The Batavian continues to grow. Most recently, we've been fortunate enough to meet up with three young women who aspire to careers in journalism, but are just starting out and are looking for more experience -- and they also believe that Web journalism is the way of the future. They all are big fans of The Batavian, so they stepped forward to offer to help with local news coverage.

We're not yet to the point of hiring staff writers, but we asked them if they would take on the volunteer role of "correspondent" and either cover a beat or be available for occasional assignments.

Tasia Boland should be a familiar name to long-time readers of The Batavian. She was an intern for us last semester and after taking a break, she's back with The Batavian covering a variety of assignments. Tasia is originally from Wisconsin, but moved to New York in 2002 and currently resides in Batavia.  She graduated from Brockport with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. 

Brittany Baker grew up in Genesee County, graduating from Oakfield-Alabama High School in 2004. She started her journalism education at GCC and went on to Buffalo State College then SUNY Brockport where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communications - Broadcasting, with a minor in English.  Her career goal is to become a TV news anchor at a WNY station. Brittany is covering Oakfield and Alabama for The Batavian.

Gretel Kauffman first approached me and Billie at the Muckdog's home opener about doing an internship with The Batavian this summer. She is interested in a career in journalism. Gretel is a sophomore at Elba Central School. She has published poems in various magazines. She is the daughter of Bill and Lucine Kauffman. Gretel is covering community events in her hometown of Elba.

We're always on the scout for people interested in being correspondents for The Batavian. If you have a particular area of Genesee County you would like to cover, contact Billie Owens:  billie (at) the batavian(oneword) dot com.

When I ran into the Harley-riding Border Patrol agents today, they said they were in town for a golf tournament at Terry Hills co-sponsored by the Border Patrol and that I should show up at 4 p.m. because "one of the real hereos" was going to get an award from the Border Patrol.

Mark O'Brien, from Marilla (just outside of East Aurora), served in Iraq as Marine corporal, where in service to his country, he lost an arm and a leg. O'Brien is married with a child (in the stroller, far right of the picture).

The group presented O'Brien with a $1,000 check as a token of appreciation for his service.  He received at least five standing ovations during the presentation.

This morning, driving down Main Street, Batavia, I spotted a group Border Patrol agents riding Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, and I immediately thought, "I've never seen the Border Patrol on motor bikes before."

I would soon learn, this is an unusual sight -- there is only one motor bike unit with the Border Patrol in the United States, and they're based in Grand Island.

I stopped at an intersection next to the agents and asked one what they were up to and he told me they were headed to Stan's Harley-Davidson -- a pilgrimage of sorts, I gather.

The agents were in town to display their bikes at a Border Patrol co-sponsored golf tournament at Batavia Country Club.

Assistant Chief Mike Hester told me the Border Patrol invested in the Harley unit a year ago, during the previous administration, when the President was looking to double the size of the Border Patrol. Area agents found out that the Buffalo region has the second highest rate of Harley ownership in the nation, so a Harley unit was seen as a way to get into the community and recruit potential agents. Mostly, the Harley unit has been used at bike events and other community events, but they also patrol the tourist areas of Niagara, where heavy pedestrian traffic can make a typical cruiser harder and more dangerous to use.

Pictured are Supervisor Adam Matuszeiuski, Chief Hester, Acting Assistant Chief Andrew Scharnweber and Field Operations Supervisor Jason Heckler.

Stan's Harley was the group's last stop for the day in Genesee County before heading home.

If you see any gypsies in the area, they may be doing more than playing a little music, warns local law enforcement officials.

A release from the Genesee County Sheriff's office, written by Chief Jerome Brewester, warns of "'Traveler' or 'Gypsy' activity" may be hitting the area, even though there are no formal complaints.

"Of particular importance is the fact that these scam artists usually prey upon the elderly and we ask that everyone assist in protecting your elderly neighbors," Brewster wrote.

Brewster passed along an information sheet of things to look for from the National Association of Bunco Investigators.

Some warning signs:

• The repair person drives an unmarked truck or van with out-of-state plates
• The worker has no business identification
• You are offered a "special price" if you  sign today
• The worker wants upfront costs or fees or accepts cash only
• No written estimates or contracts
• The worker has no references
• The offer "sounds too good to be true"

Residents who spot suspicious activity are asked to contact local law enforcement.

New Today: Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 West Main Road, Batavia, N.Y.: Visit Pudgie's for all your lawn and garden needs, where the staff of Cornell-trained master gardeners will provide friendly and helpful service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 107 Evans St., Batavia, N.Y.:  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 $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave.:  Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Picasso's Pizza, 419 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: A great variety of pizza, subs and salads -- and try the wings, too. We have three $5 booklets of $1 gift certificates ($15 value) for $7.50. The gift certificates can be used collectively or individually).

Sport of Kings Family Restaurant, 419 W Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: A favorite locally owned family restaurant that is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week. We have TWO $15 gift certificates for $7.50 each (two separate winners).

A $1 PayPal service fee applies on items more than $10. The fee is 50 cents on items below $10.

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value. Only one gift certificate per-merchant per-person every six months. Gift certificates cannot be combined with other offers without prior approval of the merchant. Gift certificates bought separately cannot be combined for a single purchase. Individuals buying gift certificates must use their own personal PayPal account for the purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. Unless other arrangements are made immediately after purchase, the gift certificate will mailed to the winner at his or her PayPal-provided postal address within two or three days of purchase.

Pudgie's Lawn & Garden Center

SOLD

Delavan's

SOLD

Present Tense Books

SOLD

Picasso's

SOLD

Sport of Kings

SOLD

The driver in yesterday's accident on Route 5 in Le Roy has been identified as 18-year-old Mike S. Garrett of 6432 Main Road, Stafford.

Garrett is at Strong Memorial Hospital in guarded condition.

The accident remains under investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Here's the video shot at the scene yesterday:

Catherine Dawn Yarington, 42, of 10051 Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with harassment. Yarington allegedly struck her daughter's boyfriend in the face.

Charles Bryan Harrington, 19, of 7762 Clinton Street Road, Bergen, is charged with petty larceny. Harrington allegedly stole $500 while employed at the Bergen Wilson Farms store.

Franis A. Meldrum, Jr., 32, of 1711 Indian Falls Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI. Meldrum was stopped by Village of Corfu police for allegedly driving left of the pavement marking in a no-passing zone. He was also charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

New Muckdog Kyle Conley had two homeruns, supplying three of Batavia’s (22-25) four runs, but Brooklyn (30-17) plated six to get the win.

The Cyclones jumped on board first in the 1st inning but the Muckdogs answered right back in the 2nd and 3rd, scoring once in each inning.  Conley had a solo shot in the 2nd.  Then in the 3rd, Ryan Jackson walked and came home on a Matthew Adams double.

But a one-run 4th, three-run 5th and one more run in the 9th for Brooklyn put the game away.  Batavia scored their other two runs in the 8th after Adams singled and Conley followed with his second homerun of the night.

Chris Corrigan went four innings in the start, giving up two runs on four hits with two walks and one strikeout.  Andres Rosales (2-2, 8.25) got the loss, facing just six batters with three runs, two hits and two walks.  Justin Smith had a good outing; he pitched the 6th, 7th and 8th with two walks and six strikeouts.  Josh Squatrito finished out the game, pitching the 9th with one run on two hits with one walk and two strikeouts.

With his two homeruns, Conley finished 2-for-4 with three RBI.  He is batting .500 with three homeruns and two doubles in three games as a Muckdog.  Adams was also 2-for4 with a double and a RBI and Alan Ahmady went 3-for-5 with a double of his own.

An overwhelming majority of residents of Alabama want piped-in water to replace their current well-water supply, a fact that was brought into light by a survey conducted in 2003. The survey also made it apparent that residents were willing to pay for public water, but those in attendance at the informational meeting last night were leery over the $5.2 million dollar price tag.

Residents in the town gathered in the fire hall to go over the pros and cons of public water, the cost and responsibilities of the homeowner, and the logistics of the project that were projected thus far.

The owner of Chatfield Engineers, Paul Chatfield, presented the proposed district as well as the dollar amounts that came along with it, saying that each resident would have to pay a target charge of $702.

“If it would only cost me $700 to get water, I’d write you a check today!” said Bill Maragliano. He and his wife have lived on Roberts Road for four years. They were upset that the projected water lines were (as of right now) not going to reach them. Later, he showed me a bottle of water he’d taken from the faucet at his house, and it wasn’t pretty.

 The Maragliano’s plan to get a petition signed by their neighbors saying that they want water. Supervisor of the Town of Alabama, Guy Hinkson asked that anyone else who wants water on their street to bring it to his attention with a petition as well.

A show of hands around the room indicated that the majority of people in attendance did want water, but when it came time for questions and concerns it was clear they were wary of the cost. 

Chatfield explained that the interest rates for loans have been nearly cut in half over the past few years. He said now is the time to take advantage of grant programs, such as the one offered by USDA Rural Development – a federal agency that provides loans and grants based upon the incomes of the residents in the town.

The total cost of the project that USDA Rural Development is willing to pay (the projected grant plus the projected loan) is approximately $5,258,000. The estimated target charge per house is approximately $702 per year (debt service plus the cost of water). Loan specialist Dawn Kuras for the USDA Rural Development assured that even if the loan or grant amounts change, the target charge per household would remain around $700 per year.

That $700 does not include the cost to run the water line from the road to the resident's house (approx. $8-12 per sq. foot), or the purchase of water.

Many people were concerned about senior citizens on fixed incomes and how they would afford a new cost. Kuras explained that the USDA was there to help individuals as well as the town afford water. She said to contact her office in Batavia with inquiries.

“We have a lot of details to work out in regards to this project,” said Chatfield. The application process is time consuming and the general schedule for water districts from formation to completion is projected to take almost four years.

Supervisor Hinkson concluded the meeting by saying “This has been a long time coming… people need water.” 

Not everyone in attendance agreed that the town should go ahead with the project as projected right away, however.  Co-legislator in District 1 of Oakfield and Alabama, Ray Cianfrini brought it to attention that there could be other ways to get this project paid for. He suggested they seek funding through Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP).

Cianfrini also mentioned that the Town of Oakfield was “basically mandated” to replace their water tower and they are having trouble finding grant money. He said that two municipalities combined would increase their chances to get grants, so “Why not take advantage?”

Supervisor Hinkson stressed throughout the meeting that the project was still “conceptual… We are in the preliminary phases of getting all this accomplished.”

Mercy Flight today received official word from the New York Department of Health that it can operate a ground ambulance service.

The Ambulance Service Certificate, No. 12071, was issued some time today.

County Manager Jay Gsell also said that he's been told by Mercy Flight that 15 of the 16 City of Batavia ambulance personnel who applied for jobs with the new service were hired.

Mercy Flight is scheduled to take over ground ambulance service in Genesee County on Sept. 1.

Richard Stefaniak e-mail in this report and the championship picture:

The Batavia 9 & 10 year olds all-stars won two games this past weekend to become section 1 champs. In game one Batavia beat Orchard Park 9 - 6. Matt Roach pitched the first three innings for Batavia and did a great job giving up only three hits. Orchard Park had a 5 - 2 lead going into the 6th. Batavia finally got the offense going in the top of the 6th when Bryce Polito got things going with a lead off single Alex Canty singled, Ryan Antinore drew a walk  then the scoring started when Tyler Hale singled ,Steven Stefaniak doubled and Jacob Hale singled. T.Hale, Stefaniak and J. Hale would score after Jeremy Boyle and Reid Rademaker would draw walks  Boyle would also score  giving Batavia  a 7 run top of the 6th for a 9-5 lead.Polito would close out the game for Batavia  by pitching a strong 6th giving up  one run on one hit and getting the #5 batter to pop-up to the catcher (Rademaker).
 
In the Sectional Championship game Batavia faced Webster and won 12-10 Batavia scored first to start the game when T.Hale lead off with a single followed by singles from S.Stefaniak and J.Hale to give Batavia a two run lead.Webster also scored two in the bottom of the first to tie the game. In the  third Batavia would jump out to a 7-2 lead with hits from T.Hale (dbl) and singles from  Stefaniak, Rademaker, Jeremy Boyle and Alex Canty. Again Webster faught back scoring five runs to tie the game in ther half of the third.In the top of of the forth Polito,Canty and Micheal Marrocco would score for Batavia giving them a three-run lead Webster would score one in there half inning. In the top of the fifth Batavia's Andrew Mruczek would finally put Batavia on top for good with a shot to right field that scored two. Alex Canty then shut down the webster bats in the sixth and getting the final out by strike out. Batavia will now advance to the state finals in Penfield Saturday August 8 at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday August 9 at 12:00 p.m.

The picture is as follows Front row Ryan Antinore, Alex Canty, Jeremy Boyle, Steven Stefaniak, Micheal Marrocco. Middle row Jacob Hale, Reid Rademaker, Matt ROACH, Bryce Polito, Andrew Mruczek,Tyler Hale, Josh Boyle.Coach Tom Canty and Manager Larry Hale

This is a quote from our President speaking on those who attempt to expose the realities of the healthcare plan.

“There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end-of-life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain e-mails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an e-mail or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.”

What exactly is the White House going to do with the information they gather on these e-mailers and website creators?  This is not about clarification of the facts, this is about building a database of dissenters.  This should put to rest all the talk about former presidential abuses of power.  This president has overreached his authority more in 6 months, than any other president in history.  Mr. President, members of both houses, please stop the rhetoric and give the American people the transparency promised during the campaign.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office forwarded the following press release today:

Police are seeking information from anyone who knows Michael Kleiman of Sundown Rd Kerhonkson, NY (attached photo).  Kleiman was the victim of a homicide.  On July 25, 2008, his body was discovered disarticulated and burned in his vehicle (listed below) in the East Kingston Hamlet of the Town of Ulster. 

Additionally, police are asking that anyone who may have seen a 2004 Nissan pick-up truck, license # CGE 5199,  color light grey,(similar to the one pictured), in the area or anywhere in the Town of Ulster or Ulster County area on 7/25/08 to please call the Ulster Police at 845-382-1111 or tip-line at 845-336-3784.  All calls will be kept confidential.

New York's junior senator must have noticed the purple boxes hanging from trees along the State's highways. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is now taking up the cause of solving the Emerald Ash Borer problem, even though there are as yet no confirmed findings of the pest in the state.

Gillibrand's office issued a press release today noting that the senator urging approval of an agriculture appropriations bill with $39.7 million in ash borer spending.

“The Emerald Ash Borer has the potential to devastate New York’s more than 900 million ash trees,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We must help our communities with the funds to manage this problem and protect the environment.”

Update: Contrary to Sen. Gillibran's press release, and what we believed to be true when we posted this, the ash borer has been found in New York. (hat tip, Brian Schollard).

UPDATE II: Bethany Lesser of Sen. Gillibrand's office called to say "we know it's been found in New York."  She clarified that Sen. Gillibrand is asking that NY be added to the funding list.

Full press release after the jump:

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Gillibrand continued her fight to ensure New York State receives federal funding to combat the Emerald Ash Borer. The disease is threatening New York’s 900 million ash trees, which are part of the billion dollar timber industry in New York supplying furniture makers, hardware stores and the wood for Louisville Slugger baseball bats, according to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
 
The Agriculture Appropriations Bill has $39,705,000 for Emerald Ash Borer Monitoring, Containment, and Eradication. This funding would be used to combat and contain the emerald ash borer that is currently threatening 7.5 billion trees nationally – an economic value of over $300 billion. The current committee report lists 12 states which are affected by this invasive pest, but does not include New York State. Late yesterday, Senator Gillibrand received a commitment from the Chairman to address this during conference and allow New York State to access these funds.
 
“The Emerald Ash Borer has the potential to devastate New York’s more than 900 million ash trees,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We must help our communities with the funds to manage this problem and protect the environment.”
 
“I would like to thank my colleague for bringing this to my attention and I will certainly address this issue during conference,” said Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI).

The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect that has destroyed over 50 million ash trees in the U.S. to date. If unchecked, the Emerald Ash Borer has the potential to cost billions of dollars in damage nationwide, including millions of dollars in costs to municipalities for street tree removal and replanting, and significant costs for private homeowners. According to a report by Michigan State University, it can cost $400 to remove and replace a single infected tree.

The Emerald Ash Borer is a beetle native to Asia that was first found in the U.S. in Michigan and has been steadily making its way eastward. It is a dark, metallic green beetle that burrows into tree bark and chokes trees to death by feeding on the live tissue that transports nutrients throughout the tree. Bug-infested trees typically die within five years.

The name of the driver has not been released yet.  Initial Report

The State Police have arrested five young men from Genesee County on a felony charge of criminal mischief.

The five people are accused of doing $3,500 in damage to a rental property on Cockran Road in Byron.

A sixth person from Monroe County was also charged, and a warrant has been issued for the arrest of a seventh.

Charged were

• Nicholas J. Adkins, 18, of Byron
• Timohty A. Andrews, 19, of Bergen
• Nathaniel L. Beglinger, 18, of Byron
• Adam J Drexler, 19, of Webster
• Elan B Pire, 20, of Byron

And the sixth suspect is 17-years-old.

Jenna L. Josephite, 20, of 1605 Nesbitt Road, Attica, is charged with driving while on drugs, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and criminal possession of a weapon. Josephite was allegedly stopped by Sheriff's deputies following a complaint in the City of Batavia of criminal mischief by a passenger in her vehicle (no details provided). Brass knuckles were allegedly found in the center compartment. Joseph E. Marr, 31, of the same Attica address, was reportedly the passenger in the vehicle and was also charged with possession of a weapon as well.

Coneie A. Munio, 22, 41 Clinton St., Brockport, is charged with DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater.  Munio was arrested following a complaint of a suspicious vehicle parked illegally on Peachey Road. When Deputy H.J. Carlson arrived, he reportedly found Munio in the car. Munio also received a ticket for allegedly "standing on pavement/parked wrong direction."

Elliott M. Hickman, 18, of 26 Granson Ave., back-upper, Batavia, and at 17-year-old companion and another youth is charged with petty larceny. Hickman and his companions allegedly each tried to leave Kmart with one pair each of ear phones without paying for them.

Dispatchers have received multiple 9-1-1 calls for a one-car accident on Route 5 in Le Roy. A car has reportedly run into a tree. The first responder reports extrication will be required. Mercy Flight is being dispatched from Buffalo, where the Batavia helicopter is currently.

UPDATE 1:15 p.m.: I'm just back from the scene.  The driver has not been identified. He appeared to be conscious as he lay on the stretcher, folding his hands when instructed. The cause of the accident is under investigation.  The car's roof was removed and Chief Tom Wood said his legs were pinned inside the vehicle. When I saw the driver, there were no visible injuries to his legs. The car lay at a 45-deree angle in a culvert next to Route 5 just short of a pair of trees. The driver was headed eastbound on Route 5.  Video TK.