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A police official has confirmed that a body found near the Blockbuster location on Lewiston Road was an apparent suicide (see update below).

The victim was identified as James Maher, 27, a VA Home resident.

His family, from Mechanicville, was notified.

The official could answer no further questions and said the police department is planning a press release for Monday morning.

His body was apparently found in some shrubs near the business.

UPDATE 6:54 p.m.: Det. Pat Corona of the Batavia Police Department called a little while ago to emphasize that the police have not yet determined the cause of Mr. Maher's death. While suicide has not been ruled out, a "by the numbers" investigation has yet to arrive at a conclusive determination. There was no obvious signs of trauma, Det. Corona said. Within days, some initial facts will be available from the medical examiner, but it will take weeks (as usual) for toxicology reports to come back.

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We've learned from multiple sources -- though there is yet no official confirmation -- that a body was found about 10:15 p.m. outside the Blockbuster store on Lewiston Road in Batavia.

The City of Batavia Police Department has not yet released a statement about the discovery and there is no information available at this time about the condition of the body or exactly where it was located.

Our news partner WBTA has attempted to learn more information about the discovery.

Here's one e-mail account we received at 11: 52 p.m. about the situation:

I was just at Sportos and was told that there was a body found behind  Blockbuster. There was police going to the scene at about 10:15. A news van  is present right now with about 3 police cars. This was confirmed by a  Trooper going into the restaurant. He could tell us no more.

Genesee County will soon be home to the first shovel-ready agri-business industrial park in New York, according to Chad Zambito, spokesman for the Genesee County Economic Development Center.

GCEDC breaks ground on the project Tuesday and expects the first tenant to start building a $15 million food-processing facility in the spring.

"These are expensive ventures and private developers aren't willing to do it because of the cost that’s needed up front and the long-term return, so it’s something we have to do and we need everybody’s participation to make it happen," Zambito told WBTA.

The groundbreaking is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Kennedy Building of the Genesee County Fair Grounds.

The 200-acre park is located between state routes 5 and 63 in Batavia and sits in close proximity to O-AT-KA Milk Products. 

At full build-out, the park is expected to provide 1,200 jobs in Genesee County and generate $2 billion in revenue over 25 years.

The first tenant, a Canadian-based food processor, will hire 100 people to work at its facility.

When the infrastructure installation is complete, the site will contain nearly 200 acres  serviced by industrial-class electric, gas and rail. The park is dedicated to agri-business applications including food and bio-fuels processing and is owned by a unique public/private partnership.

It also has access to 6 million gallons of aquifer water daily, ideal for food production applications, and sits in an Empire Zone.
 
The GCEDC, along with its real estate affiliate the Genesee Gateway Local Development Corporation and an affiliate of Farm Credit of WNY share ownership of the park.

It was largely made possible by a state grant recently approved by Empire State Development and a matching grant from Genesee County. The GCEDC, Town of Batavia, National Grid and National Fuel are also providing funding. 

Phase 1 construction, being completed by Zoladz Construction Company Inc. of Alden, NY, will include water, sewer and roadway base installation. 

Dispatcher: "You're going to love this one: At State Street and Washington, a couple pulled up to the intersection and stopped at the stop sign. A dog ran out and run under the car and now refuses to come out."

I'm not making this up.

Work crews were planting plants in the middle of the Oak Street Roundabout today, which reminded me of a few conversations I've had around town recently -- what to put in the middle of the roundabout? Mere plants won't do.

There should be something important and meaningful there.

And in thinking about it -- it's Batavia, it's Oak Street -- what would be more meaningful and appropriate than a statue of John Gardner, and perhaps the word "LOVE"?

So there's a suggestion: Let's get a committee together, raise some money and make it a little shrine to Batavia's most famous literary figure.

National Fuel is being asked to respond to 232 State St., Batavia, for a ruptured gas line.

Fire crews were originally dispatched because of a report of natural gas in the area.

The pipe is outside the house, right by the basement.

Officials have been unable to contact the residents.

UPDATE 6:36 p.m.: Batavia Fire has managed to shut off the gas, awaiting National Fuel.

UPDATE 6:49 p.m.: Batavia Fire going back in service, National Fuel on scene.

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An Oneida County man who allegedly stole a car from a residence on the Tonawanda Indian Reservation is in the Genesee County jail today following his arrest by the Lancaster Police Department.

Jeffery M. Wisinski, 38, of 7484 Lake St., Vienna, was stopped by Lancaster Police for alleged traffic violations. By that time, the car he was allegedly driving had already been reported stolen.

Before turning Wisinski over to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, Lancaster charged him with criminal possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, unlawful use of a vehicle, obstruction of governmental administration as well as numerous traffic violations.

Wisinski reportedly tried to flee from police, who gave a brief chase, in the 2007 Dodge Charger that was reportedly stolen.

The case started on Sept. 11, 2:10 a.m., when Sheriff's deputy responded to a report of a suspicious person at the Rez Smokeshop. Upon arriving, deputies found a neighboring garage had been burglarized and the car was missing.

Yesterday, Wisinski was turned over to the Sheriff's Office and he was taken to Town of Alabama Court, where he was arraigned on charges of burglary in the third degree and grand larceny in the third degree. He was jailed on $500 bail.

The investigation was conducted by Deputy Kevin McCarthy, Investigator Timothy Weis, with assistance from deputies Parker and Diehl, as well as State Police.

Paul R. Tenney will spend tonight in jail, even though he was not sentenced today for admitting he stole more than $106,000 from Elcon, Inc..

Judge Robert Noonan agreed to postpone sentencing Tenney until he gets proof that Tenney attended an in-patient treatment program for substance abuse.

But there's no reason to let him go free since he apparently violated the terms of his pre-sentencing release. Plus, Tenney has purportedly trained his replacement at Elcon on its finance system, so his freedom is no longer warranted in that regard.

Elcon owner Edmend Leising told District Attorney Lawrence Friedman that Tenney wasn't all that cooperative. But the issue seems to be resolved.

"(Leising) is not asking for anything further at this point," Friedman said.

Attorney Gary Horton said he didn't understand Friedman's statement.

"He said he’s been at Elcon every day and trained the person hired to replace him," Horton said.

Court officers this morning talked about two men -- the Paul G. Grazioplene who is a local businessman, involved in youth sports and various community activities and a friend to many community leaders, and the Paul G. Grazioplene who was allegedly abusive to police officers the night of his arrest on a DWI charge.

Judge Robert Noonan took both descriptions into account this morning when he sentenced Grazioplene, owner of Extreme Sports, to four months in jail and five years probation.

The 43-year-old Batavia resident will serve an initial 15-day stretch and then serve the remainder of his term intermittently, from 8 a.m. Monday to 8 a.m. Wednesday every week until the four-month obligation is met.

He also was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.

"I've sentence dozens of felony DWI cases every year," Noonan said. "Only a small portion of people are as good as you are, and only a small portion of people are as bad as you are. You are entirely two different people. We have letters from important people, leaders in the community. Community leaders think you're an entirely different person than you were on the night of this incident and at other times prior in your life."

Always prior to sentencing, defendants are offered a chance to make a statement, but many times defendants either decline to make a statement or say a few quick words about how sorry they are. But Mr. Grazioplene spoke for several minutes of his embarrassment and regret for the burden he's placed on people who rely on him.

"These people depend on me and I can do this (reform his conduct)," Grazioplene said. "Now I'm backed up against a wall and it's like fourth down and forever for me. Give me a chance to prove to that I can do this, and I will."

Noonan expressed some skepticism that Grazioplene can get past his bad behavior, but thought he deserved enough of a chance not to be locked up for six-straight months as District Attorney Lawrence Friedman requested.

"I'm going to give you enough taste of jail that you've got time to think about it," Noonan said. "You've got a hurdle ahead of you and it's a high one. You just told me you’re sure you can make it over that hurdle. I’m not so sure."

Following a tearful morning in court, a Caledonia woman is in jail after allegedly failing to abide by the terms of her release under supervision while awaiting sentencing for burglary in the second degree.

Nicole L. Green, 23, cried before Judge Robert Noonan entered the courtroom, weeped during a brief hearing, and cried while hugging a companion before being led away by a bailiff.

Green pled guilty Aug. 31 to burglary after being accused of stealing jewelry and guns from a friend's house in Le Roy. She also reportedly refused to return a borrowed car.

This morning, Green was not sentenced on that conviction.

Green, whom her attorney said is pregnant, reportedly missed appointments with Genesee Justice and failed to pass substance-use tests.

Attorney Ann Connor told Judge Noonan that because of her pregnancy, Green should be allowed to remain free, but Noonan flatly rejected the suggestion.

"The pregnancy would be at higher risk at liberty than in custody," Noonan said.

Kyle R. Thill, 20, of 1469 Lewiston Road, Alabama, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs, speeding (going 53 in a 40 mph zone) and unlawful possession of marijuana. Thill was reportedly stopped by Deputy Patrick Reeves at 1:16 a.m. on Nov. 1 on Knowlesville Road in Alabama.

Michael Willard Mairrose, 20, of 4111 S. Main St. Road, Batavia, was picked up on a DWI warrant from Town of Stafford Court. He was jailed on $500 bail.

James Valentino Brown, 20, of 162 Peck St., Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana. Brown was allegedly found in possession of marijuana while at College Village. He was jailed on $250 bail.

Jeremy Scott Yantz, 29, of 214 Ellicott St., upper, Batavia, is charged with DWI. Yantz was taken into custody on a warrant stemming from a previous arrest.

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.

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.

Herbly Wonderful, 3701 Pearl St., Batavia, NY: Winter teas, spices and fall colors for your home in stunning floral arrangements and seasonal wreaths are now available at Herbly Wonderful. We have a $25 gift certificate for $11.

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.

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Fall colors are here, and with Pudgie's you an cozy-fy your home with a range of decoration ideas. 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.

A driver involved in an accident on Walker Road last night apparently fled the scene and is still at large this morning.

A helicopter from the Erie County Sheriff's Department was brought in to help locate the suspect and law enforcement officers searched the area on the ground, but the suspect was not found by 2 a.m. and the search was called off.

Investigators are following up this morning, trying to contact the possible driver.

The plates on the car came back to a man from Hamilton, Ohio. A small amount of blood was found on the air bags.

The car came off the road at a curve and hit an embankment. Sheriff Gary Maha said the cause of the accident was likely unsafe speed.

Initial Report.
 

We're hearing reports again this morning of frosted, slick roads, especially, possibly, in the east part of the county.

There was some overnight precipitation with freezing temperatures (some might call it snow, but what we saw wasn't exactly light and fluffy).

The current temperature in Batavia is 29 degrees and expected to remain at or near freezing until 9 or 10 a.m. The temperature should climb into the 40s by early afternoon, with plenty of sun.

Within the past few minutes, two minor accidents in the Le Roy and Bergen area have been reported. In both cases, it sounds like cars slid off the roads.

A fire chief said, "We have snow covered roads. It's slippery. You can't see the double yellow line. You (dispatch) might want to call DOT."

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Bergen Fire, with Le Roy in mutual aide, is being dispatched to 17 North Lake Ave., Apt. 4, Bergen, for the smell of smoke and a circuit breaker that keeps tripping.

UPDATE 12:01 a.m.: Le Roy is being put back in service and being dispatched to a minor, non-injury, vehicle accident on Old State Road near Route 19.

UPDATE 12:15 a.m.: Bergen Fire is back in service.

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Alexander Fire and Darien Ambulance as well as law enforcement are being dispatched to a motor-vehicle accident at 2198 Walker Road.

The driver is reportedly trying to avoid detection. His air bags deployed and there is reportedly blood on the air bags.

The driver is trying to hide in some weeds.

UPDATE 11:31 p.m.: The car has Ohio plates. The driver is not currently in sight. Fire personnel are heading to the area with flares and night-vision goggles.

UPDATE 11:55 p.m.: Because of the size of the area, law enforcement has been unable to seal off the area. The search continues.

UPDATE 11:58 p.m.: A K-9 is not available. The State Police helicopter is being called in.

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A passerby reportedly found an unconscious person on Judge Road in Alabama who may have been struck by a motor vehicle.

The first firefighter on scene reported the individual was conscious by the time he arrived and was highly intoxicated, though may have been struck by a car.

Mercy Flight is on standby and Mercy EMS is in route.

Rain, sleet and snow didn't keep several hundred people from trying to get flu vaccinations today at County Building Number 2 in the Town of Batavia.

At one point, the line snaked outside and around the side of the building. Seniors, parents and children were waiting two or more hours for either a shot of the seasonal flu vaccine or the H1N1 nasal mist.

A winter storm of sorts started not long after the clinic doors opened, and by then the line  already stretched well outside the building.

"I was standing in the rain and snow out there a little while before and I was thinking, I'm going to get a flu shot to prevent getting sick and I'm going to get sick standing in line in the rain and the snow, so I wonder if it's really worth it," Walter Kershenski said. He also happens to be Stafford Town Clerk, and said he stood in line for more than two hours.

There were reports of people driving from Orleans, Monroe and even Chautauqua counties for the vaccinations, and apparently, nobody was being turned away for the free vaccines.

Interim Health Director Randy Garney said the Health Department was expecting to provide at least 500 doses of vaccine in two hours, but had received an extra shipment of seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine just days ago.

"I figure, two hours, that's going to be about all we're going to be able to process, but we're going to keep the clinic open as long as there is a line," Garney said.

"With recent events that have taken place, we were expecting a large crowd," Garney said.

Rosemary Sero, of Oakfield, said all the reports of people getting sick with H1N1 and especially the death of a Pembroke student, has her feeling very cautious about taking care of her two young daughters.

"They're using a lot of hand sanitizer," she said. "They wash their hands a lot. I tell them not to touch their face."