Skip to main content

Stories from

Two suspects in Irondequoit armed robbery nabbed by local law enforcement

By Billie Owens

Two armed robbery suspects were captured moments ago by local law enforcement officers and taken into custody. The pair is believed to have taken part in an armed robbery in Irondequoit and were fleeing westbound on Route 490 in a 2009 red Chevy Impala.

An APB was issued alerting authorities of the suspect vehicle, and officers were at the Batavia exit in case they exited there, but the car kept going and Sheriff's deputies were posted at the Route 77 exit.

The next information over the scanner was that two people were in custody, so it's not clear at this point just where the arrests took place, although it was in Genesee County.

The vehicle is registered to an individual in Cheektowaga.

Car vs. pedestrian accident in front of Batavia High School

By Billie Owens

A pedestrian was struck by a car and is down in the roadway in front of Batavia High School, 260 State St. City fire and Mercy medics are responding and police are on scene.

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: "We're being told now there was no vehicle involved and the child fell off a bike," says the dispatcher.

UPDATE 3:50 p.m.: The patient is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy medics.

One-vehicle rollover, driver not injured, on Creek Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported on Creek Road, a quarter mile north of Route 20 in Pavilion. The vehicle "is totaled," according to a responder at the scene. The driver appears to be uninjured and has no complaints of pain, but medics are responding to evaluate her.

UPDATE 3:29 p.m.: After the evaluation, medics are calling for Mercy Flight to the scene. The only one available will fly from Buffalo.

UPDATE 3:49 p.m.: It was decided to transport the driver to Strong Memorial Hospital via ambulance.

Person with amputated finger at County Highway Department

By Billie Owens

Mercy medics are on scene to aid a person with an amputated finger behind the barn on the grounds of the County Highway Department. The location is off the "new road area off Cedar and Ellicott." The original location was reported to be Ag Park Drive East.

Neighbors at odds on North Byron Road

By Billie Owens

Sheriff's deputies are responding to a report of a disturbance on North Byron Road. A man is sitting in his vehicle in his driveway and complains that his neighbor, with whom he has had numerous confrontations, is "basically, staring at him." The complainant also says he "believes the neighbor possibly has a knife and he stuck it in the barn wall."

NEW TODAY! -- Casa Del Taco, plus Bourbon & Burger, Bohn's, Oliver's, Adam Miller, and more!

By Billie Owens

NEW TODAY! Casa Del Taco, 234 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Mexican food lovers will delight in this new eatery that makes tacos and burritos "the way you want 'em" plus it offers other items like taco salads, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, churros, and chili. Choose from a variety of toppings, including jalapenos, black beans, cilantro and guacamole. There are also several varieties of salsa to select from, such as corn, mango, verde, and sweet Thai ranch. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Saturday; closed Sunday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Sweetland Pines Golf Course, 5795 Sweetland Road, Stafford, NY: Sweetland Pines is a par 3 golf course, great for beginners and experienced golfers working on the short game. Relaxed golf game, average play is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, leaving the golfer time to enjoy the rest of the day. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Dave's Ice Cream, 3872 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY: Dave's offers only locally purchased products, including Perry's hard ice cream in a wide variety of yummy flavors, with a wonderful assortment of toppings and homemade waffle cones. Different soft-serve flavors are offered weekly. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." Stop in and check out our Jumbo Chicken Wings, Roast Beef on Weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from Super Salads, butcher cut Strip Loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Daphne's Restaurant, 241 Swan St., (Off Rt. 63/Ellicott St.) Batavia, NY. Daphne's is destined to become a favorite for any who enjoy something special in a dining experience. Formerly the old St. Nick's Social Club, now unrecognizable to those who used to frequent the club, Daphne's provides you with a warm, inviting atmosphere and decor, which complements the array of wonderful dishes. We offer homemade seafood and pasta dishes, meatballs that are addicting as well as large salads, hot sandwiches & homemade potato chips. Fresh desserts are prepared in our own kitchen (tiramisu has been the top seller so far). We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, 9 Main St., Le Roy, NY. The kind of downhome, laid-back and comfortable place that just feels right. Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, this eatery and bar features a variety of eats and drinks that are outstanding. Specializing in smoked meats -- each meat is dry rubbed with a proprietary mix of seasonings, then smoked slowly in their on-site smoker for maximum flavor and tenderness. With a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, combo platters and entrées, there's always plenty of choice for even picky eaters. Great food, frosty brews and some of the best folk around call the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew their favorite -- make it your favorite today! Don't forget to ask about our catering! We have a $20 gift card for $12.

Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.

The Color Salon, 35 Center St., Batavia, NY: Our attention to detail, combined with the focus on precision haircutting techniques will ensure that your hair will be your best accessory when you leave The Color Salon. We offer all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, up-dos, as well as waxing services. We carry products such as KMS and Paul Mitchell. Now available: Bella Taylor purses! We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Sweet Ecstasy Bakery & Cafe, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, NY. A retail and special-order bakery and cafe located in Downtown Batavia inside Seymour Place. Offering a wide variety of items such as cookies, filled cupcakes, quick breads, pies, breakfast pastries, daily. On Fridays, Sweet Ecstasy Bakery offers fresh artisan bread like baguettes, sourdough and rye starting at noon. The custom cakes are out of this world with 3D characters or gorgeous wedding cakes to suit any budget. For all your sweet treats, we have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.

Santino's Pizza, 2 Main St., Oakfield, NY: We're pizza and a whole lot more! Voted #1 pizza in Genesee County in blind taste test! Santino's features pizza, wings, subs, wraps, ice cream, and more! We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Scooter's Restaurant in Le Roy, 140 W. Main Street Road (Route 5), Le Roy, NY: Come see us at Scooter's family restaurant with our friendly atmosphere and homestyle cooking! We offer classic American food with breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. We also offer a full take-out menu anytime. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Stretch your body and soul with yoga. This offer is for $40 off an unlimited pass for classes during an eight-week session, a retail value of $225. We have a gift certificate for $40 off (so your price would be $185). Not valid with any other discounts or specials.

Greg'ry's Bakery, 13 N. Lake Road, Bergen, NY: The bakery offers a variety of the finest cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, breads, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and so much more. Each treat is made the same as it has been for decades and baked right here. Come in and sample some for yourself! We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $12.

SOLD OUT

Car wreck on the westbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported on the westbound Thruway at mile marker 399. There are said to be three pople with injuries; none are believed to be life threatening. Two Mercy medic units are responding along with the East Pembroke Fire Department.

UPDATE 6:47 a.m.: A third ambulance is called in for a patient with a back injury. No other Mercy rigs are available so a Darien ambulance is requested, mutual aid.

UPDATE 6:53 a.m.: Mercy medic #2 is taking a patient to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 7:04 a.m.: Mercy medic #3 is also taking a patient to ECMC. Darien's ambulance has arrived. State Troopers are on scene.

UPDATE 7:16 p.m.: Darien is taking the patient with the back injury to ECMC, too. The East Pembroke assignment is back in service.

Fighters using baseball bats reported on Lake Street Road, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A fight with combatants using baseball bats is reported at 8719 Lake St. Road in, or near the north end of, the Village of Le Roy. Cars of possible participants are parked roadside, and a male allegedly involved, walking northbound, is now being spoken to by an officer. Other officers are speaking with other alleged participants as well.

Car strikes a house garage on Route 63, driver is OK, garage is not

By Billie Owens

A driver struck a house garage at 4982 Route 63, south of Shepard Road. The driver is out and "okay" but there's heavy and "significant" structural damage to the garage. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding and Mercy medic #1 is on scene.

UPDATE 8:26 p.m.: The house is for sale and unoccupied. The driver did not require transport to a hospital and Mercy medics are back in service. A tow truck will be responding to haul away the vehicle.

Brawl on North Pearl Street near Forest Avenue in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

About 10 people were reportedly fighting on North Pearl Street near Forest Avenue in Oakfield, but they'd left the scene when Sheriff's deputies arrived. Some people walked by a house where about 10 people live and words were exchanged, allegedly prompting a fight. One of the suspects is said to be wearing blue and has a broken nose. Officers are investigating.

'Ben's Brigade' holds benefit for 16-year-old ATV accident victim Sunday in East Pembroke

By Billie Owens

Ben Falker, a 16-year-old who was seriously injured in an ATV accident in Corfu in August, is the focus of a fundraiser Sunday (Oct. 27) at Holy Name of Mary Church in East Pembroke.

"Ben's Brigade" will hold a chicken BBQ, Chinese auction, 50/50 raffles, and bake sale to help his family offset the medical expenses. It all begins at 11 a.m.

He is the son of Kenny Falker and Cheryl Kelso Falker-Spencer, and a student at Pembroke High School.

There will also be other food items for sale and music. The East Pembroke Fire Department is preparing the BBQ, which costs $10. The Chinese auction will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and T-shirts will also be for sale.

The church is located at 8656 Church Street, which is between Main Road (Route 5) and Angling Road.

For more information, contact Brian Fix at 815-9512 or Don Newton at 813-4033.

"Ben is working miracles but still has a long road to recovery," organizers say. "Please help Ben and his family in their time of need."

Mom chases son who allegedly stole her car

By Billie Owens

Law enforcement just intercepted a suspect driving a burgundy Ford Escape on southbound Route 19. The driver's mother had reported that her son stole her vehicle. She followed him in her blue Jeep Liberty. The chase went on for about 10 minutes.

"The mother's awfully excited. We're telling her to stay in the vehicle," says a dispatcher.

Cabbie's fare drinking beer, refuses to exit the vehicle

By Billie Owens

So a cab driver's fare decides to drink a beer in the back seat on his way to wherever and the cabbie says get out. The guy refuses. The driver calls the cops, who are about to roll up on the taxi, which is roadside with its four-ways on. Didn't hear the location.

Car crash on West Main Street Road, Town of Batavia

By Billie Owens

Photo by Michelle Taylor.

A motor-vehicle accident is reported on West Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia, which has its fire department responding along with Mercy medics. Mercy Flight is called to the town's Highway Department.

UPDATE 7:46 p.m.: Sheriff's deputies are also responding. The highway department is located at 3833 W. Main Street Road.

UPDATE 7:49 p.m.: The accident is blocking both lanes of traffic.

UPDATE 7:50 p.m.: One patient has an "angular fracture to the right leg."

UPDATE 7:57 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed in the parking lot of the Town Hall. That option was chosen due to concern about the gravel on the ground at the adjacent Highway Department.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.: Town of Batavia's assignment is back in service and both westbound lanes are reopened.

Batavia Kiwanis Club's gala and auction for Children's Advocacy Center was a smashing success

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The 3rd Annual Bidding on a Brighter Future Gala and Auction, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia, was the largest and most successful thus far. Thank you to all of the incredible people of our local community and surrounding counties for this accomplishment!

As this wonderful event was taking shape on the afternoon of September 21st, it became increasingly apparent that this is an exceptional community: one united, one poised to help, one ready to lend a helping hand and one fully engaged in helping children in need and their families. The Kiwanis Club of Batavia extends heartfelt thanks to all of the individuals, businesses and organizations who stepped up in a collaborative, genuine effort to accomplish the Kiwanis mission of “serving the children of the world” as we make the dream of a new home for the Children’s Advocacy Center a reality!

"Making a difference, one child at a time", has been clearly demonstrated by the visionary residents of our community that continue to support this cause.

With Many Thanks,

Ed Minardo
2012-2013 President
Kiwanis Club of Batavia

Jeanne Walton
2013 Gala Chair

Kiwanis Club of Batavia

Man gets arm caught in machinery at scrap yard in Corfu

By Billie Owens

A man caught his arm in a piece of machinery at Ed Arnold Scrap Processors, located at 2216 Angling Road in Corfu. Employees were able to carry the victim to the front of the facility for medical aid. East Pembroke Fire Department, Mercy medics are responding and law enforcement is on scene. The availability of Mercy Flight is checked.

UPDATE 12:16 p.m.: Mercy Flight in Batavia is unavailable because it is on a call and has another one pending. Mercy Flight Central is deemed too far away. "We'll handle it from here," says a responder at the scene.

UPDATE 12:28 p.m.: The victim is being transported via ambulance to Erie County Medical Center. The East Pembroke assignment is back in service.

Dog allegedly attacks person on Lake Street in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A dog reportedly attacked someone in the area of 65-57 South St. in Le Roy. A dispatcher said a caller reported "some sort of disturbance," then people shouting at each other, then the alleged dog attack. Police responded and secured the canine and now an animal control officer is going to take custody of the dog.

Authentically Local