batavia

(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.

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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.

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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.

Photographer Ameka Cooper has decided it's time or her to focus on her family, rather than the daily responsibilities of running a studio, so Wyoming-based Carlson's Studio is closing its Jackson Street location.

Owner Kevin Carlson said Carlson's will continue to provide photography services to its Genesee County clientele at its expanded "Photo Park" in Wyoming County.

Cooper took maternity leave several months ago and during her time off decided to dedicate her time to her baby girl, Autumn, and husband, Ron.

"Ameka’s unique style, passion for the art of photography, and involvement in the community, have made her clientele loyal and eager for her work," Carlson said. "It is with admiration, deep appreciation and pride that we say farewell to Ameka Cooper after 12 years of devoting her life to the Carlson family."

Meanwhile, Carlson is expanding the company's studio -- founded by his father in 1950 -- in Wyoming County. The studio is more than just a room in a building. It is a 23-acre park-like setting.

The expansion in Wyoming will triple the number of sets available to clients, Carlson said.

"I talked with photographers from across the country and brought back some amazing background ideas for our seniors this year, combined with techniques and inventive approaches to photography," Carson said "Innovative indoor sets will come to life as you step in them. Traditional backgrounds will be transformed into edgy sets with dramatic lighting, unique flourishes and imaginative props. It will all be unveiled this Spring."

The full press release after the jump (click on the headline to read):

It is true in photography, as it is in life..…the one constant is change. Carlson's Studios is evolving with the changing times, as it celebrates over 60 years of dedicated photography service in Western New York.  "We remain devoted to providing our customers with the most creative images. We utilize the newest technological advances, and maintain the highest quality standards in the industry." say Kevin Carlson, second-generation owner of Carlson's.

Kevin returned from the National Professional Photographers Association's National Convention, Imaging USA in New Orleans, brimming with enthusiasm. We are bursting at the seams, with so many new ideas to integrate into our already burgeoning variety of offerings. The energetic staff at Carlson’s is hard at work, preparing for an exciting summer!

Change comes to our Batavia location, where we celebrate our evolution, while embracing our roots. In 2004, Ameka Cooper enthusiastically accepted the challenge of running, managing and assuming the role as the main photographer of the Jackson Street studio. Her passion, talent, and personal connection to her clients invoked a bond of trust that inspired works that become a part of a person’s history in images.  Ameka’s unique style, passion for the art of photography, and involvement in the community, have made her clientele loyal and eager for her work.

It is with admiration, deep appreciation and pride that we say farewell to Ameka Cooper after 12 years of devoting her life to the Carlson family.  These days, you can find Ameka happily focusing on her family. Autumn, her precious daughter born in August, and her husband, Ron, are the main subjects of her devotion now. She is looking forward to living and experiencing all the moments that she has captured for other families. There is no replacing Ameka and all she brought to the studio to make it a success and so we have decided to close the doors.

However, I’m excited about expanding our original location in Wyoming and bringing all that made that studio special to the Wyoming location. Be assured Carlson’s will still provide service to the Batavia area, and are hopeful that clients will make the small trip south to experience all that Carlson's Wyoming studio has to offer. Kevin and Ameka would both like to take this opportunity to thank everyone’s loyalty and patronage in Batavia over the last eight years. While we won't have a physical presence in Batavia, if you need us, we are just a phone call away."

Carlson's Wyoming Studio is where it all started back in 1950. Located just 17 miles south of Batavia on 23 acres, it offers an abundance of outdoor backdrops. The "Photo Park" as it is often called, includes a white sand beach, a pond and dock, wildflower field and a winding country road among client favorites. Constantly evolving, new and novel elements are added every year and this year will be no exception.

Our biggest news however is the expansion of our indoor sets/backgrounds, tripling the offerings we now have.

"I talked with photographers from across the country and brought back some amazing background ideas for our seniors this year combined with techniques and inventive approaches to photography. Innovative indoor sets will come to life as you step in them. Traditional backgrounds will be transformed into edgy sets with dramatic lighting, unique flourishes and imaginative props. It will all be unveiled this Spring.

"Look for the "Steam Punk" set coming soon and keep checking out Carlson's Studio facebook pages over the next few months to see all the progress. This consolidation and transition will further cement Carlson’s commitment to the art of photography. As a 'thank you' for past and future business ALL new and existing Batavia clients will be given a $50 gift certificate on their first visit to the Wyoming studio.

Adapting to change seems to be a theme over my last 30 years. Carlson's creativity, quality and service will continue to insure that the Carlson’s vision lives on for years to come.

Leaders of Western Regional Off-track Betting Corp. are lining up support to turn Batavia Downs into a full-service casino and they took their case to the Genesee County Legislature on Wednesday.

In a meeting with the Ways and Means Committee, three representatives of Batavia Downs told the committee that getting Genesee County's support for the plan is crucial to lining up support from the other 15 counties that co-own Western Regional OTB.

"You're the key," said Mike Nolan, VP of administration for Western Regional OTB and Batavia Downs. "You're the host county and the place where we live. You gain the most to benefit from what happens at Batavia Downs. We're hoping you can be the leader so we can go to the other municipalities and say we have your support."

The committee unanimously approved a resolution supporting Batavia Downs becoming one of the nine racing facilities in New York to offer table games along with slot machines.

Legislator Mary Pat Hancock said she isn't fully supportive of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's push to legalize casino gambling across the board in New York, but she could support this resolution because it limits gaming to just the existing racing and video-terminal facilities (often called "racinos").

The earliest Batavia Downs could offer table games -- such as blackjack and poker -- would be January 2014.

For that to happen, the current State Legislature and the next one seated must approve a constitutional amendment to legalize casinos, and then the amendment would be voted on in a statewide referendum.

During the process, state lawmakers would need to also pass enabling legislation that would government how the casinos are run.

If all of that could happen by November 2013, then Batavia Downs could start offering new games and begin construction expanding the existing facilities -- creating 1,000 construction jobs and leading to more than 400 new full-time jobs at the casino.

Nolan (top photo), who met with the committee along with Mike Kane, president and CEO, and OTB Board Member Richard Siebert, said there is still opposition from Senecas, but that is an issue for the governor's office to deal with. In the meantime, Batavia Downs needs to line up its own support and make its own plans in the hope that casino gambling is approved in New York.

City Fire Department is responding to Dollar General at 577 East Main St., Batavia, for the report of the smell of electrical burning inside the store.

UPDATE 7:07 p.m.: City fire clearing the scene and responding to a medical call. Power has been shut off and maintenance called in.

A car-into-pole accident is reported at 147 Bank St. in the City of Batavia. Unknown injuries. City firefighters and Mercy medics are responding. The location is between North and Washington avenues.

A third suspect accused of stealing the wallet in September of a United Memorial Medical Center employee is in custody, the Batavia Police Department announced today.

Held without bail is Keith S. Carter, 29, of 5 Stuntz St., Rochester.

Previously arrested were Brianne K. Alston, 18, and Kiara K. Asante, 21, both of 478 Tremont St., Rochester.

The trio is accused of coming to Batavia Sept. 11, entering UMMC and taking a wallet from the purse of a UMMC employee and then trying to use a credit card they found inside at local stories.

Carter was already being held in the Monroe County Jail.

The three Rochester residents are suspected of perpetrating similar heists in other hospitals.

All three are charged with forgery, 2nd, criminal possesion of stolen property, 4th and 5th, and attempted petit larceny.

Previously:

• Woman accused of stealing employee's purse at UMMC in September
• Three people accused of stealing wallet, using credit card

Michael A. Nicometo, 27, of 37 Lake St., Le Roy, is charged with four counts of criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument and one count of criminally using drug paraphernalia, 2nd. Nicometo was allegedly found in possession of the instruments after police and EMS responded to his residence for a report of an unresponsive male.

Cheri Monea Patterson, 19, of Cottage Street, Lockport, is charged with petit larceny. Patterson is accused of stealing $45.46 in merchandise from Kmart.

Ryan N. Bartholomew, 18, of Adams Street, Batavia, is charged with two counts of petit larceny. Bartholomew is accused of shoplifting from Kmart.

Rebecca Jean Viedeffer, 43, of Franklin Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminally possession of stolen property. Viedeffer is accused of stealing two official 2012 NYS trailer inspection stickers and possessing them in the Town of Pavilion.

Apparently, the citizens of Batavia don't object to a 2.4-percent increase in property taxes.

Monday night, the city council conducted a public hearing on the proposed 2012/13 budget and only one person showed up to make a statement.

That person was John Roach, who suggested that the $2,500 set aside for GO-ART! be redirected to the Veterans Memorial Fund.

Roach also thought the city was dipping too much into its reserve funds in this budget.

Otherwise, crickets.

The council will vote on the budget Feb. 17.

A water-rate increase got even less public attention. The public hearing for that budget proposal had no speakers.

The plan calls for the average customer to pay $13.50 more annual for city water.

Barry R. Robinson, 29, of 16 Park Ave., Brockport, is charged with promoting prison contraband, 1st, unlawful possession of marijuana, DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to keep right, unsafe tires and unlawful possession of marijuana. Robinson was arrested at 1:54 a.m. Sunday on Clinton Street by Officers Darryl Streeter and Marc Lawrence following an accident in which Robinson apparently lost control of his vehicle and drove off the roadway. Robinson's driver's license allegedly had 19 prior suspensions. He was jailed on $2,000 bail. At 8:29 p.m., Sunday, while in the Genesee County Jail, Robinson was allegedly found in possession of six bags of marijuana in his sock and underwear. Investigators said the marijuana appeared to be packaged for sale. Robinson is scheduled to reappear in Batavia City Court at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday.

Paul Hipolito Colon, 29, of Marne Street, Rochester, is charged with possession of untaxed cigarettes and failure to stop at stop sign. Colon was stopped at 9:31 a.m. Friday on Akron Road, Pembroke, by Sgt. Brian Frieday for an alleged traffic violation. Colon was allegedly found in possession of 400 untaxed cigarettes.

Delmus M. Holton, 35, of Clinton Street, Rochester; Preston L. Lawrence, 38, of Afton Street Rochester; and, Ray M. Little, 49, of Langham Street, Rochester, are charged with trespass. At 10:56 a.m. Friday, a resident in Bergen reported seeing a suspicious vehicle in the area of 7427 Clinton St. Road, Bergen. The vehicle was located, parked off the road, across the street from Demo's Truck Parts. The three men allegedly entered the Demo's property without permission. (Initial report)

Jason M. Norton, 39, and Michelle T. Norton, 51, of 7198 Pekin Road, Oakfield, are charged with trespass (both), disorderly conduct (Jason only) and resisting arrest (Jason only). The husband and wife duo were arrested following an alleged incident at a West Main Street business.

A 17-year-old resident of Le Roy is charged with petit larceny, criminal possesion of stolen property, 5th, and burglary, 3rd. The youth was arrested Saturday morning after Le Roy PD received a report of a person going through several vehicles in the parking lot at 18 Genesee St., Le Roy. The youth was apprehended following a brief foot chase. Property was found at the scene and Le Roy PD is asking anybody who may have missing property to contact the police department. Le Roy PD did not release the name of the suspect.

Timothy James Ziminski, 19, of Walden Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property, 5th, and displaying forged inspection certificate. Ziminski was allegedly found to have a forged and stolen inspection sticker on his vehicle.