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Possible grass fire in woods off westbound Route 490

By Billie Owens

A possible grass fire in two spots is reported in the woods off westbound Route 490 in the area of mile marker 0.9. Bergen and Le Roy fire departments are called to investigate.

UPDATE 12:23 p.m.: Firefighters found five or six large controlled burns. The farmer had notified the Emergency Dispatch Center beforehand about the planned burns. However, authorities decided because of their location, they should be looked at for safety reasons. The responders are back in service. And the property owner, who is actually on Lake Street Road, is "highly agitated" with the situation.

Lawn mower driver said to be enjoying a brew near Maple and North, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Le Roy Police are responding to a report of a driver of a ride-on lawn mower consuming an open container of alcohol near the junction of Maple Avenue and North Street.

UPDATE, Friday, 9:55 a.m.: (by Howard): The driver was issued a citation for an alleged violation of the open container law. No further details available at this time.

Woman attacked by dog along Snipery Road, Corfu

By Billie Owens

A woman is sitting roadside on Snipery Road and bleeding severely after being attacked by a dog, which is now inside a house. Corfu Fire Department and law enforcement are on scene. Medics are responding. She has bites on her arms and legs. The location is north of the railroad tracks by the bend.

UPDATE 7:23 p.m.: The woman is being transported by ambulance to UMMC for treatment of her wounds.

UPDATE 7:24 p.m.: Corfu is back in service.

UPDATE 7:41 p.m.: The medic informs emergency room staff that the woman is 40 years old and has lacerations on her right thigh, hip and forearm.

Truck yanks down pole and live wires in Darien, no injuries

By Billie Owens

A truck struck a pole in the area of 11117 Alleghany Road in Darien. There are no injuries, but the pole is down and there is "a quantity" of live wires in the roadway. Darien Fire Department is responding as are Sheriff's deputies. The truck is stopped. One lane of Traffic is blocked. The location is near O'Connor Road.

UPDATE 11:18 a.m.: The road is completely blocked and will be shut down for quite some time until the live wires can be cleared off. "A full crew" from National Grid is required.

UPDATE 11:21 a.m.: A responder says there are two poles down, one on each side of the road.

UPDATE 11:29 p.m.: A commerical tow is called for the truck, which is carrying an oversized load of cargo. The accident site is near the Wyoming County line.

UPDATE 11:38 a.m.: Passenger vehicles will be allowed to travel on O'Connor Road, but commericial traffic will be rerouted. Wyoming County is dispatching personnel to handle it.

UPDATE 12:03 p.m.: National Grid is now on location. The truck has valid New Jersey plates.

UPDATE 12:12 p.m.: Traffic on Alleghany Road is being allowed to pass the truck now.

UPDATE 12:47 p.m.: The road is reopened and Darien is back in service.

Young male reported fallen over Buttermilk Falls

By Billie Owens

A juvenile male has reportedly fallen over Old Buttermilk Falls. The caller was panicked and told dispatch the youth didn't seem conscious and then the caller couldn't see him anymore. Le Roy police, Le Roy Fire Department and medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:02 p.m.: A responder sees the victim, 30-feet downstream "on the west (rock face) wall." He has a gash in his head and appears to be severely injured. They are calling the swift water rope rescue team to the scene.

UPDATE 7:06 p.m.: Mercy Flight is put on standby. The victim is in a deep ravine and may be difficult to reach.

UPDATE 7:11 p.m.: They are going to start clearing a path in the brush so the rope rescue team can access the location of the victim. There is another person standing by the victim attempting to help rescuers. Mercy Flight 5 out of Batavia has an eight-minute ETA.

UPDATE 7:13 p.m.: Everything has to be "trucked into the area." They have the person who is with the victim on 9-1-1 dispatch and they have his number so they can get information about the victim as the rescue proceeds.

UPDATE 7:16 p.m.: The person with the victim reports he is conscious and alert and has several gashes in his head. He was unconscious for about four minutes.

UPDATE 7:19 p.m.: The victim is sitting upright and is wearing dark clothing. Old Buttermilk Falls is located on Oatka Creek at the bend of North Street Road, just east of Route 19 going out of the Village of Le Roy. It is a natural cascade that is 4-feet-tall and lies just above a crescent-shaped manmade dam. Oatka Creek itself is 15-feet high and 196-feet wide.

UPDATE 7:22 p.m.: Mercy Flight will land in the roadway but can expect to wait a while until the individual can be extricated from the scene and transported.

UPDATE 7:24 p.m.: Bergen Fire Department is called to the scene, nonemergency response, to provide manpower. Pavilion is called to stand by in Le Roy's fire hall. Mercy Flight has landed. The victim is no longer in the water. He is sitting on a ledge.

UPDATE 7:29 p.m.: A property owner there tells dispatch he has an ATV with a trailer and a path to the base of the falls if those are needed to help rescue the victim.

UPDATE 7:41 p.m.: A chief at the scene calls for nighttime preparations so they can maintain effectiveness if they must remain there after sunset.

UPDATE 7:45 p.m.: The media staging area is set up at the "Dump Road" and Route 19.

UPDATE 8:33 p.m.: "The first victim has been brought to the top," says a responder to dispatch. The second victim, presumably, is the person who has been by the young male's side since the incident began unfolding -- but no word on his status yet.

UPDATE 8:38 p.m.: The primary victim is said to be uncooperative with the rescuers and assistance is required (not uncommon with head-trauma patients).

UPDATE 9:11 p.m.: The second, and last, victim has been brought to the surface.

UPDATE 9:18 p.m.: Mercy Flight has been put back in service. The victim(s) will be transported via ground ambulance.

UPDATE 9:29 p.m.: The responders are packing up their gear and preparing to leave. A press conference will take place shortly.

UPDATE 9:41 p.m.: Responders are packing up and preparing to leave. Mercy medics are transporting to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 10:03 p.m.: All responders are back in service.

Annual chamber golf outing at Stafford County Club: payment deadline July 16

By Billie Owens

The 40th annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing at Stafford Country Club is set for Monday, July 30.

Cost is $120 per golfer. Dinner only is $30 -- bring your spouse, coworkers, colleagues and friends. Reservations will not be made without payment. They must be made through the chamber office by calling 343-7440 or faxing 343-7487.

Payment deadline is Monday, July 16.

Event Date and Time
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Batavia Army officer installed as Battalion Commander

By Billie Owens

Lt. Col. Scott C. Woodward was installed as the Battalion Commander of the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment in ceremonies held recently at Ft. Riley, Kan.

The ceremony included a reenactment of the Calvary Charge and the firing of canons. A reception was held at the Custer House, which was the home of General George Armstrong Custer and one of the oldest buildings on Ft. Riley.

Lt. Col. Woodward is a 1989 graduate of Batavia High School and also a graduate SUNY Brockport and the Army Command and General Staff College. He is the son of Tim and Maria Woodward, of Batavia, who attended the ceremony.

His military assignments include three overseas tours: as Battalion Assistant S3 to Bosnia-Herzegovina; he commanded E Troop, 9th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq 2003; and he was Battalion Operations Officer, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor deployed to Mahmudiyah, Iraq.

His most recent assignment was Armor Colonels Assignment Officer, Office of the Chief of Staff, Army, Washington, D.C.

Lt. Col. Woodward’s awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device; the Bronze Star Medal (2nd award); Meritorious Service Medal (4th award); Army Commendation Medal (3rd award); Army Achievement Medal (2nd award); the Combat Action Badge; the Parachutist Badge and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

He is married to the former Judith Herring and they have two daughters, Sydney and Savannah.

Weeklong Aviation Adventure Camp offered for ninth- and 10th-graders

By Billie Owens

WNY Aviation Adventure Camp for all ninth- and 10th-grade students interested in learning about aviation, aerodynamics and mechanical sciences will be held July 7-13 at the Genesee County Airport.

Registration deadline is June 22.

This weeklong, overnight camp is a fun-filled opportunity that includes a complete ground school course, some flight time, flight simulator time and field trips to the Geneseo Airshow, Niagara Falls Air Force Base, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and the Rochester Airport!

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Cost is $345 per camper for the week and includes all meals and camp T-shirts. The camp will be instructed by certified flight instructors and NYS certified teachers during the day. The nighttime supervision will be provided by camp counselors. A limited numbers of scholarships are available.

Go online to <http://www.wnyaviationadventurecamp.org> to register.

Car accident by Wendy's in the city

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported by Wendy's restaurant off Main Street. There are no injuries, but it is completely blocking traffic. Police are on scene.

Child who inhaled cinnamon being taken to UMMC

By Billie Owens

A 10-year-old child is being taken to UMMC after reportedly inhaling cinnamon. The child lives in Attica and an ambulance from there is meeting up with Mercy medics, who will make the drive to the hospital on North Street in the City of Batavia.

UPDATE 6:58 p.m.: The child inhaled a small amount of cinnamon (either a teaspoon or a tablespoon) on a dare. Inhalers were then used but there was still difficulty breathing. The child is resting comfortably and will arrive at UMMC shortly.

House fire on River Road, Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A house fire is reported in Pavilion at 11039 River Road. Fire departments from Pavilion, Stafford, Bethany are responding along with the city's Fast Team. Le Roy firefighters will stand in at Pavilion's hall. A lot of smoke is showing. The location is off Route 63.

UPDATE 5:23 p.m.: More help is on the way from Alexander, Lester, York, Perry, Perry Center and Wyoming.

UPDATE 5:28 p.m.: Fire police from Le Roy are called to the scene for traffic control. Medics are also called, including some from Livingston County. The home is unoccupied.

UPDATE 5:36 p.m.: National Grid is called. Firefighters are trying to shut off the natural gas line now. Several minutes ago, a person described as the homeowner was said to be running up to the house on foot.

UPDATE 5:38 p.m.: At least a portion of the fire has been knocked down.

UPDATE 5:46 p.m.: As firefighters continue to battle the blaze, they are also on the scout for two cats and one kitten that live inside the house.

UPDATE 5:48 p.m.: One of the cats was seen running from the scene and the homeowner has been told this.

UPDATE 5:52 p.m.: With the exception of medics, all responders from Wyoming and Livingston counties are put back in service.

UPDATE 5:53 p.m.: The fire is out. Crews are outside the structure now, rehabing the scene. Alexander and York are also put back in service. Investigators can start their investigation.

UPDATE 6 p.m.: Stafford and Perry are released from the scene. The American Red Cross is called to provide assistance to the residents.

UPDATE 6:04 p.m.: As for the cats, one remains unaccounted for, one is hiding under the house and refuses to be coaxed out. One was rescued after it scampered away from the tumult.

UPDATE 6:08 p.m.: National Grid is on location to shut off the power.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: Pavilion back in service.

Man falls out of seventh-story window at 400 Towers

By Billie Owens

A man reportedly fell from a seventh-story window at 400 Towers, located at 400 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia. The patient is on the ground, unresponsive. City Fire Department, police and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: City fire is back in service. A person on the outside who saw the man fall is being interviewed by authorities. The man who fell has no identification on him. The window screen was not removed, rather, it tore open when he fell.

UPDATE 4:29 p.m.: The victim of the fatal fall has been identified by police as William Hastings. He lived at 400 Towers and was born in 1960.

Wagering at Batavia Downs on Belmont Stakes was third-best ever

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Officials at Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB), the owner of Batavia Downs Casino, announced today wagering handle on the Belmont Stakes was the public benefit corporation’s third-best ever totaling more than $856,000. This is a 12-percent increase over last year. WROTB saw a 16-percent increase on the Kentucky Derby and a 3-percent increase on the Preakness from last year.

“The anticipation leading up to the race was the best in years,” said Todd Haight, OTB’s handicapper and the GM of Batavia Downs Racetrack. “Despite I’ll Have Another‘s late scratch on Friday afternoon, the publicity surrounding the race was enough to pique the public’s interest.”

The race was won by Union Rags, who ran down Paynter in the final furlong of the race. Union Rags will race next in the Travers’ Stakes at Saratoga Racecourse on Aug. 25.

Batavia Downs in owned and operated by Western Regional Off-Track Betting, a public benefit corporation. Municipalities that own Batavia Downs Casino include the 15 counties of Western New York as well as the cities of Buffalo and Rochester. The track is also home to Batavia Downs Casino, featuring 640 video slot machines. Batavia Downs Casino is located less than one mile from Thruway Exit 48 and is open daily from 8 to 4 a.m.

New police chief announced for the City of Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

City Manager Jason Molino announced his appointment of Shawn Heubusch as the chief of police for the City of Batavia. Chief Heubusch was selected following a nationwide recruitment process.

Chief Heubusch is a 15-year veteran and current assistant chief of police for the Warsaw Police Department. He graduated from the Rural Police Training Institute at Genesee Community College in 1997, and served as a police officer for seven years prior to becoming the assistant chief in 2004.

City Manager Jason Molino said, “Chief Heubusch brings a fresh perspective of leadership and experience to the department and the community. I look forward to working with him in the future as we have many challenges ahead of us.”

“I would like to sincerely thank Chief Randy Baker for his commitment to the City of Batavia for over 34 years. I’ve come to know Randy well over the past four years as both a friend and colleague, and have the utmost respect and appreciation for what Randy has accomplished for the City of Batavia and police department. I will truly miss his character and desire to serve the community and the officers of the police department.”

Chief Heubusch and his wife, Danielle, have two sons and one daughter: Skyelar, age 20, Preston, age 10 and Reagan, age 7. Chief Heubusch currently lives in Warsaw, but will be relocating to area in the upcoming months.

Chief Heubusch will begin June 18 and his starting annual salary will be $70,271.

The city manager encourages all our citizens to celebrate this appointment and welcome Chief Heubusch to his new position.

Garage fire on Pearl Street

By Billie Owens

A garage fire, with heavy smoke showing, is reported at 33 Pearl St. City fire is responding. It's now a second alarm.

UPDATE 1:42 p.m.: A responder on scene says the fire is fully involved. There are no people inside. There is some fire exposure to an adjacent structure. Alexander's Fast Team is called to the scene and the Town of Batavia will send a fire crew to fill in at the city station. Two mercy rigs are called in case needed.

UPDATE 1:45 p.m.: Now they are saying people are believed to be still inside the structure on the second floor.

UPDATE 1:49 p.m.: Elba's "Cascade" is called to the scene.

UPDATE 1:50 p.m.: The fire has spread to the house. The location is between Franklin Street and Brooklyn Avenue.

UPDATE 1:53 p.m.: The fire inside has been knocked down.

UPDATE 1:54 p.m.: A truck at the site is also on fire.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: They've confirmed that there's no one inside the structure. National Grid is called to the scene.

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: They checked for extension into the small attic. There is smoke and heat, but no flames.

UPDATE 2:16 p.m.: The Salvation Army is called to provide cold drinks at the scene.

UPDATE 2:22 p.m.: Power to the structure has been disconnected. The American Red Cross is called to provide housing for five adults.

UPDATE 2:28 p.m.: City command reports that the fire is under control.

UUPDATE 2:41 p.m.: Three cats and one puppy are unaccounted for. The three cats lived in the downstairs unit and the puppy lived in the upper apartment, where the fire extension occurred.

UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: The cats are actually kittens, and two of the three have been rescued.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: All three cats have been rescued -- only two were kittens. No word still on the pup.

UPDATE 3:16 p.m.: Residents of the building say more than five people lived there. They say five lived upstairs, three lived downstairs and two in the basement. The fire started in the garage. Two people are being interviewed at the police station.

UPDATE 3:27 p.m.: Town of Batavia and Elba are back in service, and so is East Pembroke, which filled in at the town's station.

UPDATE 4:03 p.m. (by Howard): As of about 20 minutes ago, the puppy had not been located. It's a 10-week-old chihuahua.

UPDATE 4:16 p.m. (by Howard): City building inspector requested to the scene.

UPDATE 4:25 p.m.: Ladder 15 and Engine 12 are back in service. Others from city station remain at the scene to continue their investigation. The code enforcement officer is there. Regretably, the puppy was found. He didn't make it.

UPDATE 5:05 p.m.: Engine 14 is back in service.

Bicyclist down on Lewiston Road

By Billie Owens

A bicyclist is in the roadway, unknown reason, at 1655 Lewiston Road. Alabama fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 7:52 p.m.: Mercy is put back in service. 

UPDATE 8:02 p.m.: Alabama is back in service.

Car and motorcycle crash at routes 77 and 33

By Billie Owens

A car and motorcycle collided at the intersection of routes 77 and 33. The motorcyclist is still in the roadway. Corfu Fire Department and two Mercy medic units are responding.

UPDATE 7:58 p.m.: A Mercy ambulance is transporting one patient to Erie County Medical Center.

UPDATE 8:07 p.m.: A second patient is transported to ECMC. Three people at the scene were sign-offs. Corfu is back in service.

Grass fire off the eastbound 490, Bergen

By Billie Owens

A small brush fire is reported off the eastbound lanes of Route 490. Bergen Fire Department is on scene but since it's determined to be in Churchville's district, that fire department is handling it.

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