An early morning medical emergency brought Mercy Flight to Chandler Avenue in Batavia, but it wasn't just another life-saving mission for the crew of Mercy Flight 5.

It was the 20,000th mission flown by the Buffalo-based non-profit air ambulance corps.

“When I started Mercy Flight back in 1981, I never dreamed that we could help so many people,” said Douglas H. Baker, Mercy Flight’s founding president. “I’m extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the last 30 years as a not-for-profit organization.

"We never could have reached this milestone without the assistance and support of our local volunteer firefighters, hospital and law enforcement partners and the communities we serve.”

The dispatch came at 2 a.m., Friday, and the patient was transported from Batavia to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mercy Flight operates from bases in Buffalo, Batavia and Olean.

Last year, Mercy Flight forgave more than $700,000 in care provided to uninsured or under-insured patients, according to a press release.

The average cost is $842 per flight.

Individuals and groups can "Sponsor A Mission" with a donation of $842. For more information, visit mercyflight.org or call (716) 626-4100.

Wilson Figueroa, 38, of Conkey Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Figueroa reportedly was under court order out of Rochester City Court from being with a certain person. During a traffic stop on Route 33, Stafford, at 4:01 p.m., Wednesday, the protected person was allegedly in Figueroa's vehicle.

Aicha Keita, 20, of Batavia Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Keita is accused of stealing $206.65 in merchandise from Walmart.

Back in the spring of 2003, an ambitious group of local thespians decided to take a risk by boldly staging in Genesee County what no local troupe had staged here before: Shakespeare. Nine years later, "Shakespeare in Springtime" is thriving. This weekend the group is celebrating its 10th springtime with a repeat production of its first show, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream."

“Shakespeare wrote so many plays, and we wanted to choose something familiar that we could do justice to,” Director E. Jane Burk says of the group’s original decision to perform the show nine years ago. “It was very well-received. It showed us that there really are some people out there who are willing to come see Shakespeare.”

The characters, comedy, and iambic pentameter may be the same as it was a decade ago, but make no mistake — this show is “entirely different” and definitely “not a repeat of last time.” Whereas the pioneer effort took place in a Midwestern 1950s carnival, this time around the show has a San Francisco setting circa the 1960s. The traditional fairy characters have been changed to hippies, demonstrating, Burk explains, “the difference between establishment and anti-establishment.”

Cast members agree that despite the large gap in time periods, the play translates easily from the intended Shakespearean setting to the more contemporary backdrop.

“The characters are universal,” says Malloryann Flanagan, who has the role of Puck. “A lot of the themes are still prevalent in society and are still relevant today.”

Flanagan and her sister, Caryn Burk, are the only two cast members who also appeared in the original production. But although the majority of the ensemble did not take part in the first “Shakespeare in Springtime” show, many of them have been seen in at least one other production put on by the group. One such actor is Paul Judkins, who has the part of Egeus.

“It’s always a challenge,” says Judkins, who cites his favorite previous Shakespearean role as the title character in "Julius Caesar." “You can’t use your natural language — you have to find the meaning behind the words. At first it was mystifying.”

Derrick Pechie, who has the role of Oberon, the fairy king, agrees that understanding the language gets easier with time:

“My first lead role in a Shakespeare play was in 'Richard III' two years ago. I did not know what I was saying. But now I can read the script and right away I know what it’s talking about.”

The difficult language and seemingly hidden meanings are exactly what makes Shakespeare so attractive to cast member Shellene Bailey, however.

“The language is sneaky,” she declares. “It’s very in-depth and very funny. There are lots of jokes and innuendos. It's very beautiful.” 

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 22-24 and at 2 p.m. March 25 at the Harvester 56 Theater (located at 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia). There will also be a dinner theater performance at Terry Hills on the 31st.  

Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy stopped in Batavia today to draw attention to cost savings for Genesee County, and other local governments, from recently enacted pension reform.

The plan could save the county $186 million over 30 years, though most of that savings is deferred as employees hired before the new Tier 6 plan was passed either quit or retire.

Chamber President Lynn Freeman said pension reform is critical for a region long seen as burdened by taxes and regulation.

"I live in Le Roy and it's discouraging sometimes to watch the two-, three- and four-employee company leave our community," Freeman said. "One of the reasons they are leaving is driven by our taxation.

"What's happened to us with our mandates has caused those taxes to go up and up and up every year. What the governor and lieutenant governor were able to accomplish last week is truly remarkable."

Mary Pat Hancock, chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature, said the reform is one big part of needed mandate relief for local government.

In Genesee County, in the past 10 years, the cost of government mandated pensions has gone from $400,000 a year to $4.4 million.

"I’m proud to have supported the governor and his effort to bring fiscal responsibility back to Albany and relieve localities of this out-of-control mandate," Hancock said.

The reform won't effect government employees with even one day on the job before the reform was passed, Duffy said.

"If this was done 10 years ago we wouldn’t be having this conversation," Duffy said. "If we did it back then, we wouldn’t be in the situation we’re in today."

Hancock, who is also president this year of NYS Association of Counties, said the biggest unfunded mandate weighing down on counties is skyrocketing Medicaid costs.

Duffy said a recently initiated plan by Cuomo will help control costs, but not totally eliminate the Medicaid burden for counties.

At the end of three years, all cost increases will become the responsibility of the state, Duffy said.

"I think you’re seeing big steps right now in trying to lower the costs for local governments," Duffy said.

Duffy, who said he has relatives who live in Batavia, said that Genesee County is on a roll in attracting new business, pointing to the recent successes, particularly, with the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

"This is place is starting to move," Duffy said. "I think it points to the great potential this area has."

Currently, the Genesee County Economic Development Center is seeking legislative support to fund shovel ready development of the STAMP Project in Alabama.

Duffy said he isn't familiar with the project but said the governor's office will follow the recommendation of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.

"The governor looks for any way to support anything that grows jobs and grows the economy," Duffy said. "As a lifelong Upstate New Yorker, I'm amazed at the level of attention that is now paid to Upstate.

"I haven't seen the project on paper yet. But I think, as with any project, it might not get a line item in the budget yet, but if it's plausible, you will see people line up to try and make it happen."

Top photo, Duffy; inset, Freeman.

Press release:

The Sprout Film Festival returns to Genesee County on Saturday, March 31, at the Genesee ARC Community Center, 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia. Sprout is a nonprofit that holds a yearly festival in New York City and opens its library of films from around the world so the "touring festival" can travel all over the country. Genesee ARC’s festival marks the second visit in as many years.

Two 90-minute showings are scheduled at 1 and 5 p.m., offering a unique lineup of different films, ranging from two-and-a-half minutes to 25 minutes in length. Introductory remarks will be offered by Anthony DiSalvo, Sprout executive director.

Both sessions are open to the public and there is no charge to attend. Doors open at noon and artwork by local residents with disabilities is also featured. Refreshments will be available for sale from noon to 1 p.m. and between shows.

By presenting films of artistry and intellect, the festival hopes to reinforce accurate portrayals of people with developmental disabilities and expose the general public to important issues facing this population. The goal is an enjoyable and enlightening experience that will help break down stereotypes, promoting a greater acceptance of differences and awareness of similarities.

“This is about raising awareness of people with disabilities,” said Genesee ARC Executive Director Donna Saskowski. “This is a terrific way to conclude March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!”

The Sprout Film Festival is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council and is being sponsored in part by WBTA Radio.

1 p.m.

"Rudely Interrupted"
"Close My Eyes – Rudely Interrupted"
"My Only Wish – Rudely Interrupted"
"Jack Blond"
"Dream Lover"
"Cared Witless"
"Up Syndrome"

5 p.m.

"My Classic Life as an Artist"
"The Third Parent"
"One Question"
"Distinctively"
"Deedah" 
"Breadmakers"
"Hold Me Down"

If you have questions about the festival please call Genesee ARC Director of Development Shelley Falitico at 343-1123, ext. 231.

Nearly two dozen students and faculty members are walking around Batavia High School today with quite a bit less hair.

They all participated in a fundraiser and show of support Wednesday evening for Brandon Johns, a Batavia Middle School student afflicted with cancer.

The event was organized by BHS National Honor Society and conducted in conjunction with BHS Spirit Week.

Head shaves were provided by stylists from Total Image Hair Salon and following the shaves, students and faculty participated in a volleyball game.

Photos and information submitted by Steve Ognibene.

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.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently so you can try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Jagged Edges Salon, 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, NY: Jagged Edges Salon is a walk-in and appointment salon for men, women and children. It is a fun, welcoming salon that offers all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, treatments, and facial waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kravings offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Log Cabin Restaurant, 1227 Gilmore Rd, Corfu, NY: Overlooking the picturesque Indian Falls on the Tonawanda Creek, the Log Cabin is known for casual dining, beef on weck, burgers, steaks, prime rib and mouthwatering BBQ baby back ribs. The Log Cabin is located off Route 77, 1.7 miles north of Exit 48 on the Thruway. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

New York Subs and Deli, 234 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Offering the freshest ingredients daily with a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, & daily specials. All tips collected go to an animal in need! We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: 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.

Rancho Viejo, 12 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Traditional Mexican cuisine, from tacos and burritos to pollo norteno, Rancho Viejo brings a bit of "South of the Border" to Batavia's restaurant scene. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Salsa & Curry, 13 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: An authentic Mexican restaurant, offering all of your favorite dishes from enchiladas and burritos to tacos and fajitas, as well as daily Indian food specials. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Scooter's Family Restaurant, 3711 W. Main St. Road, Batavia NY: Nestled just outside of the Village of Batavia, Scooter's offers a homestyle menu, daily specials, kid's meals and homemade desserts! We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Settler's, 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.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

T.F. Brown's, 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." Stop in and check out our jumbo chicken wings, roast beef on weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from super salads, butcher cut strip loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl, 21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

SOLD OUT

Note: if you've never purchased Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

Executives from PepsiCo and the Muller Group will be keynote speakers March 23 at the Genesee County Economic Development Center's annual meeting at the college.

The two companies are behind Project Wave, the $206 million yogurt plant being built at Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

Mark Koenig, director of engineering and technology at the PepsiCo Global Nutrition Group -- who was in town when grading started in November although Pepsi's involvement was still officially a secret -- will be joined for a keynote presentation by Hanno Lehmann, a senior project manager from the Mueller Group.

Wave Holding, LLC -- the official name of the joint venture -- is expected to employ nearly 200 people in the near term and perhaps as many as 600 people if the new line of Greek yogurt is as successful as Pepsi and Muller project.

The new joint venture is receiving more than $11 million in tax abatements to build the plant in Batavia, which was initially not even a top-tier choice in the site selection process.

Also speaking at the event will be Rep. Kathy Hochul, State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and County Legislature Chairwoman Mary Pat Hancock.

GCEDC CEO Steve Hyde will make a presentation on some of the agency's 2011 highlights.

The luncheon is from noon until 1:30 p.m., March 23, at Genesee Community College. Tickets are $15 or $20 at the door. For reservation and tickets in advance, call 343-4866.

Democrat and Chronicle: D&C to offer subscriptions that include digital content

Pembroke eked out a narrow victory over Notre Dame in the semifinals of the Mock Trial Tournament Wednesday.

The four remaining teams faced off in Warsaw.

While Pembroke won on points against Notre Dame (101 to 99), splitting the match 1-1, Attica beat Warsaw handily, 124 to 88, taking both sides (prosecution and defense) of the match.

Pembroke and Attica will square off at 5:30 p.m., Monday, in the Genesee County Courthouse with Judge Robert C. Noonan on the bench.

Which ever team wins Monday, it will be the first time in the history of the local tournament that a team other than Batavia won. Batavia went 1-3 in early competition and was knocked out before the quarterfinals.

The photos in this post are of the Notre Dame and Pembroke teams.

Notre Dame team members: Meghan Zickl, Anneliese Aliasso, Andrew Fischer, Matthew Sausher, Kendra Wall, John Lapple, Ariana Aliasso, Rosalie Mortellaro, Jake Krajewski, Brittany Perzia, Caleb Nellis, James Spear, Anna Arner, Natalie Mouton, Katie Fischer, Andrew Cheverie and Rosemary Fulmerfeld.

Pembroke team members: Dean Cullinan, Patrick Burns, Joelle Fugle, Cale Fryer, Rachel Seweryniak, Andrew Renolds, Brett Jones, Brandon Kohorst, Bea Reiner, Christian Burns, Eva Reda-Kenrick, Karen Globm, Justin Sformo and Sabrina Sanner.

Previously: Batavia knocked out of Mock Trial Tournament early; four teams left to vie for title

If you're unable to view the slide show, click here. To purchase prints of these photos (parents, you can't get these photos anywhere else), click here.

In a very short time, Genesee County has become a big player in the global agricultural community, Jim Vincent told the Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday. He's vice chairman of the Genesee County Economic Development Center Board of Directors.

Vincent commented little during the half-hour meeting in which CEO Steve Hyde provided a quarterly review for members of the county legislature. But he did note that with Alpina building here, followed by Pepsi/Theo Muller and now Bonduelle buying food processing plants in Oakfield and Bergen from Allen's Foods, Genesee County's place in the ag community has been transformed.

Hyde pointed out that the Bonduelle purchase probably saved more than 250 jobs in Genesee County.

Allen's may have been on the verge of closing the plants if they hadn't been sold, Hyde indicated.

While GCEDC wasn't directly involved in the purchase, officials have been speaking with Bonduelle executives and something may be in the works to help the company grow locally.

The four plants purchased by Bonduelle are the first production facilities owned by the France-based company in the United States.

Members of the committee and other legislators at the meeting made few comments and asked few questions.

Hyde was able to point to other successes for GCEDC and its business development partners, such as Java Equipment planning a location in Batavia and Premier Credit opening a phone room on Mill Street.

Hyde said Premier initially planned on 50 jobs -- which pay $12 an hour plus incentives -- but may soon add another 50 positions.

VP of Business Development Chris Suozzi deserves a lot of credit for bringing both Premier and Pepsi to town, Hyde said.

According to Hyde, when GCEDC first learned of Pepsi's plans, the Genesee County Agri-Business Park was only on the B-list.

But Souzi started working his contacts and managed to convince Pepsi officials to make a site visit.

"After the site visit, we went from the B-list to the A-list, from one of 16, to one of the final four, and then being very fortunate to land this project," Hyde said.

Hyde also gave credit to Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer for giving a "yeoman's effort" on behalf the STAMP project in Alabama. GCEDC needs to secure $18 million in grants and Ranzenhofer has been instrumental in arranging key meetings with Senate leaders and lining up support for legislation that might make it possible.

Vincent told legislators that for every dollar the county government invests in the GCEDC, a total of $18.60 is returned to the local economy.

Hyde said that when he started with GCEDC in 2002, the agency and its affiliates did $600,000 in revenue. This last year, it generated $4.4 million in revenue. It turned a profit of $1.3 million.

"Those profits, of course, go right back into helping us create shovel-ready projects," Hyde said. "We try to build our community, build our tax base, create jobs and create success for our community."

A Batavia man who swung a knife at a sergeant from the Sheriff's Office during a two-hour standoff in July will spend two- to six-years in State Prison.

Jody B. Gillette, 50, of 8 Pine Hollow Drive, who has been arrested several times over the years, including two recent allegations of DWI, admitted to Judge Robert C. Noonan that his biggest problem is alcohol.

"I'm a person who drinks and can't shut it down," said Gillette. "It's obvious. And I have anger issues. I should have gone to anger-management classes a long time ago."

Neighbors and friends of Gillette's sent letters to Noonan prior to Tuesday's sentencing urging a non-prison sentence, telling Noonan that Gillette is a very nice person when he's not drinking.

Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello made a victim statement and said Gillette was alternately calm and dangerously angry during the two-hour standoff in the trailer park July 26. He said eventually officers were able to deploy a Taser, which slowed Gillette down, but Gillette almost got back on his feet before he was apprehended.

"He's been on a downward spiral and somebody who is a danger to himself or others when he is drinking," Sanfratello said. "He is a threat to society and deserves incarceration for the maxium period of time."

Gillette said he first got into trouble in 1975 when he was consuming marijuana and alcohol. He was arrested for buglary and put on probation, which he soon violated.

"I was young and rebellious," Gillette said.

Eventually, Gillette went to college, completed parole, and after his second DWI arrest realized he couldn't even have one drink of booze. He said he was clean and sober for more than a decade.

Then he was laid off, lost his house, lost his long-time girlfriend and became angry and depressed, he said.

Assistant District Attorney Melissa Cianfrini said to this day his mobile home roommates don't know why Gillette became angry that day, but Gillette accused both of them of not paying rent and one of them of eating his dinner that evening.

At one point turning the standoff, Gillette waved a sword and assumed a samurai stance, threatening Deputy Chad Minuto.

Public Defender Gary Horton said that Gillette has shown that he can stay sober for a lengthy period of time and should be given a chance at rehab.

Noonan said if Gillette was accused of purely an alcohol-related offense, such as DWI, he might take into consideration his periods of sobriety, but given the seriousness of the events in July, a term in prison was appropriate.

"This very easily could have ended up in a terrible tragedy," Noonan said.

Gillette still has two pending DWI charges, including one stemming from a rollover accident in February 2011.

A car vs. pedestrian accident is reported at 162 Bank St. in front of the deli. The pedestrian is complaining of minor injuries. City Fire Department and Mercy medics are on scene.

UPDATE 4:59 p.m.: Mercy has arrived at UMMC with a 14-year-old male patient who has scraped knees but is said not to be in pain.

The mother of two girls who were sexually abused told Judge Robert C. Noonan today how the man who victimized them had potentially ruined their lives.

"His abuse has cast a shadow that is the length of a lifetime," the woman said.

Both the woman and her two daughters asked Noonan to give the abuser the maximum 14-year sentence available under the law, and that's just what Noonan did.

Anthony P. Dioguardi, 28, a resident of Wyoming Correctional Facility, will serve two consecutive seven-year terms in prison after completing his current term on a prior sexual abuse conviction.

On Jan. 26, Dioguardi was convicted by a jury of using force to have sex with a child age under age 11.

Dioguardi tried to convince Noonan that he wasn't a monster and that a minimum sentence would give him a chance to get out into society and prove he could live a normal life.

Sexual abusers and rapists, Noonan explained, aren't the people who look homeless and creep out of bushes. They are often people the victims know.

"The fact is, you are intelligent, you are well-spoken, you are charismatic, you are loved by your people, but the fact that you are that kind of person and would commit the kind of crime that brought you here today does make you the kind of monster they (the prosecution and the victims) say you are."

One of the sisters who was victimized by Dioguardi said she is slowly learning to put her life back together, but the crime hasn't been easy on her sister.

"He's put her in a very dark place and I can't get her back," the girl said. "It makes me very, very mad."

The girl explained how even on tests when she comes across the name Tony or Anthony, she scribbles it out. She can't even stand to see the name, no matter what it might cost her in test scores or anything else.

"I call him a scumbag now because that's how I view him," she said. "He ruined my sister's life. He deserves to hear what he's done. I hope everything I say is getting into his brain because he deserves to hear it."

The girl said she hopes someday to have a job that will help victims of sexual abuse. Her mother later said the girl has said she hopes to go into law enforcement some day.

Dioguardi, shackled and in state prison garb, sat stone-faced and didn't move as his victims spoke.

"There is no amount of remorse I can express to tell you how sorry I am," Dioguardi said when it was his turn to speak. "I know it's my fault. I want them to know it's not their fault. It's mine."

Noonan said Dioguardi sounded only sorry to the point that he wanted to get a shorter prison term.

The mother of the victims said she wanted a sentence suitable to the crime.

"If I could have it my way, this useless pathetic excuse for a man would be put away forever and in darkness like my daughters have been in," she said.

Press release:

The Oakfield-Alabama Leadership Class is sponsoring a Bald 4 Bucks assembly at 1 p.m. on April 27 in the hIgh school gymnasium. It is open to anyone who would like get sponsors to raise money to either have their head shaved, donate hair to Locks of Love, or have an extension put in.

Having your head shaved and getting an extension require a certain amount of money from sponsors to be able to participate. If anyone is interested, please have them contact Kelley Biro, Chelsea, Cleveland or Tracy Schlagenhauf at 948-5211, ext. 4509.

State Police have confirmed, according to WBTA, that the bodies of two men found floating in the Genesee River were that of David and Michael King.

The King brothers, from Oakfield, had been missing since Feb. 19 when they apparently tried to cross I-390 at a spot, unbeknownst to them, that was nearly 100 feet over the Genesee River.

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce another exciting Spring Job Fair with more than 25 companies expected from noon until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, at the college's centrally located William Stuart Forum.

Genesee's Career Services Center continues to solicit businesses from all types of industries to join the popular, two-hour event that introduces potential new employees to employers, and also provides businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community.

This is event is sponsored by WBTA AM1490. Any company interested in attending the Job Fair should call (585) 345-6888 to register immediately. The following employers are scheduled to be in attendance:

Beaver Hollow Conference Center / Biggest Loser Resort Niagara
Genesee County AmeriCorps
Premiere Credit of North America
Camp Wyomoco
Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern
The College at Brockport – Army ROTC
Claims Recovery Financial Services
Hyatt Regency Buffalo
U.S. Army & Army Reserves
Complete Payroll Processing Inc
Hyatt Regency Rochester
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Concentrix
Living Opportunities of DePaul
Verizon Wireless
Darien Lake Theme Park & Resorts
NY Army National Guard
WBTA AM 1490
Financial Architects / Mass Mutual
NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
Geico
NYS Unified Court System
Genesee Area Family YMCA (Camp Hough)
Pioneer Credit Recovery, Inc.

"Once again, we anticipate that our Spring Job Fair will provide an excellent opportunity for job seekers and employers to connect," John McGowan, Career Center coordinator said. "As the economy continues its gradual uptick, we hope everyone in the market for a job or with a job opportunity will attend. This is an excellent opportunity for job seekers to meet with potential employers."

In addition to these events, Genesee Community College's Career Services Center sponsors several preparatory job search workshops, such as Resume & Cover Letter Writing and Credential File & Interviewing Skills. The workshops are FREE and open to the general public.

A complete list of upcoming workshop dates and times can be found at www.genesee.edu/career. To attend the workshops students and community members MUST register in advance by calling the Career Services Office at 345-6888 or registering online (see the events page).

Stafford Fire Department is extinguishing an apparent controlled burn at 6505 Prentice Road, Le Roy.

A first responder reported, "It looks like somebody went to lunch," and reported finding a can of oil, matches and a rake.

The call came in as a grass fire. First responders reported finding a hedgerow fire.

A chief informs dispatch that the homeowner has been advised of the open burn law.

UPDATE 1:29 p.m.: A chief tells dispatch, "The homeowner is arguing with us that agriculture is exempt from burning laws." The fire is out except for a couple of smoldering spots. Stafford is back in service.

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It's hard to argue that spring is here. After all, Mother Nature has given her stamp of approval with blooms in abundance.

Above, the magnolia tree at the Holland Land Office Museum is starting starting to produce some color.

There's no surer sign that spring is here than the forsythia in bloom. It's time to prune your rose bushes.

A field of crocus have sprung up in front of a house on Oak Street.