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Salvation Army's 36th annual Harvest Festival with big sales and spud dinner

By Billie Owens

The 36th annual Harvest Festival put on by The Salvation Army is set for 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7.

It will be held at its community center, located at 529 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be a mega rummage sale, featuring toys, books linenes, housewares, bric-a-brac, hourly grab bag sales and much more.

From 9 a.m. to noon there will be a blow-out bake sale with famous apple pies, sweets, farm produce and coffee.

Event Date and Time
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Man staggering in the roadway in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A possibly sick or intoxicated man is reportedly staggering in the middle of the roadway, thereby creating a traffic hazard, near 110 Munson St. in Le Roy. He's walking toward Gilbert Street. Le Roy Police Department is responding.

UPDATE 9:02 p.m.: The subject is now on Gilbert Street and an officer is at the scene.

Clown steals golf cart from Terry Hills

By Billie Owens

A person dressed in a clown suit is believed to have stolen a golf cart at Terry Hills Golf Course just a few moments ago. Staff tried following the person down Clinton Street Road and it is believed he or she may have fled into a nearby field.

Law enforcement is responding.

UPDATE 8:49 p.m.: The brother-in-law of the suspect along with the suspect himself are speaking with law enforcement now at a residence on Clinton Street.

Today's Deals: Bohn's, Larry's Steakhouse, Red Osier, Bourbon & Burger Co., and more!

By Billie Owens

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Bohn's, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

SOLD OUT

Today's Deals: Red Osier, Alabama Hotel, Center Street Smoke House, Delavan's, and more!

By Billie Owens

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Cruiser's Creamery, 140 W. Main Road, Le Roy, NY: For the best homemade ice cream, gelato and Italian ice, cruise down to Cruiser's Creamery. It's worth the drive! We offer soft serve, sundaes, razzles, milkshakes and more! Try an old-fashioned Banana Barrel! Our waffle cones and bowls made fresh daily. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday. Drive-thru and patio seating. We have a $10 gift certificate available for $5.

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50. Gift certificates valid on menu items only. Not applicable to in-store purchases.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

SOLD OUT

Barn owners set it on fire, later call Oakfield to snuff it out

By Billie Owens

The owners of property with a barn in Oakfield decided to burn it down this afternoon, then at some point about 45 minutes ago decided it would be best if firefighters extinguish the remainder of the dying blaze. Didn't catch the address. A crew from Oakfield Fire Department responded in non-emergency mode.

UPDATE 4:04 p.m.: Oakfield firefighters who responded to this call are back in service.

Explosion in garage causes possible structure fire in Bergen

By Billie Owens

An explosion in a garage located at 7665 Swamp Road in Bergen has sparked a possible structure fire. The garage, which is attached to the house, is full of smoke. Bergen and Le Roy fire departments are responding along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 3:47 p.m.: A second platoon of firefighters from the Town of Batavia is called to standby in its fire hall. National Grid is called to the scene. The Bergen fire chief has called for power saws and an infrared camera. Brockport is called to fill in at Bergen's hall.

UPDATE 4 p.m.: The homeowner asked about the status of the fire. The chief says "It doesn not appear to have made it into the house yet." An engine and more manpower from the Town of Batavia is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 6:52 p.m. (by Howard): The house is a total loss. The amount of items stored inside kept firefighters from entering the house and the attack was conducted strictly from the outside. While the fire is now smoldering with much of the house still standing, the only way, according to Chief Paul Cummings, to ensure the fire is completely out is to knock down the structure with a backhoe. That process started around 6 p.m. We'll have complete coverage later tonight. 

UPDATE 8:47 p.m.: Swamp Road is reopened.

Photo submitted by reader Doug Waite.

Two-car accident with injuries in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported in Oakfield in front of 6475 Albion Road, just north of Lockport Road. Oakfield Fire Department is responding along with medics.

UPDATE 3:50 p.m.: At least one person has been transported to UMMC with injuries, apparently non-life threatening. Two tow trucks have been called in. Law enforcement is at the scene.

UPDATE 3:58 p.m.: All units are clearing the scene, back in service.

Serious car accident with at least four people injured reported in Elba

By Billie Owens

A serious motor-vehicle accident with at least four injured people is reported in Elba at Route 98 and Lockport Road.

Two Mercy Flight helicopters are en route, one from Batavia, one from Buffalo.

Elba Fire Department and Mercy medics are also en route.

UPDATE 10:27 p.m.: The Buffalo helicopter is canceled per the first responder, but the Batavia helicopter is definately needed. Fire police are told to shut down traffic at Route 98 at Old Route 98 and also at Route 98 at Ridge Road.

UPDATE 10:35 p.m.: Mercy Flight out of Batavia is also canceled.

UPDATE 11:38 p.m: There are no serious injuries.

Fully involved barn fire reported in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A fully involved barn fire is reported in Le Roy at 8029 W. Bergen Road. All available Le Roy equipment is called in, including mutual assistance from Bergen and Pavilion fire departments. Le Roy medics are also en route.

A 16-gallon oxygen tank is reported to be inside, according to the homeowner.

UPDATE 8:25 p.m.: An engine from Churchville is called to fill in at Bergen's fire hall. Monroe County Water Authority is to be notified that some of their hydrants will be used in fighting the blaze.

UPDATE 8:29 p.m.: An engine from Stafford is called to fill in at Le Roy's fire hall.

UPDATE 8:43: A pumper truck from Caledonia is on scene, too, and fire police are mustering to handle nearby roadways.

UPDATE 11:52 p.m.: Le Roy Fire back in service.

Skinny-dipping again in the Oatka Creek

By Billie Owens

Apparently, Le Roy police just received a call about nude swimming in the Oatka Creek off Mill Street.

It's a complaint heard before, most recently about a month ago, according to one officer who spoke to another one about the matter over the scanner.

"I've heard it before but haven't personally seen it," the officer tells his coworker.

"Did the previous complaint involve 12- to 14-year-olds and a 16-year-old?"

At that point, the officers opted to discuss the details over the phone.

Bergen woman accused of slashing person's face after Rascal Flatts concert

By Billie Owens

A 33-year-old Bergen woman is charged with second-degree assault following an investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office into an altercation after the Aug. 12 Rascal Flatts concert at Darien Lake.

The arrest report released today alleges that Carolyn Marie Smith, who lives on McCabe Court, was in the parking lot and struck another person in the face while holding her iPhone. This allegedly caused the victim to suffer a severe laceration.

She was arrested Wednesday and arraigned in Darien Town Court before Justice Gary Graber, then released on her own recognizance until a later court date.

The incident was investigated by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello with the assistance of Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Sprinkler and water flow alarms sounding at 56 Harvester Ave. in city

By Billie Owens

It is reported that sprinkler and water flow alarms are sounding at 56 Harvester Ave., building 23, in the City of Batavia. City of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:08 p.m.: The alarm company has informed dispatch that it is working on the alarm system and there is no emergency.

Batavia Area Jaycees' seeking sponsors, participants for annual Labor Day Run & Walk

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Area Jaycees will hold their 25th Annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk on Sept. 5 at MacArthur Park in Batavia.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race will begin at 10. The race fee is $12 for runners and $10 for walkers, with the fee going to $15 for the day of the race.

Medals and prizes will be given out to the top male and female runners afterward. Sign up early to receive a free T-shirt.

The Batavia Area Jaycee’s 5K course is USA Track & Field certified #NY-06038-JG.

The Batavia Area Jaycees are also still looking for sponsorships for this event; if interested in participating or being a sponsor call 585-343-5775 or email us at bajny@yahoo.com.

Two-car accident, blocking traffic and with minor injuries, on Wortendyke Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with air-bag deployment and injuries is reported at 8975 Wortendyke Road in front of Bontrager's Auction Center in the Town of Batavia.

East Pembroke rescue and Sheriff's deputies are en route. A person on scene says injuries are minor, but the vehicles are blocking the roadway.

UPDATE 7:15 p.m.: Mercy medics are transporting one patient to UMMC and the other person involved in the accident signed off for treatment and therefore will not receive any.

Chamber offers free workshop on energy efficiency, assistance options

By Billie Owens

A free workshop to learn more about energy efficiency and opportunities for businesses to reduce energy costs will be held on Tuesday morning, Sept. 13, at The Generation Center, 15 Center St. in Batavia.

You must register by Sept. 9 to attend. To do so, call the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 343-7440.

On the day of the workshop, check-in and networking begins at 8. The workshop runs from 8:30 to 10. Refreshments will be served.

Topics include:

  • Free energy assessments and comprehensive audits
  • Subsidized installation and rebates for energy efficient measures
  • Other incentives and assistance available to qualified businesses

Speakers include energy experts from the local Small Business Development Center, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), National Grid and Lime Energy.

UMMC receives premium designation for geriatric nursing

By Billie Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia announced today that it has received NICHE designation for 2011-2012 from the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University College of Nursing.

The NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) network, of nearly 300 hospitals across the United States and Canada, allows organizations to share knowledge, experiences and best practices to improve elder care and to promote the role of patients and families in directing the care they receive.

In 2011 the first Baby Boomers turned 65. Improving geriatric nursing competencies is more important than ever as a large segment of our population becomes seniors. The NICHE program is designed to upgrade the quality of care for hospitalized older adults by increasing awareness of geriatric issues and implementation of hospital geriatrics protocols.

The process to achieve NICHE designation included participation in a leadership training program by three members of the nursing management team. The team identified clinical and operational priorities through a review of performance improvement and risk management data and developed and presented a NICHE action plan.

YWCA seeks applicants for upcoming employment skills training

By Billie Owens

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc., is seeking applications for its ninth session of Power UP!  This is a workforce initiative is designed to provide women with the skills and tools they need to advance in their career or seek the job they want.

The Fall session begins Saturday, Sept. 17. To find out more and to sign up, contact the YWCA, located at 301 North St. in Batavia. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Phone is 343-5808.

Abbey Grinham was a participant last year. At the age of 69 and having sought employment for two years to no avail, she decided that it was time to make a change. The Power UP program was her solution.

By working with her mentor, Sherry Szemplenski, and other professional advisors on the team, Abbey changed her life. She recreated her resume, changed her appearance from head to toe,  improved her computer skills, learned how to manage her money and, overall, felt so much better about herself upon completing the program.

“I loved going every week, the professional presenters were great, and I learned so much," Grinham said. "I learned about the YWCA and was introduced to more people in the community.  Power UP motivated me to move forward. It gave me the confidence to seek and find a job in Batavia. I love the program!"

Clothing giveaway tommorrow at St. Jame's church thrift store

By Billie Owens

The St. Jame's Episcopal Church Second Chance Thrift Store, located at 405 E. Main St. in Batavia, will hold its summer clothing giveaway from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25.

Everyone is welcome and there are hundreds of free items of good quality clothing and shoes for the whole family.

(Also note that the thrift store will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday starting Sept. 1.)

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