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Locally grown and locally made items featured at new store in Corfu

By Howard B. Owens

It used to be "The Barn," today it's The Farm, and it's now open on Route 77 in Corfu, stocked full of local produce and locally made products.

Renee Franclemont said she opened the store with her family because she's always liked country items.

"I love the warm feeling," Franclemont said.

The store carries all kinds of decorative and useful items for the home, including handmade wood items created by Renee and her father, Richard Franclemont.

As for fruits and vegetables, what isn't grown on the The Farm is bought from local growers. Renee's partner, Clinton Konfaderath, has years of experience in the produce business.

Right now, the store has large selection of pumpkins, mums and cornstalks for fall decorating.

Most of the retail items for sale are handmade and in the country primitive style. There are also candles and potpourri.

The store will be open daily through Christmas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brush fire off Warsaw Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A brush fire is reported in the woods by 9450 Warsaw Road. Le Roy Fire Department is responding. The location is between Perry and Cole roads.

UPDATE 3:18 p.m.: A responder on scene says it's a hedgerow on fire in the middle of a field.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: A fire truck from Pavilion is asked to respond to the scene in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 3:56 p.m.: The fire is out. Crews are doing overhaul. A rep from the Department of Environmental Conservation is on scene.

City fire announces hydrant flushing for Friday

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants on Friday, Sept. 14 at approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the general area north of West Main Street and west of Bank Street.

Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored.

Two-car crash with injuries at Washington and Porter in the city

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with two injured victims is reported at Washington and Porter avenues in the city. It is blocking traffic. Mercy medics and law enforcement are on scene and firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 12:03 p.m.: A female is being taken to UMMC with a complaint of right ankle pain.

UPDATE 12:10 p.m.: A 37-year-old female is also going to UMMC with complaints of tenderness in her abdomen and on her face. There was air-bag deployment in her vehicle and she was seat belted.

UPDATE 12:48 (by Howard): A witness, Leonard Johnson, said he saw the PT Cruiser trying to make a left-hand turn from Porter Avenue onto Washington and the Ford Focus hit the Cruiser. He said it was a pretty hard impact. "It wasn't a good accident," he said.

Pembroke Boys Varsity Soccer Team gets first win

By Rick D. Franclemont

A 2-0 win over Attica gave the Pembroke Boys Varsity Soccer Team its first win since soccer was brought back to the school last year. The Dragons took the early lead on a goal by Austin Franclemont with Tyler Ross on the assist. The team then played a solid game in front of Morgan McGiveron, who was perfect in goal stopping all the shots he faced. The insurance goal was scored by Gabe Birkby, assisted by Collin Lewis. 

More pictures of the game can be seen here http://francletography.photoshelter.com/gallery/Pembroke-Boys-Varsity-Soccer-vs-Attica-9-11-2012/G0000bgZIx.lYVGo/C0000y8oiGr6YbrY

Sponsored Post: An open letter from Chad Zambito to Town of Batavia residents

By Howard B. Owens

Open Letter from Chad Zambito, candidate for the Republican line in the Town of Batavia board race:

As you probably know, there is a primary for a position on the Batavia Town Board on Thursday and the polls are open from noon-9 p.m. This position was left open when my opponent, John Gerace, resigned after an incident that occurred at the Town of Batavia Fireman’s Installation Dinner. I was not at this event and have heard several accounts of what happened but will take Mr. Gerace at his word that the incident has been blown out of proportion and was actually a “hiccup” and not characteristic behavior.

I certainly appreciate John’s service, he and I served together beginning in 2003 and he had spent a few years on the planning board prior to his election. I am, however, disappointed with his efforts to exploit my failing business for his political gain. The people of the Town of Batavia deserve better than muckraking politics. This type of campaign hurts the system and discourages good people from running for public office. I have attempted to run a clean campaign and not engage in dirty politics. I do, however, feel I need to set the record straight on some level.

I take issue with several statements made by Mr. Gerace. In a recent interview, he stated that the consolidation charter effort, which he supported every step of the way, wasted $100,000 of taxpayer money to produce a document that he says he has never seen. This is simply not the case. A $54,000 state grant was awarded to the City of Batavia for the study and the work only came to a halt when the Town Board failed to act on a home rule legislation request that simply would have allowed the process to continue. It concerns me that my opponent has not read this document since it easily available online. My sense is that he realizes consolidation is an unpopular issue in the town and he hopes to connect me to that effort regardless of the fact that he has supported it at several junctures.

Upon my appointment, Mr. Gerace went to great lengths to have the appointment nullified claiming that the process used was invalid. That claim was quickly dismissed by the town’s attorney as unfounded. I also take issue with a political postcard Mr. Gerace has issued. He claims a “Zero Tax” rate for in town as one of his top accomplishments but the town has enjoyed a zero tax rate for decades. He has asked voters to “Re-elect” him and also labeled himself “Councilman John Gerace” in a recent political postcard. That statement is inaccurate and misleading.

I have always felt that I was the best candidate for this position. I have been appointed by the Town Board and have the endorsement of the Town Republican Committee. I am a dedicated professional that has three years of economic development experience and I have had a direct hand in the town’s growth. I worked diligently to resolve issues related to Gateway II while serving on the board, paving the way for Ashley Furniture to open its doors and provide nearly 80 jobs. I wrote the grant that led to the design of the Med-Tech Center Building and negotiated an easement that brought much needed sewer capacity to the Ag Park. I have generously volunteered my time to Chamber of Commerce, an Advisory Committee for GCC’s BEST Center, the GLOW Region’s Workforce Investment Board and numerous career days and community events. I currently work for Paragon Advertising in Buffalo and also serve as the Director of Advancement for St. Joseph School of Batavia, a position I find extremely rewarding.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have supported me every step of the way, including my wife, Jennifer. My one regret is that the issues brought forward in this election have caused her undue stress and frustration.

I encourage you to head to the polls from noon-9 p.m. on Thursday and hope you will give me your support when you do. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments at chadzambito@gmail.com. Thank you.

Paid for by Chad Zambito.

Truck involved in accident with injuries on Route 77, Pembroke

By Howard B. Owens

A motor vehicle accident with injuries has been reported on Route 77 in front of the T/A Travel Plaza.

A semi-truck is involved and the side-saddle gas tank is reportedly leaking.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments dispatched.

UPDATE 9:29 a.m.: Akron Fire requested mutual aid with a pumper. Also, ambulances requested from Akron and Darien. All Mercy EMS ambulances are tied up on calls.

UPDATE 9:33 a.m.: Three patients. No entrapment. Hazmat situation with leaking diesel fuel. All available manpower from Corfu Fire Department requested to the scene.

UPDATE 9:39 a.m.: Fuel leak of 30 to 40 gallons is contained.

UPDATE 9:45 a.m.: Darien's ambulance can stand down.

UPDATE 10:01 a.m.: Patients being transported.

UPDATE 10:15 a.m.: All units back in service. Route 77 reopened. Two patients transported by Akron to Millard Suburban and one by Mercy EMS to Children's.

Pavilion mother faces second felony DWI charge under Leandra's Law

By Howard B. Owens

A Pavilion mother, charged just three months ago with driving drunk with children in her van, has been arrested again and charged with same crime.

Angela A. Kruse, 40, is again facing a felony DWI charge following a one-car rollover accident on Taylor Road in Covington on Sept. 8.

Kruse allegedly had her 5-year-old daughter in the vehicle.

In late June, Kruse was arrested in Le Roy after State Police received a tip that she was driving drunk with her child in her car. The felony DWI count, under Leandra's Law, is still pending in Genesee County.

Last week, State Police in Warsaw responded to the accident and were told a woman and a small child had fled the scene.

Kruse and the child were located at a residence on Morrow Road.

Both mother and daughter suffered minor injuries and were taken to Wyoming County Hospital.

Following arraignment in Covington Town Court, Kruse was jailed on $15,000 bail.

Resident finds stray chihuahua

By Howard B. Owens

Keith Smith found this little chihuahua on Gulf Road, Le Roy.

The dog had a tag with a name of "Petetie" on it, but the phone number on the tag is out of service.

If it's your lost dog, call Keith at (585) 797-4557.

UPDATE, Wednesday, 5:04 p.m.: "Petetie" is going home tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Department of Health says two new Le Roy students report tic-like symptoms

By Howard B. Owens

The NYS Department of Health released the following statement:

DOH is aware of two Le Roy students with tic-like symptoms who are being treated by independent physicians. The environment or an infection is not the cause of the students’ tics.

No further information was provided.

The Le Roy Central School District has the following undated statement on its Web site.:

With the beginning of the new school year, we are asking all media outlets and other individuals, to please respect that the Le Roy School District will no longer be commenting on student health issues within our schools. We have been warned by medical experts that the continued media attention on the Le Roy School District and greater community runs the risk of negatively impacting the students previously diagnosed with conversion disorder that have recovered and can also serve as a catalyst for new symptoms to develop. We respectfully refer you to our Web site if you would like information that the district has previously issued regarding this matter.

Child molester faces new child abuse allegation

By Howard B. Owens

A convicted child molester sentenced just last week to 15 years in state prison faces a new first-degree sexual abuse charge.

James Little Jr. was arraigned in Batavia City Court this afternoon on the single count.

Det. Kevin Czora said the new charge reflects the alleged discovery of a second child sexual abuse victim. The second alleged victim is elementary school age.

There is only the one charge now pending against Little and Czora does not anticipate any further charges, and to the best of his knowledge there are no further victims.

The alleged abuse took place in March, Czora said, which is the same time frame Little abused a toddler in the city.

Recently, Beverly Hensel, 53, of 8921 Alleghany Road, Pembroke, was arrested and charged with possession of a sexual performance of a child. In a deposition, Little said he first received a DVD of child pornography from Hensel in January 2009.

Little's case was set for a preliminary hearing at 11 a.m., Nov. 13. Little remains in the Genesee County Jail awaiting transfer to state prison.

Police searching for guy who allegedly stole a cartload of beer from Tops

By Billie Owens

Police are responding to Batavia Commons to search for a man who allegedly stole a whole grocery cart of beer from Tops Market. The suspect is white and wearing a football jersey. He has a red car, possibly a Firebird.

UPDATE 2:22 p.m.: The car is now believed to be maroon in color. The driver is further described as wearing a blue jersey with the number 5 on the back, denim shorts and white sneakers. He's with a female who is supposedly barefooted.

Passenger who fell off roof of moving car succumbs to injuries

By Howard B. Owens

A man who reportedly climbed out onto the roof of a moving car and fell off the vehicle has died and the driver, a Le Roy resident, has been charged with aggravated unlicensed operation.

Orry Dowdell, 22, was initially transported by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital following the accident at 3 a.m., Saturday, on Route 36, just north of Mumford.

Dowdell succumbed to his injuries over night.

Reports list Dowdell as a Wheatland resident, but he may have been living more recently in Le Roy at the Royal Apartments.

The driver of the vehicle is reported as Timothy Gorton, 25, of 2410 Leroy Caledonia Road, Le Roy.

Deputy trying to figure out what to do with cats of evicted tenant

By Howard B. Owens

A tenant of an apartment complex on East Main Street is being evicted this morning and the deputy handling the eviction said the man has four cats.

He's requested cat carriers from animal control, but the animal control officer says if the plan is to relocate the cats to the shelter, there is no room.

"That's definitely my last resort," the deouty said, adding that the tenant's mother is trying to find some place to place the cats.

Animal control is responding with cat carriers to at least act as temporary housing for the felines until more suitable arrangements can be made.

UPDATE: The deputy is apparently taking the cats to a location on Lewiston Road.

DNA links burglary suspect to pair of church break-ins in July

By Howard B. Owens

DNA test results have allegedly linked a Batavia man already suspected of stealing from a church with two more church burglaries over the summer.

John Anthony Cabrera Jr., 22, will be arraigned in city court today on two more counts of burglary in the third degree.

According to police, DNA samples gathered at the scene link Cabrera to break-ins at the First Baptist Church, 306 E. Main St., Batavia, and St. Mary's Church, 18 Ellicott St., Batavia.

Both burglaries occurred July 8.

Cabrera was allegedly caught in the act of burglarizing St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Washington Avenue on July 23.

Two days later, Cabrera allegedly escaped from the Genesee County Jail, but was apprehended before he could leave the building.

Statement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo on anniversary of Sept. 11

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

"On this day, we mark the eleventh anniversary of the terror attacks that claimed thousands of lives and truly changed New York and our nation forever. On this day, we honor the memories and the lives of those who were killed and the families who will never forget them. We also honor the first responders who bravely put themselves in harm’s way – many of whom never returned home.

"It is also our obligation and our duty to make sure that we will always remember. As a new generation grows up without having witnessed the horror of September 11th, it is important to educate our children so they can understand the tragedy that unfolded on that day, the bravery and courage of our first responders, and the outpouring of goodwill in communities across New York and America as we recovered as one state and one nation."

UPDATE:  Statement from Rep. Kathy Hochul:

“Today as we mark the passing of another year since the September 11 attacks in 2001, we honor those we lost on that day. We recall the innocent victims taken too soon, the courage of the passengers who prevented further tragedy, and those first responders, who in doing their jobs, laid down their lives to protect their fellow Americans.

“What grew from this tragedy was an all encompassing spirit of patriotism, bonding our nation together in common purpose to move our country forward. Our endeavor today is to find that spirit once again. We must recognize that so much more binds us than divides us, and as Americans we are capable of solving the challenges of our time.

“In the memory of all who were lost on 9/11, I call on each of us to rekindle the spirit of patriotism that brought us together in our country’s darkest hour.”

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