batavia

City firefighters will again volunteer their time this year to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the annual "Fill the Boot" fundraiser.

Last year, area residents donated more than $7,100 and firefighters this year hope to top $8,000 in donations, which is more than double the state average for fire departments that participate in the campaign.

The fundraiser begins at 9 a.m. and runs until about 1:30 p.m.

Off-duty firefighters will be positioned on Ellicott Street and Main Street in the area of Court Street holding boots to collect donations from passersby.

The campaign is organized by IAFF Local 896 and co-chaired by Local President Greg Ireland and firefighter Jeff Stevens.

Photo: Stevens, left, with firefighters Dan Herberger and Dave Adams.

Press release:

There will be something familiar to everyone in the new full-gallery art installation coming to the Roz Steiner Art Gallery at Genesee Community College. "Documente: The Italian American Family Album" by SUNY Geneseo art professor Thomas MacPherson is a recreation of the interior home of an American immigrant family that includes original portrait paintings, as well as furniture, artwork and domestic artifacts authentic to the period and modified by personal experience.

"Documente: The Italian American Family Album" opens with an artist's reception at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 and will remain in the gallery until Aug. 27.

"This exhibition is really a destination event," Gallery Director Shirley Verrico said. "MacPherson presents outstanding artwork to view, as well as multiple rooms to explore. Everyone will find something familiar within the installation, allowing them to connect with their own past, as well as with the experience of the artist."

The exhibit looks at life in an immigrant household during the 1940s, '50s and '60s through a series of rooms that capture the look and feel of "grandma's house," including:

• the kitchen with metal table and utensils;
• the dining room with table and antique china;
• a War Hero display off the dining room that has photos of the war experiences of two male relatives;
• the living room where visitors can contribute to the exhibit via a bulletin board;
• and grandma's bedroom with period furniture and a computer where visitors can see grandma talk about her life.

Visitors are also encouraged to explore drawers and photo albums to absorb the experience and make it feel like a peek into their own heritage.

MacPherson says each installation is unique "because of the manner in which it conforms to the physical space in which it is presented, and the continued addition of new paintings and furnishings."

The exhibit includes original portrait paintings arranged like artwork on the wall of a house. It also features a variety of interactive components including music, a video telling the story about immigrant assimilation, Italian foods and favorite family recipes viewers can take home.

During the summer, the gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. For more information about hours, visit the gallery Web site: http://www.genesee.edu/gallery/.

MacPherson holds an MFA in printmaking and drawing from the University of South Carolina, and a bachelor's degree in studio art from SUNY Oswego. He has earned numerous awards for both his artwork and his teaching, including the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1999.

Local law enforcement officers believe they've ID'd the person in this photo, but he hasn't been taken into custody yet.

He is believed to be in the Batavia area right now, allegedly randomly hitting parking lots looking for unlocked vehicles. According to scanner chatter, he spends no more than five minutes in any one spot.

He is driving a dark blue Pontiac G5. It looks a lot like a Chevy Cobalt. The car has a small spoiler on the back.

The subject is wearing a knit ball cap with the cap curled. He is 6'2" and about 200 lbs. 

The number for Sheriff's dispatch is 585-343-5000.

Press release:

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation, owner of Batavia Downs Casino, has today announced a strategic partnership of services with Saratoga Casino and Raceway and ebet Technologies, LLC. Subject to approval of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, these two prominent New York State racing entities will be partnering in the launch of the new advance deposit internet wagering platform, www.BataviaBets.com.

“We felt very strongly that we should partner with a proven organization within New York State such as Saratoga,” said Michael Kane, CEO of Western OTB/ Batavia Downs. “This will work towards the betterment of wagering for our customers and be a great example on how we can work together within New York State to strengthen the horse-racing industry.”

Kane also added that support was acquired for SaratogaBets because of the platform’s proven success.

Western OTB’s unprecedented alliance with Saratoga Casino and Raceway is part of an effort amongst New York State racing entities to work together to create cost-effective revenue opportunities in today’s highly competitive pari-mutuel environment.

“We have experienced great success with www.SaratogaBets.com, our advance deposit wagering platform,” said Jamie Hartman, COO and executive vice president of Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with eBet and Batavia Downs to institute this exciting wagering option in Western New York and to further promote increased support and interest in New York racing.”

BataviaBets is a free service allowing customers who sign up for an account to wager on pari-mutuel events via the internet in addition to wagering via the telephone. Focused on servicing local residents and guests who support Batavia Downs and the Western Regional OTB network, this convenient option gives access to customers who would like to place a wager, watch the races, or check results.

“We are excited to work with an organization like Batavia Downs to extend their brand while maintaining access and control of their customer base,” said Mark Gregory, chairman of eBet. "We’re focused on delivering new channels and incremental revenues for regional racetracks like Batavia.”

Darrel R. Scroger, 34, of 8 Swan St., Batavia, is charged with grand larceny, 3rd. Scroger is accused of renting more than $3,000 in property from a local rental store and then failing to abide by the rental agreement. When the store tried to recover the items, it was discovered that Scroger apparently no longer has the items. Scroger was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Brandon J. March, 27, of 15 James St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal mischief, 4th. March is accused of damaging property of a person who was protected under a "no offensive conduct" order of protection.

Cory James Hemmer, 28, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with unlawful imprisonment, 2nd, coercion, 2nd, harassment, 2nd. Hemmer turned himself in on an arrest warrant for the listed charges, which stem from an incident reported May 30. Hemmer was jailed on $2,000 bail or $5,000 bond.

If you tried driving on Route 5 in Batavia this morning, you might have found your commute took two or three times as long. 

DOT work crews had one lane shut down for a re-striping project.

Batavia PD reported just before noon that cones had been removed and Route 5 was two lanes again.

Laurie Waite and daughter Ellie, 12, spotted a mama duck and her ducklings trying to cross Main Street near the post office and decided to try and do their best to ensure their safe passage. Traffic was snarled because of road work.

As the feathered family neared Ellicott Street, mama got scared and flew off. The ducklings tried to hide in the bushes. A county employee brought over a cardboard box. Dale Lewter and Butch Yasses joined the rescue effort.

After about six of the 10 had been gathered up and placed in the box, one ran into the storm drain. Two more darted out into traffic on Ellicott Street. Lewter captured one, but the second ran across the street. With Lewter and Yasses in the road motioning for southbound traffic to stop, a black hatchback, possibly a Kia or similar make, just kept on going and struck the duckling.

Lt. Eugene Jankowski said the storm drain grate was welded in place because of truck traffic on Ellicott Street, so the best that could be done was hope the duckling could find its way to the creek through the drain.

With eight of the ducklings now in the box and mother circling the area, Lewter carried the ducklings to the Tonawanda Creek and placed them in the water. Mama duck landed at the top of the falls, and after her eight babies were in the water, she flew down to join them, honking after she landed and the little guys quickly swam to be by her side.

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a string of thefts from unlocked vehicles in and around the Town of Batavia over the past several weeks. The investigation has produced a vehicle and a person of interest the Sheriff’s Office would like to identify. Attached are photos of both. The vehicle is believed to be a darker blueish Chevrolet Cobalt with a rear spoiler. The male in the photo is believed to be over 6 foot in height and over 200 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 585-343-5000.

UPDATE Tuesday, 8:10 a.m.: The subject has been identified. He's not from  Genesee County.

The Grand Jury issued the following indictments:

Jayson M. Connolly is indicted on 13 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Connolly is accused of using the identify of another Genesee County Jail inmate in the jail's phone system when contacting a person who was protected from contact by court order.

Stephen D. Reamer is indicted on counts of felony DWI and felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater. Reamer is accused of driving drunk March 23 in the Town of Le Roy. Reamer was previously convicted of DWI in December 2004.

Cody L. Osborn is indicted on counts of felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation and criminal impersonation in the third degree. Osborn is accused of driving drunk March 4 in the Town of Le Roy. Osborn allegedly identified himself as a person employed by the Le Roy PD. Osborn was previously convicted of DWI in May 2009.

Jon N. Roblee is indicted on a count of criminal contempt 1st. Roblee is accused of placing a phone call to a person protected by a court order and saying, "I am going to get you and him too, if it takes the rest of my life."

Batavia PD is being dispatched to the gas pumps at Tops for a property damage accident.

Reportedly, a driver pulled up to a pump, found it wasn't working, tried to back up, struck a car, then pulled around to the other side and struck one of the barrier poles. The driver then got out and proceeded to start pumping gas.

Billie J. McMurty-Rivera, 27, of 863 North St., Rochester, is charged with assault, 2nd, aggravated unlicensed operation, and open container in a motor vehicle. A vehicle later found to be operated by McMurty-Rivera was reportedly observed in the parking lot of a closed business in Le Roy early Sunday morning by Le Roy PD. Upon investigation, McMurty-Rivera officers discovered an alleged domestic incident involving McMurty-Rivera and his female passenger. McMurty-Rivera was jailed on $20,000 bail.

Morgan L. Cox Jr., 20, of 14 Vine St., Batavia, is charged with obstructing governmental administration, 2nd. Cox was arrested during an investigation into a domestic incident.

Shawn C. Bulow, 41, of Corfu, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to notify DMV of address change, aggravated unlicensed operation, moving from lane unsafely and speeding. Bulow was stopped at 8:55 p.m. Sunday in the Town of Newstead by State Police.

Criminal mischief is reported at the newly established Peace Garden, adjacent to the Holland Land Office Museum on Main Street in the City of Batavia. They are reportedly ripping up the flowers. City police are responding.

UPDATE 8:36 p.m. (by Howard): After getting back from Le Roy, I swung by the Peace Garden and didn't see any plants pulled out of the ground.

Extreme dirt track racing is getting bigger in Batavia. The WNY EDT committee brought in a regional race Saturday that attracted racers from as far away as New Jersey, and on Aug. 11, a national professional race will hit the track.

Amy McNutt said there's been ATV racing at the track -- which is about 50 years old -- for the past six or seven years, but a reconstituted race committee has been working hard to grow the sport locally.

"We're trying to grow the sport and let people in Batavia know the track is here so we get more spectators," McNutt said.

Batavia Motor Sports is located on Harloff Road next to Polar Wave.

The next closest track that runs extreme dirt track ATV races is in Geneva, McNutt said.

The race in August will bring racers from as far away as Oklahoma and South Dakota and points will count toward a national championship.

If you're unable to view the slide show, click here.

An ambulance has been dispatched to Main Street, in front of Tim Horton's, for a person with a shoulder laceration.

Batavia PD is on scene.

Earlier, there was a report of a group of people who may have been preparing for a fight on Washington Avenue.

One person was reported to leave the scene, heading toward Main Street, who was shirtless and carrying a knife.

Some 30 minutes before that, there was a group of people were reported fighting on State Street. When police arrived, the group had dispersed.

It's unknown if these events are related.

UPDATE 1:38 a.m.: One female being transported to UMMC with multiple minor cuts. Batavia PD clear of Tim Horton's but staying in the area until "this all breaks up."  Meanwhile, in Le Roy, an ambulance is requested to Pizzaland in Le Roy for the victim of an assault who suffered facial injuries. At the same time, police requested to the Stafford Fire Hall for a person who wants to make a complaint about a group of people harassing her.

Ducks are in a drain in front of the Holland Land Office Museum at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia. City fire Engine 12 is responding to attempt to rescue the waterfowl.

UPDATE 7:23 p.m.: Engine 12 is back in service. Didn't hear whether they accomplished the mission.

UPDATE 9:26 p.m.: The ducklings were rescued and placed back into the Tonawanda Creek.

A caller reports a man in his 20s is in the area of Union Square (off Union Street), Batavia, going door-to-door asking for cash to start a business.

When he is refused, he demands to know why.

The man was reportedly just in the area and was also there earlier today.

Batavia PD and a State Trooper are in the area looking for the subject.

A 4-year-old child has locked himself (or herself) in the bathroom of a residence at 9 Cherry St. in the City of Batavia and the mother has called for help to get her child out. Engine 12 is on location, which is between Jackson and Liberty streets.

UPDATE 8:04 p.m.: Presumably, the tyke has been sprung from the bathroom. Engine 12 is back in service.

The Batavia City Fire Department tested the oldest piece of equipment the department owns today -- a Bresnan distributor.

The device is designed to be lowered into a basement that is on fire, but too hot for firefighters to enter. 

Though, as one firefighter explained, if the fire is burning that hot, you wouldn't want firefighters standing on the floor above and making the hole necessary for the hose and nozzle.

It could also be inserted from below into an attic.

However, one firefighter said in the 25 years he's spent with the department, he's not aware of the nozzle ever being used.

The brass nozzle is somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 years old. It was manufactured by Grether Fire Equipment Co., of Dayton Ohio. As near as I can tell from Google searches, the company was in business from the turn of the early 20th Century until 1930, though maybe through at least 1974. The company made a variety of small firefighting devices, such as nozzles and lanterns.

In case it ever is needed, firefighters today wanted to see if it still works and what its water distribution pattern was like.

UPDATE 3:33 p.m.(by Billie): I searched on Google for "Bresnan distributor" and found this from a retired firefighter named Bill Bresnan who is now an artist. The inventor of the device for firefighting in hard-to-reach places was his great-grandpa. Here's what he says:

"My great grandfather, Battalion Chief John J. Bresnan was a truly dedicated man who served in the New York City Fire Department in the 1800s. He was an inventor and among his many inventions was the Bresnan distributor, the hose roller and a harness for the horses that was designed to facilitate faster response times during those days.

He was passionate about making improvements to the fire service and enhancing safety for the citizens.

Sadly, he was killed in a building collapse at a warehouse fire in Manhattan on a freezing cold night in late December of 1894, leaving behind three young children and an entire city who mourned his loss. Little did he know that generations after him would serve the department and the city he loved. My grandfather, father, uncle, brother and two cousins all proudly served in the F.D.N.Y.

It certainly was a privilege to be part of the New York City Fire Department. This is a special brotherhood. I met great men, real heroes who carried themselves in a humble way. I also met great leaders, knowledgeable and aggressive officers of all ranks. Despite all the tragedy I have seen over the years, I am grateful to have witnessed humanity at its best."