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Semi and minivan collide at Pearl Street Road and Wortendyke, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer vs. minivan accident, unknown injuries, is reported at the intersection of Pearl Street Road and Wortendyke Road in the Town of Batavia. It's in East Pembroke's Fire District and they are responding along with Mercy medics. Mercy Flight is unavailable due to weather.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: A responder says one ambulance will suffice. There are three adults and three children requiring evaluation.

UPDATE 1:14 p.m.: A second ambulance is called to respond non-emergency. The address of the accident is 3276 Pearl Street Road. The tractor-trailer is off the road. The road was briefly closed and is reopened. The fire truck is returning to quarters and law enforcement is remaining on scene until the second ambulance arrives.

Beware of bears in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Be on the lookout for bears in Le Roy!

According to its police department, there have been some bears sightings in the area around Hartwood Park.

And today, a resident in a housing tract known as Presidential Acres called police saying his bird feeders were destroyed and the animal tracks in the wet grass went into a wooded area behind his house. Presidential Acres runs between Summit Street Road and Robbins Road, west of the Hartwood Park area.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation was contacted and their advice to the homeowner is something the police department would like readers to know:

  • Ensure that all garbage outside is either secured or brought in.
  • Bird feeders, while they can be out during the day, need to be brought in at night, every night.
  • Know that bears are intelligent animals and once they determine the location of an easy meal, they will come back continually.
  • It should be emphasized that bears are wild animals and should be left alone.
  • If the animal appears injured, or there is some incident causing danger, call police or the DEC to address the problem. Do not approach the animal.

To contact the Le Roy Police Department call 768-2527, ext. 2225, and leave a voicemail for Sgt. Timothy R. Hayes or call the Dispatch Center at 345-6350.

To contact the DEC office for Genesee County (Region 8) in regard to wildlife issues, call the Avon office at (585) 226-5380.

Tree and wires down, power outage in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A large tree and multiple wires are reportedly down on South Pearl Street Road in Oakfield. Power is out in the area as a result, including traffic lights at Main Street and Maple Avenue. Oakfield fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 7:05 p.m.: National Grid is notified and has a 25-minute ETA. A utility pole is sheared off, a tree is on a vehicle, and a pole is in the roadway in the area of 39-42 South Pearl Street Road. Traffic is being shut down at South Pearl and Main.

UPDATE 7:16 p.m.: National Grid arrived a couple of minutes ago.

UPDATE 8:28 p.m.: South Pearl has been reopened.

UPDATE 8:41 p.m.: Photo from Jeremy Yasses. Unrelated to Oakfield, but related to heavy rainfall: Peaviner Road in Alexander is closed due to high water.

UPDATE 8:50 p.m.: Oakfield assignment back in service. A street off South Pearl remains closed.

Basom man returns home to find burglars entering his house

By Billie Owens

A resident in the 6700 block of Crosby Road in Basom who returned home about 20 minutes ago saw two men entering his front door. He went into a bedroom and called 9-1-1. He didn't see them leave and when Sheriff's deputies arrived it was thought they could still be inside.

They weren't found inside and an officer told dispatchers he saw a silver or white Pontiac sport utility vehicle, "crossover style," driving down Crosby headed toward Route 77. Niagara and Orleans counties were notified to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

The suspects are described at dark-skinned, about 6 feet tall, wearing "old style" black hoodies. A Dell laptop computer is missing from the Crosby Road house and investigators are on scene.

Darien Lake officials allege 'phony high-end passes' sold by scam artist in Flying J parking lot

By Billie Owens

Phony "high-end" season passes for Darien Lake Amusement Park and the campsites, complete with wristbands, were allegedly being sold at the parking lot of the Flying J Travel Center in Pembroke some time today. They were said to be selling for $200 and, apparently, some people bought them.

A Sheriff's deputy is responding to the travel center after dispatch received a call from officials at Darien Lake. There is no description of the seller(s) or the vehicle, but the deputy is investigating the matter.

UPDATE 7:32 p.m.: Barbara Pierce, a spokeswoman for Darien Lake, offers the following clarifications. Darien Lake is not allegeding anything. Officials received a call that caused concern about wristbands being sold by an unauthorized seller and asked the Sheriff's Office to check it out. There was no concern about season passes, just wristbands that are provided to guests of the park's hotel and campgrounds to gain access to the theme park. The bands are color-coded daily and a caller contacted Darien Lake to try and find out what color was being used today.  The park was closed today so there was no wristband for the park today. 

History-oriented fun awaits young participants in HLOM's Summer Heroes Program

By Billie Owens

From the Holland Land Office Museum:

Eight days of history-oriented fun awaits young participants in the Holland Land Office Museum's History Heroes Summer Program. This year it begins on July 15 and ends July 26, running eight days Tuesday through Friday for two weeks.

It's for children 7 through 12 and begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

The deadline to register is June 22.

The Underground Railroad will be highlighted. The children see firsthand some of the homes that were safe homes for fugitive slaves.

They will also visit the wonderful Le Roy House and the Jell-O Museum on Jell-O Day.

The program is divided into eight days. On the first day, the children will be introduced to a play that will culminate into a production for parents/ grandparents families on the last day. It will have some historical significance to this area.

The HLOM is also happy to announce that there will be a certified music teacher that will help with the songs for the play, a certified art teacher to entice the children to choose a home or a scene from Batavia to draw. There is also a retired college professor that taught photography at Brockport State College to take individual pictures of the children in various period clothes.

The History Heroes Summer program was established in 2011. It came about when a retired school teacher dream was to immerse children in their local history. Over the past three years the program has evolved into a history playground for young people.

Previously, the children learned how to knit with a 4-nailed loom. Last year the children were taught how to knit on a knitting loom, which could produce a scarf. This year they will learn how to weave.

Children are to bring a packed lunch; snacks and bottled water will be provided daily. They will receive a History Heroes T-shirt, too. Please check out the Holland Land office Web site and Facebook for more information.

The coordinator and teacher for the summer program is Anne Marie Starowitz, a retired school teacher from Robert Morris School.

The cost for EACH program is $22 for HLOM Members, and $25 for non-members.

July 16 -- Introduction to the Underground Railroad Day

July 17 -- Music Day / Play Parts         

July 18 -- Field Trip to Le Roy House / Jell-O Museum

July 19 -- Textile Day / Weaving & Knitting

July 23 -- Cooking Day / Costumes & Photographs

July 24 -- Art Lesson Day / Historical Photographs

July 25 -- Performing Arts Day / Play & Practice Music

July 26 -- Celebration Day / Play & Picnic                

GC Libertarian Party's inaugural convention, public invited

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Libertarian Party invites the public to its inaugural convention at the Homestead Event Center in the Batavia City Centre from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. The afternoon's program is as follows:

Registration and Social Hour: 1 p.m.

Convention: 2 p.m.

Event Date and Time
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Grillmaster from Clor's offers BBQ lesson and lunch at YWCA

By Billie Owens

Press release:

WHO:   YWCA of Genesee County, Batavia
WHAT:  Get Chill With the Grill at The YES! Cafe
WHEN:  Noon Wednesday, June 12
WHERE: 301 North St., Batavia
COST:  $10 lunch and program. Call 343-5808

Known by most people as "Chuck from Clor's," renowned grillmaster Chuck Gugel will fire up the coals for a tasty presentation about how to successfully barbecue all summer long.

"People might pick up a few ideas on outdoor, back yard cooking," Chuck says. "And learn some secrets on making meat tender."

Genesee ARC's Culinary Arts staff will serve grilled chicken-veggie shish kabobs, garden pasta salad, corn on the cob, salad bar and some ooey-gooey chocolate and toasted marshmallow s'mores.

"What more can I say? It's going to be a fun and yummy lunchtime program," Executive Director Jeanne Walton said. "Chuck obviously has the skill and expertise to share, and people should take advantage of it during The YES! Cafe!"

Lunch and program is $10. For those unable to spend the time, take-outs are now available. To reserve your seat or get more information, call 343-5808.

(There will also be specially themed grill package auctions just in time for Father's Day. Next will be a tribute to veterans with guest host state Assemblyman Steve Hawley at noon Wednesday, July
10.)

Tree fire reported on State Street Road, Town of Batavia

By Billie Owens

A tree near the roadway is reported to be on fire at 8173 State Street Road, at the dead end. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 2:54 p.m.: The chief reports that a portion of the tree fell into power lines.

UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: The chief says there's nothing the fire department can do there and the town's assignment is back in service. National Grid is notified. Part of the tree is dangling on a primary power line and the homeowner is advised to remain clear of it.

Big, friendly Newfies snoozing on stranger's porch in Darien

By Billie Owens

Didn't catch the address, but a caller to dispatch reports that two very large Newfoundland dogs, "Newfies," are sleeping on her porch. They are nice and friendly but she has never seen them before and has no idea who their owner is.

An animal control officer is responding.

UPDATE 2:27 p.m.: We believe the Darien address is 1402 Erie Road.

UPDATE 2:33 p.m.: The officer has picked up the pooches and is taking them to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

Strong winds bring down a big tree, wires and poles, power outage reported

By Billie Owens

Strong winds have brought down utility poles, live wires and a large tree, which is across the roadway and completely blocking traffic at 44 N. Lyons St. in the city. The fire department is responding. National Grid has been advised.

Also, a transformer reportedly blew up or is on fire at Oak Street and Richmond Avenue, creating a power outage in the area.

The traffic signals at West Main Street and Lewiston Road are out as a result of the power outage.

Severe thunderstorm warning issued

By Billie Owens

A severe thunderstorm is moving into the area and the National Weather Service has issued a special weather alert until 6:45 p.m. The storm is capable of producing quarter-size hail, strong, gusty winds and very heavy rain. The storm was located near Oakfield and is heading in a northeasterly direction.

Big rig on westbound Thruway reportedly on fire

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer is reportedly on fire, headed westbound on the Thruway toward the Ontario Service Center. Le Roy Fire Department is responding along with Le Roy Ambulance Service.

UPDATE 7:57 p.m.: A responder says he has the semi pulled over at mile marker 378.2.

UPDATE 7:59 p.m.: Le Roy fire and ambulance are told to go back in service.

Pot bust in Le Roy prompted Wolcott School to 'shelter' students

By Billie Owens

A search warrant was executed at a property within view of Wolcott Street Elementary School in Le Roy this morning, prompting school administration to issue a stay-put order -- known as "shelter in place" but not a complete lock down of the facility.

The measure was taken so that children would not witness Le Roy Police and the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force raid a house where they suspected marijuana was being grown.

Shortly after 9:30 a.m., law enforcement conducted the action and took one person into custody. There were no weapons fired or injuries. Once the operation ended, the school day continued as normal.

Motorcyclist strikes tree, is seriously injured, on Oatka Trail Road in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A motorcyclist struck a tree and is seriously injured at 8116 Oatka Trail Road. Le Roy Fire Department and Ambulance Service are responding. The rider is unconscious but breathing. The location is between Gully and Circular Hill roads, in front of the sign for a public fishing area. Le Roy Fire Police are asked to shut down traffic on Oatka Trail between Circular Hill and Hubbard. Mercy Flight is on ground standby.

UPDATE 5:48 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled.

UPDATE 6:01 p.m.: The patient is being taken to Strong Memorial Hospital by Le Roy Ambulance. Le Roy fire is back in service.

Car crash at Alleghany and Gabbey roads

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at Alleghany and Gabbey roads. It is not blocking traffic. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments and Mercy medics are responding. An officer on scene reports there is one patient who is shaken up but seems otherwise OK and will probably be a sign-off.

UPDATE 12:11 p.m.: The responders are back in service.

Rollover accident on Creek Road, driver trapped, Mercy Flight responding

By Billie Owens

A two vehicle rollover accident is reported in the area of 9084 Creek Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding. One vehicle is in a field on its roof and its driver is a female who has an arm injury and is trapped inside. Mercy Flight is called to the scene. The location is between Dorman Road and Lehigh Avenue.

UPDATE 7:05 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed. A black Labrador retriever was inside the vehicle that rolled over and subsequently ran away, says a responder, so if calls come in about a black lab running loose in the area it could very well be that dog.

UPDATE 7:30 p.m.: The woman has been extricated.

UPDATE 7:41 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne; destination unspecified.

UPDATE 8:07 p.m.: The Town of Batavia assignment is back in service. It appeared to those on scene that Mercy Flight headed to Strong Memorial Hospital. The driver of the other vehicle was apparently not injured.

Alexander Elementary School hosts community-wide 'Picnic in the Outdoor Classroom'

By Billie Owens

Alexander Elementary School is hosting a community-wide "Picnic in the Outdoor Classroom" from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 31.

The picnic will include musical entertainment and several interactive displays and opportunities for people to explore the classroom and learn more about how the classroom is being used. The principal says "We are very proud of the classroom, and right now the new plants are really starting to come in and it looks great."

The school is located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander. Phone is 591-1551.

Event Date and Time
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Man lying on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road without his sneakers...

By Billie Owens

A caller reports there's a man lying on or near the roadway on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road. Meanwhile another caller reports coming home on that same street and finding the front and back door had been opened and a pair of sneakers on the porch. The man lying down is believed to be sans shoes. Law enforcement is responding, and will no doubt be checking to see if the sneakers fit the man.

UPDATE 4:10 p.m.: "Where was the subject supposed to be laying?" asks an officer. The address given is 2847 (Batavia-Oakfield TL Road).

UMMC unveils its newly renovated postpartum Maternity Unit this afternoon

By Billie Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center will conduct a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of major renovations to the postpartum Maternity Unit at 4:30 p.m. today (May 29). The ceremony will be held on the fourth floor of the Hospital at 127 North St., Batavia.

United Memorial’s Maternity Renovation Project was a $2 million reinvestment into the Hospital facility to create 10 private postpartum patient rooms with private bathrooms and sleeping accommodations for the birth partner. Also included in the project is a family lounge area, Nurses’ Station, visitor restrooms, storage and office areas and improvements to the Nursery. The United Memorial Medical Center League pledged $100,000 to the project over four years.

The postpartum maternity wing on the fourth floor was closed in November 2012 for demolition and construction. Postpartum was temporarily moved to a closed unit on the second floor for the duration of the renovation. Patients will be placed on the new unit following a final cleaning later this week.

Last year, there were 653 babies delivered at United Memorial; an increase of more than 20 percent from 2011. To assure healthy women and babies, United Memorial Medical Center provides an array of services to women in our area. They include obstetrical and gynecological services at the Women’s Care centers in Medina and Batavia, childbirth education classes, nutrition counseling and lactation support services; as well as the MOMS program, which assists uninsured pregnant women with prenatal care. Diagnostic testing for bone density, 3D/4D ultrasound and digital mammography are also available.

For the Maternity Renovation Project, architectural services were provided by Clark Patterson Lee and construction management was under the direction of Manning Squires Hennig.

The public is invited to attend today's ceremony. Tours will be available until 7 p.m. Light refreshments provided.

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