Local law enforcement officers and community volunteers will be recognized tonight, following a dinner at Bohn's Restaurant, by the DWI Victim Impact Panel.

The honorees have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to reduce drunk driving.

This year, the following people are being recognized with the Exceptional Service Award:

• Village of Holley Police Officer Karol Hughes, for 14 DWI arrests in the Village of Holley.
• Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, 100-percent conviction rate for 30 DWI arrests.
• New York State Trooper David Wesolowski for 31 DWI arrests.

The Above and Beyond Award goes to:

• New York State Trooper Matt Luft for his life-saving actions in the town of Murray. Trooper Luft responded to a call involving a rollover vehicle that came to rest in a swamp. The driver was partially submerged under water and intoxicated. Trooper Luft cut the seatbelt and pulled him to safety.

The Honor and Appreciation Award goes to:

• Darien Town Justice Gary Graber for his relentless fight to increase accountability of those arrested for underage drinking. He has worked tirelessly to encourage support of tougher legislation that addresses underage drinking and marijuana use.

The Kathy Seymour Volunteer Service Award goes to:

• Korey Kustes who has endured years of physical and emotional trauma resulting from injuries he sustained in a drunk-driving crash. Kustes has allowed his persoanl setback to be made public so that others may learn from his experiences.

The DWI Victim Impact Panel (VIP) educates offenders on the consequences of drunk driving. Panel members are volunteers who directly address the audience revealing how their lives have been forever changed by the actions of a drunk driver. The audience is typically comprised of people convicted of DWI offenses in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

For more information about the VIP, to volunteer or attend, contact Laura Ricci at 815-1883.

A car fire is reported on Interstate 490. Bergen Fire is responding.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m.: Bergen back in service.

Here's a news release from a brand-new enterprise:

Local residents interested in expanding their fitness options will have a new choice to consider when En Garde: Batavia, a new fencing club, opens on July 1 in the Artisan Center on Harvester Avenue.

Several classes will be available for adults and children. No prior athletic experience is necessary.

Colin Dentino, a Batavia resident and lifelong fencing enthusiast, is the owner/lead instructor of En Garde: Batavia and believes that the benefits of the sport are far-reaching.

“Fencing is great because it allows anyone to be successful," he said. "Each fencer has his/her own style and technique so everyone you fence is a different puzzle to be solved."

Dentino first started fencing at the age of 4 under the guidance of Sir John Halasz, from the esteemed Hungarian fencing program.

“I’ve been trained more as a fencing coach than a fencer,” he notes.

Sport fencing is an interval-based sport with ties to martial arts and yoga. Interval-based physical activities burn 30 percent more calories than steady-state exercise. But beyond that, fencing is a sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family, for a lifetime.

“It can be great fun to come in as a family and get everyone involved,” Dentino said. “Because people with various fitness levels can be successful fencers, it can build confidence for those new to exercise.”

The benefits of fencing do not stop there; fencing is a game of analytical decision making and as such, can improve things like creative problem solving and long-term goal planning.

“Fencing is referred to as ‘physical chess’,” Dentino says, “It’s not always the case that the stronger, faster fencer wins.”

Hourly afternoon and evening classes meet twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays and also on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning July 1. Hours are 4 to 5, 5 to 6, 6 to 7, and 7 to 8.

Children and adults aged “5 to 95" who are interested in "health and mental wellness” are encouraged to attend. Monthly cost is a flat $50 per person, and includes all equipment. There are no long-term contracts, it's a month-to-month deal.

Weekly summer camp sessions for children aged 9 to 16 and up run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. starting in mid-July and continuing until late August. Cost is $125 a week and includes all equipment. The schedule is as follows:

• July 12 – 16
• July 19 – 23
• July 26 – 30
• August 2 – 6
• August 9 – 13
• August 16 – 20
• August 23 - 27

For more information about En Garde: Batavia, contact Colin Dentino at 585-409-3993, email at engardebatavia@me.com, or visit www.engardebatavia.com.

Melissa Christine Schnitzer, 22, of Daunton Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 and failure to reduce speed. Schnitzer was stopped at 1:21 a.m., Friday, by Sgt. Brian Frieday in the area of 6734 Randall Road, Stafford.

Denise M. Groff, 33, of Highland Parkway, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, and failure to keep right. Groff was stopped at 1:38 a.m., Friday, on Route 33, Stafford, by Sgt. Greg Walker.

Jeremy M. Denton, 24, of 481 Ladue Road, Brockport, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and failure to keep right. Denton was stopped at 1:24 a.m., Friday, by Le Roy Police Sgt. Michael Hare on West Main Street, Le Roy.

James D. Holstein, 60, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny, grand larceny, 4th, grand larceny, 3rd. Holstein was taken into custody by State Police for an alleged incident on Jan. 12, 2009. No further details available.

Driving back from the Corfu fire, I spotted this green dune buggy in front of Pellegrino's Auto Sales. Turns out it's Joe's summer ride. It's a 1965 VW. Joe said he bought it out of state three years ago and it only has 69,000 original miles on it. It's not for sale.

Speaking of Bugs, I saw a Love Bug VW on Ellicott Street the other day, but couldn't get turned around to go back and get a picture.

The cause of an early morning fire at an industrial building right on the county line in Corfu is still under investigation.

Firefighters from 12 companies in Genesee, Wyoming and Erie counties responded to the 5:40 a.m. alarm, according to Darien Fire Chief Ray Felski.

One firefighter suffered a twisted ankle and was transported to UMMC, but no other injuries were reported.

It took more than 90 minutes to knock down the fire at 190 Genesee St., and as of 10 a.m., firefighters were still on scene dealing with flare ups and hot spots.

Fire crews had to contend with two difficulties in battling the large structure fire: The garage doors had to be cut off, increasing the amount of time before water could be put on the fire; and there is no municipal water in the area, so tankers had to truck in sufficient water to fight the blaze.

There were dogs in cages behind the structure and firefighters were able to successfully get them out of harm's way.

Several businesses share the facility, according to Felski.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire away from the business office section of the building.

Felski said he anticipates there will be a press release with more information once the cause of the fire is determined.

Bottom photo was submitted by a reader.

“When will CM post here on his own.” “…Baron's having an email is not the same as his posting at least a statement on this site.” “Mr. Barons is starting to look like a very 'handled' candidate.” “It seems like the very forum that gave C.M. his voice has seen him go completely silent since announcing his desire to run.” “I have sent an e-mail and received a response from Mr. Barons, however that does not change the fact that he seems to have come under the control of the Democratic party.” “It would be nice to have an un-handled dialogue with all the candidates not just Mr. Barons.” “If you are reading this C.M., please return to our forum, and share with us. Don't be just another candidate, or a puupet (sic) on a string. Do what you do best, BE YOURSELF!” “Bottom line, Barons is now being ‘handled.’” “I looked back at previous posts to see how CM felt on some issues and was dismayed to find that he edited his posts after he announced his decision to run.” 

The area defined by the 139^th Assembly district covers four counties and 23 townships. They are served by numerous, unique and varied-format news organs not limited to The Daily News, The Batavian, The Medina Journal-Register, WBTA, Time Warner’s YNN, The Suburban News, The Buffalo News, The Democrat and Chronicle, Pennysavers, other radio & television stations and blogs. Blogging on The Batavian has been a personal choice that I exercised frequently with little concern for favoritism. Since becoming a candidate, I am no longer reacting to news; I am news. I am competing in a milieu dependent on equal access to all available news organs. Consequently, I have re-evaluated my relationship to ALL media, aiming at a wider base with intent to avoid perception that my candidacy is derivative of or proprietary to any faction. 

Part and parcel to developing my media presence, I encouraged my Genesee County Campaign Manager, Chris Charvella to excite local news outlets with unique and format-optimizing approaches to bi-lateral engagement during this race for the 139^th Assembly seat. To instill a level playing field, I limited my media contacts to press releases. This was my practical response to a situation that I deemed in need of adjustment. Any assumption that my hiatus was the result of “handling” or re-packaging is ill-informed. 

I have spent the last few weeks cementing endorsement, drafting position papers and developing comprehensive plans for intended action once elected. The respite from blogging has allowed me to distill my own ideas into coherent action plans. I do not take my role lightly. I’ve dedicated all available time to establishing a candidacy that models my commitment to best represent my district. Although heartened by urgings I resume blogging on The Batavian, I trust that those who have embraced the spirit and relevancy of my past posts will afford me the opportunity to not only fashion a corpus worthy of the people I have chosen to represent in Albany. I ask that they measure the need of district residents in Niagara, Orleans and Monroe County who have yet to become familiar with my views.    

I promise no unveiling of a new, improved or beta version of me. The Democratic Committees representing the four-county area have accepted me, unadulterated. I respect them for their generous and unqualified support. Any suggestion that I have been influenced remains unfounded and erroneous. My ideas are my own; my press releases are penned by me.  As much as I reserve the right to change my mind in the presence of new data or circumstances, suggestions that I have engaged in Orwellian revisionism are inaccurate. My editing tendencies can be blamed on Gladys Walker, Sixth Grade English teacher who imposed grammatic structure as if the eleventh commandment.

I have returned to The Batavian, albeit a return defined by the reciprocal presence of my opponent and the discipline of fair-access. I consider The Batavian, family. As much as family roles are changed by circumstances, the elasticity of family bonds are only tested- not broken by distance. I will be making regular blog-posts detailing my positions and answering voter questions. I hope we can share some time as I take my campaign to the streets.  

Chris Barons

A structure fire was reported at Phoenix Development & Construction, 180 Genesee St., Corfu, at about 6 a.m.

Multiple fire companies were dispatched.

Route 33 between Crittenden Road and County Line Road.

As of 7:30 a.m., firefighters were reporting hot spots to clean up and some units were being put back in service.

Sitting on our deck this evening, I looked up, and there was the moon.

Pavilion girl soccer players -- "the future JV and varsity players" -- got a limo ride to their game today courtesy Mancuso Limousine of Batavia.

The girls were quite thrilled to get to ride in a pink limo.

Noisy power tools and a smell like pesticides is reported at 16 N. Pearl St., Oakfield.

A firefighter reports that there is pesticide spraying and packing going on at the "old golf park."

The complaint was intitially called in by Department of Public Works employees.

People who read The Batavian love The Batavian.

We're hear it all the time: I'm addicted to your site. It's my favorite place for news now. I'm on there at least four or five times a day. The Batavian is just what Genesee County needed.

We appreciate your support, but now we're going to ask you for another level of support.  We're asking you to help The Batavian grow, but we're going to give you something back in return.

We'll give back to you expanded coverage, more features for site members and more valuable savings with local businesses.

All we're asking from you is $4.95 per month.

Let me be totally clear: We're not asking you to pay to read news on the site. We're not going in that direction. I believe news should be free, and commenting on the site should be free. That won't change on The Batavian.

But if enough readers pitch in $4.95 per month, we'll be able to do things such as hire staff and expand our coverage.

Here's the best part: In exchange for your $4.95 per month you will receive exclusive coupons and gift certificates from local businesses. Right now we have 20 businesses participating in the program. The total potential annual savings for you is at least $600.

That's right, for about $60 per year, you can save at least $600 a year on things for your home, your car and to dine out at some of the best places to eat in town (the food savings alone is more than $200 per year).

And we will likely sign on more businesses to the program, meaning more savings for you.

• Click here to find out more about how the voluntary subscription program works.
• Click here to review a list of participating businesses and the discounts they're offering to members.
• Click here to join.

Ask me any questions you like in the comments. Thank you for your support!

Two Genesee ARC Staff Members took the afternoon off Wednesday for a cause.  Claudia Nigro and Eileen Corcoran went to Total Image Hair Salon, Batavia, to donate their hair to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a Florida-based non profit organization that makes hair pieces for financially disadvantaged children suffering from a long term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.  The two creative, long-time ARC employees also used this opportunity to raise   money for the Genesee ARC People Realizing Potential Capital Campaign.

Eileen, a veteran Locks of Love donor recruited Claudia months ago.  Then when ARC’s Capital Campaign was announced, the two “put their heads together” and decided to use the occasion to also raise money to benefit the campaign underway to renovate and refurbish the Genesee ARC Community Center (former St. Mary’s School, Woodrow Road, Batavia

We asked our friends and family to make pledges,” Eileen said.  Claudia added, “Everyone was so generous!”  When all of their pledges are collected, their final tally will exceed $700.00!

Genesee ARC Director of Development, Shelley Falitico praised her colleagues for coming up with this unique idea. “It benefits not one, but two organizations,” she said.  Regarding the capital campaign, Shelley added. “Genesee ARC Staff have been very generous.  With Eileen’s and Claudia’s pledges, gifts from Staff will exceed an impressive $25,000!”

To date, $702,000 has been raised in the $750,000 campaign.  Community Members can make a donation on-line at www.peoplerealizingpotential.com or by calling the Genesee ARC Development & Community Relations Department at 343-1123.  

About the donors: Both are Genesee County residents. Eileen is a Counselor in Genesee ARC’s Vocational Services Department and has been employed by the local disability service provider since 1997. Claudia is a member of the Community Relations Team and is marking her 20 year employment anniversary with Genesee ARC in 2010.

Every day, Billie and I feel fortunate to live in Batavia and to be part of this community. We enjoy the four seasons, the beauty of Genesee County, the things we can do around here, and the friends we've made.

One thing we truly appreciate about Batavia and Genesee County is all of the great local businesses here. They offer great service and great value.

Strong local and regional businesses are essential to the vibrancy and success of a local community. Dollars spent at local businesses stay in the community, and local and regional businesses give more, and more frequently, to local charities than the big chains -- not to mention the many, many hours of volunteer work put in by small business owners.

We encourage you, as always, to make it a priority to shop local whenever possible and as much as possible. Let your buying decisions be a benefit to your friends and neighbors.

And we especially appreciate it when you frequent the sponsors of The Batavian, and let them know you appreciate their support of our news and conversation site.

Here's the current list of sponsors:

3 D Wine & Spirits
Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle
Alberty Drug Store
Alex's Place
Anglican Community Church
Baker's Frontier Kitchens
Barrett's Batavia Marine and Sporting Supplies
Batavia Downs Casino
Beverly's Flowers
Blue Pearl Yoga
Bonarigo & McCutcheon
Bontrager's Auction
Bontrager's Real Estate
Carlson's Studio
Cedar St. Sales and Rentals
Center Street Smokehouse
Charles Men's Shop
Christiano Cellular
Classic Home Improvements
Crazy Cheap Cars
D&R Depot Restaurant
Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern
Dog Grooming
Empire Tractor
The Enchanted Florist
Fastec Automotive
Genesee Dental Group
Gilmartin
Hair Studio 25
H.E. Turner & Co.
Herbly Wonderful
Holland Land Office Museum
The Insurance Center
J. Leonard McAndrew
Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's
John's Service Station
Ken Barrett
KleenAll
Kraving's Kafe
Lamb Family Medicine
Larry's Steakhouse
Lawley Genesee
Lawrence Sealers
Lewis and Lewis
Main St. Pizza Company
The Mane Attraction
Margarita's 
Mark Lewis Agency
Matteo & Mullen, CPA
Matty's Pizzeria
Max Pies
Michael Tomaszewski
Movies in Motion
Mr. Wine & Liquor
Next Level Fitness
O'Lacy's Irish Pub
Oliver's Candies
Optique
Pauly's Pizza
Pellegrino Auto Sales
Photos by Roth
Present Tense Books
Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center
Sallome's Italian Deli
Select Collision
Settler's
Sloat Tire
Small World Realty
South Main Country Store
St. Joseph's School
St. Paul's School
Stafford Trading Post
Southside Deli
T.F. Brown's
Valle Jewelers
WNY Blacktop Sealers
WNY Fireplace Outlet

The Downtown Public Market opened today.

Above, Salters Alston, proprietor of Alston's Bone Sucking BBQ Sauce, serves up a mound of his pulled pork.

Between Alston's and the Jackson Street Grill stand, the market is going to be a great place to stop for lunch on Thursdays.

And then you can pick yourself up a few big, plump tomatoes to take home.

Moving forward with a proposal to change the scheme of County Legislature terms received a slight nod of approval at the Ways and Means Community yesterday.

County Legislature Chairwoman Mary Pat Hancock volunteered to bring a resolution to the next committee meeting that would authorize a public hearing on the proposal.

"If I can bring a resolution -- not because I'm sponsoring it, or because you're sponsoring it, but because that is the only way it will move forward," Hancock said. "To walk away from this would not be respectful of the committee."

The proposal would increase legislative terms from two to four years and stagger the terms so that entire legislature is not put up for election every two years. A committee charged by the Legislature to study a suggestion brought forward by a local resident made the recommendations.

There was no vote yesterday on Hancock's request, but also no objection raised during the committee meeting.

"I know it's not on your personal agenda, nor is it on ours, but it's out there," said Hollis Upson, committee chairman.

As Legislator Ed DeJaneiro spoke in favor of the specifics of the proposal, Legislator Annie Lawrence shook her head.

Asked later if she objected to the proposal, she said she might or might not support it, but now is not the time to deal with it.

"I don't think any of the legislators have heard any comments from any of their constituents," Lawrence said. "I think we've got bigger fish to fry this year than to bring this out."

The economy seems to be turning around, according to Scott Gage, director of the Genesee County Career Center.

New job orders -- companies posting jobs at the career center -- are up to 80 to 90 a week, nearly double what job orders were last year.

And there are fewer people showing up for the center's weekly unemployment orientation classes.

"Obviously a lot of it is seasonal and service sector jobs, such as Darien Lake, but there is also some manufacturing being done, and some of the food processing people are actually increasing the number of year-around lines, too," Gage said.

He also said there are more supervisor-level jobs coming in.

Gage shared his news during the Ways and Means Committee meeting.

Legislator Ed Dejaneiro added his own anecdotal evidence of a turn-around.

“I received a call yesterday from a guy who has been unemployed for two years, and he just got a job, in Batavia," Dejaneiro said. "A good paying job."

The state's official employment numbers should be out next week.

Brian P. Demko, 32, of Le Roy, is charged with felony DWI, failure to keep right, moved from lane unsafely, drove left of pavement markings, operating with unsafe tire. Demko was allegedly involved in a single-car accident at 10:20 p.m., Wednesday, in the area of 8094 Route 98, Batavia. Demko is accused of making a right-hand turn a little early and striking the guide wire of a utility pole, causing damage. Demko then allegedly drove from the scene with a flat tire. He was located at 4320 Commerce Drive, Batavia. The incident was investigated by Deputy Patrick Reeves. (Correction: This item previously used the incorrect first name of "Paul." The Batavian apologizes for the error.)

Michael A. Witkop, 18, of 249 Ross St., Batavia, is charged with sexual misconduct. Witkop is accused of having sex with a girl under the age of 17, who is deemed incapable of giving consent because of her age.

Jason Ross Graybill, 26, of Victor Lane, Hamlin, was arrested on a Monroe County bench warrant. Graybill was reportedly a passenger in a vehicle stopped for an alleged traffic violation when he was identified and the warrant was discovered.

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.

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 $25 gift certificate 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.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Settler's Restaurant, 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.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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

SOLD OUT