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Paving work begins Tuesday on Route 262 in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:
                                   
PAVING ON ROUTE 262 IN ELBA AND BYRON TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 8, 2009 Motorists Are Advised to Reduce Travel Speeds and Drive Carefully Through Work Zone

A section of State Route 262, between Route 237 and Route 98 in the Towns of Elba and Byron, Genesee County, will be resurfaced beginning Tuesday, September 8, 2009.  Paving work is expected to last approximately one week, pending favorable weather. Flaggers will direct a one-lane alternating traffic pattern during the daytime hours.  The paving will begin at Route 237 and head west. Work will generally take place during the daytime between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The project is funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Motorists should drive with caution through the work zone at reduced speeds for their safety and for the safety of the construction workers.

25th Annual Oakfield Labor Daze kicks off at Noon

By Howard B. Owens

The 25th annual Oakfield Labor Daze gets under way at noon and will feature music, food, games and local arts and crafts.

The weather is expected to be as temparate and clear as a Southern Californian afternoon today and tomorrow (chance of rain on Monday).

Highlights of the weekend:

Today

2 to 3:00 p.m.: Bed Races-Bennett Avenue

6 to 10 p.m.: Battle of the Bands-Triangle Park

Tomorrow

Noon to 3 p.m.: Chicken BBQ-Methodist Church

1:45 to 3:45 p.m.: Charlotte Ritchie

6 to p.m. Joey T & The Formula

Monday

10:30 a.m.: Labor Daze Parade on Main Street

12:15 to 1 p.m.: O-A Jazz Band at Triangle Park

1 p.m.: Pie & Ice Cream at Oakfield United Methodist Church

2:45 to 4:45 p.m.: Craig Wilkins performs Johnny Cash Music

5:30 to to 9:30 p.m.: The Trolls

The weekend closes with a fireworks show at the school after the last performance.

For a complete schedule of events, click here.

Batavia Blue Devils drop opening game 33-11

By Howard B. Owens

Miscues and mistakes sent the Batavia Blue Devils to an opening season defeat tonight.

Batavia dropped the game to Greece Arcadia 33 to 11.

After grabbing a quick 3-0 lead on a field goal by Renee Glafenhein (an exchange student from Germany), the Blue Devils quickly let the game slip away with turn overs.

The long snapper twice sent the ball sailing over the punter's head. One of the missed snaps led to a safety.

QB Joe Canzoneri lead the Blue Devils to the team's first score with a key play. He had the ball knocked from his hands, but was able to scoop it up and find a wide open Joe Pedro for a critical first down.

But the Blue Devil's defense couldn't overcome the powerful running of Greece Arcadia's Joe Britton, who carried the ball 26 times for 166 yards. He scored two touchdowns.

For the Blue Devils, senior Spencer Byrne and junior Fred Gemp each had eight tackles and combined for four sacks.

Scoring summary:
Batavia - FG Rene Glafenhein 29
Greece Arcadia - Joe Britton 24 run (Kyle Reilly kick)
Greece Arcadia - Coty Paige 9 pass Josh Hotchkiss (Reilly kick)
Greece Arcadia - FG Reilly 24
Greece Arcadia - Britton 2 run (Reilly kick)
Greece Arcadia - Safety (Forced punt)
Greece Arcadia - Hotchkiss 14 run (Reilly kick)
Batavia - Mitch Francis 39 pass Joe Canzoneri (Vin Pedro run)

Thanks to a reader for the info.

Child killed in rollover accident in Barre

By Howard B. Owens

UPDATE, 10 a.m. Saturday.

An 8-year-old girl was killed in a one-vehicle rollover accident Friday night after the driver swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway.

Abagail Buzard, who was ejected from the vehicle, was pronounced dead at UMMC.

The SUV was driven by Courtney Buzard, 17, of Albion.

Initial reports:

Elba Rescue is responding to a rollover accident in Orleans County in which three people are reportedly injured and a baby is missing.

The single-vehicle accident is reportedly near Spoils Bank Road off Oak Orchard Road (Old Route 98).

UPDATE: There is more than one incident going on. I believe two ambulances initially responded and I believe Mercy 3 is enroute. (There's a concert at Darien Lake tonight which is also contributing to a lot of radio traffic.)

UPDATE: Three Genesee County ambulances responded, and possibly one from Orleans County. One ambulance took an 8-year-old to UMMC. Another ambulance took a 3-year-old and a father to Strong. A mother and another child were taken to Lakeside. No Mercy Flight transport reported.


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For-sale sign posted on Pontillo's in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

This is a reader-submitted photo of a for-sale sign on the Pontillo's building on E. Main Street in Batavia. A caller informs us the sign was placed on the building at 4 p.m. We're working on getting more information.

Couple caught in full embrace in Oakfield parking lot

By Howard B. Owens

A Genesee County couple was arrested at 8:30 a.m. and charged with public lewdness.

The couple was allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse in the parking lot of Santino's Pizza in Oakfield.

To save the couple further embarrassment, we're withholding the names, though they were released. The woman is 21 and from Le Roy. The man is 27 and from Oakfield.

Sheriff's employees gives away school supplies at Muckdogs game

By Howard B. Owens

Gary Diegelman and Norm Itjen, president of the Genesee Sheriff's Employees Association, hold two of the school backpacks the association gave away to school-aged children last night at the Batavia Muckdogs game. The backpacks contained school supplies and a gift card for Wal-Mart.

Sealer spilled on Junction Road in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

I didn't catch the initial call, but apparently there was an accident this morning around the 6800 block of Junction Road in Pavilion involving a sealer truck.

Sealer and yellow paint were apparently spilled on the roadway.

The highway superintendent is enroute to investigate the scene. The two vehicles involved have been towed away.


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Overheard on the scanner: "It was what overnight?"

By Howard B. Owens

From the field: "Apparently the car was toilet papered over night, if you get any calls."

Dispatcher: "It was what overnight?"

Field: "I'll call in."

(I didn't catch what was reported just above the first line above.)

Police Beat: Petty crimes and DWIs

By Howard B. Owens

Danielle L. Young, of Orchard Park, is charged  with DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08. Young was stopped by State Police on Sumner Road in Darien.

Kaylie N. Rumon, 23, of Elmira, is charged with  DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08. Rumon was stopped by State Police in the City of Batavia.

Joey Somsy, 21, of Buffalo, is charged with DWI and DWI with a BAC of .08. Somsy was stopped by State Police on Colby Road in Darien.

Brian P. Verney, 25, of Attica, is charged with petit larceny and possession of a hypodermic instrument. Verney is accused of shoplifting from Wal-Mart. He was arrested by State Police and jailed without bail.

Amy L. Showler, 34, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Showler is accused of shoplifting from Wal-Mart. She was arrested by State Police.

A 15-year-old from Batavia is charged with petit larceny and trespass. The alleged crime occurred on West Saile Drive on Aug. 23 in Batavia and was investigated by State Police.

Erica Michelle Raphael, 24, of 335 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with petit larceny.  Raphael is accused of shoplifting from Target.

Today's Deals: Main St. Pizza, Center Street Smoke House, South Main, Settler's, Adam Miller

By Howard B. Owens

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have four $5 gift certificates ($10 value) that can be used together or separately for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Ribs, brisket, steak, prime rib -- Center Street is a meat lover's paradise. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, N.Y.: Handcrafted items, gifts with a regional flair, candles, teas and spices -- South Main has a wide selection to please most any interest. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: 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.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Feel like a kid in a toy store again, or treat your kids to the greatest toy store they will ever see. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

 

Rollover accident on Saile Drive by airport

By Howard B. Owens

One car is on its side following a two-vehicle accident on Saile Drive in front of the Genesee County Airport in Batavia.

There is no entrapment in either car. There are two people injured. No fire.


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Mancuso ready to move forward with Masse project with grant in place

By Howard B. Owens

 

At a press conference this morning, Tom Mancuso, president of Mancuso Development, said he was "delighted" the state approved a $1.5 million grant to help advance the Masse Gateway Project.

Even though the grant was $1 million less than originally requested by the city, Mancuso said the project should still be able to move forward.

It will cost at least $3.1 million and create an entrance off Masse Place into the Harvester industrial complex. The plan is to turn the old buildings into space suitable or light industrial and commercial uses for small businesses.

Mancuso said the the funding "really entitles us to spend a lot more money." In addition to the planned private investment from Mancuso Development, Mancuso implied his company will also need to come up with an additional $1 million to complete the project.

Audio: Tom Mancuso talks about the project.

The Batavian's news partner, WBTA, covered the press conference.

Man allegedly found with stolen car jailed without bail

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia man is in jail without bail after being found driving a car that was reported stolen Wednesday morning.

The auto theft was apparently part of a house burglary in the 200 block of State Street.

Reginald Wilson, 36, of 112 State St., is charged with criminal possession of stolen property.

Wilson was reportedly found driving the stolen car on Lehigh Street at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Police are investigating whether he was involved in the auto theft and burglary.

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