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Landmark Society hosts talk on 100-year history of Rowell Mansion

By Billie Owens

The Landmark Society of Genesee County will present a lecture entitled "Batavia Mansion Centennial: Restoring Rowell" by Diane Kastenbaum at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the Reading Room at Richmond Memorial Library.

The public is encouraged to attend.

Kastenbaum will share her experiences living in and restoring one of Batavia's grandest residences, known as the Rowell Mansion.

Businessman E.N. Rowell built the unique Beaux Arts residence at 71 Ellicott Ave. in 1914. The current owner will inform listeners about its 100-year history.

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What The Sheik, Fireyourguns dead heat in Batavia Downs feature

By Billie Owens

Fireyourguns and What The Shiek tie for win, just ahead of Western Alumni.

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

The Saturday night (Oct. 4) Open pace at Batavia Downs provided one of the most exciting finishes racing fans have seen at the oldest lighted harness track in North America this year. The top three horses finished a neck apart and when the photo was examined, What The Sheik and Fireyourguns tripped the light at the exact same time.

When the race got under way, Western Alumni (Jim McNeight) took an early lead as What The Sheik (Jim Morrill Jr.) and Fireyourguns (Mike Caprio) got away fourth and sixth, respectively. The order stayed unchanged to the half when Fireyourguns pulled from the rear and flushed What The Sheik for live cover. That outer flow made minimal progress pacing toward the three-quarters as Western Alumni was sitting on a two-length lead. At the top of the lane it appeared as if the leader was home free, but when Fireyourguns tipped three-wide he prompted What The Sheik to pace on and the pair hit the wire in tandem just a head in front of Western Alumni, who hung on for third. The mile was timed in 1:56.1.

It was the sixth win of the year for What The Sheik ($2.90) who is trained by Gerry Sarama for owner Mike Torcello and the 12th win of the year for Fireyourguns ($2.50) who is trained by Terence McClory who owns the horse with Jennifer and Robert Lowe.

A pair of drivers accounted for seven of the 12 winners during the night. Jim McNeight recorded a grand slam with Maradona ($9.50), Hopskipanajump ($8.70), The Maniac ($4.20) and Flight Crew ($19.40) and Jim Morrill Jr. had a three-bagger with Unicorn Hanover ($20.00), What The Sheik ($2.90) and Muncie ($4.30). It was a natural hat trick that occurred in races six, seven and eight for driver Morrill, trainer Gerry Sarama and owner Mike Torcello.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday night (Oct. 8) at 6:35 and kicks off the Downs new racing schedule of Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, all with a 6:35 post time.

Justgottogetthere takes top trot at Batavia Downs, Jim Morrill Jr. pilots five winners

By Billie Owens

Justgottogetthere with driver Jim NcNeight

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

The winds of change blew through Western New York Friday night (Oct. 3) and the rain fell along with the temperature. But the inclement conditions did not dampen the performance of Justgottogetthere as he won the $9,250 Open trotting feature at Batavia Downs.

The short field of six got even shorter after Live Jazz (John Cummings Jr.) made a break leaving in the first turn. That left Justgottogetthere (Jim McNeight) a clear path to the front. But co-favorite Armed Dangerously (Jim Morrill Jr.) who left right behind the leader was trotting side-by-side with him, giving Serious George (Kevin Cummings) a perfect garden spot trip. After hitting the half in :58 flat, the parking ticket took its toll and Armed Dangerously started to falter. That left Justgottogetthere a gapped leader waiting for a bid from the pocket-sitting Serious George. That challenge came down the lane but it was too little, too late. Justgottogetthere got there by a diminishing one-length lead to win in 1:58.3. Serious George was second and a late closing Keystone Bernard was third.

It was the second win in 10 starts for Justgottogetthere ($4.80) and boosted his 2014 earnings to $20,815 for owners Antonietta Landi and North Creek Racing LLC. The lightly raced 5-year-old son of Valley Victor is trained by Jerry Nugent Jr.

Jim Morrill Jr. was on hand Friday to put on another driving clinic. He rendezvoused with owners five times in the Purple Haze winners circle as he scored with Medicine Ed ($7.30), Release The Terror ($6.10), Missmaximus ($7.00), The Bronx Bumper ($7.50) and Story Book ($5.30). Morrill is currently second in North America among all drivers for percentage, sporting a gaudy .401 UDR. And on the strength of the night's performance, he drew even closer to the top-spot.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on tonight (Oct. 4) at 6:35. The Pick-6 carry-over pool has grown to $2,296 and will be up for grabs starting with race seven.

Grand Jury indicts woman for allegedly driving while on drugs, causing serious physical injury to another person

By Billie Owens

Sarah E. Saile is accused of driving while ability impaired by drugs, as a misdemeanor. It is alleged that on Feb. 4 she operated a 1998 Ford with a Florida license plate on Oak Orchard Road in the Town of Batavia while her ability to do so was impaired by drugs. In count two of the indictment, she is accused of second-degree assault for allegedly recklessly causing serious physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument -- a motor vehicle. In count three, Saile is accused of second-degree vehicular assault for allegedly operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and, as a result of this impairment, she operated the vehicle in a manner that caused serious physical injury to a person.

Keanon S. Williams is indicted for the crime of second-degree strangulation, a Class D felony. It is alleged that on Aug. 31 in the City of Batavia, Williams, with the intent to impede normal breathing or blood circulation of another person, applied pressure on the throat or neck of a person. This alleged action caused stupor, loss of consciousness for any period of time, or other physical injury to the person.

Controlled burn now out of control on Prole Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A controlled burn is reportedly now out of control at 8547 Prole Road. Stafford Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 2:14 p.m.: A tanker from South Byron is called to the scene. The location is south of Horseshoe Lake Road.

UPDATE 2:56 p.m.: Fire knocked down. Crews are picking up.

Collins earns NRA endorsement, A rating for defense of Second Amendment

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Today, Congressman Chris Collins (R-NY) announced he earned the endorsement of the National Rifle Association and received an A Rating from the organization.

"Western New Yorkers' Second Amendment Rights have been under constant assault by President Obama and Governor Cuomo. I have fought every day to stand up to their unconstitutional assault on our freedoms, and I am humbled to receive the endorsement of the NRA," Congressman Collins said.

In addition to receiving the NRA’s official endorsement, Congressman Collins earned an A grade from the group. He has also been a staunch supporter of Second Amendment Rights and has sponsored legislation to protect gun owners, including H.R. 3933, the Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act of 2014.

“My father taught me the lessons of responsible gun ownership and I know that is a story shared by many NY-27 residents and gun owners all across America. I want that opportunity to be available to future generations, which is why I will continue to support New Yorkers’ fundamental right to bear arms.”

Batavia Downs changes its racing schedule

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs has announced its new fall schedule which will be effective starting next week. Live racing will be conducted three nights a week on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights through Dec. 6 with a 6:35 post time. The one exception to that will be on Columbus Day, Oct. 13, when the final matinee of the year will be held at 1:15 p.m.

Batavia Downs is also offering some great wagering opportunities this weekend when growing carry-over pools are once again available on Friday. The pick-5 pool is at $532 and the pick-6 carry-over is $1,972. The pick-5 is a .50 minimum bet and runs from race five through race nine. The pick-6 is a minimum $2 wager and runs from race seven to race 12.

Then on Saturday night, harness racing bingo will make its return by popular demand. America’s oldest lighted harness track will feature this promotion and put $750 in gaming free-plays and betting vouchers up for grabs for those attending that night who play.

The first 25 people that get regular bingo win $10 gaming free-plays. The first three people to get letter “X” win $100 wagering vouchers and first person to get full-board bingo wins a $200 wagering voucher. The entire amount of the vouchers must be wagered on Batavia Downs races.

Bingo is free to play and racing fans can pick up their bingo card starting at 5 p.m. at Players Club located on the gaming floor.

In addition, Sahlen’s hot dogs, sodas and draft beer will be available for just $1 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

For a complete list of events and promotions please visit <http://www.bataviadownsgaming.com>

Law and Order: Batavia woman accused of driving while impaired by drugs

By Billie Owens

Patricia Ann Wheeler, 54, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with failure to keep right, driving left of pavement markings, and operation of a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, first offense. At 6:07 Thursday evening, Wheeler was arrested on these charges and it is alleged that she operated a motor vehicle on a public highway while her ability to do so was impaired by drugs. She is to appear in Batavia Town Court on Nov. 20. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Joseph Corona.

Rachel Leigh Zepp, 20, of Northfield Gate, Pittsford, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of alcohol by a person under 21, failure to obey a traffic control device, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway. At 12:31 a.m. last night, it is alleged that Zepp was found in possession of these items during a traffic stop, prompted by alleged observed violations of vehicle and traffic laws. She is to appear in Byron Town Court on Oct. 27. The case was handled by Sheriff's deputy Joseph Corona.

Missing teen found safe in North Carolina, crimes of harboring and transporting under investigation

By Billie Owens

Emily Staschak, the runaway 14-year-old from Batavia, has been located safe and sound, according to Batavia PD Det. Richard Schauf.

In an update to the media today, he said tips from the public, who became aware of the missing teen via media coverage, helped locate the girl.

She was found at a relative's home in North Carolina on Thursday night and arrangements have been made to bring her home.

"An investigation into the local harboring of the child and the adults responsible for transporting the child out of NY State is ongoing," Schauf said, "for the crime of endangering the welfare of a child and any federal laws that are applicable."

Anyone with information about these persons is asked to contact Det. Schauf at 585-345-6312.

Accident with injuries on Swamp Road, Bergen

By Billie Owens

An accident with injuries is reported at 7666 Swamp Road, Bergen, near or at the intersection with Jerico Road. It's a small dump truck vs. car. Bergen fire and Mercy medics are responding

Vibrant Batavia hosts Pizza Party & Park Clean-up at Pringle Park

By Billie Owens

Vibrant Batavia and Lisa Barrett, a resident of Pringle Avenue, will be hosting a Pizza Party & Park Clean-up at Pringle Park on Friday, Oct. 3rd from 5:30-7:30 p.m.. The forecast is not looking promising, so we have scheduled a rain date as well for Oct. 10th from 5:30-7:30. If we need to cancel due to bad weather, please check out our Web site for updates at www.VibrantBatavia.com <http://www.VibrantBatavia.com>

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Grand Jury: Two Bergen women accused of possessing more than 3K in stolen retail merchandise

By Billie Owens

These indictments were handed down from the Genesee County Grand Jury this week:

Joan A. Gliwski is accused of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that between August 2013 and January 2014 in the Town of Bergen she knowingly possessed stolen property with the intent to benefit herself or another person other than an owner or to impede the recovery by an owner. Moreover, the value of the property exceeded $3,000. The property was various merchandise stolen from seven retail stores.

Maria A. Gardiner is accused of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, a Class D felony. It is alleged that between August 2013 and January 2014 in the Town of Bergen she knowingly possessed stolen property with the intent to benefit herself or another person other than an owner or to impede the recovery by an owner. Moreover, the value of the property exceeded $3,000. The property was various merchandise stolen from seven retail stores.

Brian R. Croakley is accused of driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. It is alleged that on May 31, 2013, in the Town of Bergen, he operated a 2010 Dodge on Route 19 while in an intoxicated condition. In addition, he is indicted by way of Special Information of having been convicted in the Town of Bergen Court of driving while intoxicated as a misdemeanor on June 16, 2010. This conviction was within 10 years of the crime alleged in the indictment.

Infrontigo Hanover swoops rivals in mares Open; Ronnie Wrenn Jr. wins five at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Infrontigo Hanover with driver Jim McNeight.

By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs

Timing is everything and driver Jim McNeight had his down to a science Wednesday night (Oct. 1) in winning the $8,500 mares Open pace feature at Batavia Downs with Infrontigo Hanover.

Going directly to the wood off the gate, McNeight settled Infrontigo Hanover in fourth while Taylor Rei (Aaron Byron) and Fiftyonefifty (Mike Whelan) played give-and-go to the quarter. When the dust settled at that post in :28.2, McNeight saw his chance and Infrontigo Hanover was quickly pulled at the three-eighths and took the lead before they hit the half.

From then on the only thing left to figure out was how fast and by how many? Infrontigo Hanover opened up a six-length lead going to the three-quarters in 1:25, then turned the corner and paced home uncontested to a wrapped-up three and one-half length victory in a new lifetime mark of 1:54.2. The winner paid $9.10.

Bazooka Terror (Kevin Cummings) closed sharply for second and Dontch Remember (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) finished third.

It was the fourth win in 28 starts for Infrontigo Hanover and raised her seasonal earnings to $34,844 for owners Summer Wind Stable of New York, Inc., and Bob Gruber. The 6-year-old Western Hanover mare is trained by Bob Gruber.

Second leading North American dash winning driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr. was at the Downs Wednesday and pulled closer to leader Aaron Merriman as he came away with five winners on the card. He scored with Kill A Rockingbird ($28.60), Blissful Escape ($3.90), Delightful Syd ($5.80), Stonetag ($4.40) and Helena’s Hope ($3.30). Jim McNeight had the hat trick and Kevin Cummings doubled up.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 3) with post time at 6:35.

Burning tires said to be stinking up the air on Indian Falls Road

By Billie Owens

Heavy black, stinky smoke is reported at 1641 Indian Falls Road. It is said to be caused by burning tires. Indian Falls Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE Thursday: The resident called and said this was a false report by another resident in the area. There were no tires burning.  It was just brush.

Sheriff's car involved in accident at Route 33 and Mill Road, Stafford

By Billie Owens

A Genesee County Sheriff's vehicle is involed in an accident at Route 33 and Mill Road, Stafford. Unknown injuries. Stafford fire and Mercy medics responding.

UPDATE 5:19 p.m.: Fire command asked that medics proceed non-emergency; injuries are minor.

UPDATE 6:03 p.m.: The Sheriff's vehicle involved is unmarked, non-patrol vehicle.

UPDATE 6:28 p.m.: It appears, based on preliminary investigation, that the Sheriff's Office vehicle pulled into traffic and was struck by a southbound white SUV.  The driver of the SUV was taken to an area hospital by her husband with apparent minor injuries. The other driver was not injured.

Jacquetta Simmons ordered to pony up $100 in restitution montly starting Friday

By Billie Owens

Jacquetta Simmons appeared in Genesee County Court this afternoon on the matter of restitution for her victim, Grace Suozzi, a Walmart cashier who suffered fractured facial bones and other injuries following a Christmas Eve confrontation in the store in 2011.

The upshot is the same money Simmons had been ordered to pay in February -- $100 a month -- is the same amount she will have to pony up on the 26th of every month, beginning Friday, until the restitution of $2,000 is paid.

Her attorney at the time, Earl Keys, had argued that she was not able to make the payments because she'd just been released from jail for her crime and had been unable to find work.

The judge set another restitution hearing and asked for documentation about her efforts to find employment. There's been no progress as far as Noonan could determine.

Nothing much has changed, only months have passed.

Ann Nichols, who had also been one of the attorneys representing her at trial, was with her today and told the judge she had only met with her client on the matter yesterday, and just today was provided with a list of local places where her client has applied for jobs.

(Simmons is now married but her husband's income won't factor in much. His gross earnings are $793 a month.)

Suozzi has yet to see a penny, as far as Noonan knows.

"This victim is entitled to be paid restitution," Noonan said, "and all we've gotten so far are excuses, missed court appearances, and no restitution."

Nichols said one issue that has delayed matters is an appeal of the Jan. 13 restitution order of $100 monthly by Simmons's parents. That has now been withdrawn, and they "will be able to pay $100 as soon as Friday," the attorney said.

"We are moving toward paying restitution," Nichols said.

It was also noted that a payment of $100 was supposedly made in February, and maybe a second such payment, but no receipts were offered.

Noonan said he has no knowledge of any payments being made, but if the money was indeed received by the County Probation Department there will be a record of it and the sum(s) will be deducted from the total owed.

Simmons went to court last month by herself and had only a piece of notebook paper with some hand-written notes about her work search. Noonan told her she needed detailed, documentation of her employment search and inability to find work in order for him to decide whether to lower the amount of monthly restitution. He set another hearing for this afternoon and told her she could bring an attorney with her, or not, her choice.

Keys, it was noted, has moved to Washington State, where he is working in the State Attorney General's Office.

Law and Order: Homeless Buffalo woman jailed after disturbance at Wendy's

By Billie Owens

Fancy D. Miller, 59, homeless, of Buffalo, was arrested Sept. 22 and charged with second-degree harassment and criminal tampering, 3rd. Her arrest followed a late afternoon disturbance at Wendy's restaurant on Main Street in the City of Batavia. Miller allegedly pushed an employee and threw items in the restaurant. Following arraignment in City Court, she was jailed. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Mitchell Cowen, assisted by officer Jason Ivison.

Luethal M. Tate, 54, of Dewey Avenue, Rochester, was arrested Sept. 22 and charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, petit larceny, and open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. It is alleged that she stole a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka from a local liquor store. After Batavia PD located the suspect vehicle, Tate was allegedly seen consuming beer out of a plastic Thermos-style container which was on her lap. Tate was allegedly sitting in the rear passenger seat next to a protected party for whom a complete stay away order had been issued against Tate in the City of Rochester. Tate was jailed in lieu of $2,500. The incident was investigated by Batavia PD officer Jamie Givens, assisted by officer Nedim Catovic.

Robert W. Plantiko Jr., 39, of 18 Thorpe St., Batavia, was arrested Sept. 19 on a Batavia City Court bench warrant issued for failing to appear on a charge of petit larceny stemming from an incdient Aug. 9. He was arrested at his residence and put in jail. The matter was investigated by Batavia PD officer Frank Klimjack, assisted by officer Eric Foels.

Museum Quilt Guild's biannual show 'Stitches in Time' is Oct. 17-18 in Alexander

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Museum Quilt Guild will present "Stitches In Time" -- a biannual quilt show on Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held at the Alexander Fireman's Recreation Hall, 10708 Alexander Road (Rt. 98) in Alexander.

This year's show will feature approximately 280 quilts stitched by 54 guild members. The raffle quilt was designed by Martha Lorshbaugh with help from Alex Hammon, Mary Ellen Ames and Emmy Hartwick. It's a medallion-style quilt featuring both hand appliqué and machine piecing.

Many guild members pieced blocks, and have contributed to the hand quilting. Hand-quilted quilts are becoming more rare, so it promises to become a cherished heirloom for one lucky winner.

As in the past, this year's show will offer a silent auction. All proceeds benefit recreation activities at VA Western New York Healthcare System. Demonstrations, basket raffle and a fabulous boutique where many beautiful handmade items will be available for purchasing.

New this year will be the scrap pool. One dollar will buy as may fabric scraps as you can fit in a provided plastic bag. All the proceeds from the scrap pool will benefit a new women's program at the VA Hopsital.

The quilt show will also host a "traveling quilt show" featuring 20 quilts from quilters across New York State. In 2012 the Quilter’s Consortium of New York State (QCNYS) issued a challenge to its members to create a quilt based on the theme – “Stitching Across New York State – A Quilter’s Perspective.” The 20 quilts shown in this exhibit were professionally judged by Eugenia Barnes; four of our own members entered and two were chosen as winners. This exhibit will travel across New York State through 2015.

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