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A 52-year-old man is fighting for his life after being punched in the head Sunday night during an apparent fight outside The Harvester, a bar on Harvester Avenue.

Scott Baker suffered a fractured skull from a single punch, according to a police report filed at City Court.

He's listed in critical condition at Erie County Medical Center.

Taken into custody and held without bail on a second-degree assault charge is 47-year-old Shane M. Bell (in photo), of 161 Jackson St., Batavia.

Police were called to the scene at 8:50 p.m. 

The Harvester was hosting its annual pig roast.

Bell made a sworn statement to police saying, "Scott followed me out to the car. Scott came up to me and chest bumped me. Scott grabbed my shoulder and I turned and punched him in the head."

Police officers also reported hearing Bell make several statements about hitting Baker, such as:

• "I bitch slapped him."
• "I hit him so f--- softly it's not even funny."
• "He went down quickly."
• "I hit him half medium."
• "I'm registered, man. I kick boxed for like seven years."
• "I hit him right in the f--- eye."
• "I used to f-- people up."
• "He was with me for more than three hours."
• "I dragged him from the curb to the grass."

A witness said she heard Bell say, "He pulled my hair so I punched him."

The same witness tried to give aide to Baker until EMTs arrived and told police there was a lot of blood.

Mercy medics told police on scene that Baker was seriously injured and Det. Pat Corona was called to the scene.

"We were told right away it was very serious," Corona said. "We proceeded (with the investigation at the scene) as if it was as serious as it could be, as if it were a homicide."

Corona said investigators are interested in talking with additional witnesses. He's asking that people with any information to call Batavia PD at (585) 345-6350.

Reason: What Scientific America has to say about labeling GMO food.

Coming off a 5-4 record, a young Oakfield-Alabama Hornets team is hoping to show some improvement in 2013, but already the injury bug is starting to pinch, said Head Coach Brian Palone.

Three players will miss this Saturday's scrimmage, but it will also be a time for some players at key positions to show whether they're ready to step into starting roles.

"I'm pretty confident in two or three kids at each position now, but I just want to evaluate further as we go along in the week here and as this scrimmage rolls," Palone said.

The Hornets will lean heavily on captains Chris Nanni, linebacker, Chase Manzella, running back, and Hogen Mejia, a lineman.

"We started bring guys a couple of years ago when they were young and now I feel like we have some guys with years of varsity experience, especially at our skills positions, so I'm happy with what I'm seeing right now and how they're developing," Palone said.

Manzella is in line for a QB slot, but Allen Chatt, who finished out last season as QB, has the inside track as the starter.

"He's been working hard this summer and so far working hard in camp," Palone said. "We'd like to keep him at quarterback and Chase at running back.

Jacob and Steven Weber, father and son, were sentenced in Pavilion Town Court today to fines and community service for their violations of the state's property maintenance code.

Jacob Weber -- who entered a guilty plea July 9 to 46 violations for storing unregistered and uninspected vehicles on his property at 11256 Perry Road -- was fined $22,000 and given a one-year conditional release from jail time.

Steven Weber -- who entered a guilty plea the same day as his father to 16 violations for storing unregistered and uninspected vehicles on his property at 11076 Lake Road (the former firehouse) -- received $4,500 fine, 50 hours of community service and one-year conditional release.

A failure to abide by release conditions could result in a new charge for violating a court order and a resentencing on the original charges.

Dan Lang, code enforcement officer for Pavilion, said the violations on both properties have been corrected.

A tree is on fire at Frost Ridge Campground, 8101 Conlon Road, Le Roy.

Le Roy fire is responding.

Cedar Street reconstruction has begun. First up, removing all the asphalt from driveway for the county maintenance building north to Edwards. The road is closed in that location. The rest of Cedar Street remains open.

About 150 barbershop singers were at the YWCA on Monday night to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

The singers came from five area chapters -- Rochester, Buffalo, East Aurora, Geneva, Warsaw, Batavia.  The chapters are part of the Seneca Land District of the society, and Batavia resident Eric Saile, who acted as host for last night's event, is president of the district.

The event included lots of signing, of course, but also pauses to watch videos of barbershop singers in TV shows and movies from over the decades.

Our photos include the chorus, the Friends of Harmony Singers, singing "Singin' in the Rain."

The two young men in the bottom pictures are Rocco, 12, and Blaise, 10, Lucciano, of Clarence. Blaise became the youngest member of the society and was given a membership proclamation and a label pin. Rocco became the youngest member ever to be awarded the "Man of Note" pin. The "Man of Note" is a person who recruits a new member. The awards were presented by Mac Sabol, choir director for the Friends of Harmony Singers.

For more on the society, visit the Seneca Land District's home page. The Batavia chapter always welcomes new members, Sabol said.

Tina M. Martin, 33, of 96 Carlyle Ave., Buffalo, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Martin was stopped at 11:47 p.m. Saturday on Pearl Street in Batavia by Officer Arick Perkins.

Eric L. Barnes, 22, of Valiant Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, operating on suspended registration and unlicensed operator. Barnes was stopped for an alleged suspended registration at 4:57 p.m. Friday on Route 77, Pembroke, by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

William John Dale, 40, of Lattice Bridge Road, Fillmore, is charged with petit larceny. Dale is accused of shoplifting at Kmart.

Reason: Chemical weapons as a 'red line'

The trustees of the Village of Corfu voted 4-0 on Monday to delay filing a petition with 4th Appellate Division of the NYS Supreme Court for the removal of Mayor Ralph Peterson from office.

Peterson is reportedly hospitalized and under observation by doctors. Peterson has reportedly told trustees and others that his undisclosed condition is related to stress.

After a closed session, Deputy Mayor David Bielec announced the board's decision to delay sending in the petition. The delay is intended to give Peterson time for his health to improve. The trustees want him to meet with Village Attorney Mark Boylan so Boylan can ascertain how Peterson intends to respond to the trustees' demand that he resign.

There was no response from Peterson to the board's demand for a resignation letter by 5 p.m. last Friday.

"We don't want to take any action until he's out of the hospital," Bielec said. "We want to discuss it within and get a firm decision before we go through the court procedure. It's a very expensive process and you can't know the outcome until you get there."

Trustee Art Ianni also asked the board to reconsider its aggressive approach to trying and recover more than $10,000 in missing court funds.

The trustees believe that regardless of how the funds went missing -- former court clerk Brandi Watts is accused of stealing it -- former village justice Robert Alexander is legally responsible to reimburse the village for the shortage.

Watts is the daughter of Alexander.

"Based on our budget, based on our court budget, this (the $10,000) is a small percentage of dollars," Ianni said. "I don't mind trying to recover it, but it's the kill zone we're looking at when it comes to the families and actions that might come out. I would like to ask the board to take another look at what potentially could happen from our actions. ... We could recover $10,000 and find out we destroyed two families. Is this something we could have some compassion about and say, 'Look, they've lost their jobs and their reputations?' "

When asked, though, Ianni said he would still vote yes on any motion trying to recover the funds.

Four people were injured in a two-car accident in the Batavia Downs parking lot at 5:07 p.m., Sunday.

The two cars collided where two cross-lanes of traffic converged. Both cars appeared to enter the intersection at the same time, according to an accident report by Sgt. Jonathan Szumigala.

There were no traffic control devices at the intersection.

No citations were issued.

Injured were Sandra L. Johnson, 55, Alessa R. Naylor, 21, Zachary C. Johnson, 22, and Donna M. Azalone, 52.

Sandra Johnson, of Byron, was driving a 2009 Dodge SUV. Azalone was driving a 2003 Chevy sedan. Azalone had no passengers.

All four patients were transported to UMMC by Mercy EMS for evaluation and treatment. None appeared seriously injured.

Bishop E. Williams, 20, of 106 Lake St. Le Roy, is charged with three counts of burglary, 3rd, petit larceny and criminal mischief, 4th. Williams is accused of an early morning forced entry burglary of a business on Mill Street, Le Roy, and stealing several items from the business. Williams, and possibly a conspirator, allegedly used a rock to break the window of the building and that Williams allegedly entered the building three separate times. Police report locating Williams on Lake Street. Assisting were the Sheriff's Office and the Livingston County K-9 unit.

Amir D. Gifford, 17, 139 Bank St., Batavia, is charged with assault, 3rd. Gifford was alleged involved in a fight with an acquaintance at 4:43 p.m., Tuesday, at a business on West Main Street, Batavia. He is accused of trying to injure the other person.

Michael C. Kraatz, 34, of 66 Tracy Ave., Batavia, is charged with trespass and harassment, 2nd. Following an alleged domestic incident, Kraatz allegedly returned to a residence he had been advised by police not to reenter. As Kraatz was being removed from a police vehicle following his arrest, he allegedly kicked the door of the car causing it to strike an officer, which led to the harassment charge.

Daniel M. Hacker, 27, of 248 North Meadowbrook Parkway, Cheektowaga, is charged with driving a motor vehicle with registration suspended. Hacker was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia City Court.

Ronda L. Reisman, 41, of 105 State St., Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Reisman was arrested following an investigation into an alleged incident at 10:22 p.m., Thursday. No further details released.

Mark E. Flaming, 23, of 21 Wood St., Batavia, is charged with menacing, 2nd, criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use and reckless endangerment, 1st. Flaming was arrested following an alleged domestic incident at 10:32 p.m., Wednesday. No further details released.

Michael P. Ashley, 51, of 9455 Clipnock Road, Stafford, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, running a red light and aggravated unlicensed operation. Ashley was stopped at 12:54 p.m., Sunday, on East Main Street, Batavia, by Officer Arick Perkins.

Stephen Joseph Holdaway, 61, Pearl St., Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, speeding and failure to yield to emergency vehicle. Holdaway was arrested following a traffic stop at 5:09 p.m. Wednesday on Pearl Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Kevin A. Roberts, 22, of Perry Road, North Java, is charged criminal mishief, 3rd, petit larceny, unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated unlicensed operation, bald tire and throwing refuse on highway. Roberts is accused of cutting a locked cage inside Walmart in order to gain entry and damaging the case in the process. He is accused of stealing clothing from Walmart and possessing marijuana. He allegedly drove to the store on a suspended license. Roberts was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Rachel Elizabeth Hyatt, 17, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with stalking, 4th. Hyatt allegedly initiated contact with a person she had been previously warned not to contact. An order of protection was issued.

Stephanie Marie Gilfus, 27, of Genesee Street, Auburn, is charged with petit larceny. Gilfus is accused of stealing an iPod Touch from an employee of Darien Lake Theme Park.

Justin Ryan Smith, 31, of North Pearl Street, Oakfield, is charged felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .18 or greater and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. Smith was allegedly involved in an accident on North Pearl Steet, Oakfield, at 5:55 a.m. Sunday. The accident was investigated by Deputy Matt Fleming.

(name redacted, charges dismissed), 47, of Rochelle Drive, Churchville, is charged with coercion, 1st, criminal mischief, 4th, and menacing, 2nd. REDACTED allegedly coerced a woman while at her residence.

Press release:

For the fourth year in a row, Genesee County, New York has been recognized as one of the fastest growing Food Processing Industry Metros by Business Facilities, a national site selection publication.

The Agricultural and Food and Beverage Sector employs more than 1,500 workers in Genesee County, and throughout the Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region there are more than 20,000 employees within the Food and Beverage Cluster. This number has increased significantly in recent years with the opening of Alpina Foods, LLC, and Muller Quaker Dairy along with the expansion of other food processors in the County.

“The recent construction of two new food processing facilities demonstrates a substantial return on our investment in our Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC). “We are honored to be once again recognized by Business Facilities as it keeps us on the radar screen for site selectors throughout the United States and the world.”

The Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park encompasses 211 shovel-ready, pre-permitted acres strategically located between Western New York and the Finger Lakes region in Batavia, NY.  On site, there is access to low cost process water via a local aquifer, a short and main line rail access to move products, and large capacity municipal sewer and water. Through the support of National Grid and National Fuel the site has an enhanced utility infrastructure.

“Genesee County and our strategic partners, GCEDC, GCC, our utility companies, Farm East and other local governments like Batavia, Pembroke, Bergen, etc., made sure that nine-plus years of planning and preparation are paying off in terms of infrastructure, shovel-ready site, employment and training opportunities and good paying, long-term employment options for our community and the region,” said Mary Pat Hancock, chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature. “The vision and collaboration necessary to make this happen and to sustain development and progress is what our community has always been about.”

Alpina Foods, LLC, a leading dairy producing company in Colombia and South America, recently opened its first specialty yogurt manufacturing plant at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park. This is Alpina’s first United States facility and the company recently exceeded their original job commitments of 50 employees. PepsiCo, in a joint venture with German dairy company Theo Müller, also recently opened its own $206 million yogurt manufacturing facility, Muller Quaker Dairy, and as of June 2013 have hired 110 employees for their Batavia facility. 

“Food manufacturers value our region’s abundant milk supply and access to fresh water,” said Mark S. Peterson, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise. “These assets are just some of the reasons Genesee County has become a magnet for leading yogurt manufacturers such as Alpina Foods and Muller Quaker Dairy.”

“A wealth of agricultural assets, shovel-ready sites, transportation infrastructure and access to major U.S. and Canadian markets have helped to establish Genesee County as a leading location for the food processing industry,” said Thomas A. Kucharski, president and CEO of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise.

“Leading dairy companies like Alpina Foods, Muller Quaker Dairy, Yancey’s Fancy and O-AT-KA Milk are among the almost 400 food processing companies that have grown and prospered in Genesee County and the surrounding area,” Kucharski added.

By the time firefighters got the call at 2:28 a.m., a barn filled with hay at 2311 Bennett Road, Darien, was fully engulfed in flames.

At 9 a.m., firefighters were still on scene tending to smoldering hay bales with potentially hours of work still ahead of them.

A few firefighters who had been up practically all night had to leave for their day jobs.

Responding to the fire with Darien were East Pembroke, Indian Falls, Corfu and Alexander. Crittenden filled in at Corfu's hall and Alden filled in for Darien.

Water was drawn from a pond on Charlie Miller's property at Ellinwood and Brown roads.

The barn property is owned by Miller's Sonshine Acres, Inc.

The barn, of course, was a total loss, but firefighters said that was apparent from the moment they rolled up on scene. From that point, it was just a matter of knocking down the flames.

Reader submitted photo.

Info and photos submitted by Phil Mangefrida.

We had beautiful weather for the debut of the Andrea Mangefrida Memorial Basket Raffle.

We had 140 people show up for golf and dinner or just dinner, with 21 foursomes, not to mention people who just walked in, bought raffle tickets and left. Here are some pictures.

The dancers are from Clann Na Cara School of Irish Dance in Buffalo.

They are, from left: Kelly Patterson, Monica Panzer, Molly Mangefrida, Xavier Patrick Dzielski, and Sarah Ziarniak

The SkyDivers are from Western, NY Skydivers.

Money raised from this event went to the Andrea Mangefrida Memorial Fund at Stepping Stones Learning Center in Irondequoit.

A big thank you to everyone who donated their time, effort, and baskets for this event.

Josh Bachorski shared this picture from Friday of his sons at DeWitt Recreation Area.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Goo Goo Dolls Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

Matthew S. Conover, 28, Green Forrest Court, East Amherst, is charged with DWI, aggravated DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd, after allegedly operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and with a blood alcohol level of .18% or higher. Conover allegedly drove into a ditch inside the concert venue parking lot. Conover’s license to operate a motor vehicle was also suspended. Conover was jailed on $500 bail.

Antho G. Serrano Jr., 19, Dodge Road, Getzville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Riley T. Munger, 19, Greiner Hall, Buffalo, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Ty T. Buczkowski, 20, Wellington Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

The following people were cited for alleged possession or consumption of alcohol under age 21.

Benjamion P. Madafferi, 19, Amy Lane, Brockport
Brian M. Grablec, 20, Chapel Avenue, Cheektowaga
Samantha R. Christ, 19, Cottonwood Drive, Williamsville
Zachary T. Williams, 20, Fontaine Drive, Cheektowaga
Nicholas J. Perna, 19, Rosewood Drive, Williamsville
Kayla A. Palmeri, 18, Goodrich Road, Clarence Center
Thomas A. Amabile, 18, Elmhurst Street, Lakeview
Kevin L. Scherer, 19, North End Avenue, Kenmore
Taylor K. Eleming, 19, 62nd Street, Niagara Falls
Michael A. Corbeil Labarbara, 18, Sheffield Avenue, Buffalo
Robert E. Robinson, 17, Columbia Parkway, West Seneca
Patrick D. Oleary Jr., 18, Doncaster Road, Kenmore
(name redacted upon request), 17, Shenandoah Road, Buffalo
Faith R. Caldero, 16, Tuscarora Road, Buffalo
Mary C. Walsh, 19, Eden Street, Buffalo
David J. Miller, 19, Pomander Square, East Aurora

I have a photo assignment to shoot in Great Valley today so Billie and I will be away from the scanners. We're taking the opportunity on the way back to knock another item off our WNY bucket list: Letchworth Park.

Batavia High School's Class of 1953 has been celebrating its 60th reunion this weekend. Last night, they gathered at Bohn's for dinner.