batavia

A BBQ grill fire is reported at 118 Bank St. in the backyard. City fire is responding.

UPDATE 5:26 p.m.: Firefighters on scene report nothing showing.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Fire is out. Firefighters are returning to quarters.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: It was a grease fire. The assignment is in service.

A motor-vehicle accident has been reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 386.7 in the eastbound lane.

As many as three cars may be involved and there are possible injuries.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: Fire crews on scene. There are no reports of any serious injuries.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently voiced his support for the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) and its successful efforts to attract a Dick’s Sporting Goods store to Towne Centre Mall in Batavia. The group was able to secure the store’s move through pro-business tax incentives, which will create local employment opportunities and increase sales tax revenue to support local programs and services. Hawley defended GCEDC against attacks from Buffalo-area Assemblyman Sean Ryan, who has publicly criticized the local economic development effort.

“Here in Batavia and across Genesee County, we deserve access to both consumer choice and employment opportunities. By attracting Dick’s to Towne Centre Mall, GCEDC has helped bolster both,” Hawley said. “Assemblyman Ryan’s attacks on our local economy are completely uncalled for. While he purports to be concerned with the use of state tax dollars, surely he would agree that one of the highest-taxed states in the nation has bigger fish to fry than Genesee County’s legal ability to strengthen its own economy. I believe it is in the best interests of all involved that assembly members focus on their own constituents and that he focuses on revitalizing Buffalo’s economy.”

“The GCEDC was created to help increase the tax base, create new jobs as well as bring new investment and revenues into our community. This project fulfills all of these criteria and without our assistance, these benefits would not be realized,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “The project will create jobs, increase sales tax revenue, bring new goods and services into the community, and reinvigorate what is currently a large, vacant space located at the gateway of our community off of I-90.”

Hawley noted the crucial role the GCEDC has played in attracting job creators to Genesee County and keeping them here long-term.

“Between the Genesee Valley Agri-business Park, Oakta Hills and countless other projects, GCEDC has long been at the forefront of job creation and economic development in our community,” Hawley said. “Throughout my time in the Assembly, we have worked diligently to revitalize our local economy, and GCEDC has my full support in its effort to bring jobs to our community.”

Batavia PD is looking for the public's assistance in identifying a hit-and-run driver who struck a parked car in front of 19 Vine St., Batavia, at 8:24 a.m., Thursday.

Both vehicles were damaged in the accident.

The suspect vehicle is described as a dark colored compact. It is missing its right side view mirror. It was last seen heading southbound on Vine Street.

Anybody with information to share can reach out to Officer Thad Mart, (585) 345-6450.

A one-vehicle rollover accident with injuries is reported on Ellicott Street Road, near Shepard Road, Town of Batavia.

Town of Batavia Fire and Mercy EMS dispatched.

A chief on scene reports the vehicle is on the shoulder and on its wheels.

UPDATE 7:08 a.m.: Town of Batavia back in service.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at 21 Richmond Ave. City fire, police and Mercy medics are responding. There are believed to be only minor injuries.

Residents on Trumbull Parkway between Farwell Street and North Street are asked not to park on the street at any point on Friday before 7 p.m.

City crews will spend the day repairing a pipeline.

Residents and businesses in the area may experience limited and delayed access to their property during the hours of operations, which start at 8 a.m.

Motorists are asked to seek alternative routes.

Sarah Della Penna takes walks with her Great Danes out on a piece of property off Creek Road, Batavia, and always takes her camera. She sent in some of her recent pictures.

When I showed up at the park between County Building #1 and the Old Courthouse, I spotted a new directional sign near the main county administration building.

A structure fire is reported at 109 Oak Street, Batavia. Fire and smoke are reportedly coming from an electrical power outlet. City fire is en route.

UPDATE 3:53 p.m.: City Engine 11 and Ladder 15 are there and the chief reports no smoke or fire. Investigating further.

UPDATE 4:13 p.m.: City assignment is back in service.

Batavia's Business Improvement District kicked off its promotional campaign, "More Feet Downtown," today.

Banners were hung at light poles downtown to help spread the word.

Pictured are Amy Worthington, left, Jeff Gillard, Don Burkel, Paul Marchese, Mary Valle, Beth Kemp and Lusanne Simard.

More than 600 National Grid customers in Genesee County are with out power this afternoon, including 590 in Batavia, as high winds play havoc with trees and power lines.

A tree came down on Clinton Street, which is what knocked out power around East Main and Clinton, including the intersection lights.

About 90 customers in Pembroke are also without power and there are a couple of small outages elsewhere in the county.

Power should be restored in Batavia by 4:45 p.m. and in Pembroke by 3:45 p.m.

There is a hazardous weather outlook in place because of strong winds into tonight. Winds are hitting 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

Law enforcement will be closing Clinton Street at East Main Street to traffic until wires and tree branches in the roadway by Grandview Cemetery can be safely removed.

UPDATE 2:21 p.m.: The traffic lights are out at that intersection, too.

Press release:

Lauralee Pacer, 28, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd. Pacer was stopped by Deputy Joseph Corona for alleged equipment violation and found to be wanted on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court for alleged disorderly conduct (fighting/violent behavior), and she was allegedly driving without a license. Bail was set at $200.

Eric J. Martin, 41, of Caledonia, is charged with DWI, speeding and failure to submit to chemical test. Martin was arrested by by Le Roy PD.

Former Batavia PD lieutenant Eugene Jankowski was honored Monday night by the Batavia City Council for his 34 years of service to the city.

Among Jankowski's many accomplishments was creating the Emergency Response Team (commonly referred to in other jurisdictions as SWAT).

Jankowski was forced to retire earlier this year when the lieutenant positions were eliminated from the Batavia police force.

Two weeks ago, the City GOP committee endorsed Jankowski for one of the three at-large council positions up for election in November.

Two four-wheel ATVs have been stolen from a residence in East Pembroke and the owner is offering a cash reward for their return.

They belong to Parker Dean, who has been racing motocross and flat track on the local and national circuit for eight years. The theft comes at a particularly bad time -- the start of the season.

One is a blue 2001 Yamaha Raptor 660 with ITP Holeshot  front tires and ITP mud lite rear tires, DG front bumper, TCS front shocks with black PEP shock covers and carbon fiber hand guards.

The other ATV is green Suzuki Ltr 450 with a custom black and green Quadtech seat, gunmetal hinson clutch cover, Quadtech carbon fiber shock guards, 127 number plate.

The reward will be paid upon return of the quads and "conviction of the scum who sold them," according to the flyer we were sent.

Call the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000 with any information that may assist in the investigation.