Sometimes we get so caught up in our everyday tasks, we tend to forget those who've helped create the life Americans enjoy.

Like the late 1st Lt. Harmon J. Norton, for example, who served his nation admirably during the Great War.

He graduated in 1913 from Oakfield-Alabama High School and served in the Marine Corps. He was widely regarded as one of the best fliers in America. Joe Cassidy, the Town of Alabama historian, will be representing Norton at the O-A Hall of Fame induction ceremony at 5 p.m. Oct. 3.

After graduating high school, Norton studied law at the Detroit College of Law. For two years during college he was a clerk for the New York State Legislature and the Constitutional Convention of New York State. In 1916, he joined the military and two years later he was appointed as an officer in the air branch of the Marine Corps.

During World War I, Norton served as a flying instructor at various air bases throughout the country.

The lieutenant was known as an able and skilled aviator, an "ace" famous among his fellow officers and aviation enthusiasts.

Along with piloting planes, Norton also represented defendants in court martial trials. His success in court had him traveling to different parts of the country to defend men facing court martial.

In 1923, his focus was back on aviation. He was appointed to command a newly established land airplane squadron at Pensacola, Fla.

Captain J.J. Raby, Navy Commandant at the time, described Norton as a pilot of long experience and sure ability especially in landing planes. Raby also noted him as an exceptional all-around officer particularly valuable to aviation.

Norton became the aviation liaision officer in the Marine Corps of the expeditionary forces. This position is responsible for handling all matters between the force and its flying section. His skill at making short trips quickly and manipulating safe landings on hazardous fields were the primary reasons he was selected for the job.

Norton was going to compete in the Schneider Trophy, a prize competition for seaplanes. But he died in 1926 when a military plane he was testing crashed into the Potomac River.

Norton's grandson, who lives in Texas, and granddaughter, who lives in Florida, plan to attend the ceremony.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, N.Y.: Always a great place for gifts, South Main just brought in a bunch of new merchandise from the region. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.

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

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: 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.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: 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. When you need to book your next party, think T.F. Brown's. See the ad on the right side of the page for contact information. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

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

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value. People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before. Gift certificates cannot be combined with other offers without prior approval of the merchant. Gift certificates bought separately cannot be combined for a single purchase. By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. The winner has up to 48 hours to make arrangements to pick up the gift certificate at The Batavian office in Downtown Batavia, or, unless other arrangements are made, the gift certificate will be mailed to the address associated with the PayPal account.

Present Tense

SOLD

Adam Miller

SOLD

T.F. Brown's

SOLD

South Main

SOLD

The volunteer fire departments of Genesee County meet and train on Monday nights (I'm not sure if the City's career crew is on the same time table).  This Monday, I drove out to the Genesee County Fire Training Center to watch the Elba Volunteer Fire Department practice putting out car fires (it took me some time in between everything else going on to get the video edited and processed and posted to YouTube).

This video is the first in what I hope will be a series highlighting the Monday night training exercises of Genesee County's firefighters.  Whenever I have a free Monday, which mostly means no Batavia City Council meeting or other town board meeting, I'll pick a training session to attend and shoot a video documenting the training.  

The members of the Elba Volunteer Fire Department at training Monday: Kenny Ball, Rick Dorman, Ryan Hart, Mike Heale, Joe Kartychak, John Mudrzynski, "Rat" Reinhardt, Cale Rice, Brian Russell, Alex Shuknecht, Dave Webster, Mark Wiatrowski, Bill Zipfel, Cait Zipfel.

Rather than put consolidation to a vote of the people in November, the Consolidation Study Committee is asking governing bodies for both town and city to establish a joint charter commission to draw up a document that would outline what a merged municipality would look like.

Under the new proposal, there wouldn't be a public vote on consolidation until November 2011. Committee members said this would allow both city and town residents to be fully informed about consolidation before voting.

When the committee made its initial report on consolidation two months ago, the plan was to have a yes-or-no vote in both the city and the town in November of this year. If consolidation was approved in both jurisdictions, then a charter commission would be formed.

Now Town Supervisor Greg Post said he prefers a clean-slate approach to create a whole new governing agency for the Batavia community.

"We have an opportunity to sit down with a clean piece of paper and say what works and doesn't work for Batavia," Post said. "We've been given an opportunity that is priceless. People talk about what doesn't work with government, but we have an opportunity to sit down and create one that does work."

But Batavia City Councilman Bill Cox sounded a more cautious, "not so fast" alert during Wednesday night's meeting at the Batavia Town Hall. He's concerned that the consolidation study so far hasn't produced enough actual numbers of hard-cost savings for taxpayers. Plus, he distrusts how much the study committee seems to be leaning on $820,000 a year in grants from Albany for a consolidated government. 

Cox is concerned that the biggest city expense -- police and fire personnel -- hasn't been addressed by the study committee.

"Those topic are taboo from being part of the discussion and when you eliminate those two cost centers from the discussion, then the opportunity for cost savings is greatly reduced," Cox said.

City Manager Jason Molino, who served on the study committee, took issue with what he saw as Cox's characterization that the committee had not done its work by omitting police and fire savings in its report. 

Molino said the committee made a decision not to delve into that topic because it's really a policy decision that a new governing body will need to address. It's a question that goes beyond mere cost savings: what level of service will residents in the new government want?

The study committee recommends that the consolidated Batavia (and we're assuming it will still be "Batavia") should be a city.  As a city, there are advantages both in cost savings, grants from the state and more sales tax authority.

As for how the new city would govern, the committee is recommending an at-large elected mayor and six council wards. There would be one ward for the current town, one for the current city with the remaining four wards split between the town and the city.

That is, if the proposed charter commission likes those recommendations. The eight-member commission (four town residents and four city residents) could decide to go in a completely different direction.

Here's the recommended timetable for consolidation:

August 2009: City and town governing bodies pass a local law to create a joint charter commission. This would require a public hearing. Together, the city and town would apply for a grant to pay for the commission's legal work.

September 2009: Town and city begin interviewing potential charter committee members.

October 2009: Commission members selected.

November 2009: Commission members appointed and begin work.

December 2010: Commission completes work on a new charter.

Spring 2011: City and town governing bodies accept charter and ask state Legislature to place charter on the ballot at the general election in 2011.

Late Summer / Fall 2011: City and town hold public hearings on proposed charter.

November 2011: City and town hold separate votes. The charter must pass in both jurisdictions.

2012: If passed, 2012 is a transition year, preparing for the merger.

November 2012: Election of a mayor and ward representatives (if this form of government is recommended by charter commission).

Jan. 1, 2013: New merged municipality is born.

UPDATE: Download PDF of Consolidation Press Release.

Ok, remember I wrote that we go forth rain and shine, so we headed out to the Towers for our picnic tonight. We started setting up outside, but sure enough we got chased inside. They have a wonderful community room. We were so busy, but I did get a chance to get some pictures. Bea, I felt bad that I did not get an opportunity to visit more with you! It was so great meeting you!  A special thanks from Care-A-Van to you, the council, and the residents for giving us the opportunity to share of God's love with all of you!

THE FOLKS CHECKING OUT THE GOODIES

PAUL, FOUNDER OF CARE-A-VAN SERVING THE FOLKS

BRIDGET AND RICK TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO VISIT

THE BAND WAS JUST AWESOME! I TELL YOU PASTOR CHARLE WAS AMAZING ON THE KEYBOARD, AND THE LADIES SANG THEIR SOULS OUT!

WHAT WOULD A CARE-A-VAN PICNIC BE WITHOUT ICE CREAM!

WE ALWAYS GATHER AFTER EACH EVENT, TO GIVE THANKS AND PRAY FOR AN ANOTHER BLESSED EVENING.

OK, SO THERE ALWAYS HAS TO BE ONE HIPPY IN THE CROWD! BUT YES PEACE WAS BROUGHT TO MANY AS WE GOT TO SHARE WITH FOOD, MUSIC AND PRAYER

As we were busy inside the guys were busy cooking outside. We even had the opporutunity to feed one family that was walking down the street. We had both the bus and the van there this evening. The family climbed on board to get out of the rain and see the bus. The kids always love PJ and his treats he finds for them! We offered prayer to this family and they readily accepted it and needed it. God is good!

We will be going back to 400 Towers Sunday afternoon  at 4:30 for street church. All are welcome to join us !

If the Village of Corfu expects any state aid to help with tornado clean-up, it will have to prove it needs it.

New York Governor David Paterson this afternoon made a quick visit to Corfu along with State Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

The governor spoke with Corfu Mayor Todd Skeet in front of the Pedals and Plants Greenhouse on Route 33, a business that was destroyed by Saturday’s twister.

Paterson made the stop in Genesee County earlier this afternoon while en-route today between appearances in Buffalo and Rochester.

LISTEN: Governor Paterson speaks to Corfu residents

UPDATE (by Howard, 9:55 p.m.): Tim Yaeger, emergency management coordinator for Genesee County, and I spoke shortly after the governor's visit. He said state emergency officials will tour Corfu tomorrow to further assess the damage and the needs.

"The costs go up on a daily basis," Yaeger said, but declined to speculate on the estimated total cost at this point. 

The clean up work involves debris strewn over a three-mail area, fallen trees, damaged trees that need to be cut down and stumps that need to be removed. Yaeger also said the apartment building next to Petals and Plants is no longer inhabitable and the residents are being assisted by Red Cross.

A load of O'Lacy's bar towels were a total loss in a dryer fire this morning at the home of Kent Ewell, owner of the popular pub and restaurant on School Street in Batavia.

The quick response of Town of Batavia volunteer fire fighters is being credited with keeping the fire contained to the dryer with minimal smoke and water damage to the residence at 8215 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road.

The home is on the Stafford side of the border, but Batavia was actually dispatched first. Batavia also has a closer station, so Assistant Chief Dan Coffey (also a Batavia police officer) was first on scene.

He rapidly determined from Ewell the probable location of the fire. Crews swiftly connected to a nearby hydrant and ran a line through the front door, downstairs to the laundry room and extinguished the fire just as it began to lap the wall.

"It was a very quick knock down and a quick response that saved this house today," Coffey said.

Chuck Hammon, 3rd assistant chief for Stafford, said the cause of the fire was likely a worn belt on the dryer.

It's a common problem, he said.

"I don't know why they make some of these dryers with the belt next to the exhaust," Hammon said. The exhaust heat, he said, can cause the belts to wear faster and become a fire hazard.

Hammon also credited Batavia volunteer firefighters for its speedy response in preventing the fire from spreading.

Ewell said he usually starts his work day early and then comes home mid-morning, but the times vary day-to-day. He said he felt fortunate to come home when he did and make the 9-1-1 call. The house was full of smoke and the fire detectors were sounding when he opened his door, he said.

Top Picture: Hammon points to belt area of dryer, explaining how he believed the fire started. Bottom: The scene at Ewell's home after the fire was extinguished.

Audio:

• Kent Ewell
• Dan Coffey

Initial Report:

A house at 8215 Batavia-Stafford Townline Road is reportedly full of smoke. Firefighters from Stafford and Town of Batavia are responding.

First responder has confirmed it is a house fire.

(not posting map because Google map is not marking the address accurately)

UPDATE: On scene, with no smoke or fire visible. Byron and Bergen fire crews have been asked to stand down, only Stafford and the Town of Batavia fire crews remaining now.

Congressional members with a shared interest in the fate of dairy farmers have revived a caucus to work together on those concerns, and Rep. Chris Lee has been selected as a co-chair of the committee.

Other representatives from New York are Democrats Paul Tonko and Louise Slaughter.

Caucuses are officially sanctioned groups of lawmakers who join together to promote a common cause. Here's a complete list of such groups.

With dairy prices at historical lows, and production costs remaining high, dairy farmers have been looking to Washington for assistance and support.

The new caucus gives congressional members with a shared interest in dairy farming a means to study dairy farming issues and come up with recommendations that could conceivably lead to legislation or other assistance.

If money leads to better education, New York's students should be the best in the land.

New York spends more on education per-pupil than any other state in the nation, and also leads the way in teacher salaries per-pupil and tax revenue per $1,000 of personal income, according to a press release from the Business Council of New York State.

• New York spends $15,981 per student, 65 percent above the national average of $9,666.
• The amount of spending per per-pupil on teacher salaries is #1 at $7,229, which is 81 percent above the national average.
• Employee benefits per-pupil also leads the nation at $2,980.
• Per-pupil revenue from local sources was $8,875, which is 75 percent above the national average.
• New York spent $37.16 on schools for every $1,000 of personal income in the 2006-2007 school year, or 42 percent above the national average.
• The state collected more than $5,100 per pupil in property taxes that year -- the fifth highest per-pupil property tax collection in the nation and 60 percent above the national average.

The press release cites the Public Policy Institute of New York State as the source of the data.

Allen S. Dockstader, 26, 380 Council House Road, Basom, is charged with felony DWI among other charges following an accident at 2:24 a.m. in which Dockstader was allegedly involved in a two-car hit-and-run accident on Gilmore Road in Pembroke. The driver who left the scene was identified as Dockstader, according to a Sheriff's Office report, and Deputy Jason E. Saile reportedly found Dockstader at his home following the accident in an alleged intoxicated state. Additional charges: DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a property-damage accident, unregistered motor vehicle, operating without insurance, switched license plate and unsafe backing.

Michael E. George, 45, of 2383 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI and leaving the scene of an accident. George allegedly struck a disabled vehicle that was partially in the roadway on Bloomingdale Road in Alabama. George was allegedly found at his home by Deputy Howard Carlson following the accident. Additional charges: Driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speed unreasonable/prudent, no left side mirror and refusal to take breath test. The incident allegedly took place at 9:28 p.m.

Ok folks, just to let you know and ease Bea's mind on this cloudy morning, we go forth for our picnics rain or shine.  Last week we were at the  Hilltop Boarding Home.

Tonight we will be at 400 Towers for a picnic, then tomorrow evening we are at the Sunset motel. Both events begin at 5:30. Come on out and join in the fun!

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: 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.

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St. Batavia, N.Y.: In Irish pubs, it doesn't get more authentic than O'Lacy's.  Be sure to try the homemade chips. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, N.Y.: From cozy to contemporary is what you'll find at this well-stocked gift store. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value. People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before. Gift certificates cannot be combined with other offers without prior approval of the merchant. Gift certificates bought separately cannot be combined for a single purchase. By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. The winner has up to 48 hours to make arrangements to pick up the gift certificate at The Batavian office in Downtown Batavia, or, unless other arrangements are made, the gift certificate will be mailed to the address associated with the PayPal account.

Adam Miller

SOLD

O'Lacy's

SOLD

South Main

SOLD

The Mane Attraction

SOLD

For those who have a hard time participating in Deal of the Day during the day:

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, N.Y.: People come from all over the region for a fine dinning experience at Alex's. Alex's is 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.

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

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

Jackson St. Grill and Belladessa's Pizzeria, 9 Jackson St., Batavia., N.Y.: Check out the great lunch and dinner menu. Personally, I'm partial to the hamburgers. We have one $10 gift certificates for $5.

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

Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value. People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before. Gift certificates cannot be combined with other offers without prior approval of the merchant. Gift certificates bought separately cannot be combined for a single purchase. By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.

How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. The winner has up to 48 hours to make arrangements to pick up the gift certificate at The Batavian office in Downtown Batavia, or, unless other arrangements are made, the gift certificate will be mailed to the address associated with the PayPal account.

Sport of Kings

SOLD

Picasso's

SOLD

Jackson St. Grill

SOLD

Alex's Place

SOLD

Report from 1st Asst. Chief Michael Sheflin, Le Roy Fire Department (Sheflin also provided the photos):

The Le Roy Fire Dept held its last training exercise at the acquired structure on W Main Rd last night, 7/27/09.

Le Roy was joined by Bergen Fire Dept. under the leadership of Bergen Fire Chief, Scott Crosier.

The training involved 2 types of exercise.First was "Live Burn" training. A small fire is set in a metal container and crews enter the structure to extinguish the flames. This is done under very controlled circumstances to ensure the safety of the firefighters.

The second exercise was ventilation and roof work. As the photos show, Le Roy FD and Bergen FD work very close together to learn each others equipment and tools.

This house has been a valuable asset to the Le Roy FD as well as the surrounding Fire Dept. that were able to use the structure. At this time I would like to thank Wal-Mart and thank the surrounding Fire Depts. that took part in the training. Also I would like to thank Legislator Jay Grasso who showed up to lend his support to the volunteers of the Fire Service in Genesee County.

Volunteer firefighters train every Monday night. Last night I attended Elba's car fire training at the Genesee County Fire Training Center.  I've not yet had time to finish editing that video. I hope I can finish that tonight and post later or in the morning.

When we make an error, we normally just correct the post, and if it's a factual error, note it in that post appropriately. Normally, because most often the mistake is brought to our attention in fairly short order.

Last week we reported an accident where we included the word "not" where there should have been no "not." Driver Charles Kopp DID tell investigators that he used his turn signal.

Since the post is quite old in Internet years at this point, we wanted to draw readers attention to this factual error.

The Batavian regrets the error.

Compared to the spiffy new Main Street in Oakfield, Farnsworth Avenue is in pretty bad shape. There are uneven sidewalks, cracks in the road and sagging sewer grates.

Mayor Richard Pasteki said it's "deteriorated to the point where there's cracks, chunks and caved gutters..."

At last night's Oakfield Village Board meeting, it was agreed to begin construction on Farnsworth Ave on Aug. 15.

The board decided to go with D & H Excavating to carry out the project, not only because it found  $866,000 to be an agreeable price, ($160,000 less than the closest bidder above), but because it will be a "nice-sized project for a small company."

Construction on Farnsworth will connect directly to Main Street. The water lines will be redone, too.

 "I can't tell you how old those pipes are!" Mayor Pasteki said jokingly.

He's got high hopes for the town's very near future. Besides the Farnsworth project, the trustees voted to fix the town's water tower (yes, the one built in 1915!) and revamp the sewer system in a way that could save the town around $30,000 a year.

Also, Mayor Pasteki admitted to pulling weeds in Triangle Park this week.

Mahoning Valley (23-16) was able to benefit off Batavia’s (20-19) two errors to take a game back.  Only one of the Scrappers’ three runs was earned.

The scoring started in the 2nd inning when Mahoning Valley got their lead runner on base from a Muckdog error.  The runner came in to score later on a base hit.

The Scrappers added two more in the 9th after a single, a double and another Muckdog error.

Starter Michael Blazek (3-5, 3.00) suffered the loss, going five innings with three hits, one unearned run and six strikeouts.  Scott Schneider followed throwing the next three innings with four strikeouts.  Joe Kelly came in in the 9th, letting in two runs (one earned) on two hits while striking out one.

The Muckdog offense was lacking, having only three base hits on the day.

Batavia returns home on Sunday at 5:05 to face Williamsport.  Batavia native Ryan Gugel will make his first homecoming in his professional career as a Crosscutter.

The Ramble Music and Arts Fest #4, a labor of love from area musicians and artists past and present to their families, friends and neighbors, has successfully come and gone. Many folks and organizations deserve much gratitude and recognition for their assistance and contributions, which make this annual Batavia Downtown Free Concert endeavor possible.

Groundwork was provided by City of Batavia Council and DPW, Don Burkel and the BID, GO! ART, GCMHA and the Downtown/Jackson Square area businesses.

This summer, because of the weather, a special thank you goes to Rick Mancuso and the staff at T.F. Brown’s for accommodating the Ramble and as many of its elements as possible.

Also, giving to and sharing in the Ramble Experience are the following:  hundreds of Ramblers from the Batavia area and beyond who attended; 75+ artists and musicians; BnB Sound; equipment donators Paul Almeter, Keith Worthington, Warren Skye, Jim Catino, Bob Norton, Charlie Del Plato, Jim Sweet and Jimmy “Steel” Duvall; media coverage and promotion Joanne Beck for The Daily News, WBTA, The Batavian, Hodgins Printing, The Genesee Valley Penny Saver and the WCJ W remote unit; speakers and emcees Bill Kauffman, Steve Huff, Wayne Fuller and “Uncle Rog” Pitcher; ground crew Jim Starkweather, Wally Kowalik, Tom Trescott and Bob Malczewski; and sponsors for in-kind services T.F. Brown’s, O’Lacy’s, Kevin  Moyles, Craig Gilliard, Terry Platt and Mike Mc Donald.

Additional information, photos, video, audio and links are available online at www.ramblemusic.com, thanks to contributions from area Ramblers and Ramble website guru, Mike Murray.

Kudos goes out to all others who have helped in some way, but whom we have unintentionally neglected to mention.  Please direct feedback to a Posse member.

Ever onward to Ramble 5, scheduled for Saturday, July 3, 2010, from the Posse—Bill McDonald, Mike Murray, Bill Pitcher, and Kay McMahon.