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Car crashes into pole, trapping driver, in Bethany

By Billie Owens

A car has struck a pole, trapping the driver inside, at East Bethany-Le Roy Road and Transit Road in Bethany.

Mercy Flight is in air, on standby. Bethany Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 12:34 p.m.: Responder requests Mercy Flight to the scene. Serious injuries reported.

UPDATE 12:37 p.m.: Stafford Fire Department is called in for mutual aid.

UPDATE 12:38 p.m.: Law enforcement is there and controlling traffic. A landing zone is being set up on Transit Road.

UPDATE 12:42 p.m.: The "jaws of life" are called for to extricate the driver, who is the sole victim.

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 1:04 p.m.: Alexander Fire Department is called to standby in its quarters.

UPDATE 1:36 p.m.: The male victim has yet to be extricated and they are working diligently to do so. The car's roof has been removed in the process. The car's front end is heavily damaged.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: The man has been extricated from his vehicle.

UPDATE 2:08 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne, heading to Strong Memorial Hospital. Alexander is released from standby.

UPDATE 2:17 p.m.: Bethany fire units are back in service. The site is being cleaned up and the roadway reopened.

Two-car accident with injuries in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries, possibly serious ones, is reported at Wortendyke and Dodgeson Roads. Mercy Flight is called but unable to fly due to weather conditions.

Alexander Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: A responder says "If you're coming around the corner at Goodman Road, be careful -- it's nothing but a sheet of ice." A fireman says a person involved in the accident "is barely breathing." They also need to employ the jaws for extrication. Authorities are asked to control and/or close traffic at Wortendyke and Rose Pike roads.

UPDATE 4:38 p.m.: Traffic at Wortendyke and Dodgeson is being shut down.

UPDATE 4:42 p.m.: A teenage girl involved in the accident has a respiratory rate (breaths per minute) of 12, which is within normal range. They are unable to get her out and expect it will be at least 15 minutes before they can.

UPDATE 5:37 p.m.: One victim was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital at least 20 minutes ago. No word on the teenage girl's extrication. A young man involved in the accident has both parents and an uncle on scene with him.

UPDATE 5:55 p.m.: Media trying to access the scene are stopped by a State Trooper who says "This is a crime scene."

UPDATE 6:13 p.m.: An Alexander fire unit has returned to the hall.

UPDATE 9:14 p.m.: As of about 9 p.m., all Alexander units back in service and the road is reopened.

Possible chimney fire in Pembroke

By Billie Owens

A possible chimney fire is reported at 2185 Route 5. A passerby called dispatch and said heavy smoke, with a yellow-brown hue, was pouring from the chimney.

East Pembroke and Pembroke fire departments are responding.

A firefighter said it is possible that they've responded to that address previously for the same kind of report but the heavy smoke was due to the type of wood the residents burn.

UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: This was not a chimney fire. Responders are put back in service.


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Truck on fire on Ellicott Street

By Billie Owens

A pickup truck is on fire at 610 Ellicott Street, at the intersection with Buell Street. The truck has a full tank of gasoline in it and is fully in flames. The driver is out.

Ellicott Street at Harvester Avenue is being shut down to traffic.

Batavia City Fire Department and police are on scene.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m.: Semi-trucks are backing up on Route 63. Some traffic is being routed down Harvester. A tow truck has been called.

UPDATE 1:28 p.m. (by Howard): The truck was being driven by Fred Haslip. He said, "It just started to smoke. The cab started to fill up and we just pulled over and jumped out as fast as we could. There was a lot of smoke, but nothing under the hood. Then all of the sudden, it just burst into flames." Haslip said both he and his wife got out of the truck safely. Ellicott Street is now clear.

Public meeting on Cedar Street reconstruction

By Billie Owens

The City of Batavia has begun the preliminary design for a project to reconstruct the entire length of Cedar Street.

Design development is now under way. During this phase, comment and input from affected residents and businesses are valuable and required elements necessary for achieving a successful project.

The first public informational meeting is this Thursday, Feb. 3, in the Council Board Room (2nd floor) at Batavia City Hall.

Event Date and Time
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First public information meeting on Cedar Street project is Thursday

By Billie Owens

This information is from city Director of Public Works Sally Kuzon.

The City of Batavia has begun the preliminary design for a project to reconstruct the entire length of Cedar Street. This is a locally administered federal-aid project that is scheduled for construction in 2013.

Design development is now under way. During this phase, comment and input from affected residents and businesses are valuable and required elements necessary for achieving a successful project.

The first public informational meeting is this Thursday, Feb. 3, in the Council Board Room (2nd floor) at Batavia City Hall. People are invited to voice concerns and ask questions. City staff and representatives from the consulting engineering firm, Erdman Anthony, will be there.

The meeting will be divided into two parts, with a session for business owners and representatives from 3 to 5 p.m. and another for residents and residential property representatives from 5 to 7 p.m. But if you are unable to attend during these designated times, please feel free to join the meeting anytime between 3 and 7 p.m.

Erdman Anthony, which was retained by the city this past October, has completed survey and mapping for the project and is beginning engineering studies.

'Toons producer Fred Armstrong focus of this month's GO ART! salon

By Billie Owens

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) continues its popular Salon Series with “The ‘Toons Producer: Fredrick Armstrong” at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

The program takes place at GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Batavia and includes supper and beverages.

A "Going to the Movies" themed menu will be served: popcorn, assorted grilled pizzas (white veggie, red with three cheeses, red with mushrooms and pepperoni), antipasti, garlic bread, and old-fashioned ice cream bars.

A contribution of $25 for non-members and $22 for GO ART! members is requested. A discounted rate is available for those wishing to also attend the April 5th Salon, "The Comic Illustrator: Lauren Barnett."

Reservations are required and can be made by phone at (585) 343-9313, e-mail at info@GOart.org, or by stopping in to GO ART! in Downtown Batavia (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays). The GO ART! Salon Series is sponsored by the Bank of Castile.

Havens for those who craved intellectual conversation and stimulation for centuries, salons became fashionable when French kings showed their art treasures in the reception room of the Palace of Louvre.

This month's salon the president and founder of Animatus Studio & The Animation Workshop in Rochester. Armstrong will present several short cartoons produced at award-winning Animatus Studio along with some clips of his “live action” acting roles.

Interspersed among the videos, Armstrong will entertain attendees with the background on each of the animations and his journey into the field of animation and film.

Bio: For more than 35 years, Armstrong has worked on feature films, documentaries, industrials, commercials and music videos. He began his professional film career in 1975 creating animated segments for a local retail store, the House of Guitars.

In 1980, he moved to New York City where he apprenticed and worked as an Oxberry animation cameraman under Francis Lee of Film Planning Associates. In 1989, Armstrong founded Animatus Studio, Rochester’s only full-service animation studio that specializes in 2D and Flash animation. He also founded The Animation Workshop in 1992, which continues to teach the joys of animation to students of all ages.

Continuing to work in live action as well as animation, Armstrong produced and co-directed “The End of the Line - Rochester's Subway.” This award-winning documentary tells the story of the smallest city in America to build and abandon a subway. It has aired on PBS and The History Channel and was recently re-released on DVD with 45 new minutes of material and extras.

Animatus Studio has been a sponsor of the 360 | 365 George Eastman House Film Festival (formerly the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival) since its inception in 2001. Armstrong has also acted as animation program director for the 360 | 365 GEH Film Festival.

He was instrumental in bringing filmmakers such as Faith Hubley (Oscar winner), Vicky Jenson (director of Shrek,) and voice talent Nancy Cartwright (Bart Simpson) to the festival. Through collaboration with the 360 | 365 George Eastman House Film Festival, Animatus Studio has also hosted animation workshops for disadvantaged and at-risk youth for the last eight years.

He is currently vice president of RAVA (Rochester Audio/Visual Association), a renowned organization of professional filmmakers and media industry people founded in 1956.

Over the last three decades, Armstrong has also worked on hundreds of live action film shoots as a key grip, where he specializes as a crane and dolly operator. He has even been an actor in many commercials and several feature films.

He recently taught “Business in Animation” as an adjunct professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Today, he continues to be involved in all aspects of filmmaking and animation for commercials, documentaries, music videos and businesses throughout the region.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is a private nonprofit organization, which believes that art and culture enriches, inspires and educates, while strengthening a community's identity.

Therefore, GO ART! initiates a broad range of opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and facilitates cooperative efforts among the cultural, business, service and educational communities for the people who live in and visit Genesee and Orleans counties. GO ART! exhibits are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts.

'Love Notes' symphony concert with violinist Michael Ludwig

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert entitled "Love Notes" at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13, at Genesee Community College. It will feature special guest violinist Michael Ludwig.

This performance, to be held in the Stuart Steiner Theatre, is in partnership with the Cancer Services Program of Genesee & Orleans. It is being partially underwritten by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which is dedicated to education and research about the cause and treatment of breast cancer.

Tickets are: $12 adults; $8 seniors 62 and over; $5 students 18 and under, including GCC students with valid I.D.; $30 for families, including children 12 and under.

Tickets are available at the GCC Box Office, or at the door one hour prior to the performance and at these locations: Hi-Tek Graphics in Oakfield; Bank of Castile in Le Roy; Roxy's Music Store; GO ART!; and The Enchanted Florist.

GCEDC hearing on tax subsidies for proposed hotel

By Billie Owens

A public hearing begins at 4 p.m. today about a proposal to provide tax subsidies for the construction of a Holiday Inn Express on the north side of the Thruway.

It is being held by the Genesee County Economic Development Center Board of Directors in the Batavia Town Hall, located at 3833 W. Main St. Road.

An end time of 5:30 p.m. is a guess, since the length of the hearing depends on the number of speakers.

The hearing is for information gathering only; no decision will be made today.

Event Date and Time
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Two-car accident at Vine and Bank streets

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at Vine and Bank Street in the City of Batavia.

Batavia Fire Department and a Mercy ambulance are responding.

Possible chimney fire on North Bergen Road

By Billie Owens

A chimney fire is reported at a structure located at 6719 North Bergen Road.

Byron, South Byron and Bergen fire departments are called to the scene. Elba Fire Department is told to stand in at Bergen's headquarters.

A firefighter on scene says no flames are showing. Units told to respond nonemergency.

UPDATE 6:10 p.m.: Using a thermal imaging camera and evaluating the situation, the fire chief says he's found "nothing over 100 degrees from the chimney up through the roofline."

UPDATE 6:19 p.m.: Fire units are being returned to service.


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15-year-old runaway boy found safe

By Billie Owens

From Detective Richard Schauf:

The Batavia Police Department thanks the public for assistance in finding a 15-year-old runaway.

Nathaniel Davis was located on Thursday afternoon in the City of Batavia.

Family film at Richmond Library

By Billie Owens

Snuggle up with the kids and relax with Richmond Memorial Library’s February Family Movie Afternoon series.

Bring the whole family, pack a blanket, pillow and picnic lunch.

The library will be showing G- and PG-rated newly released to DVD films in the Children’s Room at 1:15 p.m. each Saturday in February.

This is a free program and open to the public.

Call the Children’s Room 343-9550, ext. 4, for title information. The library is located at 19 Ross. St. in the City of Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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Family film at Richmond Library

By Billie Owens

Snuggle up with the kids and relax with Richmond Memorial Library’s February Family Movie Afternoon series.

Bring the whole family, pack a blanket, pillow and picnic lunch.

The library will be showing G- and PG-rated newly released to DVD films in the Children’s Room at 1:15 p.m. each Saturday in February.

This is a free program and open to the public.

Call the Children’s Room 343-9550, ext. 4, for title information. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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Family film at Richmond Library each Saturday in February

By Billie Owens

Snuggle up with the kids and relax with Richmond Memorial Library’s February Family Movie Afternoon series.

Bring the whole family, pack a blanket, pillow and picnic lunch.

The library will be showing G- and PG-rated newly released to DVD films in the Children’s Room at 1:15 p.m. each Saturday in February.

This is a free program and open to the public.

Call the Children’s Room 343-9550, ext. 4, for title information. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

'Baby Bounce Story Time' at Richmond Library

By Billie Owens

Every Thursday morning at 11 a.m. now through the end of May, Richmond Memorial Library will have Baby Bounce Story Time.

This is a great opportunity to visit the library with your infant, make new friends, learn new songs and finger plays. Baby Bounce Story Time is the perfect prescription for cabin fever for pre-walkers and their caregivers.

Please call to register or for more information, 343-9550, ext. 4. The Richmond Memorial Library hosts many toddler, preschool, family and evening story times. A complete listing can be found on www.batavialibrary.org <http://www.batavialibrary.org>.

The library is located at 19 Ross St.  in the City of Batavia.

Elba Central School holds first Course Presentation Fair

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release from Elba Central School.

Elba high-school students debuted its Course Presentation Fair on Friday.

"The event was designed so that our parents and students can hear firsthand from teachers the courses that will offered be in 2011-2012," said Principal Jason Smith.

Following a rotating schedule, attendees circulated by grade level to nine different departments throughout the morning to learn about courses available. Among the new courses to be offered are:

  • America at War in the 20th Century
  • College Algebra
  • Introduction to Engineering
  • Music Composition 

In addition, the school will continue to offer and expand upon the variety of GCC and Advanced Placement Courses. The 2011-2012 course handbook is available on the school website.

"The number one factor that college admissions look at in accepting students is the rigor of courses students take while in high school," Smith said. "Many teachers shared this information at the course fair. Students will now be able to use what they learned at the course fair as they start to make decisions for classes next year.

Seniors took part in a workshop on college preparation hosted by Bryant & Stratton, and seventh-graders participated in Academic Gaming in the Media Center.

The Elementary School also hosted the annual Parent Luncheon later in the day. Those in grades K-6 had the opportunity share a special lunch with their family in their own cafeteria and at their special tables. Parents look forward to this event each year at Elba, and as usual, the luncheon was well attended.

The Elba Central School District is grateful to the parents who attended the Course Presentation Fair and Parent Luncheon.

'MUDBOUND' topic of library's discussion group

By Billie Owens

"MUDBOUND," by Hillary Jordan, is the focus of the Adult Book Discussion Group at Richmond Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 2.

The group meets at 7 p.m. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

This book is the 2011 selection for “A Tale for Three Counties,” the community-reads program in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Books are available at the front desk. Refreshments served. For more information, call the library at 343-9550, ext. 8 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

Event Date and Time
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'MUDBOUND' topic of library's discussion group

By Billie Owens

On Wednesday, March 9, the Adult Book Discussion Group will meet at Richmond Memorial Library to discuss "MUDBOUND" by Hillary Jordan.

This book is the 2011 selection for “A Tale for Three Counties,” the community-reads program in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

The group meets early -- 7:45 a.m.

Books are available at the front desk. Refreshments will be served. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia. For more information, call the library at 343-9550, ext. 8, or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

Event Date and Time
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Le Roy student to be honored with 'Helping Hand Award'

By Billie Owens

Hannah Davis, of Le Roy, will be honored in March at the 8th Annual Student Leaders Dinner at Cazenovia College, located near Syracuse. She will receive the Helping Hand Award for her commitment to making a difference for those need.

She served on the college's executive board of the "Up 'til Dawn" event, serving as the Outreach Committee chair. During the current academic year, the fundraiser collected more than $10,600 to benefit research and care at St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

Last October, participants sent letters to friends and family asking them to join the fight against childhood cancer by donating to St. Jude. Attendees of "Up 'til Dawn" also enjoyed food, games and nonstop entertainment. Since 2008, the Cazenovia College's "Up 'til Dawn" event has raised a total of $44,536 for the hospital.

Davis is a freshman majoring in criminal justice and homeland security studies, and psychology, at Cazenovia College. Davis was outreach chair of the program.

"Up 'til Dawn" is a student-led, student-run program that has been hosted by more than 375 colleges and universities across the country since the program's inception in 1999. The program unites faculty, staff and students in the fight against pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.

To date, the "Up 'til Dawn" program has raised more than $24.5 million nationwide for St. Jude.

The world-renowed hospital freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the globe. It is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay.

Cazenovia College was named one of "America's Best Colleges" by US News & World Report. It is an independent, co-educational, baccalaureate college offering a comprehensive liberal arts education.

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