A 16-year-old Batavia boy suffered hurt his arm and shoulder and was transported to UMMC yesterday following an ATV accident on Maple Road in Oakfield.

Arnold M. Cody, of 2879 Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road, was reportedly traveling too fast when his ATV hit a puddle of water, causing the ATV to overturn.

No other vehicles were involved in the 4:30 p.m. accident.

Jeffrey Michael Johnson, 21, of 26 Farnsworth Ave., Oakfield, is charged with harassment. Johnson is accused of slamming his girlfriend to the ground and repeatedly punching her. The alleged incident occurred Sunday at 4 p.m. Johnson was released on his own recognizance with an order of protection for the woman.

Brandon M. Riordan, 23, of Rochester, was charged for unlawful possession of marijuana. Riordan was arrested by State Police while in Batavia at 12:35 a.m. today.

There has been a lot of "bad" information floating around regarding the city school districts desire to develop North St. Extension. Tonight the Board of Education is having a meeting a 7:00 in the HS Auditorium to present the facts to the community. The plan clearly points out that our district is in dire need for more athletic fields. This project will be funded by grants!

A city councilman has been fueling the fire and rallied several people to attend tonight and speak against it. He has gone as far as to take out paid ads on the radio and the Batavian to rally support against this... We are asking for your support to come tonight and speak in favor of the proposed project if you indeed feel that the project is good for our school.

All it would take is to step up to the microphone and state that you are in favor of it. Unfortunately these events bring out all the nay-sayers and not the ones that support it - that's why we need your help! I hope to see you tonight!

People looking for extra protection against the H1N1 strain of flu -- commonly, though incorrectly, called "swine flu" -- will soon have the opportunity to be vaccinated, Randy Carney told WBTA this morning.

The first doses are expected to arrive in Genesee County later this week, the interim county health chief said.

The vaccine will be distributed through healthcare providers, but people without their own doctor will be able to receive the vaccine from the county health department.

But the supply is limited. The county will receive only about 100 to 200 doses this week, with more on the way. Federal officials assure citizens that there will be plenty of vaccine to go around.

Audio: Randy Garney talks about the vaccine (mp3).

There are leads, but no hot leads in the search for the man who robbed the Five Star Bank branch in Pavilion yesterday.

The man fled the scene, apparently, by heading behind the bank, toward St. Mary's Street and the train tracks and heading off into the woods in that general direction.

That, at least, is what the Sheriff's Office believed yesterday, and where deputies and state troopers concentrated their search efforts for about four hours.

The biggest clue that might lead to arrest, Sheriff Gary Maha said, is the blue and black racing jacket with "Husqvarna" lettered down the left sleeve.

The robber is described as a white male, 25 to 35 years old. He presented a demand note at the branch at 11:32 a.m. yesterday and reportedly did not display a weapon.

Audio: Gary Maha speaks with WBTA. (mp3)

UPDATE: We just received the example photo used at the top of this post from the Sheriff's Office.  This is what investigators believe is an example of the jacket the robber was wearing.

NOTE: The jacket isn't in Husqvarna's current catalog nor have I been able to find that particular jacket on sale any place online so far.  So it is pretty unique.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Family photos are more than just photographs. When you need photos for that special occasion, Carlson's is a great choice in Genesee County. We have a $100 gift card for $50 ($2 PayPal service fee).

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

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest full-service salon, offering affordable haircuts for men and women on a walk-in basis. Today, we have two gift certificates for women's haircuts, a $15.95 value for $7.50 (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Brighten up your home or office with flowers! We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.50.

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

All of the police sirens screaming through town were heading to Aldi's after a person reportedly called the Dispatch Center to report a black male had brandished a gun before entering the store.

A Sheriff's Deputy was already in the parking lot, so he was first on scene. He contacted a man inside the store who fit the description of the subject. He had no gun on his belt, only a cell phone.

Police are on scene now sorting out what's going on.  The original caller is apparently no longer in the parking lot.

A washing machine is reportedly smoking at the laundry mat at 4152 W. Main St., Batavia (the Valu Plaza).

City fire has been dispatched.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: Engine 12 and Ladder 15 returning to station.

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Sanzo and Sons, a beverage distributor with locations in Olean, Salamanca and Batavia has been approved for $30,000 in tax exemptions by Genesee County Economic Development Center as part of its plans to expand locally.

The company plans to spend more than $250,000, which it will borrow, to add new space to its facility at 11 Apollo Drive for offices and storage. It also plans to put on a new roof and upgrade equipment, including forklifts and delivery trucks.

The space at the facility will be expanded by 1,222 square feet and company officials say the improvements will help make it more efficient.

Vanderhoof Electric Supply is a new company that is purchasing the assets of Falcone Electric. It will be located at 385 W. Main St., Batavia.

Falcone Electric began in 1955 and has been a very stable wholesale electric supply business. The new owner is looking to keep the same trade name and staff.

Vanderhoof plans to invest $50k in computer warehouse management system in a few months and  a $50k upgrade building facade next spring.

The company has been approved for $16,000 in tax incentives.  It is also looking to borrow $100,000 from GCEDC's revolving loan fund. The company's total capital investment will total $400,000.

Photos from the Steve Hawley-sponsored veterans' trip to Washington, D.C., have been posted to Shutterfly.

Saturday evening at the Oakfield-Alabama High School, the late 1st. Lt. Harmon J. Norton, Dr. Kenneth Bradt, Dr. Robert B. Diasio and Donald R. Carroll were inducted into the O-A Hall of Fame.

The Hornets' gymnasium was filled with about 100 friends and family of the inductees.

O-A students, Jennie Beverly, Leah Snyder, and Ashley Colopy introduced each inductee with a short bio. Wess Audsley, CEO/Director of the Genesee/Wyoming YMCA introduced Donald Carroll.

First Lt. Norton’s grandson, Harmon Norton accepted the award on behalf of his grandfather. He came all the way from Texas because of a quick Google search on his grandfather's name. 

He said the first thing that came up was the article from The Batavian. Once he started reading, he realized it was about his grandfather. He contacted Joe Cassidy, the Oakfield Town Historian, and arranged for a visit.

It seems as though he's been following his grandfather around, from enjoying the same hobby of airplanes and piloting, to being where, a 100 years earlier, his grandfather grew up -- in Oakfield. He thanked The Batavian for its story.

"Without your article, I would not be here today.”

When Dr. Bradt came to the podium, he not only got the audience laughing but enlightened us about the impact others have on your life and decisions. He started with a joke about making just a few notes for his speech while pulling out paper upon paper. Then he joked about his popularity with his female classmates, but sweetly gave the credit for his happiness to his wife of 62 years, Thelma.

He ended his speech challenging the audience to give some thought to the people who have made a difference in your life and to tell them how they influenced you.

Dr. Diasio was unable to attend the event. His classmate, Jan Witkowski,  who accepted the award for Diasio, said “We all knew Bob was destined for great things. We called him Doc from the very beginning.”

YMCA official Audsley shared memories of  Carroll and the struggles Carroll had as a child.

“He will do just about anything for people looking for help,” said Audsley. He said Carroll’s drive to help others is so they don’t have to go through what he went through.

The picture above is of previous and new inducted members. Below are this year's inductees by themselves.

The audience stood up as Carroll walked up to the podium with tears of gratitude flowing down his cheeks.

I got goose bumps. The moment seemed magical.

I felt hopeful and strenghtened as I listened to comments about Carroll's community contributions, and knowing all the inductees -- past and present -- have given above and beyond for others.

My husband even felt uplifted. The ceremony made me realize that people don't remember the material things as much as they do the moments spent with those they really care about.

We received this e-mail from Jeff Lonnen today about somebody stealing his family's Halloween lights:

I am a resident at 3 porter ave in Batavia and me and my wife were out of  town this weekend.  While we were out someone stole our orange Halloween lights off our porch.  Now i know they don't cost much, but its just the point.  You try and make your house look nice for the holidays and people rip you off.  I don't feel its worth contacting the police over $5 worth of lights. But if someone knows anything about it, i would like to know.  And if you are the one that did it just return the lights.

A truck fire has been reported at Route 19 and Townline Road in Bergen, across from the car dealership.

First responder reports, "One fully involved vehicle."

Editor's Note: The following is an open letter that Councilman Bill Cox sent The Batavian this morning. We likely would have published it then, long before he approached us about the paid post we have on the site now, but the bank robbery took up most of our day.  We make the point to note, we would have published this without the paid sponsorship.

Council members,

Tomorrow evening October 6th at 7 PM the Board of Education will be holding an informational meeting in the high school on State Street about their plans to convert the North Street Extn. property they own into athletic fields.

Well over 100 neighbors, school taxpayers, and voters in this area (East Avenue,  Naramore,  Woodcrest, Hillside Drive,, Garden Drive, Carolwood, Harrold Square, Belvedere, North Street, Elm Street, Clinton Street, and other streets have signed petitions strongly opposing this  school development. These petitions will be presented to the school board tomorrow evening.

They are concerned this development will change their peaceful and quiet neighborhood forever. In particular they are concerned with the fact that school enrollment is going down not up which does not justify more fields, it justifies fewer. The fact that their taxes will be going up to provide funding to maintain this area after it is developed; they are concerned that their school taxes will be used to support adult sports events the school board needs to justify the maintenance costs, that have nothing to do with school activities.

They are concerned with loud noise from fans and participants that occurs at all sporting events; their property being walked on invading their privacy, that property values go down not up  when these kinds of facilities are created, refuge will be deposited in yards, on streets, and blow on other properties. Parking and  traffic will clog streets, and a whole lot more.

I ask for you to come to this meeting and show your support for the city residents who this is being forced upon. A large number of the people who signed petitions stated this one topic alone will decide who they vote for on council and the legislature. Some asked me to contact you to ask you to come to this meeting and speak out on their behalf. They want to know where our council people and legislator candidates stand on this development which is vital to the quality of life in their neighborhood.

Bill Cox
Councilman - First Ward

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Brighten up your home or office with flowers! We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.50.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Ribs, brisket, steak, prime rib -- Center Street is a meat lover's paradise. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

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

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Belladessa's Pizzeria/Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Here's a deal -- half off on a Family Meal Deal from Belladessa's, which is a large 1 topping pizza, 24 wings and 2-liter bottle of soda. It's a $25 value for $12.50.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Fall colors are here, and with Pudgie's you an cozy-fy your home with a range of decoration ideas. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

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

The manhunt for a bank robber in Pavilion is going into "investigative mode," said Sheriff Gary Maha minutes ago.

The uniformed personal are being pulled from the field. DEC officers from Avon are on the trails through the woods where he was last seen. They will back track to the Five Star branch to see if the robber shed his hat and jacket after leaving the bank.

"When our deputy saw somebody he wasn't wearing this hat or jacket, so either it wasn't him or he dumped his clothing," said Maha.

Investigators are talking to Pavilion business owners and residents, sharing the bank photo of the suspect and following up on leads from the scene, Maha said.

Audio: Statement by Sheriff Maha (mp3).

A man suspected of robbing Five Star Bank in Pavilion at about 11:30 a.m. is still on the lam as law enforcement units from three counties (Genesee, Wyoming and Livingston) scour a heavily wooded area southwest of the village.

A state police helicopter is surveying the area, too, along with ATVs and a canine unit.

"We think he's still in the area," Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha said. "But we're not sure."

Pavilion School has been in lockdown since the incident, but that is being called off now and school officials say the students will be dismissed at the regular time.

The suspect is described as white, between 25 and 35, between 175 and 180 lbs.. He's wearing a black jacket with light blue stripes down the sleeves, with a Husqvarna logo, sunglasses and a green and white hat.

According to Sheriff Maha, the suspect did not brandish a weapon when demanding money at the bank. He was seen running from the bank, then he dropped out of sight. Soon thereafter, a Sheriff's deputy spotted a man running down the railroad tracks nearby. He acted suspiciously and ran into the woods.

The heat-sensor equipment on board the helicopter is virtually ineffective in locating the suspect's whereabout in the thick woods. Law enforcement set up a wide parameter around the scene and eventually let the dog loose to help in the pursuit.

Meanwhile, officers were checking parked cars in the vicinity to clear them of any possible involvement. Fresh four-wheel drive tracks were spotted before the police ATVs arrived, but it's unknown if they relate to this incident.

No one apparently was injured in the heist and the Sheriff said it's unknown at this point, how much money was taken. Although it was intially reported by The Batavian that a bag with money was found, that is not the case. The suspect brought a "Target-type" bag into the bank, but it has not been found.

If this is another case of an urban resident robbing a rural bank, and that's not known yet, it would seem to indicate, according to Maha, that: "maybe they think we're easy pickin's. "

He said, on average, there's one or two bank robberies a year in Genesee County.

AUDIO: Press Conference with Sheriff Maha (mp3)

AUDIO: Statement from Sheriff Maha about releasing bank photo (mp3)

Pavilion School is being locked down as police pursue a bank robbery suspect in the area.

The man is described as a white male heading toward Wyoming on foot.

Police on scene are requesting Livingston County send a K-9 unit and the State Police helicopter is being requested.

UPDATE: The suspect has been seen running on the railroad tracks, heading north out of the Village of Pavilion, near the end of St. Mary's Street. He is further described as being between 20 and 35 years old, 5'10" and about 170 lbs., wearing a bright green and white hat, sunglasses, a jacket with stripes down the sleeves and a logo of Husqvarna (on either hat or jacket).

A state police helicopter is on scene. The canine unit is readying to release the police dog. There's a lot of trails through the woods where the suspect is now. They have set up a command post at the village library and now are calling for a parameter set up at Hanson Park near the creek.

UPDATE: They've spotted fresh four-wheel drive tracks in the area, unknown as to whether that indicates an accomplice -- or is relevent to the case.

UPDATE: They've spotted a bag of money "in a Target like bag." The bank robbed was the Five-Star Bank, located 6948 Cato Street in Pavilion.

UPDATE (12:30 p.m.): Units are checking parked cars in the vicinity to determine whether any are involved in this incident. They've spotted a path off the railroad tracks heading west.

UPDATE (12:34 p.m.): Officers are scouring the ATV trails and the canine is working the trails, too. The library is offering police to come in and use Google Maps if need be. Law enforcement ATVs are en route.

UPDATE (12:47 p.m.): They've let the dog off leash to work the trail.

UPDATE (1:05 p.m.): The police are switching the command post from the library to the town hall.

Le Roy Junior-Senior High School is apparently cut off from any water supply, so the students, grades 7 through 12, were sent home at 10 a.m..

Monroe County Water Authority said there is no emergency break. Rather, a private company is doing a service repair and some difficulty arose requiring the water to being turned off to the school.

"They ran into problems and the water had to be shut off," a spokeswoman for the authority said.

There was also some emergency dig on North Street this morning, according to a Sheriff's Office dispatcher, but that appears unrelated to this issue.