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What started out as a daily special has become a daily staple at Settler's Restaurant -- Mac and Cheese.

"We'd see it around other places and thought we would give it a try," said John Spyropoulos. "People love mac and cheese these days. It's kind of a fad. We tried it and people loved it."

The eight-item special mac and cheese menu will be incorporated into the restaurant's regular menu next month, Spyropoulos said. 

"We're already known for our homemade soups and our Greek salads, so if this becomes one more thing we're known for, that's good," Spyropoulos said.

The choices on the menu are:

• Homemade Mac and Cheese
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
• Philly Steak Mac and Cheese
• Tomato and Bacon Mac and Cheese
• All-American Mac and Cheese
• Broccoli Mac and Cheese
• Hot Dog Mac and Cheese
• Stinger Mac and Cheese

Settler's regulars might detect a theme to the menu -- the options match many of the recipes on the restaurant's sandwich menu.

John's wife, Miranda, created the cheese sauce (milk, cheddar and American cheese, white pepper and garlic powder), but what really tops off the huge bowl of elbow noodles is the Ritz-cracker crumb topping.

"Now we have to make cheese sauce all the time," Miranda said. "We’re going through gallons and gallons of milk and butter."

H.E. Turner & Co., along with Bohm-Calarco-Smith and Burdett & Sanford, held their annual candlelight rememberance service at Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia on Monday evening.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is seeking City Republicans who are interested in being considered for the Committee’s recommendation for Council At-Large.

This position is for the seat soon to be vacated by John Deleo, who was elected as Legislator District #7 in November. The City of Batavia Republican Committee will make a recommendation to City Council with the appointment being made by City Council after Jan. 1.

Letters of interest can be e-mailed to City Republican Chairman Melissa Gaebler at mgaebler83@gmail.com by Dec. 14.

Emily J. Walker, 22, of North Lyon Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 3rd. Walker allegedly presented a forged doctor's note to a former employer on Nov. 20.

Thomas O. Hart, 64, of Grafton Street, Rochester, is charged with DWI and failure to stop at stop sign. Hart was involved in a single-car accident at 6:39 p.m., Saturday, on West Sweden Road, Bergen. The accident was investigated by Deputy Chad Minuto.

Joseph R. Dux, 27, of Linwood Road, Le Roy, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and failure to keep right. Dux was stopped by Le Roy PD on Wolcott Road at 1:40 a.m., Friday.

Nathen Edward Donald Brege, 23, of South Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear on an aggravated unlicensed operation charge.

Heather M. Ace, 24, of State Street Road, Batavia, was arrested for alleged failure to appear and aggravated unlicensed operation.

Timothy J. Corke II, 28, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Corke is accused of shoplifting at Tops market.

Dustin V. Gothard, 27, of Wolcottsville Road, Akron, was arrested on a warrant. Gothard was located by State Police in Lockport and arrested on a warrant out of City Court stemming from an alleged incident in December 2014. Gothard posted $100 cash bail and was released.

Richard Levins, 58, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with deteriorated roof covering. Levins turned himself on a warrant, posted bail and was released.

Ian C. Lawlis, 35, of Central Avenue, was arrested on a warrant stemming from an overnight parking charge. Lawlis posted $100 bail and was released.

James A. Hancock, 46, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with robbery, 2nd, grand larceny, 4th, strangulation, 2nd, aggravated criminal contempt and assault, 3rd. The charged stem from an alleged domestic incident Dec. 1. Hancock was arrested on a warrant at an address on Lewiston Road by officers from Batavia PD and deputies from the Sheriff's Office. He was jailed without bail.

Bethani M. Dibble, 23, of Prospect Avenue, Batavia, is charged with attempted petit larceny. Dibble was arrested after an investigation into a shoplifting complaint at Tops market.

Marlek E. Holmes, 41, no permenant address, is charged with harassment, 2nd, endangering the welfare of a child, and failure to report address change. Holmes was arrested on Dec. 2 on charges stemming from an alleged incident Nov. 8 on Central Avenue. Holmes was spotted on Wood Street by a resident who contacted police. Holmes was located inside a residence with the assistance of Deputy Chris Erion and K-9 Destro and was taken into custody without incident. He was jailed without bail.

Rylie A. Day, 25, of Wyndham Road, Rochester, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Day was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation on May 29.

John C. Orlowski, 18, of Lake Street, Le Roy, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Batavia PD responded to a residence on Spruce Street at 6:26 p.m., Wednesday, on an unrelated investigation. Orlowski was allegedly found in possession of marijuana.

Ronald L. Worthington, 45, of Buell Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant. He turned himself in and was released on $100 bail.

Elizabeth A. Hicks, 32, of Read Road, Batavia, is charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument. Hicks was allegedly found in possession of a hypodermic instrument during an arrest on an unrelated charge.

Jason P. Wickson, 34, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 3rd, criminal contempt, 2nd, aggravated family offense and criminal mischief, 4th. Wickson was allegedly involved in a domestic incident at 7:59 p.m., Wednesday, on Cedar Street, Batavia. Wickson was jailed without bail.

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department is investigating a telemarketing scam where an “Officer” claiming to be a member of a Police Department in the Dominican Republic has your relative (actual relative name used) in custody. The “Officer” explains your relative is in trouble and needs court costs, legal fees, fines and hospital bills paid, before they are released from a Dominican Republic Jail or allowed to leave the country. The “Officer” then has your inconsolable “relative” placed on the phone to beg for your assistance. The “Officer” advises the only way they accept payment for the debt is with iTunes Gift Cards over the phone.

The Batavia Police Department would like to remind the community during this holiday season to be mindful of this or similar telemarketing scams. Anyone who suspects they have been contacted by this or similar “Officers” are encouraged to file a report at www.IC3.gov or contact the NYS Attorney General’s Office to make a report.

Amy M. Carpenter is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Oct. 18, it is alleged Carpenter drove a 2002 Dodge on Willow Street and State Street in the City of Batavia while intoxicated. In count two of the indictment, she is accused of aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree for operating a motor vehicle while she allegedly knew, or had reason to know, that her driver's license was suspended, revoked or otherwise withdrawn by authorities and did so while allegedly intoxicated. Also, Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman has filed Special Information, accusing Carpenter of having been convicted of felony DWI previously, on Jan. 27, 2008, and therefore alleging she had knew or had reason to know her driving privilege was suspended or revoked as a result of this conviction.

Daniel J. Vanderjagt is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On Aug. 8 in the Town of Darien, it is alleged that Vanderjagt drove a 2014 Ford on Main Park Road while intoxicated. In count two of the indictment, he is accused of DWI, per se, as a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .08 or more at the time.

Frank L. Schiavi is accused of the crime of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree, a Class A-II felony. It is alleged that on May 7 in the City of Batavia, Schiavi knowingly and unlawfully possessed one or more preparations, compounds, mixtures or substances containing a narcotic drug, in this case, cocaine, and that these had an aggregate weight of four ounces or more.

Morgan R. Todd is accused of the crime of driving while intoxicated, as a Class E felony. On June 6, it is alleged that Todd drove a 2011 Volkswagen on Interstate 90 in the Town of Pembroke while intoxicated.

John W. Walsh is accused of the crime of criminal mischief in the third degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on Sept. 6, having no right to do so nor any reasonable grounds to believe he had such right, he intentionally damaged property of another person in an amount exceeding $250 on Oak Street in the City of Batavia.

Batavia High School Blue Devils faced Mendon in a season home opener Friday night. From the tip off Batavia controlled the ball and scored on their first possession. Batavia jumped out to an 11 to 0 lead and never let go. Batavia was up 25 to 9 at the half.

In the second half Mendon was able to control the ball but the shots did not drop for them and they never really got back into the game. The final score was Batavia 48 Mendon 28

For requests for custom pictures of this game, or to photograph your player at an upcoming game, contact jim@jimburns.org

Click here for slideshow

Yunn-Shan Ma will conduct the Genesee Symphony Orchestra at 4 p.m., Sunday, through a program that includes holiday music and performances by the Oakfield-Alabama School Chorus, directed by Danielle Mileham, and Lars Kirvan on cello.

The program includes Leonard Bernstein's Candide Overture, Dvorak's Silent Woods, Hayden's Cello Concerto No. 1, Rimsky-Korsakov's Selections from the Snow Maiden Suite and the Polar Express Suite, among other numbers.

Ma is one of four guest conductors this season under consideration for a permanent position as conductor of the GSO.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for students, $10 for seniors and family packages are available for $35. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at GeneseeSymphony.com.

To purchase prints, click here.

Residents gathered in Austin Park this evening for an aerial photo of them forming the number 100 on the ground while they held flashlights. The photo was arranged by the Centennial Committee to help wrap up a year marking the 100th anniversary of Batavia's incorporation as a city. The photo was taken with the assistance of City fire, using the department's ladder truck.

We'll have more photos from Christmas in the City later.

Brunch with Santa - Sunday, December 6th • 10am-2pm
The area's best Sunday Brunch made even better with an appearance from this special North Pole guest! Enjoy your brunch favorites, such as a chef-attended omelet station, hand-carved meats, eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, and seafood-stuffed cod, while celebrating the holidays with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring the entire family for this festive holiday treat!* 
$15.95/Adults, $9.95/Children 5-10, 4 & Under Free

Holiday Quick Lunch Buffets -- 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

• Friday, December 11th
• Thursday, December 17th 
• Friday, December 18th 
• Tuesday, December 22nd
• Wednesday, December 23rd

Looking for a last minute way to celebrate the holidays with friends, family, or coworkers? Bring them on down to Terry Hills for a fantastic luncheon! Offering soup, salad, sandwiches, potatoes, vegetables, 2-3 hot entrees, seafood-stuffed cod & dessert -- plus coffee, soda, & tea all for only $10.95/person! *Reservations Required for all holiday events. Call 585-343-0642. 

Holiday Gift Card Sale - Purchase a $50 Restaurant or Golf Course Gift Card, and get a FREE $10 Restaurant Gift Card (limit 5 per person). Gift cards can be purchased online or in-house at:  Terry Hills, 5122 Clinton Street Road (Route 33), Batavia.

Wendy S. Pritchard, 39, of MacArthur Drive, Batavia, is charged with false reporting an incident and providing a false written statement. Pritchard is accused of falsely reporting that a check written to her landlord was stolen and cashed without her permission.

Ajia R. Hasenauer, 22, of Myrtle Street, Le Roy, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th. Hasenauer was arrested by Le Roy police after a check by a probation officer of her residence allegedly uncovered a quantity of pregabalin, a controlled substance.

Brenda L. Babcock, 31, of West Ave, Brockport, was arrested on a warrant by Le Roy PD. Babcock was wanted in connection with a 2008 charge of issuing a bad check. 

Michael J. Elmore, 24, of Liberty Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Elmore was arrested following an investigation into a trespassing complaint at 6:06 a.m. Monday at an address on Summit Street, Batavia.

Ela Arana, 37, of Chapin Street, Rochester, is charged with petit larceny. Arana was allegedly observed by Batavia Downs video surveillance staff stealing a phone. Also charged with petit larceny, Luz E. Ramos, 54, of Chapin Street, Rochester.

Jae-Quele M. Tomlin, 21, of East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with trespass and harassment, 2nd. Tomlin was arrested following a complaint of a disturbance at Billy Goats, 345 W. Main St., Batavia, at 11 p.m. Friday. Also arrested, Amber D. Blackshear, 21, of East Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, who was charged with assault, 3rd. Blackshear allegedly hit and injured a bouncer. Also arrested, Winston Ashton Lockhart, 20, no permanent address, who was charged with second-degree harassment and trespass.

Barbara Lynn Burns, 51, of Westwind Drive, Rochester, is charged with DWI and refusal to take breath test. Burns was arrested by Deputy James Diehl following a report of a property damage accident at 9:39 p.m. Tuesday at 8315 Park Road, Batavia.

Larson Zane Sundown, 18, of Meadville Road, Basom, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, moving from lane unsafely, unlawful possession of marijuana, failure to stop for a red light on a right turn and driving left of pavement markings. Sundown as stopped by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello on Lewiston Road, Batavia, at 11:53 p.m. Nov. 25.

Most notably, perhaps, Glenn R. Morton was a Genesee County Judge, but in matters of public service, he was so much more than that.

Morton was a former county legislator, a former Genesee Community College trustee and a member of the GCC Foundation Board of Directors, as well as a former supervisor in the Town of Batavia. He was also active in the Lions Club and on the board of the YMCA.

The 81-year-old Morton passed away Tuesday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m., Dec. 8, at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.

Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. is handling arrangements.

For Morton's full obituary, click here.

Pictured above is Batavia chiropractor Dr. Tom Mazurkiewicz and his secretary Brittany Moretti, who are continuing the legacy of Don Carroll.

Mazurkiewicz along with Beth and Brian Kemp from T-Shirts Etc. have joined together to host the annual Toy Drive for Kids at his office, Mazurkiewicz Family Chiropractic 184 Washington Ave., Batavia, this Saturday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Tom has been involved for more than 25 years helping Don, who asked him to carry the tradition for him and keep it going in his memory. Mazurkiewicz said that anytime between now (during office hours) until the close of Monday, donors are welcome to bring in an unwrapped toys for ages 2 to 15.

If you come to the event this Saturday, he will offer a free chiropractic adjustment at no charge.

Local nurses from Batavia and Oakfield school districts have provided names of 52 children who will receive the gifts at a private party that is hosted by the Kemps.  

For questions, call (585) 343-9316.

A car vs. pedestrian accident is reported in the parking lot at 16 Bank St. The patient is conscious and alert and states she has face and hand injuries. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at 5267 Clinton Street Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

The season opener for the Notre Dame Girls Basketball Team didn't exactly go the way Dave Pero Sr. would have liked, with a tough loss to Gates Chili, 42-33, but Pero couldn't have been prouder of his son.

Dave Perio Jr., was appointed the Gates Chili coach during the off-season, and after three years as an assistant to his father at Notre Dame, the younger Pero gets his first opportunity to run his own program.

"I've been happy for him since the day he got the job," said Pero Sr. "It's a great opportunity for him. It's his second win. He's 2-0. He's got a nice road ahead of him. Let's hope he keeps building and great things are going to happen."

Always intense on the sidelines, Pero Jr. was perhaps even a little more animated making his first appearance as a head coach in a gym where he played high school ball and helped the Lady Irish to a couple of championship seasons.

"Coming in here, seeing my brother on the other bench and my family here, and I've coached these girls on Notre Dame's team for three years, so I know every single one of them," Pero Jr. said. "I know they wanted to beat me as much as I wanted to win. I'm trying to build a program at Gates Chili, so a win at Gates is just as big for my program. I loved my time here, but unfortunately, I had to move on and I'm trying to do the best I can where I am now."

He said the win was bittersweet because he hates seeing his father lose, but he needed his girls to play winning basketball.

"My father is my mentor, one of my best friends," Pero Jr. said. "It was tough coaching against him."

Both coaches said the game was like watching twin teams battle on the hardwood.

"I teach the same things he does," Pero Jr. said. "Hard work, boxing out, diving on the floor for loose balls. Everything I know, I learned from him."

Both coaches are optimistic about their teams' prospects for 2015-16, even though they both have young teams. Pero Sr. said the loss was just a small setback. It doesn't derail the season.

"My expectations are high, even after a loss tonight," Pero Sr. said. 

One roster change that makes Notre Dame a bit younger than expected this season is the departure of Shea Norton, a 6' 2" senior who was one of the area's dominant girls basketball players last season, who decided she would rather be a cheerleader than a hoops star. It's a change of heart Pero Sr. didn't want to discuss other than to say, "We're moving on."

To purchase prints of photos, click here.

Press release:

The City of Batavia Water Department is repairing a broken water main on South Swan Street. South Swan Street will be closed to traffic from Ellicott Street to Sumner Street until repairs are completed.  

There will be a water service interruption for residents from Ellicott Street to Sumner Street. Other residents in the area may experience low water pressure or discolored water, which should return to normal once repairs are complete.

The Batavia High School Drama Club will present a special adaptation of "Peter Pan" called "Peter and Wendy" this weekend on the stage -- a theater-in-the-round setting -- in the school's auditorium.

The adaptation, by writer Jeremy Bloom, explores some of the deeper themes of "Peter Pan," including the relevance of time.

There are 28 students in the cast and four more working as stage crew. The production is directed by Caryn Burk.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m., Sunday. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students.

Pictured are: Shannon Cervone, Eryn Dunn, and Elise Hoerbelt as Lost Boys; Alex Mott as Peter, Chelsea Jensen as Tiger Lily and Sarah Wetzel as Tinker Bell.