batavia

A program to benefit Genesee County's military veterans is in the works. It will computerize discharge papers filed with the Clerk's Office. It will also provide money-saving opportunities for veterans at participating businesses when they show their photo ID card.

Dubbed "Return the FAVOR" (Find & Assist Vets of Record), it began about two years ago in Putnam County and since then has been implemented in about a dozen counties statewide.

Currently, Genesee County stores the record of discharge papers, called Form DD-214, on paper only. Veterans voluntarily submit their DD-214 to the clerk of record in their community as a safeguard procedure so it can be replaced if need be or replicated.

In a few months, the paper trail comes to a virtual end and the data goes online.

"Paper is fragile," said Clerk Don Read.

Not mention inefficient and cumbersome to keep up to date. The county probably has about 30,000 gun permits archived since 1934 when permits were first issued. But how many are active, valid permits is unknown.

Those who have implemented "Return the FAVOR" rave about what a good idea it is, Read said.

David Bellavia -- a highly decorated combat veteran petitioning to run as an independent for Congress in New York's 26th District -- issued a press release today thanking Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul for bringing "Return the FAVOR" to that county.

He praised her leadership in the program, which he termed "an appreciated salute to veterans," adding that it should be a statewide standard.

(His kind words are perhaps notable because Hochul is widely regarded as the likely Democrat canidate in the 26th District and will be a Bellavia opponent if he makes the ballot. Bellavia recently launched a petition drive to get on the ballot.)

Read said his office looked into providing "Return the FAVOR" here last year but the cost was prohibitive. The computer software and plastic ID cards, etc., was estimated to cost $30,000 and that money was not in the budget.

But last fall, the county negotiated with a computer company which was contracted to begin computerizing records of pistol permits on Jan. 1. They found out the company could also do the veterans record/ID card program using the same tools employed for pistol permits at, according to Read, no additional cost.

"The first thing is to perfect the pistol-permit program," Read said, adding that his office is looking at a launch date of May 1 and the veterans program would begin sometime afterward.

"We are contacting officials and asking how they would like the (new) pistol permit to be formatted," Read said.

County Judge Robert C. Noonan heads up the Handgun and Pistol Permit Program. District Attorney Lawrence Friedman is also being consulted along with law enforcement.

"This will benefit the Sheriff's Office because deputies will be able to access the database on our Web site," Read said. "When they are going to an address, they can find out who has a pistol permit and what kind of weapons they have before they get there."

Regarding "Return the FAVOR," Read said they are communicating with other counties to possibly extend the discount benefits across county lines. For example, a veteran with an ID card from Genesee County could get a dinner deal at a participating restaurant in Erie or Wyoming County.

The estimated cost to the veteran applicant at the Clerk's Office would be a one-time fee in the $5 to $10 range.

Read said his office plans to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the Veterans Service Agency to get businesses to support the discounts-for-veterans program.

But since the Veterans Service Agency lost a full-time worker due to budget cuts,  Read said he expects his office will have to do more of the "ground work."

A 25-year-old Batavia resident accused of biting a police sergeant will take his case to a jury.

Donald F. Stillwagon II, of 142 Pearl St., charged with a assault in the second degree, appeared in Genesee County Court today to either accept or reject a plea offer from District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

The offer, six months "shock probation" -- a short time in jail followed by a term of probation. The alternative, if convicted by a jury, is a possible seven-year stint in state prison.

Judge Robert C. Noonan made it clear that after today there will be no chance for Stillwagon to accept a negotiated plea. Stillwagon said he understood that.

Stillwagon is accused of biting Sgt. John Peck, Batavia PD, in the arm after Peck arrived at his house in response to a domestic disturbance.

Reportedly, a male there was choking another person, which prompted the police response. The alleged incident occurred Oct. 1.

Peck sustained a minor injury and was treated and released at UMMC.

The trial date is April 18.

Joshua A. Harris, 21, no permanent address, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st, criminal trespass, 2nd, harassment, 2nd, and two counts of criminal contempt, 2nd. Harris was wanted on several accusations of criminal contempt for allegedly failing to obey an order of protection. Harris was taken into custody by Officer Chris Camp at 5:50 p.m., Wednesday. Harris was reportedly found hiding in a basement at a residence on Oak Street.

Christopher W. Cummings, 31, of 21 Old Meadow Lane, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cummings is accused of having physical contact with another person in a parking lot at 419 West Main St., at 12:35 p.m., Tuesday.

A deputy called into dispatch this morning saying he was behind an erratic driver and was attempting to pull her over (I missed the location).

She wasn't stopping, so he flipped on his siren.

"She's continuing at a low rate of speed, but not stopping," he told dispatch.

Another unit started toward the area.

She finally pulled over.

After the traffic stop, one deputy told the other: "Apparently, you interfered with her routine. She was getting dressed and putting her make up on."

No word on what citation(s) might have been issued.

UPDATE 9:26 a.m.: At least one citation is being issued for an alleged violation of vehicle and traffic law section 1226: "No person shall operate a motor vehicle without having at least one hand or, in the case of a physically handicapped  person, at least one prosthetic device or aid, on the steering mechanism at all times when the motor vehicle is in motion."

A 26-year-old former Batavia resident who was charged with multiple crimes in Genesee County over a 10-month span will spend nearly seven years in jail.

Brett Myers Blair, who has lived in Batavia and Bergen, admitted in January to a charge of burglary, 2nd, and agreed to cooperate with law enforcement in clearing several criminal investigations.

Besides the crimes investigators suspected Blair committed, Blair also admitted to several uncharged crimes.

Judge Robert C. Noonan said Blair coming clean on his criminal activity enabled him to arrive at a plea deal that substantially reduced the charges against him but did not warrant reducing the maximum sentenced available for burglary, 2nd.

Last week, Blair was sentenced on a felony charge in Monroe County to two to four years in state prison. 

Blair will serve his seven year sentence on the Genesee County charge concurrently with the Monroe County conviction.

While in prison, Blair must pay more than $3,000 to four victims.

He will also undergo treatment for substance abuse.

"I realize there have been a lot of victims and I’ve changed a lot of lives as result of my actions and I’ll never be able to take that away, including from my mom and my son," Blair told Noonan.

"I'm truly sorry for the crimes I committed," Blair added. "When I'm using drugs, I'm a totally different person from the person I normally am. I got caught up in something I couldn't get out of. Now I can just make myself better with the time that I'm given."

Within Genesee County, Blair's apparent criminal activity goes back to at least March 2009 when he was accused of possessing hydrocodone following a traffic stop.

In early October, Blair was accused of trying to steal a 50-inch plasma TV from Kmart.

When Blair reached his plea agreement in January, the Genesee County Sheriff's Office released information on five other crimes Blair was accused of committing.

Three graduates of Genesee Community College who went on to successful careers and have been active in their communities were selected as 2011 inductees into the GCC Hall of Fame.

The new inductees are Jacquelyn Dwyer, class of '76, Benjamin Bonarigo, Class of '77, and Matt Locker, class of '88.

Dwyer went on to become a nurse in Batavia City Schools and then an instructor of Human Services and Health Careers at Genesee Valley BOCES.

Bonarigo (pictured) is a local attorney who enjoys serving the community.

Locker started his broadcast career at GCC and has appeared in television and motion pictures. He has been active with the GCC Alumni Association. He currently resides in Wanaque, NJ.

The induction is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 30, in the Conable Technology Building, North Lobby.

Full press release after the jump:

BATAVIA, NY (03/16/2011)(readMedia)-- Genesee Community College will induct three new members to its Alumni Hall of Fame on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 4:30 pm in the Conable Technology Building, North Lobby at the Batavia Campus.

"This year's recipients have a wide variety of degrees and career backgrounds," Jackie Christenson, alumni affairs coordinator, said. "These outstanding alumni serve as inspirations to our current and future students at Genesee. They not only have created successful lives after attending Genesee, but have found the time to serve their local communities and give back to the college."

The 2011 Genesee Community College Alumni Hall of Fame inductees are:

Jacquelyn Dwyer, Class of 1976 – Jacquelyn "Jacquie" Dwyer received her associate's degree from Genesee in Nursing in 1976. Prior to that, she earned a bachelor's degree in Education from St. Xavier University and later went on to obtain a master's degree in Education at SUNY Brockport.

She began her career in education and became a registered nurse in 1976 after attending classes at Genesee as a non-traditional-aged student. She began her nursing career at Batavia City Schools as a school nurse and then became an instructor of Human Services and Health Careers at Genesee Valley BOCES. She has dedicated her life to not only the education and health-care fields, but has also dedicated much of her time to volunteer in dozens of local community groups.

From Go Art to the American Red Cross, to Community Mental Health Services to the Richmond Library, Jacquelyn has made volunteering an important commitment in her life. She currently remains active in the UMMC League, Friends of the Library, YWCA My Sister's Closet, and Resurrection Parish.

Jacquelyn and her husband John have supported Genesee for several years and have participated in Encore, various capital projects and the GCC Foundation's Annual Fund. Jacquelyn and John had nine children together and currently reside in Batavia, NY.

Benjamin J. Bonarigo Esq., Class of 1977 - Benjamin Bonarigo, a first-generation college graduate, began his education at Genesee with a degree in Business Administration and later went on to the University of Buffalo where he earned a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctorate degree.

Mr. Bonarigo has been a practicing lawyer in the local community for over 25 years. He has been appointed a member of the NYS Bar Association House of Delegates, NYS Appellate Division Grievance Committee for the Fourth Department, Secretary of the Genesee County Bar Association and a former Independent Judicial Qualification Commission Member.

He has served the local community including the Batavia Youth Football League where he has been a board member for over 20 years and was recently honored with the Notre Dame Service and Volunteer Award for having served in various positions on the Notre Dame High School Board of Trustees for 10 years.

Mr. Bonarigo has also supported many vital organizations such as UMMC, Go Art, United Way, GCASA, CASA and the Holland Land Office. Mr. Bonarigo currently lives in Batavia with his wife Diane and they have three children, Benjamin, Justine and Elizabeth.

Matthew B. Locker, Class of 1988 - Matt Locker came to Genesee by way of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and focused his talents on WGCC, the college's brand-new radio station in 1985. He dedicated his years at GCC to developing the station and even having a highly successful radio program. He coined the phrase "This is the Music FM, WGCC in Batavia, New York" and created the first logo WGCC ever had. His work on the radio has led Matt to be successful over the airwaves as well as in front of and behind the camera.

Matt has worked as the managing editor/anchor of "The Staten Island NewsCenter" in Staten Island, NY, as well as an anchor and program director on news stations in New Jersey. He has appeared in motion pictures, television programs, commercials and live stage theater performances.

Matt's commitment to the college has been remarkable and his efforts were the driving force behind the great alumni turnout for the first Homecoming celebration back in October 2010. He continues to help out with the student radio station and currently updates the WGCC Alumni Facebook page to continue to connect with Communications and Media Arts alumni.

Matt currently works as a freelance voice-over artist, and is president of Winbeam Light Labs, the company he founded upon developing the world's first high definition fluorescent lamp. Matthew resides in Wanaque, NJ.

The GCC Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes those alumni who have achieved outstanding success and made a lasting impact on the community. Nominations to the Hall of Fame are received from alumni, community members, faculty and staff.

The criteria for nominating an individual to the College Alumni Hall of Fame are based on the individual's contributions to his or her profession, distinguished service to the community and/or service to Genesee Community College. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected from a committee of distinguished alumni, including past Hall of Fame honorees.

For more information regarding the Alumni Hall of Fame, please contact Jackie Christenson, Alumni Affairs Coordinator, at 585-343-0055, ext 6265.

As the snow melts, months worth of trash is being revealed in some of the flower beds on Main Street.

Don Burkel, executive director of the Business Improvement District sent out a timely reminder to downtown business owners to do a little clean up in front of their establishments.

Burkel said that if everyone would pick up trash, debris and cigarette butts in front of their stores or offices, it would have a big impact on the impression customers get when visiting downtown.

Earl Lockhart, 18, of 437 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with burglary, 2nd, criminal mischief, 4th, and petit larceny. Lockhart was arrested by Det. Kevin Czora for allegedly breaking into a neighbor's residence in February 2009.

Jonathan A. Brenkus, 22, of 5244 Bridge Road, Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Brenkus was stopped for an alleged equipment violation on his vehicle at 4:53 p.m., Tuesday, by Officer Thad Mart, on Clinton Street. During the traffic stop, Brenkus was found to allegedly possess marijuana.

Jon D. Vega, 45, of 518 E. Main St., Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Vega allegedly threatened a person with physical harm during a phone call.

Terry L. Smith, 55, of Corfu, is charged with DWI, failure to use designated lane, crossing road hazard markings and refusal to take breath test. Smith was stopped by State Police at 9:25 p.m., Sunday, on Route 77 and Indian Falls Road, Pembroke. Smith was held in jail on an unspecified bail status.

Here's a letter to the community from friends of the Sputore family.

Dear Friends, Families & Business Owners:

This letter is to inform you of “Brooklyn’s Journey” -- a fundraising effort to assist a beautiful young family in Batavia whose child is facing a life-threatening situation.

Beyond her big blue eyes and her fair skin, Brooklyn Grace Sputore is suffering from a condition called Vein of Galen Brain Malformation, which is a form of an aneurysm. This is a life-threatening condition that requires special care.

The family will be traveling to Roosevelt Hospital in New York City for the appropriate treatment, including a number of surgeries.

Brooklyn Sputore is the daughter of Michael and Julie Sputore, of Batavia, the grandaughter of Paul and Mary Sputore, and Doug and Jan Hawley, both of Batavia. Michael and Julie also have a 5-year-old son.

In addition to the challenges of the condition alone, the parents will need to take leave of their jobs while caring for the child, which will create further financial need.

“Brooklyn's Journey” is a community effort to support the challenges this young family faces. There is a fundraiser planned for April 10 at St. Joseph's School at 2 Summit St., Batavia, from 12:30-5:30 p.m.

This will include a spaghetti dinner, a Chinese auction and other raffles. The tickets can be purchased pre-sale from Paul Sputore 781-8138 and other committee members. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Brooklyn's Journey T-shirts are $15 and can be purchased from Bruce Dedman 716-560-0031 or T.F. Brown’s /Mancuso Bowling Center. All proceeds will assist this family in this difficult time.

The family is seeking donations of baskets, prizes or gift certificates for the fundraiser. Monetary donations are gratefully accepted and can be sent to Brooklyn Sputore, c/o: Paul & Mary Sputore, 18 Sumner St., Batavia.

Please consider helping this family. Any questions, ideas or for more info, please call Chris Sputore (716) 316-3744. Your help is gratefully appreciated!

A police check on a parolee Saturday night led to the arrest of three Batavia residents on drug charges.

Numerous bags of cocaine were reportedly found either on the individuals or in an apartment at 29 Central Ave.

Taken into custody were Derek Leach, 31, of 29 Central Ave., Eric Williams, 45, of 219 Washington Ave., and Randy G. Leach II, 24, of 58 South Main St.

All three were charged with crimes, including criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal using drug paraphernalia.

The incident began at 8:30 p.m. when a NYS parole officer went to 29 Central Ave. to do a home check on Derek Leach.

Once there, the officer heard several voices inside the house and called for assistance. Officers Chris Camp, Eric Boles and Marc Lawrence arrived on scene.

Once officers were inside the house, a second parolee, Eric Williams, was identified.

Williams was searched and allegedly found in possession of a large quantity of individually wrapped bags of cocaine. He was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd (with intent to sell).

Randy G. Leach II, was identified as a suspect wanted on a warrant out of drug court.

A small bag of cocaine was allegedly found on Randy Leach. In addition to the warrant charge, Leach was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th.

Randy Leach was jailed on $50,000 bail.

Police then searched Derek Leach's residence and allegedly found a large amount of individually wrapped bags of cocaine, scales and packaging material.

Derek Leach was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd (with intent to sale) and criminal using drug paraphernalia.

Williams and Derek Leach were jailed without bail.

The Sheriff's Office K-9 unit assisted in the search. Det. Todd Crossett also participated in the investigation.

Photos: Top, Derek Leach, Eric Williams, Randy Leach.

David Allan Showler, 43, Trumbull Parkway, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, and unlicensed operation. Showler was stopped on Trumbull Parkway at 5:09 p.m. Monday, by Sgt. Greg Walker. Showler was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Robert Howard Harris, 29, of Stephanie Court, Hilton, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd.  Harris is accused of making a phone call that was harassing in nature.

Darik Robert Michael Orbaker, 18, of Forest Edge Drive, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Orbaker was allegedly at a residence at 9:50 a.m. Monday that he was barred from being at by a Town of Batavia Court order.

David T. Neuhaus, 24, 335 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. Neuhaus is accused of taking a car belonging to an acquaintance without permission.

City crews were on State Street late this morning dealing with dirt and an old stump where a tree once stood.

The tree was among 30 dead or dying trees removed from around the city over the winter.

More than 400 middle-school students were at Genesee Community College this morning for the 2011 Genesee County Youth Conference.

Students heard a keynote speech by bullying expert Michael Nerney (pictured below during a workshop later in the morning with teachers) called "Taking the Bully by the Horns."

Then they broke into a series of workshops lasting less than an hour each in three consecutive sessions. The workshops included "Hmmm ... is this the right decision?", "Energy Smart Choices," "Who Wants to Make a Good First Impression?", "Building Your Potential," "Nutritional Jeopardy" and yoga.

Above, Joni Yaskulski leads a class through a yoga session.

Nerney's talk focused on adolescent brain development and the negative effects of bullying on development. The message was geared to the concept of changing social norms among middle-school students so that everyone, especially bystanders, understand that bullying is not acceptable nor is it harmless.

Students from Holy Family, Oakfield-Alabama, Batavia, Elba, Alexander, St. Joe's, Byron-Bergen, Le Roy and Pavilion participated in the program.

The conference was organized and sponsored by Genesee Youth In Action, 4-H, NYS Office of Children and Family Services, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Genesee County Stop-DWI.

A dozen city school students in second through fifth grade met at Jackson School today for a spelling bee to determine the top speller at each grade level.

Students represented Jackson, John Kennedy and Robert Morris.

Pictured here are fourth graders Jonathan Slezak (John Kennedy), Ellen Fulton (Robert Morris) and Caitline Kingston (Jackson).

Fulton won the fourth-grade round.

Also winning today were Brandon Bartz, second grade, John Kennedy; Madeline Taggart, third grade, John Kennedy; and, Carli Reynolds, fifth grade, Jackson.

Right on schedule, the migratory gulls that have plagued downtown buildings the past few years -- most notably the former Latina's location on Ellicott Street -- are returning.

This March, they're getting a slightly different reception.

The one-time Montgomery Ward store has a new owner, V J Gautieri Constructors, Inc., and CEO Vito Gautieri is determined both to get new tenants in the building and keep the gulls away.

"The key is to keep them from nesting," Gautieri said. "Once they nest, we can't touch them."

To that end, employees of Gautieri's were recently on the roof installing streamers and decoy owls (mean-looking ones at that).

Today, the gulls circled the building and cried their perpetually angry sounding cry, but none were landing on the roof.

Friday, Don Burkel, executive director of the Business Improvement District, sent a message to BID members asking them to deal with any developing gull problems promptly.

As the gulls return downtown we should be prepared to resolve any problems that may develop. If they are beginning to nest or create a problem with your property do not hesitate to contact us. We can put in touch with the Wildlife Services who professionalyl deal with these issues promptly.

As for the building on Jackson, Gautieri said he is weeks away from signing at least one new tenant for the building, and possibly two. He said he's had interest in the building from two or three grocery store operators and discount retailers. One particular retailer and one grocery store would be a particularly good fit as neighbors in the building, he said.

"They would be a draw for each other," Gautieri said.

Gautieri recently closed his purchase of the building from Tom Lewin's LKLWL Properties. Lewin made regional headlines late last summer as the city took steps to condemn the building and press code violations charges against the Buffalo-area resident.

Gautieri said it's in his best interest to keep the property clean and gull free, especially if he hopes to attract a grocery store to the location.

The second floor, Gautieri said, will also be available for office space or apartments. The plans are still being drawn up but, in either case, Gautieri said he is planning to install an elevator to help draw tenants to the location.

Gautieri was the contractor who built the structure and he said because of a high water table under the building, it was too expensive to put in a basement, so the second floor was originally designed as warehouse space with the ability to hold a150 lbs.-per-square-foot load.

Lorrie B. Fischer, 32, of 128 W. State St., Albion, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, three counts of aggravated DWI (children in the vehicle), criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, moving from lane unsafely, and improper or unsafe turn. At 5:19 p.m., Sunday, Fischer was reportedly observed driving in an erratic manner by an off-duty Batavia police officer. Fischer was stopped by Officer Chris Davis. There were children ages 11, 12 and 14 in the car.

Robert L. Williams Jr., 20, and Shante R. Williams, 27, and Sarah L. Marcello, 18, all of Batavia, are all charged with harassment, 2nd. Officers Marc Lawrence and Chris Camp investigated an alleged incident at 4:45 p.m., Saturday, in the area of 112 State St., Batavia. Robert Williams accused Marcello of hitting him. Marcello accused Shante Williams and Robert Williams of hitting her. All three were issued appearance tickets for Batavia City Court on March 15.

Tyler Alan Cole, 18, of Alley Road, Darien, is charged with unlawful dealing with a child. Cole is accused of hosting a party where people under 21 were allowed to consume alcohol. The party was investigated at 5:06 a.m., Sunday.

Michael Roberrt Turturro, 32, of Jeffery Drive, Depew, was arrested on a family court warrant and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and no seat belt. Turturro was stopped by Deputy Chris Parker on Alleghany Road in Alabama.

Billy Joe Budziszewski, 19, of Alleghany Road, Corfu, is charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd. Budziszewski allegedly threated another person during a phone call.

Shane I. Crosby, 34, of 62989 W. Main St., Byron, is charged with a felony count of DWI, aggravated DWI, speeding and unlicensed operation. Crosby was stopped at 3:45 a.m., Sunday, on West Main Street, Batavia, by officer Kevin DeFelice.

Thomas M. Pillo, of 8991 Alexander Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, no tail lamps. Pillo was stopped at 11:57 p.m., Friday, by Det. Richard Schauf on School Street, Batavia.

Tiffany J. Howard, 20, of 210 S. Swan St., Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. Howard is accused of unlawfully entering an apartment on West Main Street at 8:42 p.m., Saturday, and punching a person in the face.

Timothy K. Schiffmaker, 20, of 19 Hyde Park, Batavia, is charged with criminal trespass, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 3rd. Schiffmaker is accused of breaking into a house in the city at 6:15 a.m., Saturday, damaging a door in the process. Schiffamker was confronted and held by the resident until police arrived.

Lauren E. Charache, 31, of 3 East Ave., Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd. Charache was issued a citation for unlicensed operation following a traffic accident in the city on Sept. 3. Charache was taken into custody by Trooper Bentley outside of the city and turned over to city police. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Gary R. Sitarski, 48, of Pembroke, is charged with DWI and aggravated DWI. Sitarski was stopped by State Police at 10:07 p.m., Saturday, on Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia.

Michelle L. Cramer, 26, of Canton, Ohio, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Cramer is accused of having physical contact with another person. The alleged incident took place in Byron on March 4. Cramer was arrested by State Police. No further details released.

Michael A. Cintron, 47, of Lackawanna, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Cintron was stopped at 11:50 a.m., Friday, by State Police on Route 77, Pembroke.

Dispatch has received multiple calls about a transformer arcing and sparking at 5158 East Main St. Road in the area of the Gravel Pit.

Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 12:21 p.m.: The arcing and sparking appears to be coming from a power line in front of the power plant substation, not a transformer, according to an official on scene. "That's a recurring problem," says another. National Grid has been notified, but no ETA is given. There will need to be portable stop signs placed at intersections on the east end of town because, apparently, the power line problem is affecting traffic lights. For example, the intersection at East Main Street and Clinton is completely out, not even blinking.

UPDATE 12:43 p.m.: Approximately 2,100 customers are without power. National Grid is en route to fix the outage problem.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: A National Grid supervisor in on scene.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m.: The supervisor estimates power will be restored in about one hour.

UPDATE 1:07 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire crew is returning to quarters. Flares will be placed at Route 33 and Seven Springs Road, which is an intersection without power. Elsewhere portable stop signs were placed at intersections on the east end of town by county highway personnel.

UPDATE 1:23 p.m.: Dispatch has received a number of calls saying power is back on now.

A car fire is reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 386.5 in the eastbound lane.

The caller states she could see flames from the undercarriage and the male operator was getting children out of the car.

Mile marker 385.6 is about 8/10 of a mile east of the Clinton Street Road overpass.

Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 11:01 a.m.: First responder: Fire appears to be out.

UPDATE 11:03 a.m.: The drive shaft appears to have punctured the fuel tank. Fire is out. Engine 24 to respond for the fuel spill.

Batavia police officers made 575 criminal arrests in 2010 and responded to 16,606 calls.

Chief Randy Baker released the department's annual report, which notes that patrols logged more than 100,000 road miles.

Officers also completed 1,685 hours of training.

There were 534 motor vehicle accidents in the city, with 98 reported as personal injury accidents. There was one fatality.

Major investigations included a fatal fire on State Street, the Wiard Plow fire and assisting Elmira police in the investigation of an infant's death.

Full press release after the jump:

DETAILS: The 2010 Batavia Police Department annual report has been completed and can be viewed on the Batavia Police Department’s Web site at www.batavianewyork.com. During 2010, the Batavia Police Department responded to 16,606 calls for service, logged over 100,000 miles on patrol and performed 1,685 hours of training. The police department handled approximately 534 motor vehicle accidents, 98 which were reported as personal injury and 1 fatal accident. The department handled 575 criminal arrests and 196 warrant arrests.

Department training topics included firearms, defensive tactics, taser, emergency response team techniques, domestic violence, patrol procedures, DWI detection, DNA procedures and interviewing techniques. The emergency response team, which includes members of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, traveled to Verona, NY to train with the New York Tactical Officers Association and competed in a SWAT team competition in Erie County in September of 2010.

Major cases and investigations for the year included, a fatal fire on State Street in February, an industrial fire in May at the old Wiard Plow Factory building. Three juveniles were arrested and sent to Family Court after an extensive investigation. Detectives worked with the Elmira Police Department investigating the death of an infant. Detectives also worked with the Kansas City Missouri police department to arrest a sex offender who was texting an underage female in Batavia. An investigation was completed and a subject arrested for fraudulently obtaining $58,000 from an elderly female. Major trials were held for Andre Scott who was convicted and sent to prison for arson and attempted murder for a fire started at a multifamily residence in 2008. Dalton Wilkie was convicted on federal charges for soliciting sex online from what he thought was a minor in Batavia. He was actually contacting a Batavia Police Department Detective.

The county drug task force, which includes a detective from the Batavia Police Department, investigated 95 drug cases, made 86 arrests and executed 18 search warrants. One of the drug investigations coordinated with the FBI disrupted a major methamphetamine drug ring in Genesee County.

Detectives monitored on average 60 Level I, II and III sex offenders in the city.

The juvenile office worked with GCASA on National Night Out, Project 365 and alcohol compliance checks.

Traffic patrols funded by the NYS Governors Traffic Safety Committee for Buckle Up New York and STEP resulted in over 300 hours of extra traffic patrols. The local STOP DWI committee supported over 400 hours of special DWI patrols which resulted in over 439 vehicle stops. There were 48 DWI arrests made by the department in 2010.

The crime rate for the city for Part I crimes at 34.93 per 1000 of population remained relatively stable. There was a slight decrease in the crime rate in 2010 from the crime rate of 37.20 in 2009. Part II crimes, a new rate monitored by the department, was 58.67 and increased slightly from the rate in 2009 at 55.18.

Awards received by department members in 2010 include Officer Camp Kiwanis Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for the Batavia Police Department. Officer Mileham was given the GCASA Law Enforcement of the Year Award for his dedicated service to Drug Court.