C.M. Barons is a frequent commenter on The Batavian. Baron's published a novel last year, "In the Midst of."
Last month, Penguin Multimedia, a joint venture of Loren Penman of Batavia and her son, Brant, as well as Brian Gardner, shot a video promo for the novel at vintage clothing store Calista Miakoda on Ellicott Street.
The novel is available at Present Tense Books.
Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding to a reported stove fire at 4071 W. Main St. Road.
The fire is contained to the stove. There is smoke in the residence.
UPDATE: 12:17 p.m.: Fire out, but ventilation needed.
This is a reader-submitted photo of a for-sale sign on the Pontillo's building on E. Main Street in Batavia. A caller informs us the sign was placed on the building at 4 p.m. We're working on getting more information.
There are apparently no injuries in an accident at 196 Oak St., just in front of Bob Evans Restaurant.
Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS have responded.
No word on if traffic is blocked.
The inaugural choice for Pet of the Week, by all accounts a prestigous distinction, was definately a tough one to make. There were several worthy prospects, and I thank all for participating, but the heart-melting eyes of Barclay and his overall mien made him a standout. He submitted this bio:
My name is Barclay James Newton and I am writing to be considered for your new Pet of the Week feature. I feel I deserve this dignified distinction because my parents say that I am the most loyal, loving, gentle and humble dog they know. My mom says I am the dog of all dogs, the Gold Standard. My dad says there never has been a dog like me and there never will be again. I guess they would know since they have four dogs here and one in heaven (Hey Maisie!).
I'm not so sure what all the fuss is about- I'm just doing my job as a dog, man's best friend and all that. I would like to say that I have a particularly special place in my heart for my human cousins- hey Kort & Ken, love ya! Whenever they come to play, I can't even contain my excitement -- I HAVE to get out to the car to meet them and walk them into the house! They're my girlie girls and I love them to pieces! Well, I guess that's all for now. Can't wait to see all the upcoming Pet of the Week articles.
Your Friend,
Barclay
If your pet is worthy of pet of the week, have him or her e-mail me at pets (at) the batavian dot com. Please have your pet send a handsome picture and his or her story. Click here for more information. Your pet could win a $10 gift certificate from Genesee Feeds.
Danielle L. Young, of Orchard Park, is charged with DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08. Young was stopped by State Police on Sumner Road in Darien.
Kaylie N. Rumon, 23, of Elmira, is charged with DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08. Rumon was stopped by State Police in the City of Batavia.
Joey Somsy, 21, of Buffalo, is charged with DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08. Somsy was stopped by State Police on Colby Road in Darien.
Brian P. Verney, 25, of Attica, is charged with petit larceny and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Verney is accused of shoplifting from Wal-Mart. He was arrested by State Police and jailed without bail.
Amy L. Showler, 34, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Showler is accused of shoplifting from Wal-Mart. She was arrested by State Police.
A 15-year-old from Batavia is charged with petit larceny and trespass. The alleged crime occurred on West Saile Drive on Aug. 23 in Batavia and was investigated by State Police.
Erica Michelle Raphael, 24, of 335 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Raphael is accused of shoplifting from Target.
One car is on its side following a two-vehicle accident on Saile Drive in front of the Genesee County Airport in Batavia.
There is no entrapment in either car. There are two people injured. No fire.
I know there has been a lot of talk about the City of Batavia saving money. Here is an idea that seems to be going around Erie county, lets downsize Council. Batavia seems to have a large council considering the times, maybe eliminating the two "at large" positions to cut more fat from the city budget might be a good idea. Not sure if it has been looked at, but if we are looking to save money in the city, why not start at the top? Maybe its just me, but wouldnt that be responsible government?
At a press conference this morning, Tom Mancuso, president of Mancuso Development, said he was "delighted" the state approved a $1.5 million grant to help advance the Masse Gateway Project.
Even though the grant was $1 million less than originally requested by the city, Mancuso said the project should still be able to move forward.
It will cost at least $3.1 million and create an entrance off Masse Place into the Harvester industrial complex. The plan is to turn the old buildings into space suitable or light industrial and commercial uses for small businesses.
Mancuso said the the funding "really entitles us to spend a lot more money." In addition to the planned private investment from Mancuso Development, Mancuso implied his company will also need to come up with an additional $1 million to complete the project.
Audio: Tom Mancuso talks about the project.
The Batavian's news partner, WBTA, covered the press conference.
A Batavia man is in jail without bail after being found driving a car that was reported stolen Wednesday morning.
The auto theft was apparently part of a house burglary in the 200 block of State Street.
Reginald Wilson, 36, of 112 State St., is charged with criminal possession of stolen property.
Wilson was reportedly found driving the stolen car on Lehigh Street at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Police are investigating whether he was involved in the auto theft and burglary.
Paul Pontillo, of Pontillo's Pizza in Batavia, is accused of writing bad checks from a business account.
The alleged bad checks were written in 2008.
The 53-year-old Pontillo was arraigned in City of Batavia Court yesterday and released on his own recognizance.
Previously:
Gregory M. Brew, 24, of 4799 Linden Road, East Bethany, is charged with DWI and unlicensed operationof a vehicle. Brew was arrested at Strong Memorial Hospital following a rollover accident on East Road at 10:38 p.m. on Wednesday. No other vehicles were involved in the accident. Deputy Matt Butler investigated the incident.
Tyrell T. Harris, 19, of 114 W. Englewood Ave., Teaneck, N.J., and William P. Ponder, 19, of 3905 Carpenter Ave., Bronx, are charged with trespass. Harris and Ponder were allegedly involved in an incident at College Village and told to leave. After Sheriff's deputies left College Village, Harris and Ponder allegedly returned. They were jailed on $250 bail each.
William Grey Neff, 35, of 1210 S. Main St., Medina, is charged with forcible touching. Neff is accused of forcibly touching a woman.
Kelly A. Decker, 23, of 127 Liberty St., upper, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Decker is accused of stealing $200 from July 23 to Aug. 20 while employed as a cashier at Kmart.
Dustin R. Benham, 20, of Darien, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Benham was arrested by State Police in the Town of Batavia. He was held without bail. No other details were provided.
A car struck a bicyclist Thursday at 5 p.m., and while the driver stopped briefly, she left the scene before police arrived.
She is described as a "middle aged" white woman.
Police are asking the woman to either contact police, or if any witnesses can identify her, to call Detective Richard Schauf at 585-345-6312 or contact the confidential call line at 585-345-6370.
In a press release, police say the car turned right from West Main Street onto Jefferson Avenue. The bicyclist was traveling east. The driver got out of her car, but then got back in and left the scene.
No description of the car is available.
Neither the name of the bicyclist nor his or her condidtion were released by police.
UPDATE 5:03 p.m.: Det. Rich Schauf sent over this note a little while ago:
Thank You for your assistance in locating the driver of the car regarding the news release I sent earlier. The Driver heard the story on WBTA and phoned me. A witness also read the story on the Batavian. The driver was able to tell her side of the story which was verified by the witness. The report will be completed now. No charges are being placed. The bike rider had minor injuries. The important thing was the vehicle insurance information. Thanks again for your willingness to help us serve the community.
The city's application for a $2.5 million grant to help spark redevelopment of Masse Gateway (part of the Harvester Center complex) has been reduced to $1.5 million in the final award.
The city received word today that the funds will be released to the City, according to The Batavian's news partner WBTA.
City Manager Jason Molino told WBTA that the RestoreNY funds were intended to begin demolition and reconstruction of Masse Place.
"It's our hope that this will be the beginning of opportunities to develop that former industrial site into some more commercial and light industrial locations for businesses and hopefully increase jobs in the area," Molino said.
UPDATE: City Council President Charlie Mallow issued this statement this afternoon:
After decades of political inaction and stonewalling, our city has finally taken the first step forward to rebuild its decaying center. This could not have been possible without our City Manager and his staff. Their hard work and determination has brought millions of dollars in grants, as well as financial stability to our community over the last two years. I also want to thank Mr. Mancuso for believing in and investing in our city. Batavia can only prosper when business people like Mr. Mancuso are willing to take a chance and invest their own hard earned money into our community. I would like to give a special thanks to Governor Patterson and his staff for taking the time to understand the needs of our city and ensuring that Batavia receives its share of federal and state dollars to help stimulate our local economy.
Please have your teens take note of this car accident.
This picture is from a car accident in the Southern Tier. It was one of my best friend's son who was driving. He is now in the Trauma unit of ECMC along with his friend who was a front seat passenger. There were two passengers in the backseat that walked away with some bumps, scrapes and cuts. The young man had just graduated from high school and was due to go in the Navy in the fall.
Please pray for the two young men that are now fighting for their lives.
It is possibly suspected that drinking while driving was involved.
Anne Marie Weremblewski, 55, of 4016 W. Main St. Road, #4, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt. Weremblewski is accused of violating a no offensive conduct restraining order. She allegedly yelled obscenities at the protected party.
A smoke detector has sounded and the resident can see smoke, but she doesn't know where it's coming from and she doesn't see any fire at 335 Bank St., Batavia.
The City Fire Department is responding.
UPDATE 8:56 p.m: Engine 12 back in service. Reset the alarms.
I happened across this scene this afternoon -- four of the city ambulances sitting next to the fire hall on Evans -- out of service.
Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley today announced a new law that allows court proceedings for the towns of Elba, Oakfield and Batavia to be held at a single location, which will help save money.
Ranzenhofer says in a press release: “With the passage of the Shared Court Services legislation, the towns of Batavia, Elba and Oakfield have the opportunity to consolidate facilities to provide upgraded services and decrease costs. Residents ... will see savings on their tax bills by sharing one court facility. (This) reflects the willingness of the Elba, Batavia and Oakfield town supervisors to restructure local government to save money for taxpayers."
Hawley says: “We were pleased to facilitate the towns of Batavia, Elba and Oakfield’s request for this legislation. Helping localities streamline and consolidate their efforts -- resulting in more efficient operations while saving taxpayer dollars -- is indeed a positive reflection on the supervisors of the three towns."
All three adjoining towns expressed a need for upgraded court facilities. The new law amends the Uniform Justice Court Act to allow the court proceedings to be held either in the towns of Elba, Oakfield, Batavia or the city of Batavia. The facility must be approved by all three town boards. The law takes effect immediately.
“This is a good example of how a determined effort by community leaders and their respective staffs can provide a much needed and desirable benefit for the people they serve," said Batavia Town Supervisor Gregory Post.
"This partnership demonstrates efficiency in government with unlimited potential to expand benefits to local members of our population, as well as those who visit our VA campus or other attractions our area offers. The fact that so many elected entities can come together and set aside traditional boundaries to save tax dollars (holds) promise that our future here is bright."
Elba Town Supervisor Lucine Kauffman said: "The Town of Elba sees this proposed shared courthouse facility as an innovative way to meet our courtroom safety and functional needs while saving the taxpayers' money. This bill allows us to pursue the shared facility project and improve service to our communities."
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