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Weather Watch: More cold and snow

By Howard B. Owens

We might see a little sun on what Weather Underground calls a "partly cloudy" day, but we're more likely to see a little more snow.

Temperatures will hover in the mid 20s.

And looking forward over the next few days, the cold and dabs of snow is likely to continue.

Wanted by Sheriff's Office: Gene S. Schmidt

By Howard B. Owens

Wanted by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office: Gene S. Schmidt. The Sheriff's Office has two warrants for Schmidt: Alleged violation of probation and alleged harassment 2nd. Any information on his whereabouts can be provided to the Sheriff's Office at (585) 343-5000.

Teller accused of stealing $45,000 from Bank of Castile in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

A 43-year-old teller for Bank of Castile is accused of stealing $45,000 from the Le Roy branch where she worked.

Tracy L. Smith, of 77 Rochester St., Bergen, was arrested by Le Roy Police Detective John Condidorio after a lengthy investigation.

Condidorio says that Smith's alleged thefts began in 2007 when she stole $20,000 from her cash drawer over a period of time. Smith allegedly manipulated the accounting system to cover up the theft.

Then, starting in June 2008 and continuing until December, Smith allegedly forged checks and deposit slips to steal another $25,000.

An alleged attempt by Smith to cover her tracks by removing a $20,000 lump sum from a cash delivery is what caused an investigation into her conduct to begin.

Smith is charged with two counts of grand larceny 3rd and four counts of forgery 2nd.

The Bank of Castile, through the Le Roy Police Department, is asking customers to review bank statements and notify the bank immediately if any unusual activity is found.

Assisting in the investigation was the Buffalo office of the FBI and the Bank of Castile.

Tire comes off truck, strikes car and two people are injured

By Howard B. Owens

Two people were injured Tuesday when a tired came off a truck and struck their car.

The truck driver was not cited following the accident that sent Marcia Gere, 63, and Colleen Gere to UMMC by ambulance for treatment.

Marcia reportedly suffered whiplash and Colleen was reportedly in shock and complaining of chest pain.

The truck is owned by Hanson Aggregates of Pavilion. It was driven by Michael J. Walker, 56, of Pavilion.

The accident occurred at 11:41 a.m. on Route 5 in Stafford.

Walker had a proper overweight permit, according to Deputy Brian Thompson, who investigated the accident.

Police Beat: Man accused of stalking ex-wife via text messages

By Howard B. Owens

Jeffery Owen Coats, 45, of 10553 Bethany Center Road, Bethany, is charged with stalking 4th. Coats is accused to sending text messages to his ex-wife after State Police ordered him to stop texting her.

A 16-year-old from Batavia has been charged with menacing 2nd. The boy is accused of brandishing a large kitchen knife during a domestic dispute.

Weather Watch: Only a chance of snow today.

By Howard B. Owens

There could be some snow today, or even a freezing drizzle, but mostly it's going to be cloudy and cold.

The expected high is 22 degrees.

The wind could blow from 10 to 20 mph.

Icy conditions make for slick driving

By Howard B. Owens

We're hearing reports this morning of several non-injury accidents throughout Genesee County.

I-490 seems to be a particularly slick area with at least three accidents, including a rollover, and several cars off the road.

One patrol officer noted that even after DOT salted, drivers were not slowing down and cars were sliding off the highway at the rate one every five or 10 minutes.

Pavilion dominates in second game of Batavia Rotary tournament

By Howard B. Owens

Pavilion beat Batavia 52-25 in game two of the Batavia Rotary Girls Basketball Tournament last night at GCC.  Pavilion moves to 6-0.

For Pavilion, Amie Brooks scored 21 points. Danielle Tallo added 9.

For Batavia, Michelle Jordan scored 6 points and Lashonna Mims added 5.

More pictures after the jump:

Notre Dame wins first game of Batavia Rotary tournament

By Howard B. Owens

Notre Dame (7-1) beat Alexander 56-43 in game one of the Batavia Rotary Girls Basketball Tournament.

Liz Geandreau scored 16 points and had 11 rebounds for Notre Dame. Trish Pike had 12 points, five rebounds and three steals.

For Alexander, Anna Dominick scored 17 points and Chelsea Turcer added 11.

This was the first appearance for Alexander in the annual tournament.

More pictures after the jump:

 

 

Young players get a shot during Rotary Tournament

By Howard B. Owens

During the half times of last night's Rotary Girls Basketball tournament, area elementary school-age girls played their own games. After the jump are more pictures from those games.

 

 

 

Co-owner of Latina Market location says group actively trying to sell property

By Howard B. Owens

It's a big question that figures into any conversation people have about business in Downtown Batavia -- what's the future of Latina's Market?

The empty hulk on Jackson and Ellicott sits like a concrete elephant that obscures any notion of increasing Downtown's business vibrancy.

And conventional wisdom around town is that a trio of lawyers in Buffalo owns it and has no intention of doing anything with it -- they're happy to just let it sit.

"That's (bunk)," said co-owner Vito Gautieri during an interview today. 

Local business man Gautieri is a co-owner and broker of the building that has served as a location for Montgomery Ward, Super Duper and Jubilee as well as Latina's over the past 20 years.

Gautieri said he's trying to lease or sell the 40,000 square foot building (which also has 11,000 square feet of office space above the retail floor).

"We've been spending tons of money trying to find a buyer," Gautieri said. "We've showed it 10 or 12 times in the past year. "

Gautieri's partners are indeed a group of lawyers in Buffalo, but he said they are just as anxious as anybody else to see the building sold or leased.

Don Burkle, director of the Batavia Improvement District, said it's good news if the owners are indeed trying to sell the building, but he's been unaware of any effort to sell or lease the building and that there's never been any response from the current ownership whenever the BID has referred potential buyers.

The BID is very interested in seeing a grocery store go into the location, or maybe it could serve as a retail business incubator, or perhaps a hotel and convention center could be built on the location -- anything that would help downtown would interest the BID, Burkle said.

"(The building) has a lot of potential and any grocery store in that location would certainly enhance downtown," Burkle said.

Gauiteri said the asking price on the location is $1.8 million.

In 2008, the property was assessed at $700,000.

One obvious potential buyer is Ken Mistler, who just opened a new gym and a coffee shop at the corner of Main and Jackson and has a history of buying downtown buildings -- he owns 10 now -- and renovating them.

Both Gauiteri and Mistler confirmed they've talked about the building, but it doesn't sound like there are any ongoing negotiations.

Mistler said he's both concerned about the vacant building and, now that his gym is open, wonders what will happen to parking if anything is opened in that location.

"That's a big vacancy and any possible business that might want to come Downtown looks at that big vacant building and starts asking why?" Mislter said in between signing up new gym memberships this afternoon. "We know it has a negative impact on Downtown when it's such a massive location and it's empty. But I also think, what if it is filled? What is the city going to do about parking? Did you see the parking lot last night -- people were parking down by South Beach and we (the gym) opened only four days ago."

Old Batavia captured in paintings at nursing home

By Howard B. Owens

burr_downtown_detail.jpg

Several weeks ago, I ran into local musician Bill McDonald in the parking lot at Tops, and as it usually does, our conversation ranged from music to all things local. He asked me if I had ever seen the paintings of old Downtown Batavia in the Genesee County Nursing Home. I didn't even know about them.

So yesterday, since I needed to stop by the nursing home anyway, I decided to make a special point of seeking out the paintings and taking a couple of pictures.

The paintings are truly stunning and great art. I'm sure they would be especially appreciated by anybody who remembers Batavia as it once was.

They are the work Patricia Burr, an artist from Elba.

I believe there are eight panels total (forgot to take an exact count). Above is a detail of one panel and two more panels below. 

I'm not sure how the staff at the home would feel about a bunch of people showing up to gaze at the paintings, but they are worth the trip.

downtown_painting01.jpg

burr_downtown03.jpg

Patti Pacino sworn in this morning as Second Ward councilwoman

By Howard B. Owens

Patti Pacino said she showed up to City Hall 10 minutes early this morning ... just to make sure.

Pacino, who said she thought last night's Council meeting was at the usual 7 p.m., missed the 6 p.m. meeting where she was slated to take the oath of office.

So Pacino was sworn in at 9 a.m. by Deputy Clerk Aimslee Cassidy.

The long-time community activist replaces Marianne Clattenburg, who was elected to an at-large seat in November.

Today's Deals: Center Street, T.F. Brown's, Matty's, Delavan's, Sallome's, South Main

By Howard B. 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 $25 gift card 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 happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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.

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.

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

SOLD OUT

Weather Watch: More snow today

By Howard B. Owens

Both WeatherUnderground and Weather.com are predicting snow for the Batavia area today.

It seems that some level of snow showers -- with some possibility of lake effect snow -- are likely all day. Accumulations could be around 2 to 3 inches.

Temperatures will hover in the high teens with light winds.

Ward 2 rep appointment approved in absentia; Clattenburg new council president

By Howard B. Owens

Patti Pacino said a little while ago that she thought she was doing really well to get to City Hall a bit after 6:30 p.m.

"I'm normally running late, but tonight I was feeling so proud to show up early," Pacino said.

Problem was, the Batavia City Council meeting didn't start at its usual 7 p.m. time. It started at 6 p.m.  By the time Pacino arrived, almost everybody else had left.

Still, the council approved Pacino's appointment to the Ward 2 seat vacated by Marianne Clattenburg by a unanimous vote.

Pacino will be sworn in at 9 a.m. in the City Manager's office.

Meanwhile, Clattenburg, who won an at-large seat in the November election, assumed the role of City Council president.

"In moving forward, the city needs to focus more on planning," Clattenburg said in a speech after assuming the president's chair. "It will be my recommendation that this council works together to develop a strategic plan for the future. We must set our priorities and develop polices that address the most urgent needs of the city."

AUDIO: Full speech (mp3, courtesy WBTA)

The motion to appoint Clattenburg was made by Frank Ferrando. Democrats Rose Mary Christian and Kathy Briggs rushed to second the motion. Clattenburg was appointed to the chair unanimously.

At the end of the meeting, Clattenburg thanked outgoing Council President Charlie Mallow for his service and, on behalf of the council, presented him with a plaque.

Batavia mother accused of hurting baby

By Howard B. Owens

A 21-year-old Batavia mother is accused of hurting her baby after the infant would not stop crying.

Nikki Stonebraker, of 25 Vine St., is charged with assault 2nd and endangering the welfare of a child.

She was jailed on $10,000 bail.

Stonebraker allegedly placed her hand over the 6-month-old infant's mouth and pushed down after the baby's cries awoke her around 11 a.m. on Dec. 21.

Batavia Police say the baby is doing fine now and has been placed with the father.

County nursing home isn't up for sale, but the option is part of a proposed study

By Howard B. Owens

BATAVIA, NY -- Contrary to the perception that might be out there, there is no "for sale" sign hanging on the Genesee County Nursing Home.

That doesn't mean the county couldn't seek a buyer, but according to County Manager Jay Gsell, the only thing the county is doing right now is looking for a consultant to help it study options for dealing with escalating costs associated with the home.

One of those options is sale, which is what has former legislature candidate Chris Charvella so concerned.

Charvella has been drafted to organize and speak for a group of concerned citizens -- including some residents of the home -- seeking to block any possible sale, even before the option is fully studied.

"I realize it's not set in stone," Charvella said. "But our county government has a history of looking for sale as the first option rather than fully considering other options."

The local businessman is pretty convinced that given the option, the legislature would seek a buyer for the home pretty quickly.

"The County Legislature's first duty is to the taxpaying citizens and this is an essential service," Charvella said. "We have people who pay taxes here their entire lives and expect this safety-net option."

Human Services Committee Chairwoman Esther Leadley said that, of course, sale is an option. It has to be, she said, if the Legislature is to act responsibly in protecting the interests of taxpayers.

The county is in a difficult position, she said.

"This has been coming at us like a freight train and we're sitting on the tracks," Leadley said. "The taxpayers are sitting on the tracks and we can't let them stay there. This is something that we're not rah-rah to do. It is something that we've got to look at."

Last month, the county put out a request-for-proposal seeking bids from potential consultants. The RFP spells out clearly what the county is looking for:

"Genesee County, New York, a non-chartered county government located in western New York between Buffalo and Rochester is seeking a professional service/consultant to assist the County in evaluating its options for the operation, management and/or sale of its 160 bed Skilled Nursing Facility and adjoined 80 bed Public Adult Home which comprise a complete long term care facility located at 278 Banks Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  Said service/consultant will be asked to assist the County in outlining options for future public and/or private ownership/operation of the present 240 bed facility and to help the County develop a strategy and plan of action for going forward with said facility and residents."

The big-cost bullet the county is looking to dodge, according to Gsell, is escalating personnel costs, especially in regard to benefits.

"Public employees cost more than private-sector employees and that's the kind of thing we will factor in where this going," Gsell said.

Gsell said that he wouldn't expect any current employees to lose their jobs if the facility was sold or operation was turned over to a private company. Because of the skills and experience required for such a facility, any new provider would almost certainly need to keep the current staff.

He also said the level of service would unlikely change, because of all the state mandates on such a facility.

Charvella isn't convinced service wouldn't suffer.

"If the margins are so thin, then a private company is going to pay more attention to the bottom line rather than patient care," Charvella said.

If the county did sell or lease the facility, Gsell said the local government would still have a substantial cost burden associated with its ongoing operation. The county would still pay more than $1.6 million in social services, such as its share of Medicaid payments, to keep the facility open. The consultant will be asked what the ongoing costs to the county will be with any of the possible options.

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