From the New York Post:

Gov. David Paterson has decided not to seek election to a full term amid a roiling scandal over whether he and his troopers intimidated a woman who'd reported domestic violence against one of his top aides, The Post has learned.

Read more.

Carylee A. Logan, 44, 7079 Meadville Road, Basom, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of an accident, driving left of pavement marking, unreasonable speed for hazards, refusal to take breath test. Deputy Jason Saile was dispatched at 11:26 p.m., Wednesday, to the scene of a one-car accident on Sandhill Road, Town of Alabama. Upon arriving, he found the driver had left the scene. After further investigation, Saile concluded Logan was the alleged driver and that she allegedly drove drunk.

This young man Jesse Schrider, found a way to stay warm on this Winter storm warning here in Batavia. He came out and volunteered with Care-A-Van Ministries . Part of the team was out tonight helping a widow bring wood into her home and was kept busy stacking the pile outside.  The other part of team , PJ and Bridget headed over to Columbia Avenue wtih Cooperative Extension on board of the bus with hot soup for all

You could even find local Detective Rich Schauff out volunteering on this project.

The finished project!  A special thanks to Rich, Dave, Clint and Jesse for coming out  tonight to help! See you all at the Home Show this week-end!

O'Lacy's Irish Pub on School Street in Batavia celebrated its "Perfect Pour" award from Guinness this evening. Guinness representatives were on hand to add to the merriment, which include a free draught for Guinness fans as well as door prizes. The place was packed, even with the slightly bad weather.

More pictures after the jump:

A vehicle has gone down an embankment off the Thruway near mile marker 400.5.

It's unknown if there are injuries, but the caller reports nobody moving in the car.

Pembroke and Indian Falls Fire as well as Mercy EMS are being dispatched.

If needed, Mercy Flight is grounded due to weather.

UPDATE 11:25 p.m.: No injuries. This was not a roll over. Mercy EMS canceled. The driver just needs a winch out.

I'm Bugsy and it bugs me that I've been in this here shelter for so long. It seems like an eternity. I was turned in, probably because I have special needs. But I get around good, am great with the volunteers, and get along nicely with children and dogs. I'm also housebroken and well behaved on a leash.

But I have medical problems with my eyes and need continued medical care. I'm blind but no one knows why. I take medication to help heal infection and ease pain. I promise you I'm worth special treatment. I will repay you in many small, sweet ways. I'm a Siberian Husky/mix, adult female, Kennel 39.

If I look a little familiar, it might be because I was adopted and then returned to the shelter. I'm Star and it seems I didn't have enought patience for the young child in my former home. It's probably the Generation Gap.

Frankly, I'm a senior who needs a quiet home with a gentle family. This places is "stressing me out," as they say. I mean, I'm starting to pull my fur out! Please help me find a good place to relax and enjoy life again. I am known as "a sweet cat who adores attention and love." Don't pull my ears, yank my tail or pick me up by the neck and we'll get along swimmingly. I'm in the Kitty Kottage.
 
Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY   14020
(585)343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter!

Maybe I'm jumping the gun a bit, itching to see a robin, or the first flock of geese in migratory formation.  Whatever the reason, I thought it a good time to pass along these photos taken by Mark Stryker of Alexander.  With the exception of the Scrub Jay pictured above, these photos were taken last summer near his Alexander home.

House Finch, Goldfinch in left bottom corner

Female Red-bellied Woodpecker

Hummingbird Moth......on a butterfly bush no less!

Orb Weaver

White-crowned Sparrow

?????? Anyone...anyone?

American Goldfinch

I'd like to thank Mark for sharing these awesome photos with the Batavian

Le Roy Ambulance Service is responding to a report of "at least two victims" who were bitten by dogs on North Street in Le Roy.

Apparently, the dogs were each with their owners/handlers and the dogs started to fight. The people got bit trying to separate the fighting dogs.

The State Department of Taxation and Finance notified Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) earlier this month of a “cost-recovery tax" on revenues, included in the 2009-10 budget, to cover costs of state government services; even though the state statute required the notification by Nov. 1, 2009.

In regard to this, Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer has issued the following statement:

“The most recent development in New York’s tax epic is to punish development agencies for helping businesses locate in our community and create jobs. The 'cost-recovery tax' is nothing but a tax on job creation, effectively hurting efforts of community business leaders to bring jobs to Western New York.

Revenues generated by IDAs are reinvested. The 'cost-recovery tax' steals economic development dollars from our community. Even worse, the tax is based on revenues for 2008, most of which have already been reinvested.

Local industrial development agencies already pay a Bond Issuance Charge to the state for government services. The 'cost-recovery tax' forces local agencies to pay double and this is excessive. After the Authority Budget Office collects the job-creation tax, its budget will increase by 300 percent.

Over the next few days and weeks, I plan to work with my colleagues in state government to defeat yet another job-killing tax.”

Even though the property has been listed for sale, ownership of the Batavia Elks Lodge building is apparently in dispute.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks listed the property at 213 E. Main St., Batavia, with Charles Mancuso and Son, according to agent Mike Sisson.

The deed, however, lists "Batavia Lodge #950, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Batavia" as the owner. It is dated Nov. 16, 1918, according to County Clerk Don Read. The property was conveyed by Louis and Sarah Waird to the local Elks for $6,000.

Former Lodge #950 Exalted Ruler Paul Weiss left a comment on The Batavian disputing the Grand Lodge's claim to ownership.

"The Elks Lodge building is not owned by the Grand Lodge. It is owned by a local Batavia Elks corporation," Weiss wrote.

Lodge Exalted Ruler Timothy Garlock agreed that the ownership is in dispute, but he's still hoping the disagreement that led to the Grand Lodge revoking the local charter on Feb. 12 can be resolved.

The charter was apparently pulled purely for administrative reasons.

"If the Grand Lodge wants to pull our charter and make us go away, that's their call," Garlock said. "If they want to give us another crack at the bat, well, we've got some members working on that."

Kenneth Perry, one of the trustees appointed by the Grand Lodge, and who has previously commented on this matter, could not be reached.

UPDATE: News of an other New York lodge being closed, this time in Norwich.

According to an executive order issued by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Grand Lodge, Elk’s Lodge #1222 has failed to make reports required by the laws of the order, and has not complied with the auditing and accounting manual.

Sound familiar.  And there's this:

Officers and members of the Norwich lodge, however, strongly disagree with the decision, and have called upon the higher courts of the order for an opportunity to refute the executive ruling.

“This has been a problem for nearly a decade,” said local Exalted Ruler Jeff Cola. “We’re now in the process of appealing the Grand Lodge’s decision, and we believe it was based on past issues.”

Jeffery M.  Rider, 31, of 8130 Route 5, Le Roy, is charged with resisting arrest. At 10:50 p.m., Tuesday, Deputy Bradley D. Mazur reportedly tried to execute an arrest warrant for Rider for alleged violation of probation. At the time of the attempted arrest, Rider allegedly resisted arrest. Rider was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Robert L. Vanburen, 48, of 370 W. Main St., lower, Batavia, is charged with throwing an injurious substance on the highway (littering), DWI and aggravated DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater. Vanburen was stopped by Officer Dan Coffey at 11:53 p.m., Wednesday, on West Main Street.

Robert F. Williams, 49, of 114 State St., Apt. #3, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Williams is accused of grabbing a woman and throwing her. She was not injured.

A 17-year-old from Bergen is charged with criminal contempt. The youth is accused of shoving another person. There was an order of protection barring such conduct.

Kimmie A. Welsh, 43, of Corfu, is charged with DWI and operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs. Welsh was stopped by State Police at 9:40 a.m., Tuesday, at the intersection of Route 33 and Route 77 in the Village of Corfu. No further details available.

Clarence L. Blackmon, 39, of Oakfield, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Blackmon was arrested by State Police at noon, Tuesday. He is accused of stealing an item valued at less than $3,000. No further details are available.

Tanya L .Thyret, 31, of Rochester, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and an equipment violation. Thyret was stopped by State Police at 8:45 p.m., Tuesday, on Culver Road, Town of Bativia. No further details are available.

Accidents from the state police blotter:

4:59 p.m., Feb. 22, Thruway, Mile Marker 399 west, Pembroke, two vehicles; Driver 1: William Burton Lewis, 22, of East Amherst; Driver 2: Leonard E. Neal, 58, of Gravehurst, Ontario, Canada. One injury reported. No further details available.

Sallome's Italian Deli, 40 Oak St., Batavia, NY: Wraps, subs, paninis and pasta as well as pizzas -- Sallome's offers a tasty variety of Italian deli items for eat-in or take-out.  We have $10 gift certificates for $5 each.

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.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY:  Spring is almost here, but you an make your home or office feel like spring now with flowers! We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY. Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate 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 $25 gift card for $12.50.

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St. Batavia, NY: 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.

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.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: The Batavian is able to offer a limited number of reduced-price haircuts for children under 12. Click Here for details of the offer and to purchase vouchers.

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

SOLD OUT

A large storm front that the National Weather Service says is dropping heavy, wet snow, is pushing across the heart of New York this morning.

A winter storm warning remains in effect through 1 p.m. tomorrow.

Genesee County is on the edge of the storm front and today's snow accumulation is expected to be about only one to three inches. Tonight, the area may get heavier snow accumulation, with the heaviest snowfall coming in the Finger Lakes area and Genesee Valley.

This storm may dump as much as eight inches of snow on Genesee County, while the Finger Lakes may get as much as 12 inches.

Below is a snapshot from the Thruway Cam at the Pembroke exit showing current conditions there.

Two Batavia men were arrested last night after the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force executed a search warrant at 13 Ross Street, lower, looking for a suspected meth lab.

What officers reportedly found was a dismantled lab and some quantity of methamphetamine in various stages of production.

The two suspects in the case were apparently not at the residence at the time of the raid and were located elsewhere in the county.

Taken into custody were Warren T. Cotton, 33, and Eric D. Johnston, 31.

Cotton is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. Johnston is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana.

Cotton was arrested following a traffic stop at Walkers Corners Road in Byron. Johnston was located on Evans Street.

While Johnston was released on an appearance ticket, Cotton was jailed without bail.

The investigation is ongoing.

Assisting in the case were Wyoming County Drug Task Force, the Genesee County District Attorney's Office, the Office of Emergency Management and Mercy EMS.

Photos: Warren T. Cotton, upper right; Eric Johnston, lower left.

The following indictments have been handed down by a Genesee County Grand Jury:

Jeffery M. Wisinski, 38, of 7484 Lake St., Vienna, seven counts: Burglary, 2nd; petit larceny; burglary, 3rd; grand larceny 3rd; criminal mischief, 2nd; criminal mischief, 3rd; and, grand larceny, 4th. Wisinski is accused of breaking into a garage at 510 Bloomingdale Road, Alabama, on or about Sept. 10 or 11 and stealing a 2007 Dodge Charger and a credit card. For more on Wisinski's arrest on Nov. 6, click here.

Jason John Reed, 33, of 33 Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, four counts: driving while intoxicated as a class E felony; driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 or greater; aggravated unlicensed operation; and endangering the welfare of a child. Reed is accused of driving drunk on Nov. 26 on Pearl Street in Oakfield. Original report, click here.

Witnesses reported seeing several law enforcement units, SWAT, a Hazmat unit and the County Command Post vehicle either heading to or on Ross Street next to the Richmond Memorial Library tonight.

Batavia Police referred questions to Sgt. Steve Mullen of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Another county official said he wasn't at liberty to discuss the activity and referred questions to either the Police or Sheriff's Office.

Sgt. Mullen responded to an e-mail with, "more to follow."

The activity occurred roughly between 7 and 7:30 p.m. By the time we arrived on Ross Street at 7:40 p.m., all law enforcement and emergency personnel had cleared the scene.

What's up with Pontillo's? I get asked that question nearly every day. We've all seen the work crews there.

What a couple other people have seen is Sam Pontillo at the 500 E. Main St., Batavia, location.

Over the past two weeks I've called Sam Pontillo several times. I've left a few messages. I have not heard back from him.

I've also called the property owner, Thomas Masaschi, and left messages. No return call.

Admittedly, third hand, I've heard that another restaurant owner tried to buy the old Pontillo's sign and was told it wasn't for sale -- that there were plans for it.

So at this point, we only have rumors and speculation, but for all the people who keep asking me what's going on, that's the only answer I can give at this point.

For Sale: Older building with plenty of space, grand old wooden bar, working dumbwaiters, hardwood floors and plenty of local history. It once housed one of Batavia's great civic clubs.

The Batavia Elks Lodge building, at 213 E. Main St., home until recently of Lodge #950, is for sale, listed at $249,900.

The property is assessed for $179,000.

The reason its for sale? It's still unclear.

As The Batavian first reported Feb. 13, the Grand Lodge revoked the local charter for apparently administrative reasons. Lodge leader Timothy Garlock was hopeful the charter could be re-established, but the building being up for sale may not be a hopeful sign.

Neither Garlock nor the trustee we previously spoke with, Kenneth Perry, could be reached for comment this evening.

An Elk in the San Francisco area who has been following an increasing number of Elks Lodge closings on his blog said the posted sale doesn't necessarily mean the end of the local lodge.

However, if the sale is made, the proceeds will be placed in a sort of internal escrow account by the New York State leadership and held for 10 years, giving the local lodge a chance to reconstitute itself. If the money isn't returned to the local lodge after 10 years, it is either donated to a charity or used to start a new lodge elsewhere in the state.

The Grand Lodge doesn't appear to benefit financially from shutting down lodges, which it seems to have done frequently of late, according to Bob Merjano. He's a past president of Lodge #3 (the third lodge started in the nation, in San Francisco, 135 years ago).

Some lodges close for financial reasons, Merjano said, but "some of them are being forced to close even though they seem sound financially, like yours."

The frustrating thing Merjano said, is that the Grand Lodge never comments on closings. They never point out that there are still more than one million Elks and the organization still does a lot of good work for veterans and children.

As for Lodge #3, Merjano said his lodge is doing especially well.  They've been fortunate, he said, to recruit a lot of new, younger members.