Le Roy Fire Department is responding to a report of a home being struck by lightning at 7989 Oatka Trail Road. The possible lightening strike apparently set off the fire alarms at the house.
Elba firefighters are responding to a report of live electrical wires down at 5969 Oak Orchard Road. The report says there are flames visible.
UPDATE: The severe thunderstorm warning for Western New York was cancelled by the National Weather Service:
THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHERN ERIE...SOUTH CENTRAL GENESEE AND WYOMING COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...
AT 233 PM EDT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RADAR SHOWED THAT THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM THAT PROMPTED THE WARNING HAD WEAKENED AND WAS NO LONGER SEVERE...THUS THE WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
RADAR INDICATED THAT HEAVY RAIN...SMALL HAIL...AND GUSTY WINDS WERE STILL POSSIBLE FROM THE THUNDERSTORM.
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM EDT THURSDAY EVENING FOR WESTERN NEW YORK.
See the gathering dark clouds? The National Weather Service says that's the front of a severe thunderstorm about to hit Genesee County, and they make the warning fairly ominous:
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
THESE ARE DANGEROUS STORMS. IF YOU ARE IN THE PATH...PREPARE IMMEDIATELY FOR DAMAGING WINDS...DESTRUCTIVE HAIL...AND DEADLY CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. PEOPLE OUTSIDE SHOULD MOVE TO A SHELTER... PREFERABLY INSIDE A STRONG BUILDING BUT AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
As I write, I see lightening to the northwest.
Here's the rest of the alert:
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE BUFFALO NY 215 PM EDT THU JUN 25 2009
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BUFFALO HAS ISSUED A
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... NORTHERN ERIE COUNTY IN WESTERN NEW YORK SOUTHWESTERN GENESEE COUNTY IN WESTERN NEW YORK
* UNTIL 230 PM EDT
* AT 213 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING PENNY SIZE HAIL...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH. THESE STORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 8 MILES EAST OF AKRON TO ORCHARD PARK TO 7 MILES NORTHWEST OF DERBY...AND MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 30 MPH.
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE NEAR... MARILLA...ORCHARD PARK AND ALDEN BY 220 PM EDT... DERBY...DARIEN AND HAMBURG BY 225 PM EDT...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
THESE ARE DANGEROUS STORMS. IF YOU ARE IN THE PATH...PREPARE IMMEDIATELY FOR DAMAGING WINDS...DESTRUCTIVE HAIL...AND DEADLY CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. PEOPLE OUTSIDE SHOULD MOVE TO A SHELTER... PREFERABLY INSIDE A STRONG BUILDING BUT AWAY FROM WINDOWS.
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM EDT THURSDAY EVENING FOR WESTERN NEW YORK.
As long as just about anybody can remember the Stafford Trading Post has been located in the Odd Fellows building at the corner of Main and Transit, but that may change before long.
The Stafford Planning Board approved a site plan last night for the adjoining lot, 6167 Main Road.
Owner Tom Englarth has been seeking approval for construction of a building suitable to a convience store and deli for nearly a year. Englarth expects Shelley Macan-Mouery, the current owner of the Stafford Trading Post, to move her store to the new location.
Laughing after the meeting, Englarth said, "I've never worked so hard to spend so much money in my life.
The new building will be fronted by 17 parking spaces and have a dining area for up to 25 people.
The site plan application says the proposed business will employ three people fulltime. The board stipulated that the occupant cannot be open for business between midnight and 5 a.m.
Macan-Mouery said this morning she isn't ready to discuss the possible relocation.
The lot is part of the four corners area, which has been designated a historical district.
Linda Call, president of the Stafford Historical Society, expressed concern during the meeting that the new building won't fit within the historical nature of the district.
"This is the most historic section of the Town of Stafford," Call said. "Doesn't this represent a modern intrusion into the district?"
Code Enforcement Officer Lester Mullen noted the current lot is vacant.
"It would be nice to fill that lot with something that would be good for the town," Mullen said.
"We're certainly mindful of the historic nature of the district," said board member Sharon Valyear-Gray, "but the current owner of the Odd Fellows building hasn't done anything with it."
The site plan passed on a unanimous vote.
A case of H1N1, often misidentified as "swine flu," has been reportedly contracted by a member of the United Memorial Medical Center staff, according to Randy Garney, interim director of the health department for Genesee County.
Citing privacy concerns, UMMC spokeswoman Colleen Flynn said she could not share any information about the reported case. Flynn did confirm that a memo was sent to employees on Tuesday.
Garney indicated people should not dwell too much on where a case might be found, but realize H1N1 is prevalent throughout the state.
"The general public should realize it's here," Garney said.
People, he said, are largely unaware of how widespread H1N1 is at this point because most cases are never severe enough to lead to the person seeking medical attention.
But if you have flu-like symptoms, you have H1N1.
"It's considered H1N1 right now because we're beyond the flu season," Garney said. "If anybody has those symptoms, they should consider it H1N1."
Flu symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills and extreme tiredness.
While H1N1 is pervasive throughout New York, the fatality rate is very low, less than .1 percent.
"The more troubling part of H1N1 is that it's being more aggressive with five- to 21-year-olds," Garney said. "Flu is usually more aggressive with people over 65, but H1N1 is not bearing this out."
Because H1N1 is such a new strain, Garney said, there is still much scientists are trying to learn about the strain. It's possible that older people at one time contracted a variant of the strain in their younger years and now have some level of immunity.
Garney reiterated that people with flu-like symptoms should stay home and avoid as much as possible and avoid unnecessary contact with other people. Also, wash your hands and maintain other sanitary practices.
The land at 5981 Main Road is Stafford isn't good for much, according to Zoning Enforcement Officer Lester Mullen. You can't build a house on it and it's no good for agriculture because of the rocky structure under the surface.
The problem for years, though, is that it's zoned Agricultural/Residential.
Now the land has a use, and the Stafford Planning Board gave its blessing, after months of wrangling, to Bruce Scofield's plan to build a warehouse on the land.
Scofield runs roll-off container, fuel oil truck and refuse collection business. He plans to build a six-bay facility to store his trucks.
The facility is a perfect fit for the location, Mullen said, because unlike a house, it won't require septic. Septic requires digging, and apparently, you can't dig that deep on the parcel in question.
Two major considerations in the special use permit is that Scofield will not be allowed to store anything outside of the building and he must attractively landscape the front of the building along Route 5.
"The Town of Stafford gave a chance for him (A.D. Call) a chance to thrive, to succeed and that's all Mr. Scholfield is asking" his attorney Reid Whiting told the board. "He's just looking for an opportunity for his business to take off. It's a business that will be beneficial to Stafford. It will create jobs and tax revenues."
Andrew Kosiorek, 37, 53 W. Main St., #101, Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt and harassment following an alleged incident in Batavia. Kosiorek reportedly following a family dispute in which he allegedly struck another person. The person allegedly attacked is covered by a protection order.
Patricia M. Morris, 58, 5359 Horseshoe Lake Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI , driving with a BAC of .18 or more and driving left of road markings in a no passing zone. Morris was stopped following reports of erratic driving in the City of Batavia and Stafford.
Jennifer L. Heil, 26, 5690 Eagle Harbor Road, Oakfield, is charged with DWI,driving with a BAC of .18 or more and driving left of pavement markings. Heil was charged following a traffic stop in Stafford.
Two groups of farmers took a slow drive on the Thruway through Genesee County today, slowing traffic and sending a message to Albany about a proposed bill that opponents call the Farm Death Bill.
The bill would change farm labor law. Among the provisions, farmers would be required to pay workers time-and-half for overtime. Farmers say it would cost the New York agriculture industry $200 million and drive hundreds of farms in the state out of business.
The bill has already passed the Assembly and now awaits consideration by the dysfunctional Senate.
Le Roy dairy farmer Dale Stein, who helped lead the protest, said it appears the protest was effective. He received a call this evening and was told Gov. David Paterson heard about the protest and immediately called a meeting with the agricutlure commissioner to discuss the legislation.
Two groups of farmers -- one starting in Batavia and another Le Roy -- participated in the protest. The Batavia group, comprised of representatives from about 20 farms, headed east and the Le Roy group headed west. Each group drove 35 to 40 m.h.p., but blocked both lanes in each direction for only a portion of the drive.
Stein said he's heard of only one ticket being issued, to a van in the Le Roy group, and even though State Police were in the area of the eastbound group, no vehicles in that group were stopped.
The protest was organized, Stein said, on only about two or three hours notice.
Stein said State Police did not interfer with the eastbound protest, but he heard of a ticket being issued to a westbound driver.
Sgt. Derrick Harris of the State Police said that actually, six tickets were issued to westbound drivers. He said there were only six drivers involved in the westbound lanes. He said no action was taken in the eastbound lanes.
The Downtown Public Market opens in the morning at 9:30 a.m.
Vendors this year include: Lloyd Christ Farms, S & T Christ Farms, J & W Fresh Farm Produce, Nice Farms, Schwab Farms & Watt Farm, Alston’s BBQ Sauce, Genesee ARC (Handmade) Pet Products, Nonna’s Vegetable Plants & Crafts & Pressed Flowers by L. Regatuso, Posy Power Peddler
Jackson St. Grill & Belladessa’s Pizza will serve hots, hamburgers, pizza & refreshments from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
The market runs every Thursday for the season from 9:30 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Center and Ellicott.
Fire trucks are responding to Notre Dame High School for a tripped fire alarm. A custodian on scene reports no smoke nor fire seen. Crews on scene also report nothing showing.
An oven fire has been reported at 19 Hart St., Batavia. Fire engines are responding.
UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: Burnt food only.
The aptly named "Farm Death Bill" is going to be the subject of a protest today, but what I don't get ... on the Thruway?
Here's the announcement I just got:
There is going to be a caravan along the thruway this afternoon to protest the farm labor bill. The caravan will start at 3:45 PM today beginning at Boyle’s Motors on Route 98 in Batavia. From there they will head to the thruway. Anyone is welcome to participate driving whatever they would like. Any questions please call Maureen’s cell xxx-xxx-xxxx. We need as many people to participate as possible. Thank you.
So that's only 15 minutes from now.
But the Thruway? One of the very things that has helped to destroy WNY (diverting traffic from its city and towns), not to mention for any kind of visibility of the protest, it's going to be hard to follow or view for most people.
UPDATE: I'll have video and pictures shortly (in a separate post). Representatives from about 20 farms showed up, according to Dale Stein. The plan is to drive 40 m.p.h. doublewide out to Genesee Community College, and then merge into one lane. People while, another group started in Le Roy and is driving to Batavia. No idea on how big that group is right now. The area's best agricutlure reporter, Tom Rivers, was there, so look for his report in tomorrow's newspaper.
Batavia Police Youth Det. Todd Crossett completed his first marathon May 25 in 4 hours and 4 minutes, and it was for a worthy cause.
Crossett ran into the Buffalo Marathon to raise funds for the Royal Rangers, a scouting group of 30 boys supervised by Crossett.
He raised $400, which will help boys participation in the Royal Rangers. Many would not be able to attend camp outs without the funds, according to a BPD press release.
The micro-enterprise loan/grant program, which has been used by a number of businesses in downtown Batavia over the years to help them get started or expand is now available to any business in Genesee County, the Chamber of Commerce announced today.
The program provides cash for small businesses (five or fewer employees, including the owner) in a loan (75 percent) and grant (25 percent) format so businesses can hire more people, buy new equipment or make other business improvements that will lead to greater employment.
The program is designed to augment private funding sources when traditional loans are either unaffordable or unavailable.
Full press release after the jump:
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce announced today the availability of a micro-enterprise loan/grant program (75% loan, 25% grant) for small businesses located in Genesee County. The program is designed to augment private funding sources when other funding is unaffordable or unavailable. While standard commercial lending policies will apply, interest rates and repayment terms will feature affordability and flexibility generally not offered by banks.
Eligible borrowers must be micro-enterprise business owners with five employees or fewer (including the owner). Funds may be used for any legitimate business purpose including, but not limited to, capital equipment, inventory, and working capital.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity organization and therefore will not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, political affiliation, disability, or any category designated by Federal law.
For applications and/or program details, contact the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 210 East Main Street, Batavia, 585-343-7440.
Police are responding to Emory Upton's monument at Ellicott and Main.
A woman is there moving around mulch and fiddling with plants, telling a person there that she is cleaning up her father's grave.
Five great deals today:
Picasso's Pizza, 419 W. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: A great variety of pizza, subs and salads -- and try the wings, too. We have three $5 booklets of $1 gift certificates ($15 value) for $7.50. The gift certificates can be used collectively or individually).
O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St., Batavia, N.Y.: One of O'Lacy's most publisher dishes: Reuben Sandwich. Try it. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50
The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Whether you need just the right gift or a memorial or just want to brighten your own home or work place, The Enchanted Florist can put together just the right floral arrangement for you. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.
Valle Jewelers, 21 Jackson St., Batavia, N.Y.: One of Batavia's great stores. Valle carries charming an eye-catching items that are affordable. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.
Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St., Batavia, N.Y.: Plants, teas, herbs, mixes, a great place to shop to make your home more cozy and natural. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.
A $1 PayPal service fee applies (50 cents on items below $10)
Rules: The gift certificate must be used by within 30 days of purchase. It is not valid with other offers and has no cash value. People who have won a certificate in the past 30 days are not eligible to win a certificate from the same business as before. By state law, gift certificates cannot be used for alcohol purchase.
How to Win: Purchase using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below. After the first person to hit the "buy now" button completes the purchase, PayPal will let you know that the item has been sold. Ideally, the winner will arrange to stop by my office on Main Street to pick up gift certificate. Mail is an option, but it would be better to hand you the gift certificate.
If you want to be notified via e-mail of future Deals of the Day, sign up for the Deals of the Day e-mail list by clicking here.
Merchants: If you would like your business featured in Deal of the Day, call Howard Owens at 260-6970.
Valle Jewelers
SOLD
The Enchanted Florist
SOLD
O'Lacy's
SOLD
Herbly Wonderful
SOLD
Picasso's Pizza
SOLD
Scott A. Fehr, 34, 8378 Lake Road, Corfu, is charged with DWI. Fehr was reportedly found parked on Galloway Road. Further investigation revealed he allegedly hit a sight while turning left from Route 63 onto Galloway. He then allegedly left the scene without proper notification. He was also charged with a BAC of .08 or more and leaving the scene of a property damage accident without notification.
A 17-year-old employee of Darian Lake is accused of stealing $765 from the theme park. He is charged with petty larceny. The youth is from Strykersville.
Travis Bauer, 20, 4685 Crittenden Road, Akron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Bauer was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana during an investigation of a reported domestic dispute in Alabama.
Debra Farminger, 47, 24 Lewis Road, Akron is accused of pushing and hurting another family member during a domestic dispute in Alabama. She is charged with harassment in the second degree.
The three suspects in Thursday's bank heist in Elba have been indicted by the Genesee County Grand Jury on charges of robbery in the first degree, according to District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.
The trio will be arraigned on July 1.
The men were identifed after the robbery of the M&T Bank in Elba as Dennis M. Abrams, Jr, 26, of 202 Merrimac St., Buffalo; Demone D. Dillon, 25, 128 LaSalle Ave., Buffalo; and, Michael J. Wells, 24, 69 Camp St., Buffalo.
Following the robbery, the three men allegedly fled the scene leading to a massive multi-agency man hunt that lasted more than five hours.
Previously:
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