Robert R. Davis, 48, 1355 Main Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. On Nov. 15, the Sheriff's Office received a report of a reckless driver in the area of 8483 Allegheny Road. During the investigation, Deputy Howard Carlson came into contact with Davis and during the investigation, reportedly discovered a switchblade knife on Davis.

The Christian Students United Group of GCC came out tonight with Care-A-Van Ministries for our monthly visit to the college dorms. Pictured above is Jason and Charles f rom the CSU group with Sonara, who is a member of the GCC Cougars Women Basketball team.

We knocked on all 95 dorm rooms and offered cookies and prayer. Sonara's prayer request was that the team do well on their upcoming game this Saturday.

All students in the rooms were also given a personal invitation to attend the weekly meetings that the Christian Students United group has every Tuesday at 12:30 in room T122. This is a great time to share pizza and fellowship together.

There were many prayer requests this evening. The students are very thankful for the monthly visits , prayers and treats.

A special thanks to Jason, Alan and Charles from CSU for coming out with us tonight.

Go lady Cougars! Good luck Saturday!

Lou O'Geen, the 2008 Ray Ladd Memorial Pool Tournament champion, didn't get an opportunity to defend his title Saturday at this fall event held in the 400 Towers community room. Lou, a yearly participant, was home recovering from oral surgery.

Dan Gretzinger, Pat Larson, Carol Gozdziak and Joe Greene fell to the tournament leaders in double elimination play.

Joe Battaglia lost his bid for a trophy to Hank Larson. Larson finished third.

Bob Clark faced tournament leader, Dennis Meyers winning the first game but Meyers held on to win the top spot and bragging rights for the year.

Ray Ladd Jr. sponsors the event in memory of his father who was a long time resident of 400 Towers.  Mr. Ladd was known for his sense of humor, his delicious apple spice cake, and for contributing to the neighborhood spirit of the 400 Towers' community.

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.

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.

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.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Men, enjoy a $5 haircut again with this offer exclusive to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

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.

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.

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

SOLD OUT

Why do you think we have so many abandonned houses in LeRoy?

What do you think should be done with the houses?

Paul Ryan Tenney, who admitted back in September that he stole more than $106,000 from his employer, Elcon, Inc., has still not been sentenced for his crime.

He remains in jail without bail. This afternoon, Judge Robert Noonan gave the 39-year-old Tenney until Dec. 8 to find and secure financing for an in-patient drug-addiction treatment program. If he fails, the judge said he may be forced to "warehouse" Tenney in prison.

The one-time high school athletic star claims he's already completed an in-patient program as required. Trouble is, no one can find any proof of it. His attorney, Gary Horton, said he has no documentation, other than the statements of Tenney's friends and relatives.

Noonan said Tenney was stonewalling, and expressed a great deal of frustration with this case.

"I've tried to figure out how to wake you up to take charge of your life," Noonan said. "You've shown no backbone."

He said Tenney needs to stop making excuses and relying on his relatives for help.

"I could sentence you to five years in prison, but you'd just be five years older," Noonan said.

Tenney's criminal record certainly justifies doing that, the judge said, but numerous people in the community have vouched for Tenney and say he can be redeemed. He just needs to show the judge he is willing make the effort.

Starting today, and for the next 11 days, Billie and I will mostly be away from Batavia.

Today, I drive down to Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, where I'll do a local television interview and then speak tonight to the Keystone State Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

On Saturday, Billie and I fly to California and will be gone until Nov. 30.

But don't worry -- you'll still have news coverage (and deals of the day!) while we're gone.

I'll have my laptop with me, of course, while I travel, and will stay on top of things as best  I can. When the police and Sheriff's Office sends out press releases, I can still do "Police Beat," for example. There will be other items that will come in that I don't need to be in Batavia to post. Also, if necessary, I can do phone interviews for any coverage that needs to be handled that way.

Dan Fischer at WBTA will also post any breaking news and other items of interest to the site.

We've also asked our correspondents to be sure and post an item or two each.

I'm sure there will be reader submissions, and of course we always encourage those.

Probably the key bit of coverage at The Batavian provides that will be missing while were gone is the scanner coverage -- won't be able to hear the scanner in California.

Of course, we still encourage news tips -- if they're something you think we should try to get more information on, use the news tips button on the upper right or e-mail me. We'll do our best to follow up as quickly as possible.

As for Deals of the Day, there should be posts on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (a nice big one of Friday in honor of "Black Friday"). The key thing to note is that we won't be able to mail out gift certificates to winners until Dec. 1.

New Today, Sallome's Italian Deli, 40 Oak St., Batavia, NY: Wraps, subs, paninis and pasta, Sallome's offers a tasty variety of Italian deli items for eat-in or take-out.

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.

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 $15 gift card for $7.50.

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.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Total Image Hair Salon/Sarah and Amanda Lowe, 226 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Time to update your style? Try something different or finally get the hair styling you've dreamed of, give Sarah or Amanda at Total Image a try. We have a $22 gift certificate for $10.

Kravings Kafe, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

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.

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.

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

I happened to stop by the Holland Land Office Museum today and found a number of trees already ready for Saturday's opening of the Wonderland of Trees. Several local organizations and businesses already have their trees in place and decorated.

I'm Riley and I'm sweet. Here are just some of my many attributes: good with other dogs; good with children; good on a leash; crate trained; loves walks; and loves hanging out outdoors.

That's a pretty dang good report card, wouldn't ya say? I can be a bit nervous about my surroundings at first, but I warm up to people quickly and then get along famously.

I'm an adult, neutered male and a hound mix. Find me in Kennel 15.

My name is Kestrel and my fur is softer than even feathers (maybe even a chinchilla)! I am another of those sweet girls who lived outside in the cold world and can truly appreciate the warmth of a nice home. 

I love to be stroked or brushed, and once I get to know you, I'll roll onto my back and let you scratch my belly and under my "wings" where I love it the most! I like other cats so I don't mind sharing your home. I can seem shy with people at first, but I always come around. I am just a lovely girl if you have patience, give me time and a quiet place to settle into. I am about 6 months old and am in Cage 65.

Note: Kestrel is diagnosed with mild gingivitis which may at some time actually clear up, possibly secondary to a calicivirus in her youth. As long as the gingivitis remains, it's important to keep the gums and teeth as healthy as possible. It is suggested that a daily dental care product such as chlorhexidene or zinc-based oral cleanser be used. Many can be purchased without a prescription online, at the veterinarian's office or a pet supply store. 

These young volunteers were kept busy sorting the jeans

 Recently, the Elba School students helped clothe others with their jeans.

Christine Bucceri and students of the Elba school got together to help and bless others. At a recent school dance instead of the normal admission fee to get in,the students were asked to bring a pair of jeans for admission.

They then delivered the jeans to Care-A-Van Ministsries to bless others that may be in need. I will say it was a huge pile! There had to be over 100 pair of jeans if not more.

A special thanks to Christine and the students at the school for this wonderful donation to the ministry. Those that received the jeans were very appreciative.

What a wonderful creative way to help others!

BATAVIA, NY -- Patricia Hawley, who has a long history of working with the arts community in Genesee County, has been hired by the Mancuso Business Development Group, to create an artisan center at the Harvester Center on Harvester Avenue.

Harvester, formerly known as the Batavia Industrial Center, is the world's first business incubator and helped launch a number of successful businesses since its inception 50 years ago.

“Creating this center is a huge step forward for a community that is so richly steeped in a tradition of fine artists," Hawley said in a statement released by the Mancuso Group. "I’m thrilled to join such a great team of innovative thinkers where, together, we can make art happen.”

Hawley, who submits occasional pieces to The Batavian on issues related to localism and the locavore movement, has extensive experience in arts management, having worked at Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council & Genesee Center for the Arts in Batavia and Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, Mass. Hawley studied communications at SUNY Brockport and volunteers for various organizations including Orleans County Adult Learning Services, Genesee Symphony Orchestra and the Genesee Country Farmer’s Market Association. She is also the owner of Fountain of Youth Organics in Brockport.

From the Mancuso press release:

It is expected that the participants in the new artisan center will be able to take advantage of the programs, rental space, shared equipment, support services and management guidance that contributes to the success of the other entrepreneurial businesses at the BIC.

Patricia Hawley is married to Ted Hawley, current president of the Batavia Rotary Club and a member of the Genesee County Planning Board. Ted is brother of Steve Hawley, our current Assembly representative.

A minor-injury car accident has been reported outside the Town Hall in Elba.

State police are on scene, and Mercy EMS as well as Elba Volunteer Fire Department are responding.

Units are responding non-emergency.

View Larger Map

Santa is coming to Oliver's Candies at 211 West Main Street Batavia on November 21st. (this Saturday) from 10am till 2pm.   There will be a petting zoo, Santa (every kid gets an Oliver's Candy Cane) and the Jaycees selling hot dogs, popcorn and hot cocoa.

Bring your kids and camera's!

Ribbon Candy is ready!  Hand made candy canes, Christmas gifts and so much more . . .!

(photo's from 2008)

The retired ambulances of the discontinued service of the Batavia Fire Department are up for auction today.

The ambulances and related items are being sold through the Teitsworth auction site.

A 2008 Ford F350 XLT w/McCoy Miller body and a 6.4-liter diesel engine is bringing in the highest bid so far -- $10,000. The next highest bid is $3,500 for a 2005 Ford F350. The auction closes in a little more than 5 hours.

We just heard that there is some level of power outage in Darien and Corfu.  An official reported, "half power" in those communities.

The stoplight routes 33 and 77 is apparently out and a deputy has been dispatched to control traffic.

The power outage has not yet been reported on National Grid's Web site.

UPDATE 12:24 p.m.: Power outage reports are starting to pop up on National Grid's map.

UPDATE 12:31 p.m.: There is reportedly a low flying helicopter from National Grid in the area checking power lines. Also, county dispatch has been told it will be at least an hour before power is restored.

UPDATE 12:46 p.m.: Sheriff's Deputy reports that the traffic light in Corfu is working again.

Bianca Hervey, a 20-year-old student at GCC and former Batavia resident, was put in an awkward, and potentially dangerous, situation by the Attica Police Department recently, according to the Buffalo News.

Hervey, who's only apparent criminal record is a traffic ticket or two, and who was not known to police as a drug user, was apparently coerced into becoming a snitch -- going undercover to help catch drug dealers.

Now, there is little disagreement that illegal drug dealing is a bad thing, but the News rightly editorializes against the Village of Attica Police Department for employing tactics that sound much like those used by the Stasi, the East German Secret Police.

... the apparent drafting of a neophyte drug informant is not only cruel behavior, it is astoundingly bad police work. If the relevant officials are unwilling to strongly renounce what could have been an anomalous misstep in an otherwise professionally run operation, then their own professional judgment must be called into serious question.

The idea that law enforcement officers chasing drug dealers can do absolutely anything they want is itself a kind of drug, one that is as addictive and as destructive of society as any amount of heroin or cocaine.

Hervey was saved the fate of entering an underground world she knows nothing about because her attorney father was able to intervene, but the News reports an unnamed young man was not so fortunate, and now he fears for his safety.

Officer Christopher Graham, who is also the officer accused of trying to recruit Hervey into undercover work, reportedly told the young man that the minor charges against him could keep him out of the military. He offered the youth a way out -- help catch a drug dealer. The young man followed through, according to the News, but when the police asked him to get involved in a second drug deal, the informant refused to cooperate. A short time later, he was arrested for failure to appear on the original charges.

Informants are used by law enforcement all the time. It was an informant that helped local law enforcement break up an apparent meth ring here in Genesee County last week. But reliable informants are usually people who step forward on their own because they know something, or are people recruited from the drug world they already know. 

It seems to smack of incredibly poor judgment and an abuse of power to try and recruit informants from among young people who have little experience either in the drug world or in dealing with the criminal justice system. We trust our local law enforcement officers use better judgment.

Thomas M. Lashure, 42, of 218 North St., Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, failure to submit to breath test, failure to keep right and failure to use a turn signal. Lashure was stopped at 12:54 a.m. by officer Dan Coffey for alleged traffic violations.  Coffey arrested Lashure on the DWI charges following the traffic stop.

Michelle Lynn Sanders Evans, 28, of 115 S. Main St., lower, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Evans is accused of shoplifting from Wal-Mart.

Kelly Anne Morrison, 36, of 115 S. Main St., upper, is charged with petit larceny. Morrison is accused of shoplifting from Wal-Mart.