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A car fire is reported at mile marker 400 in the eastbound lanes of the Thruway. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire department are responding.

Responders on scene report flames showing.

The elegant House of K, which sells European clothes for women, is closing its doors.

Located at 97 Main St. downtown, at the corner of Jackson, it has been in business for six years.

It sells dresses, pants, blouses, handbags, costume jewelry and more, in a distinctively upscale venue with black awnings over the windows of the historic building, hardwood flooring and modern, sleek decor inside.

Owner Kamilla Kabel says she's ready to pursue new opportunities and wanted to "stop while (she's) still ahead."

She's been mulling over the possibility since last winter. Then her sales associate got a full-time job, her niece moved here from Denmark and the timing seemed right.

Spending time with her children and family is what she plans to do for the immediate future. She is on the committee for the YWCA's fall fashion show and will be working on that, although unlike previous years, she won't be providing clothes for the show.

"I'm ready for something new," Kabel said. "I wanted to do this as long as I was having a good time. The customers and the friendships have been the best things I've gotten out of it. And I've enjoyed buying and selling clothes.

"I moved here from Denmark and only knew the people my husband knew," Kabel said. "I've gotten to know so many people on my own that I feel like this is my town."

The merchandise is marked down and there will be a farewell party and close-out sale at the store this Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gift cards and store credits that are still valid -- not expired -- will be honored.

In previous surveys, Batavians have said they would like to see more clothing stores for women downtown. The departure of House of K, makes the void all the worse.

"The House of K has always been a supporter of downtown and it's been a vital business," said Don Burkel, director of downtown's Business Improvement District. "Because she sells women's clothes, that's been an attraction to downtown.

"This will be a loss. I am one of the people who helped bring her downtown, so I'm deeply saddened. Hopefully, somebody will be interested in that (property) as a retail space."

The building is owner by Ken Mistler.

A barn fire billowing black smoke is reported at 6029 N. Byron Road. Byron Fire Department is responding along with Elba. Bergen is asked to stand by.

The address is between Shelt and Searls roads.

UPDATE 8:40 p.m. (by Howard): It's unclear what's going on. A chief sounds like he's told some units to stand down. Dispatchers have asked radio traffic be kept to a minimum because of multiple calls in progress, so there's little information clearly associated with this call available.

UPDATE 8:47 p.m.: Law enforcement requested to the scene for alleged burning of illegal materials.

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A two-car motor vehicle accident with minor injuries is reported on the Thruway, westbound, at mile marker 399.4. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy EMS are responding.

One of the vehicles is blocking traffic and one of the victims is a construction worker on the turn-around.

There are two public meetings scheduled to discuss possible revisions to the Genesee County Smart Growth Plan.

One is at 7 p.m., Monday, June 7, in the large meeting room in County Building No. 2, located at 3837 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia.

The other is at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 8, inside the Le Roy Town Hall, 48 Main St.

The Smart Growth Plan, first adopted by the county legislature in 2001, is required to be reviewed every three years and any recommendations for revision must be made at that time.

The preliminary draft of the proposed revisions can be viewed on the county's website, specifically at:

<http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/dpt/planning/SmartGrowthPlan%202010Prelim.pdf>

The overall plan is intended to mitigate potentially significant environmental impacts of the Genesee County Water Supply Project on agriculture.

To this end, Smart Growth Development Areas were designated based on access to transportation, minimal conflict with county agricultural districts as well as state regulated wetlands.

The plan assesses the feasibility of extending public water service and the potential for extending public infrastructure to support community development.

A possible electrical fire is reported at 419 W. Main St. in the Batavia Commons. The store has been evacuated. Didn't catch the name of the store.

"It's an electrical outlet fire at the register up front," reports a firefighter.

City of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS is responding.

Here's a media release from the Muckdogs:

How would you like to live with the next Ryan Howard or Chase Utley this summer?

The Muckdogs are in need of your help in locating host families. The team comes to Batavia the weekend of June 12th and 13th. There are host families signed up for the season, but there is still a need to house at least 15 more players.
 
This is where you can help. Being a host family to a player has benefits:

1. You have a future St. Louis Cardinal staying in your home.
2. You become acquainted with young men from all around the country who love “America’s Favorite Pastime,” baseball.
3. You also get paid by the player for an amount you both agree upon.

So why wait? If you are interested or know someone in the Batavia area (within just a few miles of Dwyer Stadium) who might be interested in hosting a player or coach, please contact the Muckdogs office at 343-5454.

Thank you for your support!

On Thursday, June 17,  the fourth annual Downtown Batavia Public Market opens at the corner of Ellicott (Route 63) and Center streets. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This year there are some new vendors, including two wineries which will sell wine and offer tastings. There's also a vendor selling homemade Italian cookies and treats.

Plus, the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will offer free nutritional programs and information. The City of Batavia Police Department will provide free child car seat inspections. And other special events are planned.

Shoppers can expect to find a wealth of locally grown produce and foods. These include baked goods, fresh sweet corn, tomatoes, onions, berries, peaches, apples, cheese, honey, maple syrup, cut flowers, herbs, garden accessories and lots more.

Stop by and have lunch, served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jackson Street Grill/Belladessa's will offer hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza for sale along with beverages.

"Support the downtown that supports our community," says the sponsor, the Batavia Business Improvement District's Public Market Committee.

For more information, call 344-0900 or visit this website <www.downtownbataviany.com>.

A golf-cart rollover accident with shoulder injuries is reported at Davis Countryside Meadow golf course in Pavilion, Hole 13.

The golf course is located at 11070 Perry Road, between York and Dillon roads. Pavilion Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

A motor vehicle accident with injuries is reported in front of the Miss Batavia restaurant at 566 E. Main St. in Batavia.

City fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

Photo by Howard Owens.

A possible electrical fire in a home's basement has been reported at 8094 North Pembroke Road. Fire crews from East Pembroke and Alabama are responding.

UPDATE: Reader submitted photo.