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Reader photos of the Flood of 2012

By Howard B. Owens

Almost as soon as the first reports of flooding came in I started getting texts and emails from readers of pictures they were taking. Of course, by this time, I was out taking my own photos, which I'll post later.

We also requested photos in our breaking news post on the storm.

Here are the photos we received so far. If you have any, email them to howard at the batavian dot com (of course, turn that into a properly formatted email address). If you have video, upload it to YouTube and email me the URL of the published video and we can post that, too. Get your photos in soon because we won't keep adding them indefinitely.

Above, photo of the Lehigh Avenue underpass from Greg Emerson.

Route 5 underpass, Le Roy, from Mary Margaret Ripley.

From Matt Hendershott, vehicle stuck under the bridge on Cedar Street.

From Tina Heartgrove, Spencer Court.

From Frank Bellucci, vehicle stuck under train bridge on Ellicott Street.

From Kyle Couchman, Swan Street.

Video from Jamie.

More photos after the jump (click on the headline):

From a reader on Vine Street.

From Janet, Liberty Street

From Robyn Silliman, backyard off Ellicott Street.

From Rita Towner, backyard canoeing.

From Kim Williams, canoeing on Ganson Avenue.

From Jennifer, Vine Street.

Lori Brickwood-Coles, Liberty Street. She included this note, "My sons Alex and Owen had fun in the flood, my Great Aunt told us the story of when Liberty flooded before in the '70s and people had actual boats on the streets because the water was so high."

Photo from County Highway Superintendent Tim Hens of the maintenance yard on Cedar Street.

Heavy thunderstorm creating havoc for emergency services

By Howard B. Owens

There's a report of basement flooding at 16 Watson St., Batavia.

City fire has Engine 12 and Ladder 15 responding to a fire alarm at 1 Elizabeth St., Batavia, and a crew is taking Engine 16 to check on Watson.

The city had a brief power outage about 10 minutes ago.

There are no power outages reported in the county at the moment.

Le Roy fire just cleared from a power meter that was arcing.

Bergen fire is on scene of some sort of fire/electrical problem at the Verizon station on Transit Road.

Town of Batavia fire is responding to a fire alarm at the Clarion Hotel on Park Road.

City fire just received a fire alarm at 56 Harvester Ave.

The current storm should pass within the hour.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory in effect until 7:45 p.m. The storm could bring as much as two inches of rain.

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: Tree and wires down at 56 Harvester. Flooding on Thorpe and Watson. Water leak on the top floor of the Clarion.

UPDATE 5:16 p.m. (from this update forward - Billie): Le Roy Fire Police are called to shut down traffic at 100 W. Main Street at the underpass because of flooding, which is creating hazardous driving conditions. The underpass is flooded between both bridges.

UPDATE 5:22 p.m.: Flooding "up to the floorboards of most vehicles" is reported in the City of Batavia at Main and Liberty streets. Wires are also reported down at 100 Harvester Ave. The power company has been notified about the situation on Harvester and DPW is called to remove the tree. The basement at UMMC is flooded and city fire is responding.

UPDATE 5:32 p.m.: Traffic is going to be shut down on Cedar and Ellicott streets due to flooding. Drivers are advised to park curbside and remain in their vehicles with their four-way lights on until the heavy storm passes. Numerous residences have flooded basements and emergency responders will assist them in the order their calls were placed. A person is reportedly trapped inside a vehicle at a flooded area at 18 Lehigh Ave. in the city. UMMC's basement flooding has "been mitigated."

UPDATE 5:40 p.m.: Fire police are called to shut down Le Roy -- East Bethany Road at Route 5.

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.: The smell of an electrical fire is reported at offices at 12 Center St. in the city. The workers evacuated the space and city firefighters are responding. A bolt of lightening struck an electrical box at Bank Street Road and Saille Drive and it's now on fire. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. There is flooding reported at Richmond and Park roads.

UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: A utility pole was struck by lightening at Terry Hills Golf Course on Clinton Street Road in the Town of Batavia and it's on fire. Town firefighters are responding. They cleared the scene at Bank Street Road and Saille Drive. The transformer box was struck by lightening but is no longer on fire. This will be added to the rapidly swelling to-do list for National Grid. The traffic light at the fork in the road at Main and Ellicott is out.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: It's all-hands-on-deck time for the Town of Batavia. All available manpower is called to man the stations while crews handle emergency calls.

UPDATE 6 p.m.: The worst of the storm appears to be over and another one isn't on the horizon for about six hours. However, the National Weather Service has issued this warning:

Flash flooding is occurring or is imminent in your area. Immediately go to higher ground if quickly rising water is about to impact your location. If you are in a vehicle, drive away from flooded areas. If on foot, do not attempt to walk through flood waters. Please check back for official updates.

UPDATE 6:04 p.m.: City fire has cleared Center Street.

UPDATE 6:06 p.m.: There's about 18 inches of water at East Avenue and Trumbull Parkway and it "may be a losing battle" to try and clear says a responder. Bethany is back in service. 

UPDATE 7:56 p.m. (by Howard): There are about seven power outages in the county effecting about 200 customers. The largest is just north of Clinton Street Road going into South Byron (92 customers, no ETA for restoration) and along Bank Street Road south of Route 262 (79 customers, with an 8:30 ETA for restoration). The Route 5 underpass in Le Roy is reopened. Firefighters are continuing to work through lists of flooded basements and the occasional attic is added to the list. We've received several photos from readers and will start posting them soon. If you have photos, email them to howard at the batavian dot com. I'll also be posting my own photos this evening.

UPDATE 8:22 p.m. (by Billie): Route 63 is reopened.

UPDATE 8:33 p.m.: Cedar Street is reopened.

UPDATE 9:24 p.m.: Le Roy fire has completed all of its assignments and is back in service.

Photo: Firefighters' T-shirts for breast cancer awareness

By Howard B. Owens

For the third straight year, City of Batavia firefighters are wearing special T-shirts for two weeks to promote breast cancer awareness.

Starting Friday, residents will be able to stop by the fire hall on Evans Street and purchase special T-shirts (not quite like the firefighters are wearing in the photo above, and with the logo in the inset photo) for $10 each. Proceeds benefit Genesee County Cancer Assistance.

Jeff Whitcombe, who is organizing the effort said he's had a sister-in-law who had breast cancer a year ago (and is cancer free now) and the annual event began two years ago when the wife of a firefighter developed breast cancer.

"It can strike anybody," Whitcombe said. "The guys here have mothers, wives or significant others, and it hits home when that happens."

Pictured are, from left, Jeff Whitcombe, Lt. Mark Mikolajczyk, Bob Fix, president of the Batavia Firefighters Association, which is the sponsor of the event, Chief Jim Maxwell, Chuck Harmmon, Ryan Hendershott, Mike Dorgan and Dave Green.

Law and Order: Batavia man accused of resisting arrest, threatening officers

By Howard B. Owens

Stephen A. Lewis, 32, of 130 W. Main St., Apt. A, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and harassment, 2nd. Lewis was arrested following a report at 3:45 p.m., Friday, of two men arguing, with one of them possibly carrying a baseball bat, at East Main and Summit streets. According to Batavia PD, when a patrol officer attempted to interview Lewis, Lewis became irate and yelled obscenities. He continued, according to police, even after being warned to stop yelling and clean up his language. Lewis was placed under arrest and charged with disorderly conduct. Lewis struggled with officers. Once taken into custody by officers Eric Hill and Kevin DeFelice, Lewis was arraigned at city court and jailed on $1,000 bail. On the way to jail, Lewis allegedly threatened to kill Batavia PD officers, leading to the harassment, 2nd, charge. (Initial Report)

George M. Hodges, 22, of 9 Pringle Ave., lower, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Batavia PD officers responded to 9 Pringle Ave. at 11:46 p.m., Saturday, to investigate the report of a property dispute. While Officer Frank Klimjack was on scene, Hodges was allegedly irate and yelled obscenities. Klimjack reportedly warned Hodges to calm down, but Hodges allegedly continued yelling obscenities.

Brodes J. Gibson, 51, of 13 Thorpe St., Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Gibson is accused of entering the Kwik Fill at 99 Jackson St. on two occasions and stealing two 18 packs of beer.

Joel S. Shelhorse, 24, of 23 West Ave., Elba, is charged with DWI, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, operating in violation of a restricted use license, aggravated unlicensed operation and opening a vehicle door interfering with traffic. Shelhorse was taken into custody following a report at 8:46 a.m., Sunday, of a male and female arguing on South Main Street.

David A. Kendall, 40, of 215 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with trespass. Kendall is accused of entering a neighbor's property at 4:45 p.m., July 21, without permission.

David M. Smith, 26, of Pavilion, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th. Smith was arrested by State Police following an incident reported at 10:20 p.m., Sunday, in Darien. No further details released.

Five people arrested following midnight fight on State Street, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

It took nearly an hour for Batavia PD to bring order back to State Street last night after a fight was reported at 11:55 p.m. involving 20 to 30 people near Lewis Place.

Five people were taken into custody.

After the initial call at 11:55 p.m., at least two other fights broke out while law enforcement was on scene.

Arrested were:

  • Jerry T. Saddler Jr., 36, of 112 State St., Batavia, charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
  • Latoya D. Jackson, 26, of 112 State St., Batavia, charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest.
  • Willie F. Irvin II, 30, of 17 Elm St., Batavia, charged with disorderly conduct.
  • Samantha G. Reed, 25, of 6 Lewis Place, Batavia, charged with disorderly conduct.
  • J.W. Hardy III, 25, of 265 E. State St., Apt. B, Albion, charged with disorderly conduct.

Bail for Saddler was set at $2,500 and Jackson was jailed on $1,000 bail. The other suspects were released on appearance tickets.

Officers responding from Batavia PD were Lt. Greg Steele, Sgt. Dan Coffey and officers Frank Klimjack and Eric Bolles. Deputies and troopers assisted at the scene.

Photo: River Street Bridge closed today

By Howard B. Owens

The River Street Bridge is closed today as part of an ongoing repair process. The bridge surface was already milled and today workers will do more work to prepare the bridge for resurfacing. Resurfacing will be completed next week, which will wrap up the repair work.

Car wreck at Alexander and Rose roads

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Alexander and Rose roads. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. One person has a head injury, unknown severity. They are checking on the availability of Mercy Flight.

UPDATE 12:25 p.m.: Mercy Flight is not needed.

UPDATE 12:58 p.m.: Two vehicles were involved in this accident. I'm not sure about the status of patient(s), but I think one person was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 1:06 p.m.: Town of Batavia is back in service.

Photos: United, One Cross, One Church

By Robin Walters

On Sunday afternoon, seven local churches and two local ministries came together in Austin Park to have a worship service, music and fellowship.

The idea came from several local pastors who think that churches in Batavia need to unite together. There was quite the crowd on hand.

Care-A-Van Ministries served 740 folks delicious hot dogs, and the churches provided free popcorn, snowcones, cotton candy and bottled water. The kids attending enjoyed the games and the bounce house.

Music was provided by Elmwood Drive, Care-A-Van Band and choirs of the local churches. The churches are hoping to make it an annual event with even more churches participating next year.

Police ID suspect in burglaries and nab him at the scene of another alleged break-in

By Howard B. Owens

A suspect in a series of burglaries in Le Roy, Batavia and other parts of the county was taken into custody this morning after he allegedly broke into a home on Summit Street while being monitored by detectives.

Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster said the suspect was identified thanks to alert citizens in the City of Batavia and detectives began to monitor the man's activities.

The name of the suspect, who is being questioned at Batavia PD headquarters, has not been released, but Brewster said he is on parole and had allegedly been out of contact with his parole officer.

After a couple of burglaries in Le Roy where a person entered homes during the day and stole jewelry and other small items such as coins, there were a couple of similar burglaries elsewhere in the county, and then similar burglaries in the City of Batavia.

"This is a suspect in those crimes and I’m fairly confident that we have him," Brewster said. "I think you’re going to see a sudden end to those (types of) crimes being reported."

Detectives from Le Roy, Batavia and the Sheriff's Office cooperated in the investigation.

"This would not have been possible without the cooperation of all agencies," Brewster said.

The suspect's truck was impounded and will be searched once a search warrant is secured.

His name and the charges against him will be released following his arraignment in the proper court or courts of jurisdiction.

Bike rider injured in accident in Village of Bergen

By Howard B. Owens

A bicyclist has has been involved in an accident at Le Roy Street and Clinton Street in the Village of Bergen.

The rider apparently suffered a collarbone injury.

The rider is believed to have struck something and fallen over the bike handles.

Bergen Fire Department and an ambulance are responding.

UPDATE 8:25 p.m.: Bergen medics have the patient ready for transport. Mercy EMS is in route.

Oven fire reported on County Line Road, Darien

By Billie Owens

An oven fire is reported at 2683 County Line Road in Darien. The residents used a fire extinguisher on the blaze but it's unknown if that was effective. They were advised to leave the residence. Darien fire, with mutual aid from Corfu, is responding.

UPDATE 4:41 p.m.: A responder on scene reports nothing is showing (outside). The address is just north of Sumner Road. The residents are in the back yard. The house "is charged with fire (inside)" and the fireman says it looks "like a cake boiled over." The other unit responding is proceeding in non-emergency mode. They're going to check things out with a thermal-imaging camera.

UPDATE 4:53 p.m.: It was burnt food. All units back in service.

Possible structure fire reported at old Wiard Plow building on Swan Street

By Howard B. Owens

A possible structure fire is reported at 33 Swan St., the old Wiard Plow building.

Only one caller reporting the possible fire.

City fire is responding.

UPDATE 4:28 p.m.(by Billie): City Engine 15 is back in quarters.

UPDATE 4:58 p.m.: A matteress was on fire when city firefighters arrived on scene. Firefighters gained quick entry to the building and put out the fire before it spread. A witness reported seeing a youth on a bicycle leaving the scene just before the smoke was spotted. Batavia PD is investigating the incident.

Whether case against Simmons goes forward will depend on judge's ruling

By Howard B. Owens

In a week or two, attorneys in the Jacquetta Simmons case will find out from Judge Robert C. Noonan whether two felony counts against the 26-year-old Batavia woman will stand.

Simmons is accused of punching a 70-year-old Walmart employee on Christmas Eve.

A grand jury indicted Simmons on felony counts of assault in the second degree, for allegedly hitting the victim with intent to cause serious injury, and a second count of assault, 2nd, charging Simmons with hiitting a person more than 10 years older who is also 65 years old or older.

A hearing today was scheduled for Noonan to consider the constitutionality of the so-called "elder abuse" law, but Noonan also asked the defense and prosecution to address whether sufficient evidence was presented to the grand jury to support count one of the indictment, the basic second-degree assault charge.

On the assult charge, attorney Ann Nichols argued that there is no evidence presented to the grand jury that Simmons intended to cause serious or permanent injury to the victim, Grace Suozzi, nor that Suozzi suffered such an injury.

"In the grand jury minutes, Ms. Suozzi does not say she was punched," Nichols said. "She says she was hit. She doesn't say she was punched until after Mr. (District Attorney Lawrence) Friedman uses the word punched in a question. I don’t see intent to cause serious physical injury being reliant on one punch, if it was in fact a punch, and Ms. Suozzi said herself it was just a hit."

There's no doubt, argued Melissa Cianfrini, assistant district attorney, that the "roundhouse" swing by Simmons was a punch.

Cianfrini described a surveillance video which she said depicted Simmons bracing her leg, winding up and taking a full swing at the victim.

"The punch was so powerful that it knocked her off her feet," Cianfrini said.

Simmons's intent was also clear from statements the defendent allegedly made before and after the alleged assault.

According to Cianfrini, Simmons last statement before allegedly hitting Suozzi was, "I'm not showing the fucking white bitch the receipt."

After the confrontation, with her male companion dragging her away, Simmons allegedly told another witness "you going to get it, too."

Cianfrini said, "That’s not a statement of someone who is acting in self defense. It’s not the statement of someone who regrets what she did. It’s the statement of somebody who knows fully what she did."

Outside of court, Nichols said the defense clearly has a different interpretation of events than Cianfrini and that she believes a jury will be able to fairly weigh the facts, even if the case appears racially charged.

"We have the video," Nichols said. "You can see the video for yourself. It’s more an interpretation. Unfortunately there’s no sound, but we can all kind of see on our own and infer what it depicts."

Nichols added, "I don’t’ really it (see race being a factor with the jury). Once anyone sees the video, white, black, Asian, whatever, you’re going to get an interpretation leaving race out of it."

On the issue of whether count two of the indictment, the elder abuse law, is constitutional, Nichols argued that the way the statute is written would require a defendent to know the victim's age at the time of the assault. 

"I argue there's no way Ms. Simmons could have known, based on how the law is drafted, that this is a strict liability crime and the fact the legislature chose to draft it so poorly is a violation of the due process of this defendant and other defendents," Nichols said.

Cianfrini noted that another court -- though the decision is not binding on this court -- has already ruled the law is constitutional on the same grounds, but added that the court should not just look to the letter of the law, but the legislative intent. Cianfrini said legislative notes and history clearly indicates the legislature meant the law to apply any time a person more than 10 years younger hits a victim 65 years or older.

Noonan did not give a specific time when his written decision will be issued.

Simmons will go to trial Aug. 20. She turned down a plea offer that would have given Noonan the option of sentencing her to prison time up to three-and-a-half years in prison. If convicted at trial, Simmons could be sentenced up to eight years in prison.

Officials see connection between 225 underage drinking citations and relatively quite Toby Keith concert

By Howard B. Owens

Toby Keith may like girls who drink beer, but when they come to his concerts at Darien Lake, those drinking beer better be at least 21 years old.

Last night a total of 225 young people found that out when they were issued citations in a joint effort involving the Sheriff's Office, State Police and Darien Lake security to crack down on underage drinking at the concert venue.

A checkpoint was set up earlier in the afternoon at the entrance to the park and at least a half dozen troopers were involved in issuing nearly 80 citations by 6 p.m.

The aggressive early enforcement, officials believe, contributed to quieter night with fewer arrests for rowdy behavior than is typical for a major country star's show at Darien Lake.

"What you’re seeing tonight is just a little more creative effort into ways to better to enforce (underage drinking)," said Bob Montgomery, general manager for the theme park. "We’ve worked hard this year and I think our arrests have almost doubled from what they were last year when they increased from whatever they’ve been in the past."

Throughout the evening, deputies talked about how fewer disruptive incidents they were being reported, almost with a level of amazement.

The show, after all, was Toby Keith, whose concert in 2011 had eight people arrested for alleged disruptive behavior.

On Sunday, only four people were taken into custody for what could be described as disruptive behavior.

Typically, as concertgoers try to exit the facility after a big country concert, police radio traffic is filled with hectic chatter of reports of fights in the parking lot, but last night only one "head-butting" incident was reported.

Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, who usually heads up the concert law enforcement detail, thinks curbing underage drinking helped the situation.

"I think it's a direct reflection on the ABCs (citations)," Sanfratello said.

During the 2011 season, law enforcement issued 526 citations for alleged underage drinking.

Coming into Sunday's show, there had already been 353 citations issued. Add in Sunday's ticket writing and it brings the year's total to 578. 

The 2012 season is only half over.

As underage drinkers were found, if they had alcohol, they had to dump it out or dispose of it, including those stopped at the checkpiont.

One officer said he came across a group of young people in the parking lot minutes after they arrived. The group had to dump out several six-packs of beer and an unopened bottle of gin.

As a result of the enforcement effort, an official said that fewer people than usual were refused entrance to the concert for being overly intoxicated.

"We’re really pleased with what we’ve seen tonight," Montgomery said. "It’s definitely made a difference tonight by being preemptive, and by putting the fence up it will work only that much better."

The chainlink fence will stretch along a large portion of the Darien Lake property on Sumner Road blocking access to the concert venue for anyone who tries to walk in from a private lot.

For years, residents along Sumner Road have let people park in their yards and pastures for a fee.

On Aug. 24, Darien Lake will close pedestrian access to the venue from Sumner Road.

Of course, concertgoers will still be able to park in the private lots, if residents continue to allow it, but they will be required to either drive into the venue or walk around to the main entrance on Alleghany Road.

"We're very interested in creating a safe environment for all guests," said Gerald Rakestraw, VP of development for Darien Lake's owner, Herschend Family Entertainment. "Securing the park's perimeter is key because of the pedestrian issues and access for emergency vehicles."

Rakestraw has been working closely with Montgomery and his staff to come up with a plan to improve concertgoer safety and enjoyment, he said.

While some property owners had signs up Sunday indicating they will shut down their parking operations Aug. 24, others may continue to try and lure concert goers to their lots.

There has been some talk of lots offering shuttles to the front entrance, but Montgomery said Darien Lake won't allow drop-offs from such shuttles.

"A shuttle in also means a shuttle out, and that’s just not feasible," Montgomery said. "So we’re not going to encourage that kind of operation because it really doesn’t work."

Officials plan to do their best to educate the public prior to Aug. 24 about the changes and there will be conspicuous signage for anybody going to private lots that pedestrian access to the park from Sumner Road is not allowed, Montgomery said.

"They'll find when they get here that they can't access the PAC area," Montgomery said. "Certainly they (concertgoers) are welcome to do park there,  but they’ll find they won’t be able to walk down (to the concert)."

Getting traffic moving out of the parking lot swiftly is a key strategy to cutting down on altercations in the parking lot, officials said. When there's gridlock, tempers flare. On Sunday, the parking lot was cleared of nearly all cars by 1 a.m., about an hour ahead of the typical time for a concert attended by more than 16,000 people.

With all the emphasis on underage drinking Sunday, Sanfratello, along with other members of law enforcement, said he could see a big difference in the parking lots both prior and after the show. There were fewer masses of young people gathered around big piles of empty beer cans. There was less unruly behavior and after the show. There was a lot less trash dumped on the ground.

The security trailer where suspects are booked prior to to arraignment in Darien Town Court was a pretty quiet room for most of Sunday night.

One person was brought in and had to be placed in a restraint chair as he appeared to fight with deputies while laughing and bragging of his strength.

Two other young women were booked for allegedly giving false information about themselves while being cited for alleged underage drinking.

Rachel A. Johnson, 19, of Linwood Road, Le Roy, allegedly gave Sanfratello the names of a friend and of her sister before Sanfratello acquired her real name.

She was charged with two counts of criminal impersonation, 2nd.

At one point he asked her, "Was it worth the $1,000 fine instead of a $50 ticket?"

Then there was the case of a 16-year-old from Canada who was cited for alleged underage drinking. He was stopped on Employee Road and as he was being written up he started to freak out just a little bit, sure the citation meant the end of all of his hopes and dreams.

"You don't understand," he said. "I'm from Canada. It's not like the United States. I was going into the army. They won't take me now."

Because of his age, a deputy spoke to his mother and got permission for him to be released to the custody of his older girlfriend.

Only minutes later, the youth returned. He said he didn't know what to do. A deputy told him to go enjoy the concert, but he couldn't because his girlfriend had just broken up with him and went into the show without him.

The youth had to wait in the security area until 10 p.m. when his father arrived from Canada to pick him up and take him home.

While a Buffalo News reporter was at the show Sunday, officials hope more Rochester and Buffalo media pick up the story of increased law enforcement pressure to curb underage and problem drinking at shows. They also hope stories such as this get passed around on Twitter and Facebook.

The message officials hope sinks in for the public isn't that you can come to Darien Lake, have a good time and even drink a little. It's just that if you're under 21, you shouldn't drink at all, and if you're of age, drink responsibly.

"We want people to com and have a great time here," Montgomery said. "Our issue is when that good time starts to go a little overboard and disturb the quiet enjoyment of the other people at the show."

The Sheriff's Office press release of arrests and citations along with more pictures from Sunday are after the jump (click on the headline to read more):

A group of young ladies enjoying an apparent bachorlette party in the parking lot prior to the show.

A popular game in the parking lot prior to a concert is "Kan Jam," which is sort of a Frisbee version of horseshoes.

A suspect struggles with deputies while being placed into a restraint chair.

At about 8 p.m., the stack of paperwork for citations and arrests.

During "the dump," when most concertgoers leave, Employee Road is blocked by pedestrians heading toward the private lots, and cars stream out of the private lots tying up traffic on Sumner Road. Officials hope the new fence is put into operation Aug. 24, it will help keep Employee Road open and Sumner Road safer and with better traffic flow.

A Toby Keith fan who also had a good time in the theme park.

Fans who wanted their picture on The Batavian. It's a little out of focus, but the gentleman recently returned from a deployment in Afghanistan and is home on leave.

More fans who asked to get their picture on The Batavian.

For after-show entertainment, just stand along Employee Road and watch people try to cross the drainage ditch. The mud sucks people right in. Regular observers figure if anybody ever digs out the ditch they will find hundreds of thousands shoes, sandals and flip-flops lost their over the years.

Sheriff's Office press release:

Sean A. Kota, 19, of Byron-Holley Road, Byron, is charged with disorderly conduct and possession of alcohol under 21 after allegedly causing a disturbance on Employee Road and being found in possession of alcohol being under age 21. Kota was arraigned and jailed on $250 bail.

Curtis P. A. Kelly, 21, of Hennepin Circle, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass and resisting arrest after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return and then physically resisting arrest. Kelly was arraigned and jailed on $1,000 bail.

Megan E. Heywood, 19, of Genesee Street, Le Roy, is charged with false personation, disorderly conduct and possession of alcohol under 21 after allegedly giving a false age and blocking vehicular traffic on Employee Road. Heywood was also allegedly found in possession of alcohol under age 21. Heywood was arraigned and jailed on $200 bail.

Rachel A. Johnson, 19, of Linwood Road, Le Roy, is charged with two counts of criminal impersonation, 2nd, and possession of alcohol under age 21 after allegedly giving two different names when asked to correctly identify herself. Johnson was also allegedly found in possession of alcohol under age 21.

Adam J. Cole, 24, of Alpine Knoll, Fairport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana by State Police.

James J.  Drzewiecki Jr., 19, of Roycroft Parkway, Elma, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol under age 21.

Ashley Brant-Hunter, 17, of Chapman Parkway, Hamburg
Rachel D. Anderson, 17, of Drayton Parkway, Hamburg
Alexandria A. Schultz, 18, of Sundance Trail, Lakeview
Houston D. Draper, 19, of Woodside Court, Holley
Chelsea L. Solina, 19, of Eastwood Street, Buffalo
Mason A. Pritchard, 18, of Huff Road, Hemlock
Emily R. Schwegzler, 17, of Federal Road, Livonia
Bianca R. Lowrey, 19, of Collamer Road, Hilton
Patrick Palyer, 19, of Cayuga
Jessica A. Wilkes, 17, of Parker Street, Auburn
Laura M. Tuffo, 19, of Cooper Drive, Hilton
Taylor M. Balbierz, 17, of Amsdell Road, Hamburg
Emilia Vibloum, 19, of South Abbott Road, Orchard Park
Joshua E. Escobar, 19, of Woodside Court, Holley
Adrianna R Ricci, 18, of Holleybrook Road, Brockport
William E. Szelazkewicz, 19, of Stahley Road, East Amherst
Megan L. Haberer, 19, of Webster Road, Orchard Park
Michelle A. Hahn, 19, of Lapp Road, Alden
Megan M. Tomasello, 19, of Ransom Road, Lancaster
Ellen M. Meyersage, 20, of Andover Lane, Williamsville
Jenessa N. Lucey, 20, of Sandhurst Lane, Williamsville
Danielle M. Giamcarlo, 19, of North Autumn, Williamsville
Jacquelyn M. Murrer, 20, of Kingsview Court, Williamsville
Patrick M. Wannamaker, 19, of Frankin Street, Williamsville
Maxwell G. Kahn, 19, of Chicory Lane, East Amherst
Mitchell S. Kyser, 20, of East Main Street, Westfield
Gregory F. Dimock, 20, of Hunter Lane, Williamsville
Bradley J. Moancelli, 19, of Bowers Road, Casadaga
William P. Barber, 20, of Elm Street, Westfield
Michael J. Mercurid, 17, of Creekview Drive, Hamberg
Travis T. Scida, 20, of Powers Avenue, Johansonburg, Pa.
Alexander N. Kotrider, 19, of West Master Drive, East Amherst
Angelo J. Caruso, 18, of Ashford Court, East Amherst
Ashley M. James, 19, of Armison Road, Filmore
Matthew M. Lates, 19, of County Road #27, Portageville
Jessica E. Smith, 19, of Bernard Street, Filmore
Cody J. VanBuskirk, 20, of Wiskey Mills, Filmore
Anna K. Rauber, 18, of County Road #46, Dansville
Hailey M. Sick, 18, of Franklin Street, Dansville
Alexander C. Cerbini, 20, of Whittier Road, Brockport
David F. Lyons, 17, of Barker-Schoolhouse Road, Hamlin
Alexa A. Banaszak, 17, of Newberry Lane, Lancaster
Kyle G. McCarthy, 20, of Gordon Avenue, Lancaster
Peter G. Wallace, 19, of County Road #36, Wayland
Mandy L. Oakes, 17, of West Lake Road, Geneseo
Jessica Mancini, 20, of Rutgers Road, Andover, Md.
Lauren E. Piluso, 19, of Helendeler Road, Rochester
Erinn S. Hopkins, 19, of Cohocton
Tyler A. Barber, 18, of Weinhart Street, Wayland
Joseph L. Meyer III, 18, of Ward Road, Wayland
Cody J. Lang, 18, of Depot Road, Springwater
Samuel A. Moyer, 18, of Hollywood Drive, Lockport
Anthony J. King, 18, of Hollywood Drive, Lockport
Brian K. Rotsoth, 20, of Main Street, Canton, Ohio
Kathleen A. Cougen, 20, of Washington Street, Bradford, Pa.
David S. Dugburn, 20, of West Seneca
Taylor J. Maryniewski, 18, of Depew
Allison M. Weiss, 19, of Clarion Place, Whitesboro
Careena M. Gratan, 20, of Beachwood Drive, Caledonia
Arian L. Vasquez, 17, of Abbott Road, South Buffalo
Edward J. Krier Jr., 20, of Wellworth Place, Cheektowaga
Robert K. Capo, 18, of West Center Street, Medina
Samantha M. Staino, 18, of Hollybrook Road, Brockport
Samantha N. Havlom, 20, of Eagle Harbor Road, Albion
Tyler Harper, 18, of Ladue Road, Holley
Tyler J. Thielges, 19, of Granger Road, Wayland
Michael J. Murphy, 18, of County Road #36, Wayland
Cody J. Oas, 18, of Michigan Street, Perkinsville
Kevin J. Grimaldi, 18, of Walden Drive, Lakeview
Cody L. Winton, 20, of State Route 12, Sherburne
Cameron T. Yerton, 19, of North Road, Sherburne
Cynthia D. Bush, 18, of Classic Street, Sherburne
Joshua J. Mase, 20, of East Avenue, Batavia
Sara R. Hart-Predmore, 20, of Yarkerdale Drive, Rochester
Cedrick N. Simmons, 20, of Garden Apartment, Ithaca
Edward J. Buell, 18, of Ridgedale Circle, Greece
Kaitlyn A. Boehm, 19, of Ridgecrest Road, Rochester
Megan H. Kelly, 20, of Dohrcrest Drive, Rochester
Bryan M. Stehm, 19, of Sagewood Drive, Spencerport
Jason R. Hensel, 18, of Celtic Lane Rochester
Kyle J. Stubbe, 19, of Edgemere Drive, Rochester
Courtney L. O’Hara, 19, of Andrews Drive, Rochester
Stephanie L. Matteson, 19, of Woodsong Lane, Rochester
Andrew M. Frosini, 19, of Pebbleview Drive, Rochester
Nicholas H. Nadrowski, 19, of Lakeview Drive, Lakeview
Louis M. Wagner, 19, of Versailles Drive, Lakeview
Andrew M. Vincent, 19, of Clifton Parkway, Hamburg
Matthew J. Byrne, 19, of Wyndfield Court, Hamburg
Chelsy G. Karcher, 18, of Reserve Road, West Seneca
Correen L. Longbine, 20, of Milestrip Road, Orchard Park
Emily A. Whiteside, 20, of Hawthorne Drive, Orchard Park
Ashley E. Avino, 19, of Woodsfield Drive, Lakeview
Joanna M. T. Dunn, 19, of Twilight Lane, Hamburg
Emilia V. Bloom, 20, of South Abbott Road, Orchard Park
Aaron M. Ellison, 20, of Karrow Street, Orchard Park
Alexandria E. Schultz, 19, of Caitlin Terrace, Hamburg
Demi N. Flynn, 20, of North Collins, ?
Alicia M. Barratt, 20, of Seneca Street, Lawtons
Stevie R. Foit, 20, of Maple Street, Lawtons
Michael A. Spain, 17, of Otisco Valley Road, Preble
Joshuah T. Lewis, 17, of Stevens Road, Tully
Stuart D. Grass, 19, of Schuler Street, Syracuse
Jacquelyn A. Rapple, 19, of Kinyon Road, Marietta
Deanna M. Clappsaddle, 18, of Bear Ridge Road, North Tonawanda
Megan E. Clarke, 18, of Deerfield Drive, North Tonawanda
Justin P. Reinhardt, 19, of Deerfield Drive, North Tonawanda
Daniel R. Snyder, 20, of Mull Street, North Tonawanda
Raymond J. Wasieszko, 20, of Ruie Road, North Tonawanda
Matthew J. Rua, 20, of Sherwood Ave, North Tonawanda
Olivia L. Cabana, 19, of Ashford Avenue, Tonawanda
Rebecca R. Rush, 20, of Sundridge Drive, Amherst
Frank T. Nemeth, 19, of Kelly Drive, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Blake R. J. Roubos, 19, of Cataract Road, Thorold, Ontario, Canada
Daniel S. Holmes, 18, of Con. 4 Road, Street, Anns, Ontario, Canada
Rachel P. Meyer, 20, of Word Road, Wayland
Hayley S. Ormond, 19, of North Lackawana Street, Wayland
Katelyn M. Clawson, 20, of County Road #36, Atlanta
Taylor A. Morse, 17, of Granger Road, Wayland
Kevin R. Shaughnessy, 20, of Helfer Lane, Minoa
Nicholas A. Raesky, 17, of James Street, East Syracuse
Camri J. Hanlon, 18, of McNutt Road, Campbell
Brook D. Knowles, 20, of Reed Hill Road, Campbell
Corinne R. Wright, 20, of Main Street, Campbell
Jenna A. Clarke, 19, of 4th Section Road, Brockport
Jessica E. Daley, 20, of Bramblewood Lane, West Rochester
Hallie P. Fenti, 19, of Church Street, Hornell
Alexandria A. Gibson, 20, of Roncroff Drive, North Tonawanda
Kaitlyn H. Saunders, 18, of Euclid Avenue, Perry
Emily G. Gallagher, 20, of Wayland Road, Penfield
Alison M. Deacon, 20, of Creekview Drive, Hamburg
Derek R. Schmidt, 18, of Dean Road, Spencerport
Gregory M. Smith, 19, of Martin Road, Hamlin
Garrett D. Hartler, 19, of Dean Road, Spencerport
Lindsay A. Adams, 18, of Wedgedon Landing, Hilton
Alaina R. Bechtold, 20, of Hilton-Parma Corners Road, Spencerport
Mikayla L. Zanghi, 17, of Macintosh Drive, Rochester
Michael B. Coyne, 17, of West Gate Road, Kenmore
Sean J. Dungan, 19, of Zimmerman Blvd., Tonawanda
Chelsea L. Mooreage 19, of Desmond Drive, Tonawanda
William G. Moore, 18, of Woodward Avenue, Kenmore
Tyler J. Crawford, 18, of Johns Avenue, Buffalo
Timothy W. Balkin, 18, of Wellingwood Drive, East Amherst
Matthew R. Goss, 17, of Dodge Road, Getzville
Joseph C. Schrader, 20, of Harbor Street, Wilson
Molly J. Curry, 19, of Burch Road, Ransonville
Kimberly L. Daunce, 20, of Wilson Cambria Road, Wilson
Tyler W. Reimers, 19, of Wilson Cambria Road, Wilson
Camille L. Arth, 19, of Evergreen Drive, Lakeview
Mary E. Mcmahon, 16, of White Water Court, Hamburg
Thomas D. Scott, 17, of Second Avenue, Lancaster
Anessa L. Gervase Bage, 17, of Robinwood Court, Lancaster
Michael J. Enders, 17, of Pleasant View Drive, Lancaster
Francis J. Sterlace, 20, of Jackle Avenue, Silver Creek
Franklin G. Brown, 18, of Post Street, Irving
Hayley L. Trippy, 18, of Versailles Plank Road, North Collins
Levi M. Bower, 19, of East Avenue, Rochester
Jordyn A. Govenettio, 17, of Chapman Pkwy, Hamburg
Kali C. Compise, 16, of Overlook Point, Hamburg
Michael P. Edwards, 19, of Morgan Pkwy, Hamburg
Tiffany M. Agro, 18, of Linwood Avenue, Blasdell
James A. Militello, 20, of Champion Drive, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Nicholas J. Patronik, 19, of Juno Drive, Lakeview
Joshua L. Baker, 20, of Hewson Road, Lakeview
Garrett R. Cortright, 20, of Clifton Parkway, Hamburg
Jordan J. M. Harwood, 19, of Yankee Lane, Hornell
Kassandrea D. Heller, 18, of Maple Court, Hornell
Zachary M. Hynes, 17, of Split Rail Run, Penfield
Cody T. Murphy, 18, of Bowerman Road, Farmington
Aaron J. Ford, 17, of Green Road, Farmington
Sarah D. Kessler, 20, of Muriel Drive, Rochester
Michelle M. Snodgrass, 18, of Delta Road, Amherst
Rebecca A. Piduch, 20, of Gardenwood Lane, Buffalo
Nathan D. Rigby, 20, of Sodus Street, Clyde
Shannon D. Shakespeare-Brogan, 16, of Hogan Road, Fairport
Mikaela R. Cook, 18, of Wipple Tree Drive, Fairport
Ryan G. Weir, 20, of Cheryl Road, West Seneca
Nicholas S. Jennings, 19, of Logan Road, Attica
Patricia A. Glass, 20, of Chase Street, Medina
Clint A. Wright, 17, of Bethany Center Road, Wyoming
Nelson M. Burke, 16, of Main Street, Alexander
Lucas S. Terry, 17, of Holmes Hill Road, Conesus
Nicholas A. Braun, 19, of Pries Avenue, Buffalo
Sean P. Griffin, 20, of Rutland Street, Buffalo
Christopher P. Kane, 20, of Columbia Pkwy., West Seneca
Jacqueline P. Kane, 18, of McKinley Pkwy., Buffalo
Daniel M. Major, 19, of Hemlock Drive, Grand Island
Jermey R. Stark, 16, of Highway 3, East Port Colbourne, Ontario, Canada
Jacqueline H. Franck, 17, of Poplar Avenue, Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada
Andrew J. Kurtzhaltz, 19, of Prospect Avenue, East Aurora
Hanna J. Cimperman, 18, of Mill Road, East Aurora
Jaycen A. Watts, 20, of Pine Street, East Aurora
Joshua L. Cesario, 19, of John Peet Road, Canastota
Ryan P. Yeates, 18, of Norwood Avenue, Hamburg
Alexandra M. Curre, 18, of Corral Drive, Penfield
Matthew A. Majchrzak, 19, of Pennicott Circle, Penfield
Nicholas S. Fields, 18, of Seton Court, Penfield
William F. Asquith, 20, of Chaffee Road, Arcade
Jacqulyn M. Graber, 18, of Clarence Center Road, Clarence Center
Kristie Nasr, 18, of Glenhaven Drive, Amherst
Jonathan G. Vara, 18, of Manor Oak Drive, Amherst
Yanni S. Zulia, 17, of Bowen Drive, West North Tonawanda
Taylor N. Friedl, 19, of Cushing Road, Albion
Joel J. Prince, 20, of Claremont Park Palmyra
Timothy J. Depetris, 19, of Crestview Drive, Niagara Falls
Ian M. Marrett, 16, of East Bethany-Le Roy Road, Le Roy
Kristin N. Wach, 19, of Harmony Circle, Orchard Park
Adam R. Wattles, 19, of Old Lower East Hill Road, Colden
Kaitlyn M. Federico, 20, of Covered Bridge Circle, Greece
Max J. Roehmoldt, 19, of Village Point Lane, Williamsville
Brian J. Graham Jr., 20, of Lower Mountain Road, Lockport
Peter A. Roehmoldt, 20, of Village Point Lane, Williamsville
Ryan T. Burkard, 20, of West Minister Drive, East Amherst
Sean M. McGrath, 19, of Paul Place, Buffalo
Jordon Z. Richard, 18, of Lapp Road, Alden
Miguel-Christian Aragon-Prieto, 18, of Century Road, Orchard Park
Carly R. Hill, 19, of Doran Road, Lima
Joseph O. Pinter, 18, of Roat Drive, Angola
Elizabeth A. Gawronski, 20, of Cottage Street, Fredonia
Jason W. Myrick, 19, of Lovers Lane Road, Corfu
Chelsee M. Baun, 20, of Carlyle Avenue, Buffalo

Feed truck reportedly on fire on Albion Road, Oakfield

By Howard B. Owens

A feed truck at Lamb Farms on Albion Road, Oakfield, is reportedly on fire.

Oakfiled Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 10:09 a.m.: A chief on scene reports a working truck fire.

UPDATE 10:15 a.m.: Fire knocked down.

Driver reports being unconscious for some time following rollover accident in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Somewhere in the Lake Street Road and Parmalee Road area a caller indicates he had a rollover accident and was unconscious for some period of time, perhaps as long as an hour.

He isn't sure of his location and said his vehicle is some distance off the road.

Le Roy fire and ambulance and law enforcement are in route.

UPDATE: While there was some chatter about this following our initial report, I never heard an ambulance transport (not saying there wasn't one, I just didn't hear it) nor did I hear Le Roy clear the scene.

Don Carroll grateful for community support

By Howard B. Owens

At times this afternoon, Don Carroll was overcome with emotion as people showed up for a charity event in Jackson Square called DC in the Square.

The event is aimed at raising funds to help Carroll, who has cancer, pay his medical bills.

Throughout his life, Carroll has given all he has to the community, especially children who don't grow up with financial advantages. Most recently, Carroll has sponsored Toys for Kids, an annual event to provide gifts for children.

DC in the Square was organized, with the help of many volunteers, by Beth Kemp.

Beth's husband, Brian, said he benefited from Carroll's charitable work because Carroll's annual 5K run years ago paid for Brian to go to summer camp.

Beth said, "He does so much for the community and never asks for anything back," adding, "I just think he's a great guy. He sets the example for the kind of person I want to be, always giving, never expecting anything back."

Carroll, pictured above with his sister, Diane, and friend, Harriett Everett, said all he ever wanted to do was make kids happy and he was so grateful for the community support during his battle with cancer.

"It just means so much," Carroll said. "There are some things that happen that I forget sometimes, but this I'll remember for the rest of my life."

Today's event goes until 4 p.m.

Photos: Town of Batavia Fire's annual Harley Raffle and Wingding

By Howard B. Owens

The annual Harley Raffle and Wingding at the Town of Batavia Fire Hall on Lewiston Road once again was a big hit with area residents. Hundreds of people packed the lot and enjoyed the party, which featured music by 7th Heaven. Alex's provided ribs and pulled pork, and of course, there was a beer tent.

We're awaiting notification of who won the drawings.

UPDATE: The winner of the Harley Fatboy is Dewey Towner, Batavia. The $500 winners are Gerald Wolcott, Batavia, Wayne Cross, Versailles, Dan Hale, Batavia, and Michael Leone, Waterport.

If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here.

To purchase prints, click here.

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