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Truck driver injured in overnight crash on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A truck driver was injured in an overnight crash on the Thruway and transported by Mercy Flight to an area hospital.

The accident was reported at about 12:30 a.m., according to a dispatcher, about five miles east of Exit 48, which is in the East Pembroke Fire District. Town of Batavia also responded mutual aid. Both fire companies were back in service by 1:30 a.m.

The driver's name has not yet been released.

He was transporting a load of bananas.

The accident is being investigated by Troop T of the State Police.

Get a haircut, give a glass of water

By Gretel Kauffman

When Kathy Kuss signed up to sponsor a Haitian child through the International Child Care Ministries five years ago, she had no way of anticipating the earthquake that would soon hit the island nation and its horrific consequences.

After the disaster struck, she received bad news: her sponsored child and the girl’s family were missing. The family was eventually discovered, safe and sound. However, the storm was not over yet — for the Haitians lucky enough to survive the earthquake and the subsequent hurricanes, the real horror had just begun.

Many had been rendered homeless by the natural disasters, and the lack of clean water was rapidly killing off people by the thousands, the majority of them children. It was upon hearing about these tragedies that Kuss, a Batavia hair salon owner, decided something had to be done—thus, Haircuts for Haiti was born.

“(The disaster) was all over the news and it was very frightening,” she says. “What I kept reading was that the water situation was so disgusting. There was no water there. I kept thinking, ‘What can I do to help?’ ”

The answer came to her in the form of an article about Sawyer Water Filters.

“There’s a lot of disease right now in Haiti that they have not seen for decades, like typhoid fever and dysentery, and the reason is because all this bacteria is in their water now,” she explains.

“That’s happening because people are not back into homes and there is no sanitation in place there yet, and disease bacteria is in the water again. This filter will actually take that bacteria out, and it will take out dirt and debris also. You get a clean glass of water.”

The filters that Kuss hopes to purchase will be sent to Haitian schools — or rather, what remains of them.

According to her research, “schools are particularly affected. ICCM sponsors children in Christian schools, and our sponsorships pay the fees for the children to go to the school and buy their lunches and books and education. When I was looking into this, they said that many of the schools had been demolished by the earthquakes. They were holding the schools in tents but there wasn’t any clean water for the kids.”

These lifesaving devises are, unfortunately, not free — each filter system costs $50. To raise enough money to send “many, many” filters to the children, Kuss has organized “Haircuts for Haiti,” an all-day fundraiser where people can get a haircut and make a donation.

This is Kuss’s first time organizing a “cut-a-thon,” but she has participated in one before and speaks highly of the experience:

“It’s really a lot of fun because obviously you have a large group of hairdressers and barbers. People love doing things like this because they really feel like they’re doing something to help.”

The 11 hairdressers and barbers will be at Northgate Free Methodist Church (located at 350 Bank St. Road in Batavia) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 23  in the south campus gymnasium. A Sawyer Water Filter will be on display at the event.

If you are unable to attend but wish to make a donation, you can make a check out to Northgate Free Methodist Church with the memo line of “Sawyer Water Filter Fund” and send it to:

Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank St. Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

Tykes locked in car with windows rolled up at Wal-mart

By Billie Owens

A caller reported to dispatch that there is a vehicle parked at Wal-mart with two very young children inside and all the windows are rolled up. The vehicle is said to be in the first row of the grocery section nearest Veterans Memorial Drive. State Police are called to the scene.

UPDATE 6:27 p.m.: When they arrived promptly after receiving the call, officers could not locate the white Pontiac alleged to have the kids inside.

UPDATE 6:35 p.m.: Law enforcement is going to look for the vehicle at the address of the registered owner.

Smoke from electrical outlet reported in Woodstock Gardens apartment, Batavia

By Billie Owens

City firefighters are responding to a report of smoke coming from an electrical outlet at 21 Woodstock Gardens, Apt. 21.

UPDATE 6:05 p.m.: They are on scene, investigating. The location is the southernmost building in the back of the complex.

UPDATE 6:07 p.m.: City police are called in case traffic control is needed.

UPDATE 6:09 p.m.: A building inspector is called to the scene.

UPDATE 6:14 p.m.: The inspector's ETA is now roughly 15 minutes.

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: The problem was determined to be an air-conditioner leaking water into an electrical outlet. To fix it, firefighters "eliminated the outlet." The city assignment is back in service.

Jason D. Reese, of Batavia, makes the Deans' List at GCC

By Billie Owens

This was submitted by a private citizen.

Jason D. Reese, of 332 W. Main St., #4, Batavia, made the Dean' List at Genesee Community College for the Spring 2012 semester.

Reese is a Physical Education major and very proud of his accomplishment.

"I showed up on time, did all assignments, passed the exams, I earned this feat," said Reese, who will turn 50 on June 25.

He says being a minority in Batavia is tough business.

"There are all sorts of people who want me to be a criminal statistic -- sorry to bust your bubble -- they are not that good plus you're going to have to raise your game to keep up with me," Reese said.

He graduated from Pavilion Central in 1982 and received an associate degree from GCC in 1988.

"I was immature back then. I will make up for that time now. I am a late bloomer, but I am not stopping now, my best years are yet to come," says Reese.

This Friday, Fill the Boot for MDA

By Howard B. Owens

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.

New regional business growth program seeks applicants ready for the next level

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) announces the launch of the GRE Regional Economic Gardening Program. The first of its kind in New York State, the program focuses on fostering business growth throughout the Greater Rochester Region by providing free assistance to companies in expansion mode.

In order to participate in the GRE Regional Economic Gardening Program, second-stage companies must:

  • be for-profit and privately held;
  • headquartered and operating in Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming or Yates counties;
  • generate between $700,000 and $50 million in annual revenue;
  • employ between five and 100 employees;
  • have maintained principal operations in the nine-county Greater Rochester Region for a minimum of two years;
  • demonstrate growth in employment and/or revenue for at least two of the past five years;
  • and provide products and/or services to markets outside of the Greater Rochester.

“In addition to attracting new businesses, the best way to grow a region’s economy is through business expansion,” said GRE President and CEO Mark S. Peterson. “The GRE Regional Economic Gardening Program will allow companies to expand in the Greater Rochester, N.Y. Region, leading to more job creation and economic growth.”

A group of 20 second-stage businesses will be selected to take part in the program. A team of national experts provided by the Edward Lowe Foundation will work with selected companies to develop a plan to further accelerate their business success.

Participating companies will have access to a free suite of high-end, high-speed technical assistance, including help identifying qualified sales leads; mapping to facilitate targeted marketing efforts; reviewing core strategies related to commodity and niche markets; analyzing employee temperament to build strong management teams and recruit talent; examining social media utilization; and search engine optimization guidance.

Applications must be submitted online at http://rochesterbiz.com/gardening.

Program partners include: the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency;
County of Orleans Industrial Development Agency; Edward Lowe Foundation; Empire State Development; Finger Lakes Economic Development Center; Genesee County Economic Development Center; Livingston County Development Group; Ontario County Industrial Development Agency; Orleans Economic Development Agency; Seneca County Industrial Development Agency; Wayne County Industrial Development Agency; Wyoming County Business Center; and the Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency.

GRE received $200,000 for the economic gardening program from New York State through the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.

Located in the heart of New York’s technology corridor, Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) is a public-private partnership established to professionally market the Rochester metropolitan region as a competitive, high-profile place for business location and growth.

Its efforts support business attraction and expansion as well as entrepreneurship and innovation. GRE collaborates with businesses, universities, not-for-profit organizations and government leaders to ensure a unified approach to regional economic development.

For more information, please go to www.RochesterBiz.com <http://www.rochesterbiz.com/>.

GCC exhibit will transform art gallery into Italian American household circa 1940-60

By Billie Owens

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.

Vehicle larceny suspect believed to be in Batavia right now

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Batavia Downs announces online bets for harness racing

By Howard B. Owens

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.”

Law and Order: Swan Street resident accused of not returning rental items

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Photo: Re-striping on Main Street

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Photos: Duckling rescue attempt at Ellicott and Main streets, Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Sheriff's Office looking for person of interest in string of thefts from unlocked cars

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Grand Jury Report: Jail inmate accused of falsifying business records to place phone calls

By Howard B. Owens

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."

Driver reportedly involved in two accidents at gas station, still pumps gas

By Howard B. Owens

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.

Law and Order: Man charged with assault in alleged domestic incident in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

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.

People reportedly ripping up newly planted flowers in the Batavia Peace Garden

By Billie Owens

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.

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