batavia

We haven't been able to confirm it, but a reader reports that bears may have been spotted in the area of Platt Road and Kelsey Road in the Town of Batavia.

Mike Wasilco, regional wildlife manager for the Department of Environmental Control, said if there are bears in the area, nobody has called the DEC.

"I wouldn't be surprised," Wasilco said. "Bears have been seen recently in Wyoming County, which isn't that far away. What happens is young male bears strike out looking to find their own territory. This time of year you see bears in areas where you haven't seen them before."

His advice: Don't leave out food, no bird feeders, garbage, BBQ grills or pet food.

"Bears will behave themselves until they figure out that people are a nice and easy source of food," he said.

Meanwhile, while speaking with Wasilco, I asked him about the beavers building a dam near Creek Road in Bethany, which we covered Monday.  He said the local property owners can apply for a permit to relocate the beavers, which they can then either do themselves or higher a specialist.  Of course, one problem: The property owners with the problem don't own the land where the beavers are building, and that property owner is happy with the dam.

Stanley Parker, 23, of 6480 Buffalo Road, Riga (pictured), is accused of selling cocaine to an undercover agent with the Local Drug Task Force. He is charged with two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. He is being held in Genesee County Jail on $20,000 bail. Assisting in the investigation were uniformed deputies of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and the Monroe County Sheriff and the District Attorney's Office.

Joshua Kitchen, 20, of 174 Hagadom Road, Broadalin, is accused of stealing a t-shirt from the Flying-J. He is charged with petty larceny.

A reader found a dog and wants to help reunite it with its owner.  Her's what he says:

A dog just wandered down my street (Montclair Ave.) in Batavia, and walked right up on my porch where me and my dog were sitting. I had never seen this dog in my neighborhood before so Ii put a leash on him and walked around the surrounding block asking everyone i saw if they had ever seen the dog and nobody recognized her. So I called the shelter and they said nobody called about that one yet but to bring it in. The dog is a female looks somewhat like a jack russel white with black and tan patches, I was just wondering if you could post that this dog is safe at the shelter so if the owner or someone who knows  the owner might have a good lead for a happy reunion.

UPDATE: The owner saw this post and recovered his dog, according the the reader who sent this in.

An accident at the intersection of routes 33 and 237 yesterday at 2 p.m. sent three people to the hospital with minor injuries.

The collision is still under investigation, but the preliminary report states that Karen M. Hanson, 51, of Canandaigua, driving northbound on 237 in a 2002 Audi four-door sedan failed to stop at the posted intersection.

Hanson's vehicle struck a 2009 Ford Suburban driven by Sylvia Lombardo, 74, of Rochester, which was westbound on 33.

Sylvia Lombardo was taken to Park Ridget Hospital in Rochester complaining of whole body pain and with minor bleeding.

Her passenger, Andrew J. Lombardo, 84, suffered a concussion and minor bleeding and was also transported to Park Ridge.

Hanson complained of back pain and was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital.

No tickets have been issued yet and the investigation continues.

Wings of Flight, a flying club based at the Genesee County Airport in Batavia, is unsure if it will restore the 1947 Vampire jet that crash landed on the Rochester airport on Saturday.

The jet was believed to be the oldest flying jet in the world.  The picture above was taken Saturday when the jet was headed toward Rochester for a EAA Wings air show.

Wings of Flight spokesman Nash Dsylva said pilot Peter Treichler showed his skill and experience in landing the jet on a grass area near the airport when he manuvered the plane to a safe landing area after losing power five minutes after take off.

"The experienced pilot made an educated decision to land on the grass as he is now executing a "dead stick" landing," Dsylva said in an e-mail.  "He continued to pull the gear and flaps up to clean the plane up to improve the glide ratio. He touched down on the grass and slid for 150 feet before hitting a burm. The plane was airborne once again and impacted the grass twice before coming to rest some 250 yards after the initial touch down. Pete was able to pull himself out of the cockpit and was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with back injuries."

Shortly after take off, Treichler, of East Aurora, told air control he felt an unusual vibration. Minutes later, he declared an emergency. He turned toward the airport and lost power on final approach.  Dsylva said he made a split second decision to land in the grass.

The plan was originally based near Toronto and after it was retired was part of the Blue Devils demonstration team. Later it was owned by actor John Travolta, Wings of Flight acquired the jet in 2006. It was on loan to the Genesee Warbirds Musuem until Oct. 2008.

Michael L. Jackson, Jr. 28, of 1 Seneca Ave., Batavia (pictured), is being held in Genesee County Jail on $25,000 on felony grand larceny and burglary charges. Jackson is accused of breaking into the Holland High Lift building in Bethany on April 11 and damaging parts worth $1,500 and stealing items worth at least $8,000 and a pick up truck valued at $19,000. The charges filed against him are criminal mischief in the second degree, grand larceny in the third degree, burglary in the third degree and grand larceny in the fourth degree.

Jeffrey Vanslyke, 27, of 20 Mechanic St., Elba, is charged with a felony DWI count and driving with a BAC of .08 or more as well as unlawful possession of marijuana. Vanslyke reported failed to dim his headlines on Chapel Street in the Village of Elba. When a patrol attempted to stop Vanslyke's car, Vansylke reportedly kept driving on Route 98, leading patrol units on a low speed chase that ended on Graham Road in Elba. He was also charged with failure to yield to emergency vehicles.

Stephen Mullen, 19, of 71 S. Main St., Oakfield, is charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. The details of the incident leading to his arrest were not released by the Sheriff's Office.

There's an accident at the intersection of Route 33 and Route 237. A witness called in and said it looked pretty serious.  Mercy Flight was on Standby, but has been called off.

UPDATE: There are no further details available. There were injuries.  We will wait for the accident report from the Sheriff's Office before publishing anything further. 

The State Police are investigating an accident that occurred only minutes later on Route 5 in Le Roy.  There were minor injuries.  We'll check on the accident report later today or tomorrow morning.

Even with its "distressed" facade (as antique collectors might put it), the Doty Mansion at the corner of Jackson and Highland Park in Batavia is an imposing structure.

The house was built in 1865 and is now split into four apartments, but its splendor and grandeur are apparent even as the white-washed bricks show through and some of the gables hang precariously from the eves.

Tim and Lisa Stoddard bought the mansion, built over a 10-year span by one of Batavia's early banking magnates, in 2003 and have since invested more than $100,000 into restoring the building.

And the work is still not done. Their are the gables to repair, and porch rails to replace and other improvements to be made, but Tim Stoddard spoke of the house glowingly after I ran into him this evening outside the residence.

"We love the house even though we'll never live in it," Stoddard said. "It's a beautiful house and we love the history of it. It's been a pleasure to own and a pleasure to work on."

Stoddard owns American Roofing, and he and Lisa are also restoring the Victorian-era home they currently live in.

He said he considered historic preservation of these grand old homes important and is sorry to see so many once great homes fall into disrepair.

The Doty Mansion, built by one of Batavia's original bankers, Leonidas Doty, has been a four-unit apartment complex for 60 years, and some of that time housed Section 8 tenants, Stoddard said, but he's slowly bringing back to its former glory.

The home still retains two 100-year-old-plus chandeliers as well as two grand marble fire places.

"I wish I could show you inside," Stoddard said at least three times while we walked around the house.

We all may get our chance for a partial tour soon -- an apartment in the house -- which Tim describes as larger than some single-family homes -- will be available for rent soon and the Stoddards plan to make tours available when its vacant.

UPDATE: I found this historical article about Mr. Doty via Google Books:

In 1856 Mr. Doty engaged in banking in Attica being associated with the celebrated financier and railroad magnate Dean Richmond. In 1860 Mr Doty bought out Mr. Richmond's interest and removed the bank to Batavia Genesee County. As a banker Mr. Doty was distinguished by courtesy accessibility and a disposition to afford all possible aid to legitimate enterprises. He held a place in the front rank of those safe yet progressive bankers who are regarded as pillars of strength in times of financial stress. Toward the close of his life he admitted to partnership Mr. John H Ward. Mr Doty was one of the founders of the First National Bank of Batavia for many years held a controlling interest in it which he sold in 1880. In 1876 Mr Doty came to Buffalo where he purchased a handsome residence on Delaware avenue.

There is a firm alarm activation at 541 E. Main St.

UPDATE Two minutes later: All units clear. Burnt food.

Kristin Adduci, 33, who works for Lewis and Lewis, a law firm with an office on Park Road in Batavia, is in the hospital following a skydiving accident in Orleans County.

Reportedly, Adduci deployed her chute too late and hit the ground faster than normal.

There's no word on the nature of her injuries.

Kristin and a group of other divers were practicing nighttime jumps at Pine Hill Airport in the Town of Barre on Saturday night.

She was airlifted to ECMC. 

Adduci lives in Buffalo.

Scott "Scotty" R. Johnson was found dead by his parents in his Oakfield home May 25.

He was 19.

His mother is a waitress at Settlers Family Restaurant and friends Sunday, June 14, at 1 p.m. to help raise money to help with expenses, and particularly provide Johnson with a headstone.

The car wash will be held in front of Billy Goats, 345 W. Main St.

Donations will also be accepted.

Michael Thompson, 41, of 28 Buell St., Batavia, is charged with criminal position of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance outside its original container. Thompson was allegedly found to possess four white oblong pills with markings M/367 in a cigarette pack. The pills are identified by Sheriff's deputies as Hydrocodone.

Carrie Blaszak, 38, of 7893 Townline Road, Bergen, is charged with harassment. Blaszak is accused of having a physical confrontation with another person.

Justin P. McInerney, 20, of 188 Gregory Place, Grand Island, and Steven P. Subsara, 21, of 747 Genesee St., Grand Island, are accused with hosting an under-age drinking party at 8148 South Lake Road, Corfu, early Sunday morning, about 3:30 a.m. Both were charged with unlawfully dealing with a child.

Daniel Denault, 18, of 272 Crowley Drive, Buffalo, is accused of stealing a pack of gum at Darien Lake. He is charged with petty larceny.

Andrew Rogers, 19, 153 E. Hazeltine Ave., Kenmore, was supposed for alleged traffic violations on Route 77 in Corfu and found to allegedly possess marijuana. He is charged with unlawful possession of Marijuana.

A 17-year-old from Lakeview is accused driving while intoxicated at Darien Lake. The youth was reportedly observed driving at a high rate of speed in the parking lot. He is charged with DWI with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving out of restrictions.

Local Batavia area motorcycle club, The Mayhem Riders, needs riders to help support a good cause. We will be riding from Stan's Harley Davidson in Batavia to the Arcade Speedway, We will be doing parade laps around the track at halftime just before they present the money to the united way officials. Please come out and help us support the community.

JUNE 12 2009

webmaster@mayhemriders.com

The sign up and starting point will be at Stan's Harley Davidson in Batavia next to the airport. Sign up will be from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., kickstands up at 5:30 p.m., then we will meet at Tops in Arcade at 6:45 p.m., leaving from Tops at 7p.m., arriving at the Arcade speedway at 7:15 p.m. If you need information go to the clubs website,or email the club:  http://www.mayhemriders.com

We will be hosting a "UNITED WAY" night on June 12th. We are working with several people in an effort to raise funds to support the efforts of United Way. Times are tough for all but no matter how tough it is for you it is probably worse for someone else. Please give generously. Check out their website.

BIKERS FOR A CAUSE FUN RUN

Dan Jr went to Niagra Falls ,Friday with the middle School on a field trip.He took the kodak z650 camera.He got some good picss.

Do you remember the bleachers at Kibbe Park and the concession stand that sold ice cream under the bleachers?  I believe the Anzalone family ran that stand.

A vintage jet based at the Genesee County Airport and once restored and owned by actor John Travolta crashed yesterday due to engine failure.

The 1947 Viper came down just short of the runway at 3:20 p.m. at  Rochester International Airport after the pilot tried to return to the airport five minutes after takeoff.

The pilot, Peter Treichler, 40, of East Aurora, suffered a back injury and is in satisfactory condition, reported the Democrat and Chronicle.

The wooden aircraft hit on its belly. Pieces were scattered 200 feet and the runway was shut down for three hours, causing flight delays and some cancellations.

UPDATE: RNews has a picture of the crashed plane.

A traffic accident involving a car and a motorcycle at 4164 Rose Road has been cleared.

There were no injuries, though the initial dispatch included an ambulance because of the report of a minor injury.

There was a small amount of gas spill reported.

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Matthew Bratcher, 19, of Hamburg, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bratcher was camping at site #729 of the Darian Lakes Campground when deputies found him allegedly in possession of a pipe containing marijuana residue.

Michael G. Huskins, 37, of Bergen, was arrested Friday morning for alleged DWI. State troopers stopped Huskins on Route 98 for allegedly failing to keep right. Upon investigation, the trooper suspected Huskin of being intoxicated and placed him under arrest. His reported BAC was .12 percent. He was issued an appearance ticket.

The following suspected DWI arrests were made by New York State Police following the Kenny Chesney concert at Darien Lake on Thursday.

Norine V. Bushen, 54, of Hamburg, was stopped for a suspected traffic violation on Colby Road in the Town of Darien.  Upon investigation, the trooper suspected Bushen was intoxicated and placed her under arrest. She is accused of having a BAC of .08 or greater. Bushen was issued an appearance ticket.

Chad W. Robinson, 22, of Lancaster, was stopped on Sumner Road for an alleged traffic violation.  The trooper suspected Robinson of being intoxicated and placed him under arrest.  He is accused of having a BAC of .19 percent. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Christina J. Wilson, 25, of Rochester, allegedly attempted to turn into a parking lot through the exit. After an interview, she was placed under arrested for a suspected DWI. Her reported BAC was .10 percent. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Caitlin L. Neill, 20, of Almond, was stopped on Route 33 in Pembroke for an alleged traffic violation.  The trooper suspected she was intoxicated and placed her under arrest. Her reported BAC was .10 percent. She was issued an appearance ticket.

Can anyone explain why the traffic lights on Main St., between the hours of 6pm and 6am. are not regulated by a trip light?

With the exception of Oak St. and the light in front of the Post Office at the confluence of Main St. and Ellicott St.,  red lights on Main St. should be activated by traffic coming off the side streets.  There is no reason, for example, that the lights at the intersection of Main and Ross; Main and Vine; and Main and Harvester should change so fast as to not allow cars waiting on the side streets to enter Main St.

For example, you hit the red light at the corner of Harvester and Main with the intention of turning left onto Main St.  That light stays red for at least four minutes.  The light only stays green long enough for one or two cars to make the turn.  If you are the fourth car in line then you wait another four mnutes for the light to change again.

Any answers?