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Ram rams into house in Bergen

By Billie Owens

A rambunctious ram is reported to have rammed its way through a door and into a house at 6826 Pocock Road in Bergen. It was said to be thrashing about wildly.

When first reported about 20 minutes ago, officers said the residents "were trying to get it out as we speak."

Apparently someone was successful, since it is now outside the residence and Sheriff's Deputies are endeavoring to corral the ram.

Someone possibly suffered a leg injury during the commotion.

The house is said to be among a small group of homes at that address and it is the "southernmost house with an attached garage."

Minor injury accident in Bergen

By Billie Owens

A minor-injury, hit-and-run accident is reported on Dublin Road, about a mile east of West Bergen Road.

Bergen fire and State Police are on scene. Medics are also called.

The vehicle on scene is totaled. The other, an "F-150 type" Ford pickup, probably has substantial damage. It was last seen headed eastbound on Dublin Road. It is said to be dark colored.

Car hits pedestrian on State Street in Batavia

By Billie Owens

A car is reported to have struck a pedestrian on State Street near Alva Place in the City of Batavia.

We have no further information at this time.

UPDATE 4:14 p.m.: According to Sgt. John Peck, it appears that a bicyclist was crossing Alva Place, head down, earphones on, and was struck by a car. Since bicyclists do not have the right-of-way in a crosswalk, the rider is most likely at fault. The driver said she wasn't going that fast. He just darted in front of her. The rider was transported to UMMC, complaining of pain in his leg and hip.

Flute choir from Rochester to perform holiday music

By Billie Owens

The SilverTones Flute Choir of Rochester will present a free concert of holiday music from 7 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 6 at the Richmond Memorial Library.

The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia. For more information go to www.batavialibrary.org

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Power outage, pole arcing in the city

By Billie Owens

It is reported that traffic lights are out on Vine, Summit and Ross at the Main Street intersection. Power is also out in that area.

A utility pole is also arcing, but is not a hazard, at Summit and Washington.

National Grid has been notified.

UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: National Grid reports 274 customers on the north and south sides of Main Street are without power.

Pedestrian killed in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A pedestrian has been struck and killed by a motor vehicle on Route 63 in Pavilion.

The accident occurred at 6935 Ellicott Street Road (Route 63) and Route 19.

Pavilion Fire Department is responding. Medics are told to proceed in nonemergency mode.

UPDATE (12:56 p.m.): A coroner is heading to the scene. There are no reports of traffic problems.

UPDATE (1:03 p.m.): It is requested that "Pastor Green" be asked to come to the scene.

UPDATE (2:20 p.m.): The family was notified at 2:07 p.m. All units are back in service. No other information is available yet.

UPDATE 2:40 p.m. (by Howard): A white pickup truck, an older Dodge Ram with an apparent lift kit, struck a female pedestrian in the crosswalk. The truck did stop after striking her. It was parked about 80 yards from the intersection, and it appears its oil pan or similar car part from the undercarriage had been knocked off. At the time we spoke, Sgt. Steve Mullen said next-of-kin in Rochester had not been notified, so the victim had not been publicly identified at that time. The accident is under investigation and no further details are yet available.

UPDATE 4:14 p.m.: The victim has been identified as Dorothy Ring, 84, of Pavilion. Ring was walking across the street, at a crosswalk, Route 63, when she was struck by a 1994 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck driven by Larry A. Cook, 24, of Avon. Cook was northbound on Route 19 when he made a left-hand turn onto Route 63.

The investigation is continuing and possible charges are pending. It is being conducted by Deputy Brian Thompson and Deputy Eric Seppela from the crash-reconstruction team along with Investigator Timothy Weis.

Assisting at the scene were Chief Deputy Jerome Brewster, Sgt. Steve Mullen, Deputy John Baiocco, Genesee County Sheriff's Office Chaplin Phil Green, the Pavilion Volunteer Fire Department and Mercy medical personal.

Plane veers off runway at airport, no injuries, only minor damage

By Billie Owens

A plane is reportedly "down on the runway" at the Genesee County Airport.

It left the terminal and went off the runway. There are no injuries and only minor damage to the plane. There is no fuel leakage.

The Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. Mercy EMS was called, then cancelled.

UPDATE (12:25 p.m.): The airport has been temporarily shut down while the incident is being investigated.

UPDATE (12:35 p.m.): An investigator from the Federal Aviation Administration is en route. Pictures are being taken at the scene. Then the plane will be towed away and the airport reopened.

UPDATE (1:31 p.m.): The airplane has been stabilized and is being removed from the airport runway now. The airport is to be reopened shortly. The FAA investigator is on scene. Town of Batavia fire units are put back in service.

Smell of electrical fire reported in house in Elba

By Billie Owens

The smell of a possible electrical fire is reported at a house located at 30 Chapel St. in Elba.

Elba Fire Department is called to respond.

UPDATE (7 p.m.): Firemen on scene say nothing was found. Elba fire is back in service.


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DA's office moving forward with political harassment charge, but new judge needed first

By Billie Owens

A new judge will be requested to hear the case of Chris Charvella, a member of the Genesee County Democratic Committee charged with aggravated harassment, 2nd.

In Le Roy Town Court this afternoon, Judge Kermit Arrington readily agreed to recuse himself since Charvella had worked on his election campaign.

Likewise, Le Roy Town Judge Charles Dusen will also be asked to recuse himself because the complainant, Republican Jay Grasso, had worked on his campaign.

The recusals will be forwarded to county court Judge Robert Noonan who will appoint another judge.

Assistant District Attorney Kevin Finnell suggested that the case be moved to another town or county because of conflicts of interest in the politically sensitive matter. Charvella's attorney, E. Robert Fussell, opposed the idea and Arrington said there was no adequate basis to justify moving the case.

County Legislator Jay Grasso had Charvella arrested by State Troopers after Charvella made statements on his blog regarding some campaign sign shenanigans and he left a message on Grasso's home phone.

On his blog Charvella said, among other things, that he was going to stick a campaign sign up the arse of the first Republican he encountered at local GOP headquarters if another sign for Republican Senator Mike Ranzenhofer showed up on property he managed.

After a sign reportedly did show up at Charvella's house, with a message written on it that indicated it may have been left by Grasso.

That prompted a call from Charvella to Grasso's home phone.

"Hey, Jerome, it's Chris Charvella. Thanks for reading my blog," was the message Charvella left.

He then posted a blog item that concluded with a picture of an Ewok and the message, "prepare your anus."

In a statement to The Batavian on Friday, Charvella said he didn't believe he did anything illegal.

Before Arrington spoke, Fussell had a brief conversation with Finnell. Fussell asked if the DA's office had received his faxed letter, seeking dismissal of the case because it is a First Amendment issue.

Finnell acknowledged reading the letter, but said "This is not a First Amendment case. ...By calling the house and referencing the blog, that was taken as a threat."

"You're kidding?" said Fussell.

"No, I'm serious," Finnell said flatly.

"I'm ready -- whatever," responded Fussell.

Moments later, an incredulous Fussell told Arrington "We live in a whole new universe than the one I grew up in."

Democrats Rose Mary Christian, who sits on the Batavia City Council, and Lorie Longhany, who chairs the County Democratic Committee, accompanied Charvella in court today.

"This is absolutely not a good use of taxpayer money," Christian said afterward. "There was no threat to Jay or Mrs. Grasso. You should hear some of the messages people have left on my phone. You wouldn't believe the stuff they say. 'You bitch, why did you do that?' I just call them back and say "Here's why."

Longhany said the case is pure politics, adding that Grasso is "trying to shut us up" and that Charvella will wind up paying a hefty legal bill for nothing.

Previously: Local Dem arrested after Republican legislator accuses him of harassing phone call

Grassfire reported on Tapp Road

By Billie Owens

A grassfire is reported on Tapp Road, near West Bethany Road.

Bethany Fire Department is responding.

15-year-old Batavia girl missing since Nov. 2

By Billie Owens

Batavia police are seeking the public's help in locating a 15-year-old girl who has been reportedly missing from home since Nov. 2.

She is said to be a runaway.

Her name is Justice Osborne and she is described as a black female, 5' 2" with brown hair and eyes, and weighing about 150 pounds.

She was last seen wearing a T-shirt, jeans and a hoodie. Justice has scars on both legs.

It is believed she may be in the Rochester area.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call Batavia Police Det. Rich Schauf at 345-6312 or the police department at 345-6350.

And you can also phone 1-800-346-3543, which is the number (1-800-FIND-KID) for the state's Missing and Exploited Children Clearinghouse.

(NOTE: We are hoping to be able to get her picture soon.)

Power line down on Richmond Avenue, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A power line is down and blocking the roadway on Richmond Avenue, between Vernon Avenue and Oak Street.

The Batavia Fire Department is responding and traffic police will be there to aid the flow of traffic.

Contact info. for officials in Baby Andrew case

By Billie Owens

Concerned citizens who would like to write letters to the judge handling the Baby Andrew (Cianfrini) case can do so by writing him directly at:

Judge Peter C. Buckley
P.O. Box 588
(physical address is 224 Lake St.)
Elmira, NY 14901

(FYI...his office phone number is (607) 737-2940.)

For those wishing to write to Chemung County Probation Department, which is preparing a presentencing report for the killer of the 21-month-old toddler, the address is:

Atten: Brian Dupont
RE: People v. Melissa Engelhardt
Chemung County Probation Department
203 Williams St.
Elmira, NY 14091

Engelhardt is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Buckley at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 6, in Elmira.

Batavia High School Class of 2000 holds reunion

By Billie Owens

Batavia High School Class of 2000 will hold its 10-year reunion from 8 to 11 p.m.
on Friday, Nov. 26 at the Center Street Smokehouse, 2nd floor.

There will be appetizers provided by the reunion planners. There will also be a cash bar available. Come on down and see what your classmates have been up to.

Young Afghan shoemaker learns skills from Batavia business

By Billie Owens

A young female entrepreneur from Afghanistan recently spent time in Batavia as part of a tour of U.S. businesses. The visit was sponsored by Bpeace and hosted by p.w. minor, the Batavia-based shoe manufacturer located on Treadeasy Avenue.

Shahla Akbari is a 19-year-old shoemaker from Kabul. She started her company with money from her mother, Fatima. Just one year later, Shahla’s shoes have grown so popular she can’t keep up with demand.

Her team currently produces 20 pairs of shoes per day, all by hand. All leather is cut with scissors and all stitching is done with one pedal-operated sewing machine. Outsoles are made from used vehicle tires.

Shahla brought two pair of men’s shoes with her for her visit to p.w. minor.

“The shoes produced by Shahla’s shoe company are extraordinary," said CEO Hank Minor. “The attention to detail and overall quality is amazing, considering they are made completely by hand with no automated machinery.”

The shoes remain at p.w. minor to remind the employees of the possibilities.

“We learned from her — just how much you can do with so little," he said. "It's very inspiring for everyone.”

While at the p.w. minor factory, Shahla actually produced her own pair of shoes. She also spent time with sales and marketing personnel, and learned about branding and how important customer service is.

Bpeace is a nonprofit network of business professionals which volunteers to teach skills to entrepreneurs in conflict-affected countries. The goal is to help them create significant employment for all, and expand the economic power of women.

Fundamentally, Bpeace believes that creating jobs creates peace. So does CEO Minor, who said he and his employees were doing their bit to promote world peace by sharing their knowledge with Shahla, who stayed for four days during the last week of October.

A total of 40 companies in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona and California are hosting an Afghan entrepreneur as part of the Bpeace network.

p.w. minor specializes in foot health, offering quality footwear and foot-care products. It is currently under its fourth generation of family ownership and management.

GCC holds Study Abroad Open House

By Billie Owens

With the wealth of growing international programs at Genesee Community College, a Study Abroad Open House for interested students is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 18.

The Open House will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union (S104), with 30-minute information sessions about each trip. Faculty representatives will be available to provide information on each program as well as registration materials.

A general information session will take place from 12:30-2:00 p.m. for students interested in learning about all of the study abroad/away opportunities.

Genesee now offers seven study abroad/away programs for students. All led by Genesee faculty, programs include Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, The Netherlands, Ireland, Croatia, Australia, and New York City study away.

In addition, information regarding potential summer internships in Toronto and Brazil will be available.

"This is the perfect opportunity for any student interested in a study abroad program to come and talk to the faculty about their specific program," Robert Frail, International Programs specialist at Genesee said. "We have such a variety of programs, that any student will be able to find a study abroad/study away program that will suit his or her interest."

For further information please contact Robert Frail, International Programs specialist at 585-343-0055, ext. 6456 or rjfrail@genesee.edu.

GCC holds Study Abroad Open House

By Billie Owens

With the wealth of growing international programs at Genesee Community College, a Study Abroad Open House for interested students is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 18.

The Open House will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union (S104), with 30-minute information sessions about each trip. Faculty representatives will be available to provide information on each program as well as registration materials.

A general information session will take place from 12:30-2:00 p.m. for students interested in learning about all of the study abroad/away opportunities.

Event Date and Time
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Peaceful Genesee hosts nonviolence workshop

By Billie Owens

Peaceful Genesee, a coalition dedicated to making Genesee County a nonviolent community, will hold the last workshop in a three-part series on nonviolence at the Office for the Aging on Wednesday (Nov. 17).

It is free, open to the public and runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The office is located at 2 Bank St. in the City of Batavia.

It will be led by Barry Gan, Ph.D, a philosophy professor and the director of the Center for Nonviolence at St. Bonaventure University. He is also the co-editor -- with Robert L. Holmes -- of the book, "Nonviolence in Theory and Practice."

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