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Press release:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reminds residents of the annual burning ban from March 14 through May 15.

During this time period, no open burning shall be allowed. Violators of the open burning regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report a violation call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC's Web site.

Additional information from DEC: http://www.dec.ny.gov/press/80920.html

 
 

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C–Batavia) is preempting his regular outreach office hours for Genesee County residents this week in observance of Good Friday. The weekly Friday meeting at Genesee Community College will resume as scheduled next week.

Press release:

Batavia resident Jenna Hubbard may have just gotten her big break to become a star. Hubbard, who uses the stage name Jenna Vera, has been selected along with boyfriend/manager Timothy Walton to be two cast members on a new upcoming national television reality show series. It's set to begin filming in September on a premier national station (can't yet be disclosed due to release agreements).

The show, which will be filmed at a large mansion in Hollywood, California, is hoped to be one of the next hottest fashion and modeling television shows. The show will feature eight models who, along with their managers, will all live in one house and be given the opportunity to shape the pathway to success using the guidance of Hollywood's most experienced talent agents, models and actors.

Overview: 
Throughout the United States, thousands of models, actors and actresses push themselves to make it big. Many with goals to be the next big thing. Some have the connections to make it happen, others have the talent, and even fewer just get lucky. "Making a Marilyn" takes eight models and eight managers and puts them in one huge mansion where they will live together for two months and give them all the tools to make it big. 

The house: 
A 10-bedroom, 10,900-square-foot house located in Hollywood. The house contains a party balcony, movie theater, bowling ally, party, walk-in in-ground pool, waterfall hot tub, full outdoor kitchen and patio, and outdoor party games. Each casting couple will have their own room, where they can bring personal belongings to the house and will be the only ones that have access to the room, with the exception of the house maid if you choose. Similar layout to the Playboy Mansion. 

The catch: 
All the aspiring talent will be faced with challenges to see how bad they want to make it. With all the tools in front of them, they will also have all the tools to set them up for failure. Free access to all the hottest party spots, weekly spending and shopping privileges as well as multiple options that the talent will have to choose which path to take to success. 

The drama: 
With all the models living in the same house, there is sure to be some drama. Models will have the opportunities to work together, or not work together, and to make the best decisions as they learn and shape their career path to success or party to disaster. To spice up the action, not only will the gorgeous females share the house with the handsome male talents, but the husbands, wives and boyfriends/girlfriends will be there as well, who have been managers to the talent as they grew their careers to the current point.

Lawrence Bruce Cawker, 80, of Main Road, Corfu, is charged with stalking in the 4th degree. He allegedly followed a female victim around her workplace, sent numerous cards to her, left packages at her residence, and made numerous inappropriate comments to her. According to the Sheriff's Office report, this persistent conduct continued after the defendant was repeatedly told to cease such conduct and has placed the victim in fear of her and her family's safety. He is to be arraigned at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, in Le Roy Town Court.

Darcy Lynn Booth, 19, of Hill Street, Hornell, is charged with unlawful possession of alcohol and fraudulent procurement of alcohol by means of a fake ID, following a physical confrontation that reportedly occurred while at Walmart in Batavia. It is alleged that Booth was in possession of a bottle of liquor and the ID of a person over the age of 21. She was issued an appearance ticket and is to be arraigned at 1 p.m. April 29 in Batavia Town Court.

Margaret Isabel Clancy, 19, of Meadowbrook Road, Arkport, is charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with a BAC of .08 Percent or higher, and consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle. On March 27, following the investigation of a harassment complaint that happened on Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia, Clancy was arrested on the charges after she was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with another person while operating a motor vehicle in an allegedly intoxicated condition. She was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court and is to appear there at 1:30 p.m. on April 18.

A woman was reportedly robbed in the parking lot of Save-A-Lot about 15 minutes ago. The suspect is said to be "an older female with her arm in a sling." Police are investigating.

A fight involving multiple subjects is reported at 77 E. Main St., east of Meadowbrook Terrace, in Corfu. Sheriff's deputies are on scene and State Troopers are en route.

UPDATE 3:44 p.m.: A deputy says things have calmed down and it's possible no charges will be pending. State Troopers are told they can back it down.

A working fire is reported at M&M Fabricating at 1606 Broadway Road (Route 20) in Darien. There are multiple hazards on the site of this commercial building, including a number of propane tanks which some neighbors report have exploded. The fire has already gone through the roof of the building. Darien Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Corfu and Alden.

UPDATE 2:50 p.m.: Mercy medics are heading to the scene in case they are needed. The location is west of Colby Road. The fire has gone to a second alarm. There have been multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting this incident.

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.: Alexander is called in along with the city's Fast Team.

UPDATE 2:56 p.m.: Fire police are told to shut down westbound traffic at routes 20 and 238.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: At the fire scene itself, Route 20 is shut down in both directions.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: Bennington is sending in a truck. National Grid is notified.

UPDATE 3:24 p.m.: A ladder truck from the Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to provide mutual aid.

UPDATE 3:36 p.m.: All interior crews are ordered out of the building. Sheriff's deputies are on scene, too.

UPDATE 3:35 p.m.: National Grid is on scene.

UPDATE 3:46 p.m.: Wyoming Correctional Facility inmates are enlisted to help out.

UPDATE 7:02 p.m.: Town of Batavia Fire returning, back in service.

UPDATE 8:04 p.m.: A backhoe is being brought in to start peeling back the metal roof on the building, "not to knock it in," a chief says. Monroe County Water Authority requested to the scene to shut off water to the building.

UPDATE 9:10: p.m.: Westbound Route 20 is open.

UPDATE 9:39 p.m.: Route 20 opened in both directions.

UPDATE 9:42 p.m.: All units back in service.

NOTE: Earlier this year, the Chamber of Commerce published its annual Genesee County Tourism magazine and for the second year in a row, The Batavian participated in the publication by producing photos and stories. Today, for our Sunday reading, we're publishing four of our stories. For more on why Genesee County is a great place to live and to visit, click here for VisitGeneseeNY.com.

On a bright afternoon in Darien Center, friends ambled around The Country Cottage Gift Shop and Gardens, passing the time in a place that became more interesting the longer they browsed.

At every turn, around every corner, something caught their eye, brought back a memory, sparked an idea for a fixing up a special space.

“You wander to your hearts’ content,” owner Peggy Tyrell told them. “You guys poke around, OK? If you need anything, give us a holler.”

On five acres off Harper Road, not far from Route 20 in Darien Center, Peggy has created an enchanting wonderland chock-full of unique gifts and handmade decorative items.

“I like to think of us as a hidden gem,” says Peggy, noting that she started the business 26 years ago.

At last count, there were about 200 varieties of goods for sale from dozens of artisans. They range from exquisite, seasonal dried flower arrangements and gourds, to exotically scented soaps such as Thai-pear or wisteria, and lamps, candles, essential oils, garden décor, and more.

Plus, a light and flavorful menu -- offered only on weekends in May through October -- is another reason to stop by.

This haven of homey delights has become a destination spot for treasure hunters who like Colonial American crafts and urban warriors in need of a little respite and fresh air.

Walk off the gravel paths into any of the three rustic cottages on the property, and your senses are met with wonderful fragrances, soft ambient lighting, soothing instrumental music and an amazing array of things to browse in a wide range of prices.

“We have a lot of people who come in here and the first thing they say is ‘Oh, I needed this so bad. I needed to come in here,” says Peggy, adding that some of her regular customers joke about needing “a Peggy fix.”

And she’s always on hand to help you find just the right item. If she doesn’t stock what you want, she knows plenty of vendors so you can special order woven rugs, lighting, quilts, etc., with just the right colors, finish or design.

“We have a little bit of everything,” Peggy said. “And lots of white elephants, too.”

There’s a trove of ideas for home decorators and little vignettes of days gone by – old boxes from Schraff’s Candy Store, an ancient “Majestic” stove, toiletry bottles, vases, hand-painted signs.

For the garden and porch, you’ll find harmonic wind chimes, whimsical whatnots, lawn ornaments, and the like.

Peggy grows most of the flowers and plant materials she uses in her crafts. She has a potting shed, small greenhouse and flowers are hung up to dry in one of the cottages. Upstairs in the main cottage is the loft where she creates the arrangements.

For those who are not keen on browsing, or who need to rest a bit, there’s a little pond out back surrounded by a lovely landscape and seating. It’s a nice place to have a nosh and read.

A dozen years ago when the Tyrells opened their weekend grill, which is in an enclosed tent, the idea was to keep the men happy while the women browsed.

It’s worked out well and most of the credit goes to Bruce, who worked for more than 15 years at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center handling catering for special events and concerts.

These days he uses his professional culinary skills to create tasty lunches with fresh, seasonal produce and to make take-away goods like pies, muffins, cookies and such.

People rave about his scones, Louisiana chili, pumpkin praline cheesecake and soups.

In many cases, customers have become like family.

“Our customers have become our good friends, it’s amazing how close you can get,” Peggy said. “And I’m happy to say I’m their friend, too. It’s not about making a living, really, it’s about keeping people happy and making yourself happy.”

The Country Cottage Gift Shop & Gardens

10448 Harper Road

Darien Center, NY 14040

(585) 547-9591

Open 7 days a week

11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lunch menu available from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends in May through October.

NOTE: Earlier this year, the Chamber of Commerce published its annual Genesee County Tourism magazine and for the second year in a row, The Batavian participated in the publication by producing photos and stories. Today, for your Sunday reading, we're publishing four of our stories. For more on why Genesee County is a great place to live and to visit, click here for VisitGeneseeNY.com.

When Nancy Nickerson decided late in life to open a restaurant, she knew what she didn't want -- a cookie-cutter establishment that heated up frozen food and took other shortcuts.

"I wanted a building that looked different, I wanted something that would attract people," said Nancy, who opened D & R Depot Restaurant in Le Roy in 1991. "And partly that was also due to our menu. We were doing things from scratch. People don't do homemade things anymore. They don't have time, so we offer them that."

Combine unbeatable home-cooked flavor with "a different ambiance" and superior service and you have the recipe for success that has built a legion of loyal patrons.

Her business partners, Sean Valdes and his wife, Jennifer, who's the head chef, began working there 20 and 18 years ago, respectively. They both started as dish washers.

The building itself is an old train station, located at 63 Lake St. (Route 19). It was one of the busiest passenger depots in the area until it closed mid-1960s. The railroad line that currently travels the tracks is the Genesee-Wyoming-Southern.

Inside, things remain much as they were, but with fresh paint and decor, of course. There are elegant 20-foot-high ceilings, wainscoting along the walls and lots of windows. The ticket clerk's office is still there, and so is the luggage portal. Big Band-era music plays softly.

Look up in the main dining room and you'll see a little feat of engineering -- a choo-choo train on a platform, which is decorated seasonally. Everything on it hangs upside down; the train runs along its track upside down, too.

It's unique and kids love it.

Customers also enjoy the personal touches that D & R Depot offers. If a real train passes by the restaurant while you're there, you get a keepsake "wooden nickel." You can sign up to receive a $10-off coupon and a free cupcake for your birthday. They also have a word game to win gift coupons and a guessing game at Christmas season with a chance to get a $400 gas card.

There are gifts for sale -- like hand-painted button pins, scarves, stuffed animals -- and history books such as one about the Jell-O Gallery Museum (which is also in Le Roy). Patrons on the mailing list get a newsletter to keep up to date on dinner specials, contests, etc., and the Web site is kept current.

"People feel an emotional connection to us -- like they're part of the business," Sean said. "And they are part of the business. They are the reason we're here."

Their loyalty has enabled the proprietors to acquire Double L Rental, which rents tents, linens, chairs, tables, etc., for weddings, corporate parties and the like. And soon, their banquet hall at another Le Roy location will open with seating for about 175 people.

But it's the food that keeps people coming back for more.

A basket of fresh-baked muffins, scones and rolls is brought to each table at dinner time. Jen develops new dishes, such as the "No Nothing Pie." After some trial and error, she created a vegan apple pie without added sugar, no gluten, and nut free.

Authentic Polish glomkis -- stuffed cabbage leaves topped with a tomato sauce -- are occasionally offered for the famous all-inclusive dinner special, available every Sunday.

Old-fashioned chicken pot pie is a customer favorite. It's brought to the table, turned upside down onto the plate and served piping hot. The French onion soup is made (without a starter base) from slowly carmelized, fresh onions, a touch of sherry and thyme, topped with croutons from homemade bread and melted cheese. (A tiny pair of scissors is included with each bowl to snip strands of cheese!)

"People will always purchase if they perceive a value," Sean said. "If you're giving them a good product, good price, good service."

D & R Depot Restaurant & Catering Services

63 Lake St. (Route 19)

Le Roy, NY 14482

(585) 768-6270

www.DandRDepot.com

A motor-vehicle accident with injuries is reported at Oak Street and Park Road in the city. It is blocking traffic. Police and Mercy medics are responding along with city fire.

UPDATE 12:41 p.m.: A second ambulance is called, emergency mode.

UPDATE 12:51 p.m.: A 53-year-old female is being transported to UMMC. She is said to have a cut on her nose, a swollen left eye and knee pain.

UPDATE 1:02 p.m.: Another female involved in the accident declined medical treatment.

UPDATE 2:04 p.m.: The woman who declined treatment at the scene is now calling for an ambulance.

UPDATE 2:06 p.m.: The response is non-emergency. The patient is 35 years old and complaining of chest pain.

A serious injury accident with possible entrapment is reported at 9938 Alexander Road. Multiple medics are responding, along with law enforcement and Alexander Fire Department. Mercy Flight is contacted and is checking the weather. There are at least two people injured. The location is in the area of Route 98 near Peaviner Road. A responder reports at least one person is outside the vehicle.

UPDATE 6:46 p.m.: A driver and medics for Alexander Ambulance are called. "There is heavy entrapment."

UPDATE 6:48 p.m.: All units are told to expedite their response. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Wyoming County are called to provide mutual aid and have fire police shut down traffic at Dodson Road. Responders are told to use caution upon approach because the roads are very icy.

UPDATE 6:51 p.m.: Mercy Flight #5 is en route.

UPDATE 7:01 p.m.: Route 98 at Sprague Road is being shut down. A state Department of Transportation rep is on scene. Mercy Flight is about to land in a field just east of the crash site.

UPDATE 7:03 p.m.: The entrapped patient has not yet been extricated.

UPDATE 7:05 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed.

UPDATE 7:09 p.m.: The patient has been extricated.

UPDATE 7:24 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 7:27 p.m.: One flatbed tow is on scene and a second flatbed is called. Town of Batavia rescue is back in service.

UPDATE 7:36 p.m.: Mercy Medic #2 is inbound to UMMC with a 45-year-old female who was involved in this two-car accident. She is conscious and alert and her only complaint is some chest discomfort due to air bag deployment.

UPDATE 7:55 p.m.: According to information obtained by Howard at the scene, a red sedan northbound on Route 98 hit a patch of ice, spun out, and was T-boned by a southbound minivan. The driver of the minivan was not seriously hurt and was taken to UMMC. The driver of the sedan was taken by ground ambulance to Strong and the passenger in the sedan suffered a serious leg injury and was flown to Strong. All units are back in service and the roads are reopened.

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 7697 Lewiston Road. One person is said to have facial injuries and cuts, but is out of the vehicle. Oakfield Fire Department is responding, along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 12:27 p.m.: Responders have discovered this is actually two separate accidents, each involving only one vehicle. The location of the second accident is 7714 Lewiston Road and there are two people involved, both of whom will be sign-offs. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding. Fire police will shut down southbound Route 63 at Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road.

UPDATE 12:32 p.m.: Oakfield will handle both accidents. Town of Batavia can remain in quarters.

UPDATE 12:48 p.m.: Oakfield is back in service and the road is reopened.

An electrical outlet is smoking and on fire inside Picasso's Pizza, located at 419 W. Main St. City Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 7:31 p.m.: Firefighters on scene report nothing visible from outside the business.

UPDATE 7:41 p.m.: City assignment back in servcie.