 15, T/A Truck Stop, Route 77, Pembroke, two vehicles; Driver 1: John R. Stellingwerf, 41, Fulton; Driver 2: Murphy Maurice, 44, of Denver, Colo. No injuries. No citations.
5:41 p.m., Jan. 15, Roanoke Road, Stafford, one vehicle; Driver 1: Kevin P. Heiman, 27, of Pavilion. No injuries. No citations.
6:34 p.m., Jan. 15, Shanks Road, Alabama, one vehicle: Driver 1: Cody L. Pahuta, 18, of Corfu. No injuries. No citations.
Two members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia who were on a mission in Haiti when Port-au-Prince was struck by an earthquake returned home yesterday.
WBTA's Dan Fischer was at the Buffalo airport when Zach Ashley and Sharon Wolf returned safely with the rest of the missionaries. He spoke with Wolf at the airport (mp3).
FULL HOUSE: A packed house at the Falleti Ice Arena is just one of many times it fills the bleachers for events each year.
In this tough economy, getting people to spend money may be a hard thing to come about, as they are looking to cut back on expenses. This weekend at the Falleti Ice Arena, it showed that one area people didn't cut back on was youth sports and hockey tournaments. This weekend the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association (GAHA), hosted the Batavia Winter Classic Tournament and the turnout was one that had a positive effect on Batavia and Genesee County.
The tournament ran from Friday through Sunday and brought in teams from Buffalo, Rochester and Oswego in the Pee Wee A and B divisions, which is the age group for kids ages 11 and 12. There were a total of 8 teams that were in the tournament including two of the Batavia teams.
"Teams come into town, get hotels for the weekend, go out to eat and shop at the stores in the area in between their games." said tournament director John Hylkema. "They are spending money here".
How much are they spending? "I spent way more than I wanted to, but it's for the kids so I'm doing it for them" jokes Tom Strenberg who came to support the Oswego team. "There was the cost of the hotel (2 nights), meals all three days, and snacks here (at the rink). All the money is spent so the kids can have an enjoyable time."
GAHA hosts about 7 tournaments each hockey season and this year, they will have the privilege to host the Midget 19-U New York State Championships in March which will bring teams from all over the state.
"These events at least double the spending at the concessions here and people are going to Timmy Ho's (Tim Horton's), Tully's, and other restaurants are making money too." says rink manager Bob Filighera.
The team from Oswego had plans to stop by the Miss Batavia diner and some of the team from the Buffalo Regals wanted to tryout TF Brown's and Sport of Kings in between their two games on Saturday.
GAHA tournaments aren't the only reason teams come to the rink. Each week many of the teams have league games that draw teams from Rochester and Buffalo area.
Both the local high school teams, Batavia Ice Devils and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish bring in out of town crowds as well including this weekend when the Ice Devils hosted Saranac/Peru and Notre Dame earlier this season hosted Eastchester/Bronxville/Tuckahoe in addition to the usual teams from the Rochester area.
Beginning today, Monday January 18th, you will be seeing more and more of that big red bus around town. Four local pastors have teamed up with Care-A-Van to travel around the city on Monday and Tuesday mornings. .
The above sign is the sign that will be outside the bus greeting folks. There is no set schedule for where the bus will be on the morning outings. Paul along with the team will just allow the spirit to move them as to where they should go for the day.
The ministry has just seen the need increasing and growing for people that are hurting and need encouragement. prayer and just someone to talk to. Inside the bus there will be hot coffee, treats, but most of all wonderful pastors that will talk and pray with the people.
The Pastors that have volunteered their time are Pastor Mark Perkins of Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church, Pastor Dale Gooch of Emmanuel Baptist, Pastor Larry Becker of City Church and Pastor Charlie Piscitello of Batavia Christian Fellowship church.
Paul Ohlson , founder of the ministry stated the bus needs to be more mobile and
going out more often, and more days of the week, but to do this we need Pastors that are willing to volunteer time. If there are any Pastors that would like to become involved on the morning outings, please contact Paul at 343-0328.
Also there are many different volunteer opportunites within the ministry as well for people. Care-A-Van will be at the local Be A Star- Local Volunteer Fair being held at the Senior Center today from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM. Be sure to stop by and say hello!
A special thanks to these Pastors for helping get the bus rolling. A special thanks to all of you for your continued support of Care-A-Van.
As the sign says, "God Cares and So Do We" !
Firefighters are responding to a report of a possible house fire in Pavilion. There is reportedly fire inside a wall at a house located at 11072 South Lake Road -- Route 19, just north of Route 63, across from the old fire hall.
A second alarm has been called and there is visible smoke.
UPDATE 5:50 p.m.: Besides Pavilion, emergency responders are coming in from Alexander, York, Perry, Le Roy, Stafford, Bethany and a fast team from the Town of Batavia. The fast team from the City of Batavia was unavailable due to mechanical problems.
A clothes drier has been pulled from the wall. Fire seems to be contained within the wall behind the drier.
UPDATE 6 p.m.: Per Pavilion fire command, the fire is contained and all units are returning to service except Pavilion, a fill-in team from Wyoming County at the Pavilion Fire Hall and an ambulence from York.
UPDATE 6:28 p.m.: Fire is out, scene is clear, all units returning to service.
Six Oakfield residents found out recently that they have a sister in Bowling Green, Ky., whom they never knew anything about until the woman's daughter connected the siblings through Facebook.
The Bowling Green Daily News has a story.
Philip Semar, Sandy Berrios and Cindy Kline all made the drive this week from Oakfield to Bowling Green to meet 61-year-old Linda Richardson.
Richardson never knew her real father, William Semar, and didn't find out about him until she was 15. She then spent the following decades searching for him and hoping she would find out she had brothers and sisters.
On the day her mother died, her daughter told her about finding the Semar family in Oakfield.
Her other three half brothers are John, David and Willy Semar, all of Oakfield, but they couldn't make the trip to Bowling Green.
“It’s pretty neat,” said Richardson’s son, Teddy Freeman, of Bowling Green, “I had two aunts and now I have four.”
After warm embraces all around, the new family stood misty-eyed and chatting together for the first time in Walker’s front yard, the resemblance unmistakable.
“You all look so much alike, each in a different way,” Walker said, “the eyes especially.”
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