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 $9.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for a seven-week  session (one class per week), which is a $56 value, for $28.

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.

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

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.

Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St., Batavia, NY: Winter teas, spices and fall colors for your home in stunning floral arrangements and seasonal wreaths are now available at Herbly Wonderful. We have a $25 gift certificate for $11.

Vintage and Vogue Inspirations, 36 Main St., Le Roy, NY: Just the kind of store to help make your home more warm and inviting. Handcrafted items, including quilts, candles and quality antiques. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Kravings, 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.

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There is a report of a pedestrian being struck by a train in the Bergen area.

Firefighters from Bergen are heading to Route 19 and the railroad crossing, as well as Townline Road and the old Buffalo Road crossing.

There is also some chatter on the scanner about kids throwing pumpkins.

Churchville fire officials have checked their side of the tracks and now Genesee County deputies and State Police are checking the Genesee County side of the tracks.

UPDATE 9:18 p.m.: The train is stopped at the county line. Train personnel are checking the area.  According to the train operator, there was a subject wearing a red shirt in proximity to the track.

UPDATE 9:20 p.m.:  There is pumpkin residue on the front of the train.  So far, two reports of areas checked on both sides of the track are clear.

UPDATE 9:36 p.m.: More reports of clear tracks. The training being advanced from the crossing.  EMS personnel have been put back in service.

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My name is  Kermit Arrington.  I am running for my 6th term as Le Roy Town Justice. I am a lifelong LeRoyan and have dedicated 56 years to LeRoy municipal government. After graduating from LeRoy High School I served in WWII in the 758th 64th Tank Division and also did a stint in the military police.  I spent 34 years working at the Le Roy department of Public Works supervising that department the last 20 years of my career.  After retiring I was hired as a special investigator for Jones Chemical where I worked for ten years. 

In 1989 I was given the  award of Le Royan of the Year.  I am very proud of this achievement and have served on the steering committee to seek and elevate this prestigious award.  I have spent my life dedicated to sports in Le Roy; umpiring and refereeing baseball and football from the Little League and Tyro , through the high school  and college level. For many years I was the quarterback of the semi-pro All Le Roy football team The safety and well being of our youth have always been a deep concern of mine.  I am a lifelong member of the Excelsior Hook and Ladder and  volunteer fire department where I served as Foreman for a term.  My other associations include Rochester Football Officials Assoc., WNY District Umpires Assoc., WNY Superintendent Assoc. , American Water Works Assoc.

My service as the LeRoy Town Justice began over 20 years ago when I won my first election to the bench.  I hear almost 1600 cases per year. The Le Roy Town Court is self supporting and brings in revenue to offset the town budget.  As a sitting judge, I look at both sides of each case as the Constitution requires.  I  consider myself to be fair and above reproach.  I am a member in good standing of the Genesee County Magistrates Association and the American Judges Association. 

With your support I will continue to see to it that justice is served in the Le Roy court.

Kermit Arrington

A jury was picked today in the criminal trial of Jennifer L. Ferguson, charged with sexual abuse in the first degree.

The 30-year-old Batavia resident  is accused of sexually touching a two-year-old that she was babysitting on Nov. 23. She was arrested in December.

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said he will start his presentation to the jury on Wednesday, and expects jury deliberation to begin on Thursday.

If convicted, Ferguson could be sentenced to up to seven years in state prison.

There is no court tomorrow because it is a state holiday -- election day.

Le Roy Fire is being dispatched to Tops Market, 128 W. Main St., for a general fire alarm.

UPDATE 12:46 p.m.: First responder, "Nothing showing."

UPDATE 12:48 p.m: Alarm company confirms, unintentional activation during maintenance.

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Residents in the Village of Alexander no longer need to boil water to make it potable.

The boil order for the Village and along Route 98 to Attica was lifted this morning.

The order had been in affect for several days.

(via WBTA)

City Fire is responding to 1 Treadeasy, the P.W. Minor plant, where a smoke detector has been activated.

We now hear, it's a false alarm.

Patrick L. Gugliuzza, 30, of 94 Exchange St., Attica, is charged with DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance and following too closely. Deputies were in the area of 104435 Route 98 in Alexander investigating a motor-vehicle accident. The deputies received a report of a minor property-damage accident on southbound Route 98 near the accident scene. Upon investigation of that accident, Deputy J.M. Graff concluded that Gugliuzza was allegedly driving while intoxicated. Further investigation allegedly revealed that Gugliuzza had a small quantity of heroin. His passenger, Brandon Eck, 29, of 51 Bunnel St., Attica, was also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument and unlawful possession marijuana.

Keith A. Finan, 44, of 10501 Bonnie Brae Drive, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. Finan was reportedly stopped on Bonnie Brae Drive in Darien on Friday. The investigation was conducted by Deputy Jason Saile.

William Daniel Nix, 48, of 55 Riverview Drive, Rochester, is charged with criminal mischief, harassment and disorderly conduct. Nix is accused of causing a disturbance at 48 Deli Express at 8204 Park Road. Nix was reportedly using foul language and was asked to leave. Nix allegedly continued to use foul language and got involved in a physical struggle with a clerk, tearing his shirt.

Ariana M. Busch, 19, of 10876 Bowen Road, Attica, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to dim headlights. Busch was arrested following a traffic stop on Route 20 in Darien at 2:25 a.m. on Saturday.

Dylan C. Miller, 21, of 3883 Eagle Harbor Road, Albion, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving an unregistered car and failure to yield right-of-way. Miller was stopped by Officer T.S. Mart on Oak Street at 2:18 a.m. on Saturday.

Brian L. Smith, 47, of 8655 Jones Road, Houston, Texas, is charged with DWI and driving with improper tail lamps. Smith was stopped by Officer Dan Coffey at 1:05 a.m. on Sunda. Smith was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Scott D. Kingdon, 43, of 6243 Sparks Road, Pavilion, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Kingdon was reportedly involved in a verbal argument with a friend. The friend called the Sheriff's Office and reported that Kingdon might be at her house. While Deputy Kevin McCarthy was checking the residence, Kingdon reportedly pulled into the driveway. McCarthy allegedly found Kingdon was driving while intoxicated.

Two teenagers, one from Alexander and another from Bethany, are charged with petit larceny for an alleged theft in Alexander. The original incident was reported to State Police on Sept. 15.

David H. Robinson, 45, of Corfu, and Amber M. Robinson, 40, of Batavia, are charged with identity theft. Amber is also charged with forgery of a public record. David and Amber were arrested by State Police at 3 p.m. on Thursday. No further information is available.

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.

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.

Kravings, 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.

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.

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 $9.

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.

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.

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My name is Hollis Upson and I have lived in the City of Batavia my entire life. I have been married to my wife Joy for 25 years. I have a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Gettysburg College and have been involved with many civic groups and community boards over the years. These include Rotary, City Planning board, County Planning Board, YMCA Board, City Charter Review Commission, and the County Youth Board.

As the operator of a third generation, family owned business, I personally understand the struggles facing small businesses in today’s economy and how hard it is to create and preserve jobs in New York State.

I was first appointed to serve on the County Legislature in 2001 and was elected to my first term in 2002. I have faced opponents in two previous elections.

As the legislative liaison to the Genesee County Economic Development Corporation, I have worked with GCEDC board to create and retain over 5,800 jobs since 2005. In addition, as the Vice-Chairman of the County Legislature, I have fought hard to reduce taxes for Batavia residents. The tax rate was lowered in 2006, 2007 and 2008. In fact, even in the current economic crisis, Genesee County has held the line on taxes for 2009. Most people are not aware that positions went unfilled and several county employees were laid off in January 2009. At our most recent budget meeting, it was agreed upon by the Legislature that we would hold the line again on taxes for 2010. I can assure you that I will not be voting for a County tax increase this coming year.

As the County and State face an even more difficult financial situation in the coming year, you may rest assured that I will be as diligent with your tax dollars as I am with my own finances. I feel I have the experience to help assist the City of Batavia and Genesee County through these troubling economic times.

I have greatly enjoyed the discussions and questions during the recent campaign as I have walked the neighborhoods in the district.

I would appreciate your support and continued confidence in this effort as I seek re-election as your representative in the 8th Legislative District (Wards 2 and 3) in the City of Batavia. My experience and dedication to the City and County will serve you well.

Best regards,

Hollis D. Upson

An anonymous poster on a UFO site claims she and her husband saw a strange object in the sky in the Pavilion area Saturday night.

The poster says they spotted the object just around 8 p.m. and that other cars on Route 63 apparently saw it, too, because cars were swerving and stopping along the side of the road.

It was very dark out and about 8:15pm when we saw an object with 5 LARGE white lights and 1 SMALL red blinking light hovering low above the road in the distance ahead. Coming from Batavia we thought it was a radio tower or airplane or something of that nature. As we neared it we noticed it was some type of aircraft. We both were pretty calm at first because neither my husband or I believed in UFO's. As we drove directly under this object we both became extremely nervous. I didn't know what to make of what I just saw, my husband couldn't even speak. I know we were not the only ones who saw it because there were several cars in front of us an behind us.

The woman claims that they spotted another object later that evening from their house, and that object made some sort of humming sound.  The couple awoke about 3 a.m. when the same sound started again.

My name is Darryl Sehm and I am seeking the position of LeRoy Town Justice in the upcoming November 3rd election.

I have lived quietly in LeRoy for over 40 years and recently retired from a 34 year career in Law Enforcement.  I served 7 years as a Police Officer, 13 years as a Detective, 10 years as a Detective Sergeant, and the last 4 and 1/2 years as Chief of Police.

It was an honor and a privilege helping people in the community with their problems on

a daily basis.  It was very satisfying to be able to resolve conflicts, solve crimes and help restore some sense of order to victims' lives. 

I still have a strong desire to serve the public.  As I neared retirement I contemplated the idea of running for Town Justice sometime in the future.  This would allow me to continue to serve the public, except this time I would be able to serve the community in which I live.  This would provide me an opportunity to give something back to LeRoy.

If elected, I pledge to protect the rights of the people, be a stabilizing presence in LeRoy Town Court, and to be fair and impartial in the administration of justice. 

I was just recently endorsed by the Genesee County Deputy Sheriff's Association.  These are the road patrol Deputies that work throughout the County, including the Town of LeRoy and who assist the Village of LeRoy Police.  I was honored by their support and I feel it clearly demonstrates their faith in my ability to serve as a LeRoy Town Justice.  That being said, I feel it is my obligation to hold all police to a high standard in court if I am elected. 

During this campaign, I have knocked on the doors of over 2,000 residences in LeRoy.  It has been an honor to listen to the questions and opinions of so many people on their doorstep. 

I would greatly appreciate your support on Tuesday, November 3rd.

Darryl Sehm  

Saw these two around Batavia last night. Any idea who they are?

This morning I discovered the art work of Jim Parker. He's an Upstate artist.

While none of his subjects seem to touch on Genesee County, I wanted to share this finding because I'm as fascinated by the style and quality of his work as I am by the subject.  

Billie and I have enjoyed what little exploration we've been able to do of New York. It's a beautiful and historic state full of charming rural scenery and buildings. 

Among Parker's favorite topics for painting are villages, landscapes and buildings from Upstate counties in the 18th and 19th centuries.  These paintings can really feed the imagination because so many of the buildings he paints are still standing, or buildings like them are still standing all over he state.

Three Genesee County companies made the 23rd Annual Democrat and Chronicle list of Top 100 companies in the region.

The local companies are: Lapp Insulators LLC, 130 Gilbert St., LeRoy; Liberty Pumps Inc., 7000 Apple Tree Ave., Bergen; and, Manning Squires Hennig Co. Inc., 8426 Seven Springs Road, Batavia.

Here's what the D&C says is criteria for making the list:

The Top 100 companies are ranked by revenue growth using a mix of dollar and percentage increases over the three most recent fiscal years. To be eligible, companies must be privately held, independent, have a minimum of $1 million in annual revenue and headquarters in the Rochester region, which includes Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Livingston, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Seneca and Yates counties.

The D&C said the average growth rate for the Top 100 companies over the past two years was 25 percent.

It's that time of year when retrievers tend to shine, really making their owners proud. After considerable time invested in training, many a Lab’s owner will now savor the moment as their charge leaps from the cattail blind or camouflaged duck boat in pursuit of downed waterfowl, or maybe work the swale for upland game. Yet many a Lab isn’t trained to perform in the woods, fields or swamps – they are simply family pets and good companions. Such is the life of “Hurricane,” one of three Labs owned by the Kehlenbeck family of Alabama. And while not your conventional Lab, Hurricane possesses many character traits for which Labrador retrievers are noted.  

Attentive and focused......

though not always!

Always happy when getting attention.

Stately in appearance.......

and noble-looking.

but most of all, they're good friends.

City residents, when you vote on the revised City Charter on Tuesday, Frank Klimjack wants you to consider one additional thing: You may be voting on whether Batavia has its own police department in the future.

Klimjack, president of the Police Benevolent Association, is asking city voters to just say no.

"I really think what this administration is looking to do is over time get rid of the police department," Klimjack said. "They will tell you it will be a merge, but there's no merging. You have to abolish your police department, and then hopefully the guys who are still hanging, maybe the sheriff's department picks them up or maybe they get picked up by another municipality."

The proposed change to the charter would strike the words "There shall be a police department ..." and add in "the City Council may choose to establish a police department. ..."

"That's huge," Klimjack said. "That's a total 180 degree change, where they tell you they're behind the police, 'we support the police,' and then they turn around and want to run this charter by you."

And Klimjack isn't sure what the city would replace the current police force with.  It can't be the State Police, he said, unless state law is changed, and he isn't sure bringing in the Sheriff's Office will really save city taxpayers any money.

Currently, the city is patrolled, usually, by four police officers. The Sheriff's Office would need to hire 30 additional deputies to keep the same level of service.

"The Sheriff is not going to do it for free," Klimjack said. "Is there savings? There may be some small savings, but what do you get for it? You get an occupational force that has no ties to the city whatsoever."

Klimjack worries that low voter turn out in an off-year election will mean that relatively few people are deciding the future of the police protection and service they get.

He's concerned, also, he said, that the level of service for the city, without a local police force, will be not as good as what citizens get now.

"The consolidation of dispatch," Klimjack said, "you'll hear it's been great, but it's been nothing but a disaster on the working end, for the guys who are actually working in the field. Did we save any money? I don't think we did. I live in the City of Batavia and I didn't see it in my tax dollars. I just look at that as the first step in consolidation and do you really want to get rid of the Police Department?"

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.

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.

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.

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

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.

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.

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A car has reportedly run into a telephone pole in the area of 20 Washington Avenue.

There are reportedly injuries.

Batavia Fire, Mercy EMS and police have been dispatched.

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