Stories from

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Men, enjoy a $5 haircut again with this offer exclusive to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

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.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Time to visit Pudgie's and buy your Christmas tree. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Brighten up your home or office with flowers! We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.50.

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.

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.

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

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

SOLD OUT

Billie and I arrived home just before noon today. Pretty much, our normal work routine begins tomorrow.

A woman who was shot in her arm during an alleged domestic dispute in Le Roy on Wednesday has been charged with a pair of crimes stemming from the incident.

Michelle L. Baumgart reportedly grabbed a hand gun belonging to Robert M. Jackson during the reported argument and in the ensuing struggle, the gun discharged.

Baumgart was arrested last night at 10:28 and charged with reckless endangerment in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon.

She was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice following her arraignment.

At the time of the alleged incident, there were reportedly two children in the home at 8800 Keeney Road, Le Roy.

Michael P. Murphy, 24, of 38 Columbia Ave., Batavia, is charged with assault in the third degree and harassment. Murphy is accused of entering his brother's residence and pulling him out of bed and punching him in the back of the head. He allegedly pulled his arm in such a way as to injure his brother. Murphy's brother was treated at UMMC and released. Murphy was held on $2,500 bail.

David R. Gross, 19, of 7421 Seldon Road, Le Roy and two teen-agers also from Le Roy have been charged with petit larceny and possession of alcohol under 21. The trio allegedly stole alcohol from Tops.

Susan M. Shell, 28, of 2226 12th Place, Washington, D.C., is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and improper tail light. Shell was reportedly stopped on East Main Street by Officer Dan Coffey on Saturday at 12:53 a.m. for the alleged broken tail-light.

John W. Szabo, 54, of 9233 Main St., Lot 50, Clarence, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle and failure to notify DMV of a change of address. Deputy James Diehl responded to a "check the welfare" for a car parked on Route 77 in Alabama. Diehl reportedly found Szabo in his car allegedly intoxicated and with an open container.

John D. Baudhuin, 28, of 92 Marks Place, Apt. 3E, Staten Island, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and failure to keep right. Baudhuin was stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves on Route 33 in Pembroke for an alleged traffic violation and found to allegedly be driving drunk.

Joseph Isadore Brenon, 58, of 349 Wright Road, Alabama, is charged with menacing in the third degree. Brenon allegedly verbally threatened a person.

Jacquelyn M. Siverling, 28, of 3747 S. Main St. Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08, a speed-zone violation and failure to keep right. Siverling was reportedly spotted driving 51 mph on West Main Street by Officer Darryle Streeter on Wednesday. Her vehicle was pulled over in the parking lot of Billy Goats.

Brian A. Merritt, 35, of Alexander, has been arrested by State Police and charged with unlawful imprisonment and criminal contempt. The alleged incident was reported at 12:10 a.m. Sunday. No further details were released.

The new coffee shop/juice bar at the corner of Main and Jackson opens at 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Owner Ken Mistler said he will be on hand throughout the day to provide tours of the adjacent gym, which should open in a few weeks.

One of the unique features of the new shop is that a number of the drinks are named after people and businesses downtown. For example, you can stop in and order The Batavian, which is a strawberry smoothie with banana chucks mixed in and dark chocolate shavings on top.

A Sheriff's deputy was injured in a two-vehicle accident on MacComber Road this evening.

Deputy Kevin McCarthy suffered minor cuts and a possible concussion in the accident which occurred at 5:26 p.m..

McCarthy's patrol car struck a 1999 Ford pickup truck that three people pushed out onto MacComber Road a mile north of Townline Road in Alabama.

The three people managed to jump clear of the truck before the collision. A 17-year-old, Chase E. Winkstern, of 8344 Powers Road, was reportedly behind the while of the disabled pickup truck. He was not injured.

The disabled pickup truck was being pushed out from the front lawn of 7286 MacComber Road. A second pickup truck was parked facing north in the northbound lane with its headlights on. It was not struck.

Both trucks are reportedly owned by Del-Mar Farms, 3111 Pratt Road, Batavia.

McCarthy was transported by Mercy EMS to UMMC where he was treated and released.

The accident remains under investigation. The Sheriff's Office press release listed no possible charges and didn't say whether charges are being considered.

After a fall from a second-story window, a two-year-old girl has been taken to Strong Memorial Hospital by Mercy Flight.

The unidentified girl fell at 8:50 a.m. from the window of a residence at 45 Central Avenue.

(Via WBTA)

Jason John Reed, 33, of 33 Sunset Parkway, Oakfield, is charged with felony DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation and endangering the welfare of a child. Reed was stopped at 2:06 a.m. Thursday near 18 Coe Ave. in Oakfield by Deputy Jason Saile.

Tersa M. Kabel, 36, of Batavia was stopped by State Police on Route 33 in Bergen, Thursday at 11:29 a.m. and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and aggravated unlicensed operation.

Daniel P. Callahan, 25, of Batavia, is charged by State Police with unlawful possession of marijuana. Callahan was arrested this morning at 12:10 in Batavia.

Great Kutz, in the Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Men, enjoy a $5 haircut again with this offer exclusive to The Batavian. (gift card can be applied toward other services, but not products).

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, Sallome's offers a tasty variety of Italian deli items for eat-in or take-out.

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.

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.

Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles, 8 Center St., Batavia, NY: 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.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Pizza, wings, subs and even hamburgers and hot dogs, Main St. Pizza makes everything deliciously. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

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.

Present Tense Books and Gifts, 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY: Whether your taste runs to local authors, the finest in fiction or nonfiction or you're looking for a unique and special gift, this charming store in a cozy Victorian house on the edge of downtown is a great place to stop and shop. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $15 gift card for $7.50.

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St. Batavia, NY: In Irish pubs, it doesn't get more authentic than O'Lacy's. Be sure to try the homemade chips. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Carlson's Studio, 39 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Family photos are more than just photographs. When you need photos for that special occasion, Carlson's is a great choice in Genesee County. We have a $50 gift card for $25.

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.

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.

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

Jackson St. Grill, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Try the fresh, skinless haddock fish fry on Fridays. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Total Image - Dawn Williams, 226 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Dawn offers clipper cuts for men, women and children, as well as coloring, highlights, perms and waxing. We have a $22 gift certificate for $11.

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

Black Friday shopping at Walmart was disrupted this morning by a small fire in the back of the store, according to County Legislator Jay Grasso, who was there shopping.

The entire store was evacuated, he said, with people leaving behind shopping carts of merchandise.

"It was orderly, but people were not happy," he said.

We have no further information available at this time.

The Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting that occurred at 8800 Keeney Road, Le Roy, last night at 9:41.

The victim was shot in the arm and transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by Le Roy Ambulance. She is scheduled to be released following treatment.

The shooting occurred during an apparent domestic dispute but is characterized as non-intentional.

Wounded was Michelle L. Baumgart.

The gun belonged to Robert M. Jackson, according to the Sheriff's Office. Jackson was holding the gun during a struggle with Baumgart when it discharged, according to the report. The gun discharged during the struggle.  From the report, It's not clear who was holding the gun at the time.

Jackson and the two children in the house were not harmed.

No charges were listed in the Sheriff's Office press release.

The investigation is ongoing and being conducted by Deputy Christopher Parker, Deputy Chad Minuto and Sgt. Gregory Walker.

Whatever Thanksgiving means to you, Billie and I would like to wish you and your family a happy and good day.

We're grateful that we can spend the day with our family.

While we are many miles away from our new home in Batavia, we are also grateful to all the people who have welcomed us to the community and become our friends.

Thank you to all the readers of The Batavian. We appreciate your support.

And, of course, without all of the businesses -- the owners of many of these businesses have also become our friends -- there would be no Web site. 

We're thankful for all of this support.  We're having a great time doing what we're doing. For me, it's probably the best job I've ever had. There simply is nothing else I would rather be doing. Thank you.

We invite you to use the comments on this post to tell us what you're thankful for.

Michael Todd Dibble, 18, of 1313 Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful dealing with fireworks. Dibble was stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves in Pembroke for alleged traffic violations. During the investigation, Dibble was found to allegedly possess marijuana and fireworks.

Timothy P. Young, 47, of Batavia, was arrested by State Police at 8:45 p.m. and charged with unlawful imprisonment, criminal mischief, criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, harassment, and two counts of acting in a manner to injure a child. He was jailed without bail. No further details were released.

A 55-year-old Batavia man is in the hospital tonight after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on Center Street.

The unidentified victim was riding a three-wheel bicycle at about 5:52 p.m. on Center near School Street.

He was transported to the hospital via Mercy Flight and suffered internal injuries.

The vehicle that hit the cyclist was described as a dark colored, possibly black, older pickup truck. The driver fled the scene and may have turned south on Jackson Street from Ellicott Street.

Anybody with information about the accident are asked to call the Batavia Police at 345-6350.

Photo courtesy WBTA.

Sen. Charles Schumer was in Batavia yesterday to tell local dairy farmers that he is working to bring in federal dollars to help their beleaguered industry.

But he also gave a pep talk for America. WBTA posted the audio (MP3).

Here’s the truth. People do’t like to hear it, but it’s the truth. For the last 15 years under Democratic and Republican presidents, here’s what America did: We consumed more than we produced. We borrowed more than we saved. We imported more than we exported.  We were the great production giant of the world. In the last 15 or 20 years, you know what we were? This big giant, big muscles, strong, astride the globe, stuffing our face with candy.

Schumer said Americans need to become a nation of producers again -- saving and exporting, rather than spending and importing.

But America has one advantage, Schumer said: there's no barrier to any person doing whatever he or she wants with his or her life.

We’ve gotten off track. We’ve gotten too fat. We can get back on track. Only America has the system that says, ‘I don’t care who you are, how much money you have, what your daddy did, or mom, you can achieve the stars if you work hard.' So the $64,000 question is, what are the policies that get us back and we’ll be giant again.

Photo courtesy WBTA.

As we wind into the holiday season, Batavia Police are reminding businesses that sell alcohol that it's illegal to sell wine, beer and liquor to people under 21 years of age.

There will be compliance checks during the holiday season, the Batavia Police Department announced this morning.

"The Batavia Police are reminding all establishments where alcohol is served or sold to remember to be carefully checking for the proper ID of the customer or consumer who is purchasing the alcohol," reads the police statement "The police along with the community’s goal is to deter underage persons from purchasing alcohol without proper identification."

Employees are encouraged to carefully check IDs.

They should also be on the look out for customers of legal age buying booze for minors. A common practice to look for, according to police, is a customer who buys a large amount of alcohol with small bills and then delivers the packages to a waiting car. Employees who observe such activity are encouraged to contact police.