We sent a single question to the three candidates for Batavia City Council.

We asked, "What is one thing you can do on city council to make life better for Batavia residents?"

Here is the answer from Brooks Hawley:

I will be accessible to the City of Batavia residents anytime there is a problem or question they have about the city. It is important for me to encourage city council as a whole to be more visible in community activities and events. I believe in keeping taxes at a reasonable rate therefore residents are able to have more money to spend on their family needs and household expenses.

Here is the answer from Laura Russell-Ricci:

This is such a great question because you have to really dig deep, or at least I did. For me I believe I can make life better for Batavia residents by being accessible to their needs and advocating for them. I'm not sure how many politicians realize they work for the people they represent, but I do and I would.

We did not receive a response from Jim Russell.

UPDATE: Below is Russell's response.  He apologized for missing the deadline, but said he doesn't check his personal e-mail account on a daily basis.

I believe what I bring is experience to the council, experience I have gained from working with previous council members and administrations. I have worked with four different administrators and councils. I have seen how you can enhance the process of government and how you can make it more difficult. My experience can help get the job done (hopefully) faster and and less costly, also sometimes I can see where something won't work at all.

Tonight, I stopped by Batavia High School to get some shots of the backstage scene for the opening of "Guys and Dolls" -- one of the greatest Broadway shows ever -- the last Batavia Rotary show ever.

Tickets are $10 and there are shows at 7 p.m., Saturday and at 2 p.m, Sunday.

Congressional candidate Chris Collins made a couple of campaign stops in Genesee County today, including the Harvester Center.

Above, Collins, center, learns about the history of the world's first business incubator from Tom Mancuso while Assemblyman Steve Hawley studies a Harvester calendar from 1912.

Collins, Mancuso, Hawley and Greg Torrey, an aide to Hawley, learn about Applied Business Systems from Steven Samis.

Collins with Samis.

My name is Brooks Hawley. I am currently serving in the position of City Council at large. I was appointed in January to take over for Marianne Clattenburg, who was elected as a legislator. I have grown up in politics, with my grandfather and father both serving as Assemblymen. When I started a family in the City of Batavia, I wanted to be more involved in the community because I truly care about this city. Being a city councilman gives me the opportunity to work with the community and then use that input when helping to focus the direction of the future of Batavia.

My campaign has been positive throughout its inception. My three main issues that I am running on are public safety, neighborhood revitalization, and infrastructure. These are all important issues that can and will build Batavia to be a great place to live. I always strive to work together with others with an open mind for new and interesting ideas. Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to serving you in the future.

Paid Political Advertisement. Paid for by Brooks Hawley.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 9114 Alleghany Road, in front of the hair salon and in a construction area. One driver is unresponsive. Corfu Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: A second ambulance is requested.

UPDATE 1:32 p.m.: The driver who was unresponsive is now alert and answering questions.

UPDATE 1:47 p.m.: The driver who is the more injured of the two victims, a woman who was initially unresponsive, is now said to be "sort of alert." "She rear-ended the other car and took a pretty good blow," says a responder. Sheriff's deputies are also on scene. The other driver is out and able to walk.

UPDATE 1:59 p.m. One patient is being transported to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: A second victim is also being taken to ECMC being taken to UMMC. She is 64-year-old female whose vehicle was struck from behind. All units are clearing the scene.

Scott Levensailor, owner of the Grease Lightning and Castrol Premium Lube locations in Batavia, and his staff member Josh hold cans of donated spaghetti.

The two stores -- 4003 W. Main St., Batavia, and 50 Liberty St., Batavia -- are accepting canned good donations this holiday season in support of the "Give to Live" program. The donations will provide food to needy families through the Salvation Army.

Each canned food item donated will mean a $10 coupon for customers on their next oil change.

Southside Deli will be providing a donation of several cans latter this week to help kick off the drive.

Levensailor took over the stores Sept. 1 and he said one of his goals is to make sure local residents know he wants the businesses to be connected to the community and for customers to know they can rely on his shops for fast, friendly and honest service.

He said he wants to run the kind of business that is built on trust.

"My business philosophy is I want every parent in town to feel they can send their daughter to me and know she’s going to be treated fairly with no tricks that are going to drain her of her pocketbook."

A large buck was reportedly spotted in Eastown Plaza on East Main Street.

The buck reportedly hit the window at the Social Security Office and then ran behind the DePaul Center.

The window was not broken and a dispatchers advises Batavia PD, "apparently not injured, so we're probably going to get more calls."

UPDATE 11:36 a.m.: Turns out the window is broken.

Clor's will host a benefit Sunday for to assist Don Carroll in his cancer fight and for Team Kay's Angels of Relay for Life.

Half-chicken dinners with two sides will be available. The pre-sale price is $8.50, and $9 on Saturday.

Visitors are also encouraged to bring toys to donate to Carroll's "Toys for Kids."

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for pictures with children.

A DJ will spin music all day. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a chance auction.

There were 12 people last week who correctly concluded that Tony Romo would develop a rubber arm and toss the most interceptions. Romo turned the ball over four times. Among those 12 contest participants, we randomly selected Larry Wooster as the prize winner.

Click here to enter this week's contest.

Joshua Michael Hoffman, 22, of Burnt Mill Road, Churchville, is charged with DWI, driving with with an open alcoholic beverage, aggravated unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to stop at a stop sign and unreasonable speed at an intersection. Hoffman was charged following an accident at 4:29 a.m., Thursday, at the intersection of Bovee Road and Route 19, Bergen. Hoffman was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Daniel J. Bushman, 38, of 220 W. Main St., Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and menacing, 2nd. Andrea M. Gray, 34, of 111 Liberty St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Bushman and Gray were reported involved in an altercation at 6:20 p.m., Thursday, at 220 W. Main St., Batavia. Bushman is accused of pushing another person and threatening that person with a sword. Gray is accused of remaining in the dwelling after previously being barred from the location.

Russell R. Miles, 44, of 220 W. Main St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd. Miles was allegedly located inside a residence at 111 Liberty St., Batavia, that he had previously been advised by the owner not to enter.

Kevin Lamar Baldon, 36, of Bakos Boulevard, Buffalo, is charged with robbery, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th. Baldon is accused of yanking a lanyard with keys attached from the neck of a woman during a dispute and taking the keys from her without permission.

Amy Lynn Showler, 37, of Manhattan Avenue, Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 4th. Showler was taken into custody on an arrest warrant out of Town of Batavia Court for allegedly stealing a large screen TV from BJ's Wholesale Club.

Robert T. C. Morrow, 20, of 139 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Morrow is accused of trying to conceal two bottles of liquor inside a backback while leaving Center Street Smoke House.

Mark Humel, 21, of East Pembroke, is charged with DWI. Humel was stopped at 7:25 p.m., Thursday, by State Police, on Main Road, Newstead, for allegedly attempting to make an illegal U-turn. Humel's alleged BAC was .11.

Mark D. Caufield, 18, of Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Caufield was arrested by State Police at 1:15 p.m., Oct. 10, in Stafford.

A truck fire is reported on Lake Street, Le Roy.

The truck is empty, but it is a fuel tanker. The tree above the truck has caught on fire.

Route 19 is being closed at Mill Street and West Bergen Road.

Le Roy fire and Le Roy ambulance responding.

UPDATE 6:18 a.m.: Le Roy ambulance back in service. A tow truck is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 7:12 a.m.: Road open. Le Roy fire back in service.

Orleans County law enforcement is reportedly pursuing a white van that has entered Genesee County southbound on Route 63. The vehicle is refusing to stop.

Orleans County advises caution. The van almost ran a law enforcement car off the road.

The vehicle is now headed west on Ledge Road.

UPDATE 5:43 a.m.: The vehicle is registered to a female resident of Seven Springs Road.

UPDATE 5:46 a.m.: Vehicle now headed into Erie County.

UPDATE 5:56 a.m.: Orleans County called off the pursuit. The van was last seen passing Jan's Smoke Shop.

UPDATE 6:06 a.m.: White male driver. The vehicle had been loaned to a woman in Albion.

UPDATE 6:22 a.m.: There is now a pursuit in the city. It's unclear if it's the same vehicle. The vehicle is eastbound on North and just passing North Spruce after allegedly going through several stop signs.

UPDATE 6:23 a.m.: Vehicle is now eastbound on Clinton and passing Grand View Cemetery. It was allegedly going 50 mph through the residential neighbhoods.

UPDATE 6:25 a.m.: The vehicle avoided spikes laid down on Clinton. It's continuing eastbound past Seven Springs and past Horseshoe Lake Road. Now at 33 and Mill, eastbound.

UPDATE 6:27 a.m.: Vehicle is slowing down in the area of 5168 Clinton St. Road, down to 20 mph.

UPDATE 6:28 a.m.: Vehcile is stopped. Multiple law enforcement units arriving on scene.

UPDATE 6:28 a.m.: Subject in custody.

UPDATE 6:37 a.m.: Medina PD informs local law enforcement of a suspicion of a controlled substance in the vehicle, and as a possible reason for the pursuit.

A 25-year-old Wood Street resident is in jail, being held without bail, accused of selling crack cocaine to undercover investigators.

Victor D. "Grimes" Guy is charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, and criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd.

Both charges are Class B felonies.

Guy's arrest concluded a six-month investigation into the suspected sale of crack cocaine in Batavia.

The task force was assisted by Batavia PD and the District Attorney's Office.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs, Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, have announced their schedule for the 2013 season. Batavia will open the 2013 season Monday, June 17, when the Auburn Doubledays host the Muckdogs at Falcon Park. Batavia opens its home schedule Tuesday, June 18, when they entertain Auburn at 7:05 p.m.

The Muckdogs will host their annual Independence Day celebration on July 3rd this year, as they are not home on July 4th. In addition to their Pinckney Division rivals, the Muckdogs will welcome the Tampa Bay Rays (Hudson Valley), Baltimore Orioles (Aberdeen), Houston Astros (TriCity) and the Oakland A’s (Vermont) farm teams to Dwyer Stadium in 2013.

Ticket packages, coupon books and season tickets for the 2013 season are all currently on sale. Holiday Packs are also on sale. For just $25, fans can purchase four undated general admission tickets, a T-shirt and a voucher for a 2013 program. They can be purchased by calling 585-343-5454, or in person at Dwyer Stadium Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The driver of a 2004 Olds sedan stopped on Ledge Road at 1:36 p.m. reportedly pulled out onto Route 77 as another car approached, causing a three-car accident in Alabama.

One person, Leah E. Ridder, 14, was injured and taken by ambulance to Medina Memorial Hospital.

Cited for alleged failure to yield the right of way was Donna M. Croft, 59, of Montclaire Avenue, Batavia.

Neither Croft nor her passenger, Dalton K. Tusing, were injured.

Leah Ridder was a passenger in a car driven by Christopher F. Ridder, 41, of South Main Street, Medina.

Ridder's 1999 Chevy sedan was northbound on Route 77 when it struck Croft's eastbound car.

A car driven by Judith M. Cummings, 68, of Martin Road, Akron, was sitting in the westbound lane of Ledge Road and was struck by Croft's vehicle after it was hit by Ridder's car.

Neither Cummings nor her passenger, James L. Cummings, 67, were injured.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.

(Initial Post)

We've moved to a NEW & larger location and we're celebrating with a Grand Opening on Saturday, November 3rd • 9-4pm and Sunday, November 4th from 12-4pm! Stop by and check out our new location. There will be door prizes, refreshments available, and Primitives Home Decorations for sale!

Design a kitchen & bath that reflects your personality & dreams. Start with Omega/Dynasty's premium all-wood cabinetry, the fit for every room of your home. From our exceptional quality and superior selection to your completely integrated Dynasty semi-custom and Omega custom lines, we've got a value equation second to none. And, here at Dynasty/Omega, we believe function is as important as beauty -- that's why we strive to exceed your expectations and give you cabinetry with more than meets the eye. Omega, Dynasty and you! Better together.

Stop in and see us today! 5582 Route 5, E. Main St. Road, Batavia (Corner of Fargo Road & Rte. 5) 585-345-0012.

A three-car accident with one minor facial injury is reported at Route 77 and Ledge Road. It is partially blocking traffic. Alabama Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. Law enforcement is on scene.

As you know, here at The Batavian, we're always encouraging local residents to support local businesses. We especially like programs that help connect local shoppers with their neighborhood shops.

A couple of months ago, some friends in the online news business showed us a new smartphone and tablet app that is aimed at rewarding local shoppers for patronizing local businesses.

It's called Zebra Reach.

We're all familiar with loyalty cards -- buy five lunches, get the sixth free, buy nine books get the 10th free. A lot of businesses run these sort of programs, but they usually come with flimsy paper punch cards that either get lost or crammed in your wallet with a dozen other cards.

Zebra Reach makes loyalty reward programs digital and easier to use -- one app stores all of your purchase points for multiple participating businesses.

For the past couple of weeks, Lisa Ace has been busy asking a bunch of local businesses to participate. We wanted to make sure that when you first learned about Zebra Reach, there would be plenty of local rewards to, well, reward you for shopping locally.

To download the app, with your iPhone or iPad, click here. For your Droid powered phone or tablet, click here.

To visit the Zebra Reach Web site, click here.

And, if you don't have a smartphone -- coming really, really soon are plastic cards that will work pretty much the same. The participating businesses (those with smartphones or tablets) will scan your card, but you'll have only one card to carry for all participating local businesses.

Here are the participating businesses and initial offers (and of course, we're looking for more businesses to participate):

Adam Miller, 8 Center St., Batavia
Model Club Rewards -- $5 off your next purchase. For every dollar spent earn 1 point. Earn 50 points, receive $5 your next purchase.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia
1 Free sandwich.
Buy any 5 sandwiches, get 6th free.

Charles Men's Shop, Inc.,  200 E. Main St., Batavia
1 Free tie. Buy 3 shirts, get 1 free tie.

Dog Crazy Daycare, 1 Mill St., Batavia
Earn points toward a free doggy overnight stay. For $25 spent, earn 1 point toward the doggy overnight. New clients receive 2 bonus points.

Fisher Sports, 412 Main St., Batavia
10% off hockey equipment, For each visit you'll earn 5 points. Earn 25 points -- you'll receive 10% off your next purchase of any hockey equipment purchase.

Glass Roots, 12 Center St., Batavia
1/2 off glass. Buy 2 pieces of glass, get 1/2 off the 3rd.

Kravings Kafe, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia
$5 off. Receive 1 point for every $5 spent. Earn 16 points, get $5 off your purchase.

Main St Pizza, 206 E. Main St., Batavia
Free small pizza with 1 topping. Earn 15 points and redeem your free small pizza with 1 topping. Earn points with any purchase.

RW Vapors, 224 Ellicott St., Batavia
Buy 5 bottles of E-Liquid, get the 6th free.

Salsa & Curry, 15 Jackson St., Batavia
Buy 1 lunch, get the 2nd for 1/2 off.

Sweet Ecstasy Bakery, 6173 Main Road, Stafford
Free cookie, cupcake or muffin. Purchase any 10 bakery items and receive a free cookie, cupcake or muffin.

Sweet Pea's Cupcakery & Cafe, 23 Jackson St., Batavia
Free cupcake. Buy 11 cupcakes, get the 12th free.

Terry Hills, 5122 Clinton St. Road. Batavia
Free lunch. Buy 5 lunches, get the 6th free.

The Detail Shop, 3875 W. Main St. Road, Batavia
Free deluxe wash. Buy 5 deluxe washes, Get the 6th deluxe wash free.

Valle Jewelers, 21 Jackson St., Batavia
Free Chamilia bead. Buy 3 Chamilia beads, get 1 free.

T.F. Brown's, 214 East Main St., Batavia
1 free lunch. Buy 5 lunches, get the 6th free.

West Main Mini Mart, 3845 W. Main St. Road, Batavia
Buy 7 pizzas, get one free.

Local business owners: To sign up for Zebra Reach, contact Lisa Ace (lisa@thebatavian.com or (585) 250-4118).  Participating is a no-cost, no obligation program to start. There's only a fee, $50 per month, once you have 50 customers participating in your offer(s).

UPDATE: Just added, Lambert's Design Jewelers, 375 W. Main Street. Batavia. "One point for every $10 spent on purchases.  Earn 20 points and receive $10 off your next purchase"

We provide support, in-store promotional materials and the marketing power of The Batavian. There is also a Web site where you can login and manage your offers and check stats on participation to see how your offers are working.

Tia E. Schmieder, no age listed, of 218 State St., Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Schmieder is accused of being loud and disorderly while at UMMC. Schmieder allegedly slammed into a glass door and damaged it. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Jon-Erik L. Bradt, 27, of 25 Stevens Drive, Attica, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and aggravated harassment, 2nd. Bradt is accused of sending numerous text messages and making several telephone calls to a person he was ordered not to contact. Bradt was arrested by Batavia PD.

Liani M. Garrastazu, 17, of Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd, criminal mischief and acting in a manner injurious to a child. Garrastazu was arrested by State Police for an alleged incident reported at 9:09 p.m., Tuesday. No further details were released.