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Families arrived yesterday at the Batavia YMCA around noon to kick things off at the annual Toys for Kids Christmas event. The children played together in the gym while parents snuck away to receive some secret extra gifts. Up on the third floor, a room was filled with large, black garbage bags discretely holding toys for Christmas morning.

Pictured above are five children with Don Carroll and Santa Claus. From left to right, Luvena Wagner, age 3, Giovanni Smart, 5, Bianca Jackson, 9, and Blayke Jackson. In front is Lillian Smart, age 3.

Luvena's mother, Christina Wagner, especially appreciates the event in these tough financial times.

"One of my friends was telling me about it," she said. "Her mom was helping with it and she knows that I don't have a job right now. She knew I didn't have much money, so they invited me."

Saturday's shopping spree played out just as event coordinator, Don Carroll, had planned. This year, Carroll raised money and purchased over $7,000 worth of gifts for 120 lucky children. When I asked him what makes this charity event so successful, he gave credit to the fact that it is something he puts effort into all year long.

"What separates what I do from a lot of other places is that they wait until it's time for the holidays," he said. "That's probably why they don't raise as much money. I'm going to be collecting donations again in a couple weeks and it's going to be all the way until this time next year."

Volunteer Lori Wendt says clear organization is also key to event's success.

"A few weeks ago, parents were asked to submit a list of items their kids wanted for Christmas," Wendt said. "That way, Don and the other volunteers would know what to get them. It was so organized.

"We all got our lists with a couple families, and my husband and I went around picking up the gifts. It was fun, and it was fun to know that kids would get what they want."

After playing in the gym, all of the children came up to the room on the third floor where they were served a lunch of pizza, soda pop and holiday cookies.

Good old Saint Nick made an appearance at 1 o'clock when he made his way around the room to have a word with each and every child. The kids were excited to see him and couldn't wait for their moment to talk with him.

After having a turn speaking with each of the children, it was time for Santa Claus to hand out some gifts. (But first, he helped this little girl with her boot laces.)

Each child received one gift at the event. Four lucky kids received iPods as a special gift from the Sheriff's Department.

Look for donation jars and other events throughout the year that sponsor the Toys for Kids charity to support the cause next year.

The driver who crossed into the U.S. from Canada on Saturday morning simply did not stop at the border crossing, a U.S. Border Patrol spokesman said today.

Border Patrol agents and other law enforcement agencies in the border region were immediately notified of the 6:30 a.m. border crossing and a description of the car was transmitted to patrols. 

"We made an attempt to locate (the car)," said Kevin Corsaro. "She took a road we didn't take."

It wasn't until 7:45 a.m., when a Genesee County Sheriff's deputy clocked a car allegedly speeding at 90 mph on Route 5 in Le Roy, that U.S. law enforcement found the possible suspect vehicle.

That interception started a high-speed chase that involved a half-dozen law enforcement agencies and passed through Downtown Batavia and the Village of Albion before the driver lost control of her car on Route 18.

It wasn't until after the crash, according to Sheriff Gary Maha, that his office became aware of the alleged illegal border crossing and that the car his deputies just spent 15 minutes chasing, matched the description of the suspect vehicle.

Deputy J.L. Baiocco didn't know, according to Maha, that a car had zipped through the border without stopping or that the car he observed allegedly driving erratically on Route 5 might be driven by a suspect who allegedly entered the country illegally.

Lt. Eugene Jankowski of the Batavia Police Department also told us Saturday morning that the police department received no notification of an alleged illegal border crossing and that a suspect was on the loose somewhere in Western New York.

Corsaro was adamant, however, that standard procedures were followed and that all law enforcement agencies in the region were duly notified and that a description of the suspect vehicle was distributed to area law enforcement.

Corsaro was also careful to note that the woman who was eventually arrested at the end of a chase that exceeded 100 mph at times may not be the same driver who crashed through the border.

"We have not had a chance to interview her yet," Corsaro said. "She's still in the hospital."

In fact, Crystal Pinnock, 23, of Ontario, Canada, the suspect driver, is listed in satisfactory condition at Strong Memorial Hospital.

Previously:

• High-speed chase passes through Batavia this morning
• Woman who reportedly crashed through border crossing chased through Genesee County

Aaron L. Heale, 28, of 8 School St., south apartment, is charged with grand larceny in the 4th degree and one count of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Heale is accused of purchasing more than $1,000 in merchandise from a local store using checks from a bank account that had been closed for years. The investigation by Le Roy Police Detective John Condidorio began in November 2009. On Dec. 16, Det. Condidorio -- along with members of the Le Roy Police Department, the Genesee County Sheriff's office and the Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force -- executed a search warrant on Heale's apartment. Heale was not present at the time. Condidorio reports that during the search, evidence of the alleged grand larceny was found along with drug paraphernalia. Heale was located on Dec. 20 at a residence in the village and arrested. He was jailed on $1,500 bail.

Linda L. Snyder, 27, of 6 Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and endangering the welfare of a child; Paula A. Kingsley, 34, of 8 Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct. Snyder and Kingsley were allegedly involved in a neighbor dispute at 4:05 p.m. on Sunday. Snyder is also accused of grabbing a 15-year-old girl and fighting with her. Both were jailed on $1,000 bail.

Ralph G. Depema, 33, of 854 Whitier Road, Spencerport, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and unsafe turn. Depema was reportedly stopped by Officer Chris Camp Ellicott Street at 11:35 a.m. on Sunday. After the stop, it was discovered that Depema was driving despite his license reportedly being suspended 16 times. Depema was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Joshua P. Garcia, 26, of 14 Marchall Ave., Akron, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and aggravated unlicensed operation. Deputy Kevin McCarthy responded to a report from the T/A Travel Plaza of a person who reportedly passed out in the dining area and then refused to leave. Upon interviewing Garcia, McCarthy determined that he allegedly drove to the location.

Brian L. Smith, 48, 4128 Colonial Blvd., Batavia, is charged with aggravated harassment in the 2nd degree. Smith allegedly made repeated contacts via online communication with a woman in Florida after she had repeatedly asked him to stop. Investigator Kristopher Kautz characterized the communications as "harassing and alarming in nature."

Philip Anthony Caccamise, 27, of 65 South St., Le Roy, is charged with harassment. Caccamise allegedly grabbed a friend and threw him to the ground.

Glenn W. Viehdeffer, Jr., 59, of 7628 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, moving from lane unsafely and inadequate/no muffler. Viehdeffer was stopped for an alleged traffic violation by Deputy Jason Saile on South Pearl Street Road in Oakfield at 1:42 a.m. on Saturday.

Eric W. Kubik, 23, of 2160 Phelps Road, Basom, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and driving left of pavement markings. Kubik was stopped by Deputy Howard Carlson on Route 5 in the Town of Le Roy at 2:40 a.m. on Saturday.

John C. Bertini, 51, of 2419 Pratt Road, Corfu, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bertini was stopped by Deputy Kevin R. McCarthy on Indian Falls Road for an alleged improper headlight at 2:08 a.m. on Sunday.

A 17-year-old from Batavia is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Deputy Kevin McCarthy investigated a car parked partially on the pavement on Gabby Road in Pembroke at 4:54 a.m. on Saturday. He found the youth allegedly in possession of marijuana.

Ricky N. Porter, Jr., 19, of 1 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with assault in the 3rd degree and criminal contempt in the 1st. Porter allegedly violated a court order of protection by pulling the hair of a girlfriend and then hitting her numerous times in the head and face. Porter was jailed without bail.

Joshua G. Bachorski, 26, of 11 Pringle Ave., lower, Batavia, is charged petit larceny. Bachorski allegedly stole a bottle of liquor from Mr. Wine and Liquor.

Amanda M. Elliott, 25, of 18 1/2 Walnut St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Elliott allegedly shoplifted items from Tops.

Julia R. Sallade, 18, of 9845 Roanoke Road, Pavilion, is charged with petit larceny. Sallade allegedly attempted to steal $368 worth of clothing and jewelry from JCPenney.

Do you remember when you were a teen and you and all your friends would pile up in the car and head out for a joy ride? The Care-A-VAn bus was loaded up with gifts and volunteers for a joy ride both evenings this past week-end.

Pictured above is the congregation of Seventh Day Adventist delivering gifts to one of the families they sponsored for Christmas.

Hey that is not Santa! No, it is two of God's angels, Bridget and volunteer Tony, unloading gifts under a tree of a family that was in need this Christmas season.

After delivering gifts to several homes, the bus headed out to Walmart to bring joy to the shoppers. The volunteers enjoyed handing out candy canes and chocolates to all.

Care-A-Van will be heading out two more evenings this week  bringing God's peace and joy to others.

Merry Christmas to all!

A chimney fire has been reported at 2651 Pratt Road, Batavia.

Town of Batavia and East Pembroke fire departments have been dispatched.

UPDATE 7:12 p.m.: A thermal imaging camera has been requested.

UPDATE 7:51 p.m.: East Pembroke units returning to service.

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Last Tuesday, I spent some time with Vinny DelPlato, or Vincenzo as he prefers to be called professionally, taking some pictures and talking with him about his mural painting.

He's just finishing up a new mural inside Ken Mistler's new gym, Next Level Fitness.

Below is a video of Vinny talking about his work along with some pictures. Some of the pictures are also included after the jump.

Vincenzo DelPlato has recently been specializing in pictures of great jazz artists. His work is on display -- and for sale -- through his Web site.

There is smoke in the residence at 9203 Shepard Road  and the smoke detector has been activated.

Town of Batavia Engine 24 is being dispatched. Oakfield and East Pembroke are standing by in station.

UPDATE 1:51 p.m.: Oakfield and East Pembroke taken off the call, standing down.

UPDATE 1:54 p.m.: Engine 24 back in service.

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Three cars are involved in an accident in the area of 4940 Ellicott Street Road, Town of Batavia.

There are no injuries reported, but Mercy EMS is being dispatched as a precaution.

One car is reportedly smoking.

Town of Batavia Fire is being dispatched.

The accident is in front of the old 84 Lumber, between Cedar Street and Shepard Road.

UPDATE 1:28 p.m.: There is a DWI suspect involved in this accident. One pickup truck is being taken away on a flatbed. Another vehicle involved was an SUV hauling a trailer.  No reports of any injuries.

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Somebody is getting a lump of coal in his stocking this year. Santa is not happy.

Three candy canes have been stolen from the yard of a Monclair Avenue home in Batavia.

A police officer is on his way to take a larceny report, but we're sure Santa already knows.

A woman who allegedly crashed the U.S. border crossing from Canada, somehow managed to elude law enforcement until a Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy spotted her 2000 Hyundai westbound on Route 5 in the Town of Le Roy this morning.

When Deputy J.L. Baiocco attempted to stop the car at 7:45 a.m., the driver reportedly sped away, which began a pursuit with speeds exceeding 100 mph.

It's unknown if Baiocco was initially attempting to stop the car for an alleged traffic violation, or if the Sheriff's Office had been supplied with a description of the suspect vehicle.

When City Police learned of the pursuit, Lt. Eugene Jankowski attempted to lay a spike strip on East Main Street at Summit and Liberty, but was unable to get the device down in time. The car got to the city too quickly, Jankowski told us this morning.

"It was going so fast that it was kicking up a cloud of salt dust," Jankowski said. "There was zero visibility behind it."

In Batavia, the driver reportedly made a right turn on Route 98 and headed north. City police broke off its part of the pursuit at the city limit. State police joined the pursuit at that point and Orleans County Sheriff's deputies took lead in the pursuit when the Hyundai passed into Orleans.

According to a Genesee County Sheriff's Office release distributed this afternoon, after passing through the Village of Albion, the woman lost control of her car on westbound Route 18 and crashed, allowing Orleans law enforcement to apprehend her.

Taken into custody, and transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for minor injuries, was Crystal Pinnock, 23, of Ontario, Canada.

It's unclear how Pinnock managed to elude the Border Patrol after allegedly entering the United States.

The Sheriff's Office said charges are pending in every jurisdiction that the car reportedly passed through and the investigation is ongoing.

Santa's helpers were at the YMCA this afternoon to help Don Carroll and Santa get ready to distribute gifts tomorrow to local children.  Carroll said more than $6,000 in toys will be distributed and that he had enough candy for every child in Batavia.

A small, dark-colored car raced down Main Street at more than 100 mph this morning a little before 8, but little information is available yet about the nature of the chase.

The vehicle was being pursued by a Sheriff's deputy, but the Sheriff's Office has little information to release at this time.

Sheriff Gary Maha answered an e-mail and said, "This is a female from Canada and she may have crashed the border early this morning. Still under investigation."

Lt. Eugene Jankowski said when he heard about the pursuit -- which may have started in the Town of Le Roy, just east of Stafford, at about 7:45 a.m. --  he tried to get spikes down on East Main Street at Summit and Liberty. But the car was past his location before he could get positioned.

"I couldn't get the strip out in time," Jankowski said. "It was going so fast that it was kicking up a cloud of salt dust. There was zero visibility behind it."

The car zoomed through downtown at least 100 mph, Jankowski said and turned right onto Route 98. City police participated in the pursuit up to the city limits.

A reader wrote in this morning:

It looked like a dark Neon going from Stafford into Batavia followed by a Genesee County Sheriff's vehicle just before 8 a.m. A Sheriff's S.U.V. was parked on the side of East Main Street waiting (it turned around and gave chase). The car was traveling around 80+ mph. Several other police vehicles gave chase from the Tim Horton (restaurant) area.

Jankowski estimated that it took the car less than 15 minutes to get from Le Roy to Albion.

There is no word yet on what happened to the car and driver from that point.

Jankowski said the police are conferring with the District Attorneys office on what, if any, charges to file against the driver. One consideration, Jankwoski said, is that the driver is going to face multiple charges in other jurisdictions and what and where to charge the driver will be a matter of efficiency.

UPDATE: A reader writes;

According to my scanner, Orleans County was unable to set spikes as well. She  made it to 104 where she flipped it.  She was in custody and will be facing  numerous charges, including failure to obey traffic signals, speeding, etc.  The various departments involved were Genesee County Sheriff, Orleans County Sheriff and Albion PD.

The following is the third video in the "Countdown to Christmas" video series. The final videos will be posted on Christmas day.

What does Christmas mean to you? Tell us in the comment section below.

The Batavia Area Jaycees announced the winners of their annual Holiday Lights Contest. Above is the overall winner, 3 South Main St., Batavia.

Most traditional, 10 Highland St., Batavia

Simple & Elegant, 120 Elm St., Batavia

Most Colorful, 206 N. Spruce St., Batavia

Friends of the Lighting Company, 133 Union Ave., Batavia

Most Commercial, 3927 W. Main St. Road., Batavia

Steve Ognibene sent over a few pictures from Thursday night's Christmas dinner for the Knights of Columbus.

More pictures after the jump:

Graham Corp. announced today that it has won a $25 million contract to produce parts for a new Navy aircraft carrier, and that the engineering and manufacturing will be done in Batavia.

Graham will construct four steam surface condensers for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, which is building a second carrier in the Gerald R. Ford class.

The carrier, designated CVN 79, has not yet been named.

Revenue from the contract award will hit the Graham books in in fiscal 2012, which begins April 1, 2011, and will continue into fiscal 2014.

A driver reportedly tried making a left hand turn off Bank Street Road onto Batavia-Elba Townline Road yesterday afternoon at 2:54, leading to a head-on collision with another car.

Cited for failure to yield right-of-way was Ryan S. Worthington, 20, of 6918 Ellicott St. Road, Pavilion. Both he and his passenger, Alyssa R. Naylor, 17, were uninjured.

Suffering minor injuries were Aleander M. Dutton, 18, of 7078 Batavia-Byron Road, Byron, and Katelyn D. George, 18.

The accident was investigated by Deputy James Diehl.

A car making a left-hand turn from Route 5 into Valu Plaza allegedly caused an accident this morning that sent one person to the hospital.

Transported to UMMC was Charles Williams, 61, of 2641 Centerline Road, Varysburg. Williams reportedly suffered injuries to his arm.

A passenger in his car, Jane Williams, no age given, is listed in the Sheriff's Office report as in shock, but was not transported to a hospital.

The driver who reportedly turned into oncoming traffic is Theodore Kedzierski, 63, of 76 Maple Ave., Oakfield.

Kedzierski was driving a 2000 Ford pickup truck. Williams was driving a 2005 Chevy pickup.

Kedzierski was issued a citation for alleged improper turn.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Brian Thompson.

Initial Report from this morning.

Traffic is stopped at Downey and Galloway roads for a truck vs. car accident.

Three people are reportedly injured.

Town of Batavia Engine 24 is responding as well as Mercy EMS.

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