batavia

Downtown Batavia has a new liquor store -- one that will cater to the wine aficionado while still providing a large selection of lower-priced wine and spirits.

The site is the former shop of 3D Wine and Spirits and the new owner is Christine Crocker, who developed quite a following among wine connoisseurs in the county during her 14 years at her father's place in Le Roy, which he recently sold.

"This (store) was the right time and the right fit," Crocker said. "I didn't want to work for anybody else. I wanted to be my own boss again."

To open, Crocker is stocking 200 different wines, but the Le Roy story had a thousand and Crocker plans to expand the selection at YNGodess Shop.

She will also offer tastings on Friday and Saturday nights from 4-7pm.

"Part of it is educating people, moving them on to something different than they'd been drinking," Crocker said. "That’s the fun part. That’s why there’s so many different wines. Everybody’s got a different palate."

New York wines will figure prominently in the shop, including wine from Three Brothers, a Finger Lakes vintner which is a difficult label for retail shops to stock.

"Because we did well with Three Brothers in Le Roy, they were extremely excited that I was opening my own shop," Crocker said.

Crocker will also carry finer spirits, such as 15-year-old single barrel scotch and top-end bourbons, but there's still room on the shelf for Jack Daniel's.

The location at 73 Main St. is also perfect, said Crocker.

"We're right in the middle of this beautiful city," Crocker said. "I think it's going to be busy. People can pull right up and pull right out. There are a lot of people who work downtown. There are 70 people in the Tompkins (Insurance) Building alone. There's foot traffic. People are out walking at night all summer. I think we'll be busy."

A car has struck a pedestrian on North Lyon Street, Batavia.

The person is down, but injuries are believed to be minor.

City Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

It's always easier, and more fun, to make music with friends.

Bill Blind (top photo, left), Paul Runfola and Deborah Sorensen have been friends for 25 years, played in each other's bands, helped with each other's music projects and worked and taught together at Roxy's Music in Batavia.

Two years ago, they decided it was time to form a band and record an album.

The result is Anadrome, both the band and the CD, a poppy, sometimes adventurous collection of original tunes written by the trio.

"I think we were going for something that was interesting but still could appeal to a general audience," Sorensen said.

Runfola agreed. He said that while solos and improvisation were part of the process, the album isn't just a collection of 15-minute jams. The music remains accessible.

"I never forget what it was that got me excited about music as a kid in the first place," Runfola said. "It really didn't have anything to do with advanced musical concepts. A good song is a good song."

Originally from Western New York, Runfolo began pursuing a career in music while on the West Coast in the 1990s. When he returned home, he joined the Celtic rock bank Kilbrannan and after winning some East Coast guitar competitions, Guitar Player Magazine added him to their "Hot Guitarist List."

Sorensen, who operates Wild West Studio in Le Roy, where the CD was recorded, has been a soloist, band member and band leader, playing piano and keyboards. Her recording projects, both as a musician and engineer and producer include film scores, jingles and songs. She's currently music director at City Church in Downtown Batavia.

Drummer Bill Blind has performed in Carnegie Hall, the Eastman Theater and at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, appearing with such acts as Mark Manetta, Chuck Mangione and the Rochester Philharmonic. Besides his work on the CD "Anadrome," Blind performs with Steve Green, Kinloch Nelson, The White Hots and Tina and the Two-Timers.

Blind is on staff at Roxy's and along with Sorensen, and Runfola teaches at the legendary local music store.

The group is just starting to promote its music -- available at Roxy's and Vintage and Vogue in Le Roy -- with a website, Facebook page and tapping into their network of musician friends.

The Digital Age makes it both easier and harder for new music to find an audience, Runfolo and Sorensen said.

"Via the Internet, you have more of a chance to get your material heard without living in a major metropolitan area," Runfolo said. "Before, if you weren't living in New York City, L.A. or Nashville, and you weren't able to attract a major record label, it was like, well, what are you going to do?"

But with new technology comes new competition, Sorensen said, to which Runfolo added, "Now, everybody’s got a recording studio in their basement and everybody wants to be a rock star, or whatever. Just about everybody can put out something that sounds professional because there’s a lot of technology out now that masks the fact that you really can’t do something."

Technology can also be frustrating, Sorensen said.

"We all know computers are great when they work perfectly, but that doesn’t happen all the time," Sorensen said.  "We were very, very lucky that we didn’t lose any takes (even when Sorensen's computer was destroyed by a lightning strike)."

Technology aside, coming together regularly during the 12-month songwriting and recording process was as much about a sense of family, Blind said, as it was the music.

"I've learned, it's more important who you're working with as opposed to what you're doing," Blind said. "There's lots of opportunities to work with this or that person, but you have to have that bond. We're friends, but we're like family. When we're recording, it's a social event. We get together and have fun. We eat and make some music. That's the big thing. It's just an enjoyable thing to do."

That friendship makes the creative process so much easier and more fulfilling, Sorensen said.

"There has to be trust, because music for us is very emotional and very personal," Sorensen said. "When you’re trying to be creative with it, you’re kind of putting your heart on your sleeve a little bit. It helps to really trust the people you’re working with. So you don’t feel stifled or like you can't contribute an idea."

A man who took part in a home-invasion attack on a Batavia resident will serve seven years in state prison, Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled today.

It is the longest possible sentence available to Noonan under the terms of a plea arrangement agreed to by Kevin Andrews, 19, of 144 Bank St., Batavia.

Andrews admitted Dec. 19 to taking part in the break-in, which led to a resident of Woodstock Gardens losing his eye.

"If I could go back in time and take back everything that happened, I would," Andrews said. "I was wrong going into that building and into the premises. Whatever is given, I'm going to accept it and do my best to move on in life and make the best of what happens."

Noonan told Andrews that "there are no do-overs in life" saying the crime led to "horrible, horrible consequences."

After Noonan pronounced sentence, a handful of women in the gallery burst into tears. 

District Attorney Lawrence Friedman opened the hearing asking Noonan to impose the stiffest available sentence, saying that in reducing the charge from a felony with a maximum 25-year sentence to one with only a seven-year max, Andrews already received a substantial break.

"I don’t think anyone could argue the claim that it is a horrible crime," Friedman said.

Christopher Preedom, 18, of 21 Holland Ave., Batavia, was accused of actually hitting the victim and causing him to lose his eye. He admitted to attempted assault.

Also allegedly involved in the attack was Timothy Andrews, 21, of 144 Bank St., Batavia.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at the intersection of Park Road and Oak Street in the City of Batavia. No one is believed to be injured. City police are responding.

UPDATE 12:41 p.m.: City firefighters are requested to the scene because of a broken/leaking radiator.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m.: Both vehicles are blocking the roadway. Two tow trucks will remove them soon -- a responder says in about five minutes.

UPDATE 1:18 p.m.: All units are back in service.

Joseph S. Rosen, 28, of 4727 Half Center Road, Walworth, is charged with felony DWI, aggravated DWI and criminal mischief, 4th. At 11:07 p.m. Monday, Batavia PD was dispatched to Chapin Industries on Ellicott Street for a report of a car driving on the front lawn of the complex. The driver was allegedly yelling toward the building, trying to get the attention of a worker inside. Officer Darryl Streeter responded and arrested Rosen. Rosen's breath sample allegedly registered .18 BAC. He was held without bail pending arraignment in city court.

Cynthia M. Ritter, 50, of Cohocton Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Ritter was arrested by Deputy Matthew Fleming following an investigation into an accident at 7:05 p.m., Monday, on Marble Road, Pembroke. (Initial report)

Samoni Tai Hazle, 36, of Laredo Drive, Chili, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hazle was taken into custody while staying at a hotel in Batavia after deputies were called in response to other guests complaining of the odor of marijuana coming from his room.

David Eugene Stupp, 41, of Bennett Heights, Batavia, is charged with harassment, 2nd. Stupp is accused of hitting an estranged girlfriend.

Margaret B. Duffy, 53, of 3233 Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, 2nd, operating in violation of a conditional license and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. Duffy was arrested by Officer Matthew Lutey following a report at 10:50 p.m., Friday, of a woman passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle with the motor running in a parking lot of a business on Main Street.

A tractor-trailer rollover accident is reported at the Batavia exit on the westbound Thruway. Unknown injuries. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 4:05 p.m.: The accident is blocking both lanes of traffic.

UPDATE 4:07 p.m.: Traffic is heavily backed up. Responders on scene need absorbant material for leaking oil. No diesel fuel has spilt.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: The driver is out and uninjured. Traffic delays should be expected for quite a while. Drivers ought to avoid Oak Street. A heavy wrecker / tow truck will be needed at the scene.

UPDATE 4:32 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire and Mercy are back in service. The Thruway Authority's highway supervisor is at the scene in charge of the site.

UPDATE: Photo below taken by reader Brad Riner.

(Second and fourth photos above by Bare Antolos)

The Brockport Blue Devils Ice Hockey Team came into the Section V playoffs as the number-one seed, and were stunned Saturday night in an overtime loss to number-eight seed, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

So stunned, that as Irish players skated toward the victory celebration one Brockport player gave a Notre Dame player a shove and another started yelling and gesturing toward cheering Le Roy fans.

"I think I'm about one of 30 people in the world that's not surprised by this (victory)," said Coach Marc Staley after the game. "In the playoffs, it's all about momentum and we've really been building the past three or four weeks with this team."

Josh Johnston, who had two goals in the night, slipped passed defenders with a pass from Mason Versage and flipped the puck over the glove of Brockport's goalie Justin Keene at 1:03 into overtime to give Norte Dame (9-8-3-1) a 4-3 victory.

Brockport (16-3-2) jumped to a quick 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Carlos Ross and Tyler Hill, but Notre Dame also scored two first-period goals, one by Johnston and the second by Versage on a penalty shot.

"This is the fifth time this season we’ve come back from a two-goal deficit, so the kids didn’t panic," Staley said. "I’m very proud of them for that. We just went about the game plan."

Brockport took the lead at 3-2 in the second period, but Notre Dame continued to skate tough and held the Blue Devils in check until Zach Blew managed to tap in a goal at 8:15 left in the third period to tie the score and set the stage for overtime.

"We played better as team and ran our systems better in the game than they did," Staley said. "That ultimately was the difference."

Being number one seed kind of worked against Brockport, Staley suggested.

"They were off for 10 days," Staley said. "They got a bye and sometimes that hurts you. You get a little flat. I think we took advantage of that layoff they had tonight."

This isn't the first time Notre Dame has entered the playoffs as the number-eight seed and still managed an upset victory.

"The last time Notre Dame was the eight seed was five years ago and we upset Canandaigua, which was the number-one seed at the time," Staley said. "We’re developing a little bit of a reputation as a giant killer."

Next up for Notre Dame, number-five seed Irondequoit, who beat the four seed, Canandaigua, on Friday, 6-4.

The hopes of a Batavia vs. Notre Dame final were dashed in Webster last night when the Blue Devils dropped their playoff game to Webster, 2-0.

If you have difficulty viewing the slide show below, click here.

To purchase prints of the photos in the slide show, click here.

Cub Scout Pack 6069 has been holding a Pinewood Derby every year going back ... well, it started a long time ago. It's unclear how many years it's been held, but this year the derby went high tech.

Over the summer, the scouts held fundraisers and scraped together $2,000 to buy a new all-metal track and computer system for recording and tabulating results.

The event today was held over 10 rounds -- and was not finished by mid-afternoon, so we don't have winner information yet.

Scouts were given their pinewood kits as Christmas presents and given close to two months to build race cars, which had to follow specific guidelines for size, weight and ground clearance.

Cubmaster Bruce Bartz said he and his son put in more than 80 hours of work getting the new track constructed and ready for the race, which was held at St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia.

If you have trouble viewing the slide show, click here.

To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

UPDATE: Photo of winners with their cars and trophies submitted by Lori Smith.

A Batavia man was seriously injured in Rochester on Thursday night when his SUV was struck head-on by an alleged drunken driver.

Jason Juliano, 28, who is a local businessman and active in community theater, is reportedly out of intensive care and is now listed in satisfactory condition at Strong Memorial Hospital, according to the Democrat & Chronicle.

Juliano was driving east on the Inner Loop at 9:35 p.m. when a reportedly wrong-way driver hit his SUV and then a third SUV plowed into the collision.

According to the D&C, Juliano suffered a broken femur and head and facial injuries.

The alleged wrong-way driver, Evangaline Roscoe, 38, of Rochester, is being charged with DWI.

Noah Ludwig is a bright, energetic, smart, 9-year-old boy who loves sports and just having a good time. Recently he was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor that will put him in the hospital for three weeks, and then recovery after that.

Friends and family of Noah have joined together to help him and his family with this hard road that they will face. A benefit has been put together to raise money for Noah's medical expenses. We are asking for your support in helping this little guy and his family get through this very trying time in their lives.

Whether it be a basket, a gift card, or your attendance at this benefit we hope that you will find it in your heart to reach out to this family. With your help we hope to be able to lessen the emotional, as well as financial stress, that goes along with a health condition such as Noah's.

All of the money that is donated or raised will go into an account for Noah’s medical expenses and anything directly related to Noah’s care. The benefit will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, at the QWL building on Exchange Street in Attica (on the Attica State Prison grounds -- first driveway before the jail).

It will include a chicken BBQ dinner, Chinese auction, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and entertainment!  Live performances by Red Creek, Ohms Band, Jake George and DJ Duffy. Special appearance from the Buffalo Bandit Cheerleaders.

Presale tickets for the Chicken BBQ only are available. Refreshment tickets will be sold at the event.

Noah is the son of Kristi Newell Meyer, graduate of Attica High School and former owner of Dreams of Dance in Attica. Baskets, gift cards and other auction items can be dropped off at:

• Dreams of Dance, 21 Main St. in Attica (2nd floor)
• Mr. & Mrs. Roberts, 15 Buffalo St. in Attica. Phone: 591-0910
• Salon VIP, 108 W. Main St. in Batavia. Phone: 219-4917 (Tuesday through Saturday)

Monetary donations: Checks payable to "Prayers for Noah" can be mailed to: Salon VIP, 108 W. Main St. in Batavia. For more information please feel free to contact:

Jennifer Berryorganize@jenniferfordberry.com

Jody Lutey: 356-3682

For more announcements and information about this benefit go to:

"Prayers for Noah Ludwig" on Facebook, Jennifer Ford Berry Life's Expert Organizer/ Speaker Best-selling author of the "Organize Now!" series, co-owner of Mothertime Marketplace.

www.jenniferfordberry.com Facebook Twitter

Joshua Tyrise Lyons, 18, of Fellows Avenue, Syracuse, is charged with petit larceny. Lyons is accused of stealing a Valentine's present from a location in a common area at Genesee Community College.

Andrew DeMara Hewitt, 27, of Skyline Circle, Brockport, is charged with petit larceny and trespass. Hewitt was arrested on a warrant out of the Town of Byron Court. Hewitt is accused of stealing scrap metal from a location in Byron. Hewitt was jailed on $250 bail.

Christopher Patrick Ball, 29, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Ball is accused of contacting a person he was ordered not to contact.

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported on Route 98 between Pike and Rose roads, Batavia.

The roadway is partially blocked.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 8:16 a.m.: A second ambulance requested to the scene, non-emergency.

Press release:

On Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 7– 9 p.m. czb will present the final community improvement plan with their findings and recommendations to the community regarding the City of Batavia housing market, neighborhood vitality, and downtown.

czb is a nationally recognized planning practice specializing in neighborhood redevelopment and community planning. The City of Batavia engaged the consulting services of czb to assist with developing a community improvement plan.

Over the summer months, czb met with various stakeholders throughout the community such as volunteers, property owners, property managers, Realtors and business owners in order to better understand the challenges and demands facing Batavia. On Oct. 5 and Dec. 6, public meetings were held at city hall to share and present the initial findings and to receive feedback from the community.

The meeting on Feb. 22 will be held in the Batavia City Council Board Room on the second floor of city hall. The czb team will make a presentation to share their final draft of the community improvement plan.

Press release:

Batavia Downs Casino Raceway added over $18 million to the Genesee County economy and generated over $24.5 million annually in revenues for the region and the state, according to a new economic impact analysis conducted by an independent firm.

This analysis also estimates that nearly 460 local, full- and part-time jobs are supported by Batavia Downs Casino. The New York Gaming Association (NYGA) released part one of the two-part report today to outline the positive economic impact gaming has had on the local economy.

A second report, which will be released next week, will show projections for future regional job growth and revenues that will be generated if enhanced gaming is authorized in New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature will consider passing a constitutional amendment to authorize enhanced gaming.

“As a facility we are excited at the possibility of having enhanced gaming at Batavia Downs Casino,” said Mike Kane, president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, which owns Batavia Downs Casino. “Not only does it mean more jobs for our area, but it means more monies can be generated for the New York State Lottery and for the 15 counties and two cities that our public benefit corporation serves.”

According to estimates from the analysis, in 2011 Batavia Downs Casino provided 457 local full- and part-time jobs, with 313 of those jobs representing direct employment by the casino. Batavia Downs supported 90 jobs for racing and breeding. Wages and salaries for employees totaled more than $5 million.

Additional findings from the report show that in 2011, Batavia Downs Casino:

• Accounted for over $18 million in economic output for the region;
• Reinvested nearly $3 million into the local economy with the purchase of goods and services (including construction) from businesses in Genesee County;
• Accounted directly and indirectly for over $3 million in revenues for Genesee County municipalities, and;
• Generated nearly $20.5 million in state revenues, of which $16 million went toward education in New York State, which is the equivalent of paying the salaries of more than 231 elementary and secondary schoolteachers throughout New York State.

Since 2005, Batavia Downs Casino provided $3.65 million in aid to municipalities and contributed $94.5 million to New York State education and has never missed a payment.

The nine racetrack casinos comprising the New York Gaming Association include:

• Batavia Downs Casino
• Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway
• Empire Resorts at Monticello Casino & Raceway
• Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack
• Hamburg Casino at the Fairgrounds
• Resorts World Casino New York at Aqueduct Racetrack
• Saratoga Casino & Raceway
• Tioga Downs Casino
• Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel

The New York Gaming Association members have contributed $1.96 billion to the state in 2011. Over $830.5 million has gone to fund education in New York State which is the equivalent of paying the salaries of more than 11,900 elementary and secondary schoolteachers throughout New York State. The nine Racetrack Casinos employ nearly 5,500 New Yorkers directly and have created a total of 17,400 jobs both directly and indirectly across the state.

The economic impact analysis study was conducted by Appleseed, Inc., a New York City firm that specializes in providing economic and social research analysis.

Download: Appleseed report (PDF)

Patricia M. Anderson is indicted on two counts each of criminal sale of a controlled substance, 3rd, possession of a controlled substance, 3rd. Anderson is accused of selling cocaine March 4 at 355 W. Main St., Batavia, and again on March 16 at 312 Ellicott St., Batavia.

Shuvon J. Williams is indicted on counts of criminal contempt, 1st, criminal contempt, 2nd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Williams is accused of violating an order of protection on Sept. 22 and acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental or moral welfare of a child.

Tremaine J. Halftown is indicted on a charge of criminal contempt, 1st. Halftown is accused of violating an order of protection on Dec. 24.

Christopher M. Lambert is indicted on a charge of burglary, 2nd. Lambert is accused of illegally entering a property in Elba on Aug. 14 with the intent of commiting a crime.

John W. Hackett is indicted on counts of felony DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation. Hackett is accused of driving drunk Oct. 8 in the City of Batavia.