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Weather: Warming trend hitting town

By Howard B. Owens

Only in Western New York could people be excited about a warming trend that's going to lift the temperature to 30 degrees, but a "warming trend" starts Tuesday.

The high over the next four days is expected to range from 27 degrees to 31 degrees.

That's a big improvement over the minus-0 degrees we've had the past couple of days.

There is a chance of snow tomorrow afternoon and could be as much as one inch of accumulation Tuesday night and a chance of more snow on Wednesday.

But 30 degrees? Break out the short sleeve shirts!

Barn Picture: Route 33, near Bergen.

Police Beat: Darien man accused of resisting arrest

By Howard B. Owens

Ralph A. Golding, 20, of Darien, is charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd, resisting arrest, bail jumping and unlawful possession of marijuana. Golding was arrested at 10:28 a.m. Friday at 1891 Sumner Road by State Police. Also charged with obstructing governmental administration 2nd, Darlene D. Mutter, 45, of Corfu. No further information available.

Luis A. Altache, 40, of 4385 Lockport Road, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and speeding. Altache was stopped at 2:31 a.m Sunday by Deputy Howard Carlson in the Village of Elba for allegedly speeding.

Cory C. Sheffer, 19, of Bergen, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Sheffer was arrested at 2:40 a.m. Saturday at 6163 N. Lake Road, Bergen. A 17-year-old from Bergen was also arrested by State Police. No further information available.

Young driver not seriously hurt in Sunday morning accident

By Howard B. Owens

A teen-age driver was cited today for allegedly moving from lane unsafely following a single-vehicle rollover accident on Bloomingdale Road in Alabama.

Maria McCracken, 18, of Albion, was not seriously injured after her car turned on its side in a water-filled ditch.

The accident was reported at 11:17 a.m.

McCracken's 1999 Saturn reportedly struck a small sign post, damaging the sign.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.

Car rollover accident reported on Thruway in Pembroke area

By Howard B. Owens

There are unknown injuries following a one vehicle rollover accident on the Thruway at mile marker 401.

The vehicle turned over at least twice, according to multiple callers.

Pembroke and Indian Falls fire being dispatched as well as an ALS unit from Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 2:14 p.m.: All victims out of the car. No or very minor injuries. No ambulance transport anticipated.

Batavia Police looking for Alberty larceny suspect

By Howard B. Owens

Do you know this man? He's wanted by the Batavia Police as a suspect in a larceny at Alberty Drug Store on East Main Street, Batavia.

The incident occurred Wednesday about 6:30 p.m The suspect was last seen on foot heading toward Jackson Street.

No word on what he is suspected of stealing.

Anyone with information can contact the Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350.

Semi reportedly rolls over car on Route 19

By Howard B. Owens

A tractor-trailer reportedly rolled over a car at the intersection of routes 19 and 33.

One person is trapped in the car and reportedly in and out of consciousness.

Bergen Fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

Mercy Flight is grounded by weather.

UPDATE 12:31 a.m.: The passenger is out. The driver remains entrapped and is semi-conscious.

UPDATE 12:40 a.m.: Patient extricated.

UPDATE 9:10 am.: The driver was Baxter K. Ritsema, 17, of 2373 Reed Road, Bergen. He is listed in guarded condition at Strong Memorial Hospital. His passenger, Gabriel S. Ritsema, was treated at the scene for minor injuries. According to a report by Deputy Eric Seppala, Baxter was driving a 1997 Suzuki SUV and pulled out of a parking lot onto Route 33, right in front of a tractor-trailer driven by Michael G. Lewis, of Lockport, which was northbound.


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Elba elementary students meet a parrot and learn about writing

By Howard B. Owens

The K-6 students of Elba Central School got to meet a parrot and learn about writing Friday morning in an assembly conducted by Academic Entertainment.

According to Principle Jason Smith, who supplied the picture, students were led through an exercise that involved them describing a favorite pet, and then the group leader brought out the parrot.

Song engineered by Batavia High grad up for Grammy nomination

By Howard B. Owens

Last week, when the Grammy nominations were announced, the category for Best Country Instrumental Performance included the song Under The (Five) Wire, by Alison Brown.

Now, that may not mean much to most readers of The Batavian, but it means a lot to the Bohn family of Batavia.

The audio engineer on the recording was John J. Bohn, a 2003 graduate of Batavia High as well as a 2006 graduate of the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. 

Roger Bohn tells us that John lives in Nashville with is wife and son.

You can hear more of John's work on his MySpace page.

Five injured in Friday morning accident on Route 63

By Howard B. Owens

Five people were injured Friday morning in an accident at the intersection of Route 63 and Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road when the driver of one car reportedly "forgot the stop sign was there."

Charles F. Monnen III, 24, of 1720 Hyde Park Blvd., lower, was reportedly driving westbound on Batavia-Oakefield when he allegedly failed to yield the right of way at Route 63.

His 2005 Ford sedan struck a car driven by Carmela A. Cling, 56, of 4528 Mack Road, Gasport.

The accident occurred at 7:13 a.m.

The drivers and all occupants of both cars were injured.

Susan M. Rozanski, 19, was transported by ground ambulance to Erie County Medical Center.

The other four patients were taken to UMMC.

Also reportedly injured were Kelsey McGill, 18, and Celena M. Grossman, 18.

Rozanski, McGill and Grossman were all passengers in Monnen's car.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Brad Mazur.

'Fast track to nowhere' coming to Genesee County

By Howard B. Owens

If you live in Byron and commute to Riga, you're in luck -- the trip is going to get much faster.

High-speed rail is coming to Genesee County, according to Congresswoman Louise Slaughter.

But it won't get you to Albany or New York City. It won't even get you to Rochester or Buffalo. But it will get you to Riga.

A more extensive high-speed-rail system would cost billions and President Obama didn't bless New York with that much money.

He earmarked just $150 million for a "demonstration project."

The tracks will lay beside a current rail line, but engineered so existing Amtrak trains can obtain a speed of 110 mph, compared to the current top speed of 79 mph.

Here's the D&C story.

UPDATE: WBTA's Geoff Redick interviewed Victoria Dillon (mp3) from Rep. Slaughter's office. Dillon reveals this stretch of track will not connect with anything. No train will run on it. It's just a third rail. Linking it into any other system, "would create extra crossing that we would just have to get rid of," Dillon said.  She calls it "an important first step."

Weather: some snow, lots of cold in the forecast

By Howard B. Owens

Currently, there are no warnings, advisories or watches from the National Weather Service, just an anticipation tonight of very cold temperatures.

It will be cold tomorrow, too, with temperatures dipping below 20 degrees.

And there will likely be some more snow -- flurries this afternoon and a little snow tonight, and about a 60-percent chance of snow tomorrow.

The wind will blow at about 15 mph tomorrow.

Today's Deals: Alex's, T.F. Brown's, South Main, Delavan's and more

By Howard B. Owens

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

T.F. Brown's, at 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 happensin sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When it's time for a great hamburger, Jackson St. Grill will serve you among the best around. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Kravings Kafe, Valu Plaza, W. Main Street, Batavia, NY: Recently opened, it offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: 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 $10. A great Valentine's gift!

Sallome's Italian Deli, 40 Oak St., Batavia, NY: Wraps, subs, paninis and pasta as well as pizzas -- Sallome's offers a tasty variety of Italian deli items for eat-in or take-out.

Delavan's Restaurant and Tavern, 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.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Now in stock: Of course, flowers are the perfect give for Valentine's Day. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.50.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card 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

Sex offenders, convicts out of jail and suspects get surprise visits from local law enforcement

By Howard B. Owens

Local law enforcement agencies conducted a sweep of the area last night checking on registered sex offenders and convicts on probation or parole.

In all, about 100 people received an unexpected visit from a plain clothes or uniformed cop.

Five arrests were made on outstanding warrants and nine people were found out of compliance with the terms of their release.

A total of 50 registered sex offenders had their current addresses verified.

Sixteen people out of jail under the supervision of Genesee Justice were checked, and three people were reportedly found out of compliance of the terms of their release. Those cases were referred to Genesee Justice for further review.

Fifteen people under the supervision of the county probation department were checked, and two were reportedly found out of compliance of the terms of their release. The investigation is continuing on these cases.

Eighteen New York parolees were checked on and four were reportedly found out of compliance of the terms of their parole. The investigation is continuing on these cases.

Arrested on outstanding warrants were five Batavians: 

  • Gary Amarosa, 52, of 4029 W. Main St. Road.
  • Thomas Kennelly, 26, of 16 Maple St.
  • Raquel Ramos, 29, of 329 Ellicott St.
  • Ballard Maye, 23, of 35 Maple St.
  • Kirk Frye, 20, of 3207 Pratt Road

Participating in the sweep were City of Batavia Police, Genesee County Probation, New York State Division of Parole, Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force.

Four people treated for injuries following accident in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

Limited visibility because of snow apparently contributed to an accident in Elba yesterday that sent four people to UMMC for treatment of minor injuries.

Marth G. Horton, 48, of East Branch, stopped at the intersection of Route 262 and Norton Road and then proceeded to cross 262. Her car reportedly struck a vehicle driven by Kathleen M. Kowalczyk, 35, of 30 Farnsworth Ave., Oakfield.

Horton was cited for alleged failure to yield right-of-way.

Also transported to UMMC were 77-year-old Catherine M. Horton and three-year-old Erin C. Lincoln.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Chad Minuto.

(Initial Report)

A dispute over marijuana leads to fight, according to Le Roy Police

By Howard B. Owens

A Le Roy man allegedly stole marijuana from a suspected drug dealer, who then brought friends back from Batavia, leading to a fight at 31 Myrtle St., Le Roy, on Jan. 23.

Sought in connection with the fight is James J. Santiago Jr., 30, of 31 Myrtle St., Le Roy. The arrest warrant charges him with robbery 3rd (stealing the marijuana), assault 2nd and criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. (Santiago is pictured left.)

Already in custody is Ronald G. Carney, 21, of 1990 Genesee Street Road, Corfu. Carney, who reportedly suffered a three-inch cut to his neck in the fight, is charged with burglary 2nd. Carney is accused of entering Santiago's home with the intent to commit a crime. He was jailed on $1,000 bail. (Carney is pictured below.)

According to Le Roy Police Det. John Condidorio, two Le Roy residents ordered two ounces of marijuana from a dealer in Batavia. The deal was to take place around 10 p.m. in a parking lot on Lake Street. As the deal went down, Santiago allegedly stole the marijuana and fled with two other men.

The person who had the marijuana stolen called friends in Batavia. He then returned to Batavia and met up with five other people, and all six reportedly returned to Le Roy with the intent of recovering the marijuana.

The six individuals arrived in Le Roy and walked into Santiago's home and reportedly confronted Santiago. Santiago allegedly refused to return the marijuana, and the confrontation reportedly became physical.

Police say the weapons used in the fight included a knife and golf clubs.

There were initially reports of shots fired, but Le Roy Police have been unable to corroborate the use of a gun in the incident.

A total of nine people were involved in the alleged melee.

The six people who attempted to retrieve the marijuana fled the scene without it, according to police.

A total of three people, including Carney, suffered knife cuts and were treated and released at area hospitals, according to police.

The investigation is continuing and further arrests are pending.

The Le Roy Police are seeking the public's help in locating Santiago.

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