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A landlord-tenant dispute is reported on East Main Street and city police are now on scene. The argument between the two parties got quite loud. The tenant called dispatchers and accused the landlord of entering the residence without permission and removing drug paraphernalia.

Some railroads crossings of the CSX line in Genesee County will be temporarily closed this evening in portions of the Town of Batavia, Darien, Corfu and East Pembroke.

Railroad crossings will be closed to all traffic on Wortendyke, Upton, Wilkinson and Colby roads, and Ellinwood Avenue, and possibly at other locations along that rail route.

The closure is expected to last until approximately midnight.

A shed fire, possibly started by a controlled burn, is reported at 6492 Main Road. Stafford Fire Department is responding. Open burning is prohibited under state law at this time of year.

UPDATE 3:49 p.m.: Fire is out. Stafford is back in service.

Press release:

On April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Genesee County law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its sixth opportunity in three years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office will be manning a collection site at the Pembroke Town Highway Barns, located routes 5 and 77, East Pembroke.

There will be no collection site at the Sheriff's Office on Park Road.

Last September, Americans turned in 244 tons of prescription drugs at over 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and its thousands of state and local law enforcement partners. In its five previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners took in over 2 million pounds — over a thousand tons — of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Four days after the first event, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long-term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances. DEA is drafting regulations to implement the Act. Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months.

A grass fire is reported off Route 490, westbound, near mile marker 2.7. Bergen firefighters are responding.

UPDATE 1:39 p.m.: A grass truck from Le Roy, mutual aid, is called.

UPDATE 1:43 p.m.: The fire is out. Le Roy's response is cancelled.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: Bergen is back in service.

A fully involved truck fire next to a building is reported at 2369 Killian Road. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding. The location is on the corner of Killian and Pratt roads. The engine compartment is engulfed in flames, according to a person on scene.

The wall of a commericial building on Federal Drive in Batavia has collapsed. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 1:31 p.m.: The chief on scene says the eastside exterior wall collapsed outward, but the building itself is still standing. A code enforcement officer is called and National Grid is on location. "All units can back it down. There's no emergency at this time."

UPDATE 2 p.m.: The actual location is 4330 Commerce Drive. The building is an automotive parts facility. Code enforcement is on scene. Town of Batavia's engine that was on scene left  responded to an automatic alarm of fire at the Quaker Muller factory, which turned out to be nothing.

Route 19 at Mill Street in the Village of Le Roy is shut down due to the planned demolition of the Wiss Hotel. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed through.

UPDATE 12:04 p.m.: The roadways are being reopened and Le Roy fire is going back in service. The Wiss is about three-quarters of the way torn down, but the work can continue without the streets being blocked off.

A one-car accident with injuries is reported at Law and Chestnut streets. City fire, police and Mercy medics are responding. This is at a sharp curve in the roadway.

UPDATE 9:59 p.m.: The scene is clear. The woman driver did not appear to suffer any serious injury. She may have had a medical injury prior to the accident. A utility pole was badly damaged and National Grid was on scene.

A white-haired man estimated to be in his 70s was struck be a vehicle within the last half hour in front of Burger King on West Main Street in the city. But he got up and walked away from the scene.

City firefighters went to the location and could not find him, so they returned to quarters. City police scoured the area of Oak and Main and found him in front of Parise's Automotive & Towing. A medic was sent to check him out. Police are back in service.

UPDATE 2:49 p.m.: Mercy medics are transporting the 71-year-old pedestrian to UMMC. He was "lightly struck" by a vehicle and is complaining of left knee pain.

Batavia Middle School is in lock-down. No one is being allowed to leave or enter the buildings but law enforcement is not giving a reason just yet.

Law enforcement told WBTA's Dan Fischer that "there's nothing to be concerned about at this time."

The incident began within the last hour and four city police cars and a State Police K-9 unit responded to the Ross Street school.

UPDATE 2:27 p.m.: The students are safely inside the school. Howard is now on scene.

UPDATE 2:34 p.m.: The lock-down is over. According to Superintendent Chris Dailey, there was a verbal threat made and authorities investigated it and determined it to be unfounded. Responders are back in service.

UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: Superintendent Dailey made this statement to the media: "We contacted the police. They came in, did an assesement and we were given the all clear. Now we’re out of the lock-down. And they are following up on the verbal threat as we speak."

The lock-down lasted about 45 minutes.

"There was a verbal threat against the school. We'll have more to say when they are done with the investigation."

Asked if the tragic bombing Monday at the Boston Marathon made people all the more edgy today, he said it did.

"We're all on edge, absolutely, and looking to make sure everyone is safe, which is our number one priority. That's why we went through all the policies and procedures and made sure we followed through on everything and made sure the students were safe."

UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: Here's a press release from Police Chief Shawn Heubusch:

"At approximately 1325 hrs. the Batavia Police Deparetment responded to a 'bomb threat' at the Batavia Middle School. The threat was called into the school by an unknown person.

"Upon arrival Asst. Chief Yaeger and Sgt. Camp directed patrols to perform a cursory search of the interior and exterior of building with the assistance of Middle School staff, looking for anything suspcious. Nothing was located. The Bomb Disposal unit from the New York State Police was requested to the scene. Trooper Jackson responded and performed a more detailed search utilizing a K-9 trained in explosive detection. No device was located and the school returned to normal activity.

The Batavia Police Department is currently investigating the matter and has developed leads from the investigation.

The Batavia School District should be commended for its quick response and action taken during this event."

In addition to Yaeger and Camp and Trooper Jackson, the investigating officers are: officers Davis, Lawrence, Richards and Hill.

UPDATE 4:28 p.m.: Below is a copy of a letter that is being sent to middle school parents.

Dear Middle School Parent/Guardian,

Today the Middle School received a verbal threat to the school via the telephone. Law enforcement officials were notified immediately and the building was placed in a low level shelter in place situation until we were cleared by the authorities.

Although we cannot plan for every type of emergency that might occur, we want you to know that we have increased our surveillance, including locking the outside door of the attendance office.  Please feel free to call an administrator if you have any questions about this or about our Emergency Management Plan.  The safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance to us all.

Sincerely,

Sandra C. Griffin
Principal
 

A motor-vehicle accident is reported Putnam and Creek roads. The vehicle is in some water in a ditch; wires are down and arcing. The male driver reportedly fled on foot. No one else is in the car. Power is said to be out on Ellicott Street Road. National Grid is notified. Bethany Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 10:03 p.m.: The driver is said to be tall and white. The wires are no longer arcing, but power is out. The car is a red Ford.

UPDATE 10:05 p.m.: The suspect is wearing blue jeans, sneakers and a light-colored ball cap.

UPDATE 10:40 p.m.: A flatbed tow truck requested to the scene. The vehicle is in four feet of water about 50 feet off the road. 

UPDATE 11:06 p.m.: Bethany back in service.

A young female in Le Roy who fell into Oatka Creek about 10 or 15 minutes ago, was rescued and medics are at her home on Myrtle Street to get parental permission for treatment. Le Roy fire and rescue were initially called to Trigon Park.

UPDATE 4:51 p.m.: Responders are back in service.

This is the last of a series of articles highlighting the winners of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce awards for 2012. The awards gala is Saturday evening at the Clarion Hotel.

It’s clear when you talk to Lois Gerace for any length of time, why she’s a successful businesswoman and such an asset to Genesee County. Her ability to connect with people, her sincerity and genuine niceness are readily apparent. She’s also a real lady with a fun sense of humor.

A natural born real estate broker who's been in the game for more than 37 years, she also volunteers for a number of nonprofits and worthy causes.

Lois is one of two Genesseans of the Year selected for 2012 by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. (Jim Neider is the other honoree.)

“It’s a really, really humbling experience because I know of so many who’ve come before me who’ve done more than I have,” Gerace said.

Born in Alexander and a graduate of Alexander High School, she got a job as a secretary in Batavia after graduation and married Joe Gerace in 1960. They have three children.

When the kids were little, selling real estate gave her flexible work hours to care for them as well as aging relatives.

It was what she chose to do after the Trailways Bus Diner they bought in 1961 – where Coffee Culture is now – became history.

“They (city officials) came in and said ‘you’re done’ – we were in Phase One of the disaster that was urban renewal.”

The early phase merchants didn’t get any compensation either. They just had to go figure something out.

So the road eventually led to real estate and then in 1986, she and Joe bought Bob Harris Realty. The firm’s name was already well established, easy to pronounce and remember, so they kept it.

The business grew because her real estate knowledge and great service impressed customers, who in turn recommended the agency to their friends and families.

The hallmarks of dedication and personal attention were instilled in her agents and staff. As a team, they’ve weathered the ups and downs of the market without ever losing sight of the importance of friendly, hometown service when people are making a life-changing investment like buying a home.

Lois has also kept investing in the business, keeping it up to date with computer technology, a Web site of information and services for customers, and in creative advertising.

Being out in the community, being involved with charity is good for business, too.

For about 20 years, she has been a key figure in raising funds for Genesee Cancer Assistance, along with her husband, who himself is a past recipient of Geneseean of the Year.

“It’s local – it’s based here and helps people with their co-pays, for example, and it has low overhead.”

Each year in April, Genesee Cancer Assistance holds its popular spaghetti dinner fundraiser. She gets in the kitchen and does whatever is needed, including cooking, right alongside Joe, who is renowned for his Italian fare.

Then in June, there’s the organization’s big Festival of Hope at Dwyer Stadium.

A golf tournament is another fundraiser she is part of for the Association of Retarded Citizens – ARC.

And she’s on the local board of Habitat for Humanity.

“It helps families that may not be able to afford to buy or fix up a home, and it helps the community by sprucing up homes that are run down.”

Plus, she serves on the city’s Assessment Board of Review – a grievance committee that tries to help people who dispute their assessments.

There are no retirement plans in the works. She’s just going to keep up the good works.

This is one of a series of articles highlighting the winners of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce awards for 2012. The awards gala is Saturday evening at the Clarion Hotel.

From 1968-70, James Neider served in the Army and was stationed in Germany. Today he is a retired elementary school teacher whose greatest satisfaction is serving the veterans of Genesee County.

His tireless efforts and devotion to his cause have earned him the honor of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce’s selection as one of two 2012 Genesseans of the Year (Lois Gerace is also being honored).

Jim, who’s a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, knows firsthand that sometimes the toughest tasks are also the most rewarding. In his case, he is deeply moved by the appreciation of veterans’ families when their fallen heroes are given a proper funeral.

“They get their honors, they get their taps and they get their American flag," Neider said. "A lot of times it’s people we know. I’ve been the pallbearer for a number of friends. It’s tough. I’m proud of getting veterans the help they need.”

As with many volunteers, his involvement in veterans’ causes started out casually.

Initially, it was exclusively through the American Legion, which he joined somewhat hastily after being approached by a commander at a meeting of local magistrates. (Neider was a Town of Batavia justice in the mid-‘80s.)

He went to one Legion meeting, then four, and more.

“My father, who died when I was 13, was very much involved in things and he always said if you’re going to live in a community, you’ve got to give back to it…I realized that those of us who came back whole and alive were obligated to help those who didn’t and that sort of got me on this path.”

Neider, a long-time Batavian, expanded his volunteerism after retiring from 30 years of teaching fifth- and sixth-graders.

He wondered what he should do with the rest of his life and it turns out the married father of two grown daughters found plenty to keep him busy.

One Memorial Day, Hal Kreter was swamped with observance rites and Jim helped out. Kreter is a retired Marine Corps master sargeant and director of the local Veterans Services Center.

“That’s how I first got involved in (doing veterans’ funerals)– and it just sort of took off.”

He has served in many capacities for the Genesee County American Legion, Glenn S. Loomis American Legion Post #332, the Genesee Veterans Support Network, and played a significant role in resurrecting the Joint Veterans Council, which in turn led to the creation of a Joint Veterans Honor Guard.

In addition, he is a liaison working with federal officials in the plan to bring a National Veterans Cemetery to Western New York, specifically Pembroke.

“Genesee County is the most veteran-friendly county in New York State,” he says proudly. “We’re the only county in the state that has a VA Medical Center, a Veterans Home and an assisted living facility on the same grounds.”

Add to that a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic and a Women’s Health Clinic and it’s clear that vets are highly valued here.

At this point in his life, he’s 66 years old, his greatest desire is more participation by younger men and women, veterans and non-veterans alike, in support of those who served and are serving our country.

The veterans who currently advocate for the issues that affect their lives are getting older and more people need to step up and carry the torch, Neider said.

“If the younger veterans don’t get involved, they may not have the benefits that we have as older veterans. Those benefits aren’t carved in stone."

This is one of a series of articles highlighting the winners of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce awards for 2012. The awards gala is Saturday evening at the Clarion Hotel.

Whether it's the salty, sweet perfection of Cashew Glaze, colorful Christmas Ribbon Candy or the unique regional favorite Sponge Candy, Oliver's offers treats that are handmade, high quality and tasty.

For 81 years now, the Batavia landmark has built a loyal following that, aided by a robust online presence, today includes customers everywhere from Irondequoit to Korea, France to Corfu. Oliver's Candies, LLC, is the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business of the Year.

Located at 211 W. Main St., the Swiss-chalet-style building is where founder Joe Oliver lived and operated his candy shop. It had add-ons built in the '50s, '70s and major upgrades a couple of years after John and Sheila Quincey bought it in 1998. Sheila's son, Jeremy Liles, came on board in 2001 and is general manager.

"It's exciting being named Business of the Year and we appreciate the recognition of other business people," Liles said.

He credits his parents and staff, past and present, with Oliver's continued success.

"I didn't build this business to where it is today," Liles said. "My parents took a business that was doing OK in the '90s -- it was surviving -- but they just made it boom. They put their own money into it. They said this is something that can really grow and do a lot."

In 2000, the candy-making facility was completely revamped. The size of the retail store was tripled -- now it's about 3,000-square-feet -- and the size of the kitchen was doubled. There are no ovens. All the candy is made using commercial-grade, air-induction stoves and giant copper kettles. In 2002, "a full-blown ice cream parlor" was cranking out cones of ice cream blended especially for Oliver's.

Making candy isn't like running a restaurant. Although goods are being made fresh all the time, the process is more like manufacturing and can be done in shifts. And there's a shelf life, unlike what comes to a cafe table hot on a dinner plate.

But as with restaurants, running a successful candy operation requires "a lot of devotion." And the toil and talent of a capable staff.

"Those guys in the kitchen make it happen," said Liles, who is 38 and the father of three. "They're the backbone of the business."

A number of employees have spent a good chunk of their lives working at Oliver's.

Bob Pacer, with about 34 years of service, and Bonnie Battaglia, with about 33, both retired earlier this year. Their knowledge of candy and customers and their skills are no doubt sorely missed.

Then there's retail manager Diana Cuttita, with 20-plus years, and Beth Diegelman, 33-plus years.

"Beth can hand-temper chocolate," said Liles, with a little awe in his voice. "I can't do that, a machine can. But her hands are just cold enough to be able to get just the right consistency by hand."

It takes years to learn that kind of stuff. In fact, it takes about 10 years to become a master candy maker and it's typically learned through apprenticeship.

Ron Drock, who worked at Oliver's for 51 years, learned from his predesessor and he taught current master candy maker and longtime employee Doug Pastecki. Adam Horton is the assistant candy maker learning all he can from Doug.

There are currently about 15 full-time staff people and 15 part-timers, including seasonal workers, high school and college students, and crews for nights, weekends and summer.

"Thank God for them," Liles says, noting that they get to hone some practical math skills like counting back change, converting ounces to pounds or the fact that there's three teaspoons in one tablespoon.

As for increasing sales, Liles says two factors are key (A) consistent store hours and (B) having a successful online shopping site.

"We're open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, and we're only closed on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. If you're not open, how can you sell?"

Their online sales have soared. Online is a great way to expand sales without going the brick-and-mortar route.

In addition, they are selling favorites like Merry Mints, French Creams, Sponge Candy and Cashew Glaze wholesale to national catalog order companies, something which has "become huge" for them.

In terms of challenges, besides small business depressors like high taxes and  minimum wage increases, commodity fluctuations can have an impact on them. Higher prices for sugar and cocoa, for instance, are somewhat offset by product-line diversity -- no-added sugar products, savory snack mixes, and candies that don't require chocolate.

"If something happens on the Ivory Coast because of politics, it can affect us because that's where our cocoa is coming from. Normally it's not a problem because the United States imports so much of it; we can get our hands on it. But we're not as big as Hershey's. They have their own plantations. We depend on small growers.

"So if our costs shoot up, we're not like the gas station across the street -- we can't raise and lower our prices all the time. We (small business candy makers) have set a standard -- we're the same price as anybody else in Western New York."

"Some people don't understand that and they go in Oliver's and say 'This is expensive. I can get this cheaper at Walmart.' But it's really a different ball game altogether. We're dealing with really high quality products, no preservatives, fresh made. There's a huge difference. I think people realize that and that is why our customer base is what it is and growing.

"I think people are acquiring the taste for finer chocolates, finer wines, whatever, and (the trend of) Shop Local."

And Oliver's does shop local whenever possible, whether it's buying dairy products from Oatka, kitchen wares from Batavia Restaurant Supply, or seasonal produce from Harrington's and farmer's markets.

Liles is encouraged by Batavia's potential and what lies on the horizon and says the future looks sweet. Things already are at Oliver's.

A down wire(s) requires the closure of Bethany Center at Batavia-Bethany Townline roads. The pole is across from 4986 Batavia-Bethany Townline Road.

UPDATE 3:16 p.m.: National Grid is notified. No ETA given.

UPDATE 3:19 p.m.: The Town of Batavia fire responded and removed a broken pole from the roadway. Their assignment is back in service.

Le Roy Fire Department is responding to a report of smoke filling an apartment on Lake Street. A firefighter on scene reports nothing showing outside, but confirms smoke is inside. Bergen is also called to provide mutual aid. A woman said she returned home to find her son's bedroom filled with smoke. The building is being evacuated. Pavilion is also called. The address is 33 Lake St., apt. A.

School and Bacon are the crossroads. Le Roy medics are also called to the scene.

UPDATE 2:54 p.m.: Fire in the room is confirmed. They are shutting down the Route 5 and 19 intersection. Fire police are called.

UPDATE 2:57 p.m.: Fire command reports it's not clear where the fire is coming from. An engine from Stafford is called in. Mill Street is shut down.

UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: Caledonia is asked to stand by in their fire hall. A check of an upstairs apartment found no fire. They are checking the basement.

UPDATE 3:06 p.m.: National Grid is contacted.

UPDATE 3:13 p.m.: The source of the fire has been found and they are extinguishing it.

UPDATE 3:21 p.m.: The fire is out. They are overhauling the scene. Caledonia is released. Stafford will stand by in Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 4:04 p.m.: The Le Roy assignment is back in service.