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Above, local volunteer firefighters practice evacuating a smoke-filled building on Main in LeRoy. The haziness provides some idea of what visibility might be like during an actual rescue operation. In this case, the smoke is only simulated.

More than 40 firefighters from LeRoy, Stafford and Pavilion participated in Monday night's drill. First Assistant Fire Chief Michael T. Sheflin submitted the pictures.

The building is an old house on the site of the proposed Wal-Mart in LeRoy. The structure was donated to the LeRoy fire department by the chain for use as a training facility. In previous training exercises, Bergen and Caledonia have used the building.

Sheflin writes:

Monday nights drill was search and rescue, teams entered the structure through the side door and through a second story window using a 35' extension ladder. As you can see in the photos, smoke condition and visabilty were limited. Using search and rescue techniques teams located victims ( training dummies that weight 145 lbs ) and removed them from the building using both the entrance way and the ladder. As the photos show, the Le Roy Fire Dept as well as the rest of the fire departments in the area are trained in search and resuce as well as building evacuations.

Shefin added:

If anyone one is interested in joining there local fire department, most departments hold training or meeting on Monday nights in Genesee County. Stop by and the members will be glad to talk to you.

Michael Zachary Rebert, 18, of 7565 S. Pearl Street Road, Oakfield, is charged with criminal mischief and unlawful possession of marijuana. Rebert is accused of being involved in a domestic dispute in which he destroyed property, including smashing a mailbox with a baseball bat. During the investigation, Sheriff's deputies alleged that they found marijuana in his residence.

A 17-year-old from Pembroke is charged with petty larceny. The youth is accused of stealing an X-Box wireless adaptor valued at $107 from Wal-Mart.

Today's Deals

South Main Country Gifts, 3356 Main St. Road, Batavia, N.Y.: From cozy to contemporary is what you'll find at this well-stocked gift store. We have a $20 gift certificate for $9.

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

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).

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

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for a seven-week session ($56 value) for $28.

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

Note: We're changing pick-up/mail policy. Please read.

A $1 PayPal service fee applies on items more than $10. The fee is 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. Gift certificates cannot be combined with other offers without prior approval of the merchant. Gift certificates bought separately cannot be combined for a single purchase. 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. The winner has up to 48 hours to make arrangements to pick up the gift certificate at The Batavian office in Downtown Batavia, or, unless other arrangements are made, the gift certificate will be mailed to the address associated with the PayPal account.

Picasso's Pizza

SOLD

Blue Pearl Yoga

SOLD

Adam Miller

SOLD

South Main

SOLD

The Mane Attraction

SOLD

The Enchanted Florist

SOLD

Here's the first two graphs of a press release we received today from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's office:

Washington, D.C. – With health care reform the top priority for Congress, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is focusing her efforts on reducing childhood obesity, announcing a new plan to ban trans fats in school and provide healthier school lunches.  As the first New York Senator in 40 years to sit on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Gillibrand is providing New Yorkers with a seat at the table as congress debates how to improve the health of children and the food they eat each day.  From her seat on the Committee, Senator Gillibrand is working to secure more federal funds for New York State to combat childhood obesity and lower health care costs..

“As Congress debates how to improve health care access and lower health care costs, we must also pursue a strategy to tackle childhood obesity and improve the health of our future generations,” Senator Gillibrand said.  “We can’t afford to let our children grow up in a culture of obesity.  If our children are going to have the opportunity to reach their potential, they need a healthy start. The most effective way to address obesity is to provide healthier food and exercise opportunities for our children. We need to be taking real steps to give parents, schools and communities the resources they need to give our children access to fresh fruits and vegetables.”

So why exactly is this even REMOTELY a federal government issue?

If local school districts want to take on "trans fat" as an issue, fine, but for the federal government to dictate programs is symptomatic of why federal spending is out of control and communities feeling increasingly less empowered.

As a rural senator, shouldn't Gillibrand be fighting to protect local autonomy instead of undermining it?

NOTE: Due to excessive bickering, comments are closed on this post.

There are old grave yards with tilting and weathered headstones all over Western New York. 

These aging cemeteries were the final resting place for pioneers, heroes and entrepreneurs who helped settle what was once considered "the west."

In Bergen, you can find the grave of Jesse Townsend, who is believed to be the first marked burial in the township. He died  September 25, 1809 at the age of 87. Nearby in the Barr Burying Ground, opposite the James Barr residence, is Captain William Peters, who served in the infantry as a captain under General Wayne in the war of 1776.  His son is also buried there. He died in the first battle of the War of 1812.  Sharing this consecrated ground are James E. Davis and Wilbert Fuller, who died in the Civil War.

This hallowed ground had fallen into disrepair until members of the Bergen Town Board decided to clean up the cemetery.

“These historic markers of our great patriots and the founders of our town need to be preserved” stated Barry Miller. 

The Board voted unanimously to hire Derick Monument Company out of LeRoy to repair stones and rehabilitate any markers that could be salvaged.

Deputy Supervisor Don Cunningham wanted to thank the Highway Department and Superintendent Dave Roggow for initiating the clean-up. 

“Our Highway Department took the first steps to move broken head stones, remove limbs, and other large debris so the south east corner could be mowed," says Cunningham.

Bergen Town Officials met Saturday morning to finish the clean-up efforts and beautification of the East Bergen Cemetery. They did basic maintenance such as grooming, raking and also some historical documentation. 

“It is our duty as local officials to ensure that this history is here for years to come and I am committed to preserving the rich and interesting history that we have discovered in the East Bergen Cemetery” stated Rachel Millspaugh.

(NOTE: This report compiled from a press release from the Bergen Town Board.)

Just now, I searched Google News for "car larcenies" and got four pages returned of reports of break-ins from cars around the country.

I performed this search because of an e-mail I received from Deputy Brian Thompson of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, who suggested the search and said, "County residents will immediately see why it is very important to lock their vehicles, keep valuables in the house and lock garage and house. Most of the crime that happens is opportunistic crime with devastating results. Being observant to surroundings is also very important in thwarting criminal activity."

We've carried this message before, of course, after initial reports of the spate of car break-ins in the City of Batavia. Even after the arrest of one person in connection with this spree, hardly a morning goes by that I don't hear a report of another larceny on the scanner.

This morning, we posted a report -- with a request for help in solving the case -- of a round of overnight break-ins on Hopkins Road.

It's wise to heed the warnings of law enforcement officers and ensure your cars are secured. Why make it easy for criminals?

From time to time, a reader writes in and says, "I can never get the deal of the day because I can't look at the site at work."  Tonight, a rare after-hours deal of the day.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, N.Y.: Ribs, brisket, steak, prime rib -- Center Street is a meat lovers paradise. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Sport of Kings Family Restaurant, 419 W Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: A favorite locally owned family restaurant that is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week. We have a $15 gift certificate for $7.50.

Main St. Pizza Company, 206 E. Main St., Batavia, N.Y.: Main St. wins consistent praise from diners for every item on its menu, but of course Main St. is most famous for its pizza and wings. We have FOUR $5 gift certificates ($20 value, to be used together or separately) for $10.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, N.Y.: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. Alex's is 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, N.Y.: 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. The patio is open. It's also a great place to host group events. See the ad on the right side of the page for contact information. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Jackson St. Grill and Belladessa's Pizzeria, 9 Jackson St., Batavia., N.Y.: Ever try to eat one of their giant cheeseburgers? Can you beat the champ -- Mark's record time of 7 minutes, 13 seconds? We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Note: We're changing pick-up/mail policy. Please read.

A $1 PayPal service fee applies on items more than $10. The fee is 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. Gift certificates cannot be combined with other offers without prior approval of the merchant. Gift certificates bought separately cannot be combined for a single purchase. 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. The winner has up to 48 hours to make arrangements to pick up the gift certificate at The Batavian office in Downtown Batavia, or, unless other arrangements are made, the gift certificate will be mailed to the address associated with the PayPal account.

Center Street Smoke House

SOLD

T.F. Brown's

SOLD

Sport of Kings

SOLD

Main St. Pizza

SOLD

Jackson St. Grill

SOLD

Alex's Place

SOLD

Officers are investigating a one-car rollover accident at 7229 Warboys Road in Bergen.

The father of the driver apparently picked him up and took him home before an ambulance arrived.  The nature of his injuries, if any, are unknown.

This Harley Fatboy will be awarded to a lucky winner of the Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department during community event Saturday, with the first drawing at 8 p.m. to midnight.

There will be food from Clor's and music by 7th Heaven.

The event is at the Town of Batavia Fire Department Recreation Hall, 8380 Lewiston Road.

Word is this morning, driver frustration is high on Oak Street, as portions of the road have been reduced to a single lane near Main Street.  Traffic is backing up southbound with occasional long lines both east and west on Main (but, then, long lines at Main and Oak aren't unusual).  A DOT supervisor at the site said "if the weather cooperates" the work will be done, from Oak to the Thurway, will be done in three days.

Meanwhile, if you're coming from into town from north of the Thruway, consider entering Batavia on State Street.

We just received this message from the Chief Jerome Brewster, Genesee County Sheriff's Office:

Yesterday, we investigated a series of larcenies from parked vehicles along Hopkins Road, T/Batavia. Deputy Thompson reported that approximately 20 vehicles were entered, none forcibly, and items removed. Thefts occurred during the early morning hours of July 20 (approximately 12 AM to 5:30AM). We ask that anyone with information please contact us at 345-3000 x3227 (Deputy Thompson) or call the main number at 343-5000. Attached below are photographs of  two bicycles that were found in the area. We hope that some of your viewers might be able to identify the owners for us.

UPDATE: Deputy Brian Thompson sends along this update:

Just to clarify for your readers the Huffy bike in photograph is  Orange in color. The photo shows pink probably due to flourescence? (SP)

These bikes are probably not the culprits but maybe. They were left on peanut  tracks just off from Hopkins Rd. along with some dropped evidence. The  entries into vehicle happened Sunday Night and Early Monday Morning. 11:30 to  12:00 PM to about 05:30 AM.

Please remind readers to keep valuables in house and cars locked. Different  age we now live in!! Thanks for your valuable service!

Local baseball fans may get to see a familiar face at Dwyer Stadium on Aug. 2 and 3 when Williamsport visits the Muckdogs.

Former BHS standout Ryan Gugel, signed as a free agent by the Phillies a month ago out of Albany, has been moved from the team's affiliate in Lakewood to the Crosscutters.

He will be the Crosscutters' third catcher, so he may not get any playing time during his visit to his hometown. 

Those are Williamsport's final two games at Dwyer this season. The Muckdogs face the Crosscutters tomorrow and Thursday in Williamsport.

Gugel was hitless in four plate appearances for Lakewood, drawing one walk.

If you're fascinated by the Doty Mansion, here's a rare chance to see inside.  I just received this e-mail from Lisa Stoddard, who owns the grand old home with her husband, Tim.

We'll be having an open house this Thursday the 23rd  at 7:00 pm and another one Thurs, July 30th at 7:00 pm. This will  be for the lower apt. Any perspective tenants will have a chance to see the apt. and fill out an application at those times. Nosy neighbors are welcome!! and anyone else interested in the history and the architecture. People should park on Highland Ave and go up the back driveway to the first door by the mailboxes.

Previously: Batavia couple slowly, lovingly restoring one of city's grand old mansions

Town and village residents in Le Roy are being asked to consider a new tax for 2010 to help support its local ambulance service, which has been running at a deficient in recent years.

The tax would help offset an anticipated $25,000 shortfall in 2010.

"In order for us to continue to operate in the community, we need tax support," said Bob Boyce, president of the Le Roy Ambulance Service board of directors. "We're only asking for a minimal amount, but if the town residents object and don't allow the tax, the alternative is for us to close the doors."

Boyce said the service is being squeezed by increasing costs and declining revenue from reimbursements from Medicaid and Medicare.

While donations might help, Boyce said even in the best years, the 38-year-old ambulance service raised only $20,000 in contributions.

There will be a public hearing within weeks on the proposal.

Under current state law, it is up to the town to create a tax district and then the village board can enact a local law to extend its authority into the village.

If only the town enacts the new tax, it would mean an addition 12.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or about an average of $14.43 per property. If both the town and village adopt the tax, the rate would be 6.5 cents per thousand, or $7.50 annually on each tax bill.

As the new ground ambulance service being set up by Mercy Flight, Boyce expressed concern that with all the ambulances being based in Batavia, the service won't be able to match the under-five-minute response times of the current Le Roy service. He said it takes 10 to 20 minutes for an ambulance from Batavia to respond to a Le Roy call.

At one time, the Le Roy service was staffed entirely by volunteers, but over the years, the organization has relied more and more on paid professionals, either in terms of its own full-time staff (two people) or a rotation of professionals who live in the area, work on a per-diem basis while maintaining full-time jobs with commercial ambulance services.  There are still 4 or 5 volunteers with the service, Boyce said.

The service generates nearly $400,000 annually insurance billing to help support its operations.

The proposal was presented to the town board on June 25. (We'll get back to you on the date of the public hearing).

PDF: Map, Plan and Report for the Establishment of an Ambulance District

Audio: Portion of an interview with Bob Boyce

In discussing consolidation, much has been made of the negative property tax rate paid by Town of Batavia residents -- a nice benefit that may or may not survive the town's need for infrastructure improvements and the potential of a change to sales tax distribution in a few years -- but one hidden impact of the town's tax structure is the benefit derived by the multinational corporations that populate Veterans Memorial Drive.

These corporations -- already beneficiaries of billions and billions of dollars of taxpayer subsidies across the USA -- also get a tax break being located in the town.

This is as an additional unfair competitive advantage the big box retailers have over City of Batavia businesses and another issue that will need to be addressed in consolidation.

Town Supervisor Greg Post mentioned to me last week that the town invested millions, in his words, in making it possible for the big box stores to locate in the town. I'm not sure how what he means by that statement, but any large scale investment by the town -- which he sees as a positive -- is a further reason to ensure these businesses are taxed fairly and competitively, on par with other businesses in the region.

Of course, a world of no taxes is ideal, but when you're talking about the vitality of a community, protecting your small businesses form the unfair advantages of multinational retailers should be a priority on the community agenda.

Should consolidation pass, when it comes time to write a new charter, this tax inequality issue must be addressed. And if consolidation doesn't pass, the town board owes it to the community fix this inequity.

The businesses on Veterans Memorial Drive require a good deal law enforcement (an expense shared by the entire county), fire and infrastructure support. The chains should be paying their fair share of taxes just for that reason.

Protecting and enhancing downtown, as well as the diversity of other small, locally owned businesses is essential to the vitality and health of Genesee County.  Allowing the big boxes to avoid an equal tax burden with other businesses threatens one of our greatest resources -- our independent businesses.

A 20-year-old motorcycle rider from Basom is in serious condition at Erie County Medical Center following an accident at the Flying J truck stop last night.

Elias P. Seward, who resides at 812 Gorton Road, Basom, was transported by Life Flight to ECMC, where he is now in ICU. Information on the exact nature of his injuries is not available.

The accident occurred last night about 7:30.

The driver of a truck, Joel S. Fitzgerald, 66, of 9330 Horseshoe Island Road, Clay, told investigator Deputy T.G. Westcott that he was heading south on Route 77 in the passing lane attempting to make a right hand turn into the Flying J. Westcott's report states, "Operator of vehicle #1 (Fitzgerald) stated he only saw a light as he turned and didn't see vehicle #2 (Seward) in the driving lane.

Fitzgerald was pulling a house trailer. The trailer struck Seward and dragged him approximately 40 feet, pinning him under the trailer at the entrance to Flying J.

A passenger riding in the back of a pickup truck suffered a minor head injury over the weekend after falling from the moving vehicle.

Charles E. Blair, 48, sustained cuts to his head when he lost his balance as the driver, Betty L. Stetzenmeyer, 58, of Canandaigua, pulled from the parking lot of a store at 409 Bloomingdale Road, near Martin Road, in Alabama.

There were six other passengers in the truck.  No other injuries were reported.

David Micahel VanDorn, 20, of 1441 Broadway Road, Darien Center, is charged with harassment. VanDorn was arrested following a domestic dispute. During the argument, VanDorn allegedly spit on a woman, grabbed her by the wrists while attempting to remove a ring and yelled profanities at her.

Marie Erin Schafer, 21, 1441 Broadway, Darien Center, is charged with harassment. Schafer allegedly threatened to punch another person while moving toward her and also threatened to run another person over with a car.

Dennis R. Snell, 46, of 6563 Allegheny Road, Basom, is charged with DWI and failure to submit to a pre-screen device. Deputy Patric Reeves was called to the scene of a dispute in Alabama, with a report of an intoxicated driver. Upon investigation, Reeves charged Snell.

Claire Christin Cade, 25, of 96 Franklin St., Apt. #2, Owego, is charged with petty larceny. Cade is accused of stealing $147.27 worth of merchandise from Darien Lake Theme Park.

Marie Jacqueline Bogart, 32, of 94 Spencer Ave., Owego, is charged with petty larceny. Bogart is accused of stealing $132.08 in merchandise from Darien Lake Theme Park.

UPDATE: Missed these two items earlier:

Catherine Megan Marchese, 22, of 6430 Alleghany Road, Basom, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.  Deputy Brian Thompson made the arrest while investing a litering complaint in Alabama when he stopped Marchese's car.  Marchese allegedly was throwing stuff from her car. During the investigation, Thompson reportedly found heroin in the car.

Elizabeth Marie Kennedy, 27, of 10 Maple Ave., Batavia, is charged with harassment and criminal mischief. The charges stem from alleged July 2 incident.  Kennedy is accused of attacking her boyfriend and destroying property.

Sue Cappiello, right, a Batavia native now living in California, won a new Schecter Tempest electric guitar when her winning ticket was drawn in a raffle at last weekend's Batavia Ramble. The raffle was held to raise funds for the Mental Health Association in Genesee County. Here, she poses with MHA staff member Charley DelPlato and her new guitar. (Picture and caption submitted by Sue Gagne)