A company with roots in New York, but currently based in Connecticut, is looking to build a plant at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park that would convert food industry waste into heat and electricity.

"We make green power out of organic waste," said Paul Toretta, CEO of CH4 Biogas, while presenting his company's plans to the Town of Batavia Planning Board. "Once the digester does its thing, it captures methane and powers an engine that makes green power and puts it on the grid. The engine produces heat that can be used to heat Quaker Muller and Alpina, helping them cut their heating bill."

The cost of the plant is $15 million and CH4 has already secured a $2 million Cleaner and Greener grant from NYSERDA to help fund the project, but is looking to the state for more help.

Toretta said state officials recommended the company present its proposal to the town planning board because the state wouldn't get behind the idea unless it has community support. The state backing would help the company secure bank loans to completely finance the project.

"We're in a holding pattern while looking for help with funding," Toretta said when asked about the timetable for the project.

Once funding is in place, the plant would take nine months to build. The design is already completed because it's the same design used by the company for plants in Wyoming County and Ohio (for Campbell's Soup).

"We only build one plant," Toretta said. "It's the same plant over and over again."

CH4 would use local contractors to build and maintain the plant, which would eventually employ eight people full time, Toretta said.

"When you put that much concrete and steel in the ground there will be a number of people employed," Toretta said.

The plant would be expected to last at least 30 years.

"The project is upfront capital intensive," said Toretta, who is originally from Potsdam. "It takes 15 years to return the money invested to do this. It's a slow, steady project. You borrow money and it takes 15 years to make any return."

CH4 already processes whey and other waste from the Alpina and Quaker Muller (no whey comes out of the Muller plant) in Wyoming County.

A plant in the ag park would reduce transportation cost and the impact on the environment to truck it more than 20 miles away.

The plant would also help the Genesee County Economic Development Center attract more food processors to the ag park, Toretta said.

Chris Suozzi, GCEDC's VP for business development, agreed.

"It would complement what we're already doing," Suozzi said. "It would definately help with the marketing when you have a green ag park. What better way to market the park and bring in more companies?"

The plant would be set up so it could take any sort of organic food waste, including waste from products that were already packaged but were found to be defective in some way so couldn't be shipped to customers. Toretta said the plant could separate the food waste from the packaging and then recycle the plastic or metal containers.

The plant would produce very little waste itself, but what it did produce would go into the local sewer system, but with much less biological chemicals and suspended salts than could otherwise go into the waste stream.

The plant would also produce little in the way of odor, which is important to Alpina and Quaker Muller because the plant would be upwind from those facilities.

"If there was any type of odor, as you can imagine, Campbell Soup would not allow us to operate our plant there," Toretta said.

Maleak H. Green, 21, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, assault, 3rd, and endangering the welfare of a child. Green was allegedly involved in a physical altercation with a woman while in the presence of a child. Green was allegedly ordered to stay away from the residence. He was jailed on $5,000 cash bail, $10,000 bond.

Marcus Allen Ciociola, 18, of West Main Street, Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Ciociola is accused of violating an order of protection.

Lisa M. Vega, 45, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Vega allegedly stole items from Dollar General.

New York Times: New study on climate change in U.S.

Voters today approved the Richmond Memorial Library budget by a vote of 238 to 42.

Norm Argulsky was elected to the Library Board of Trustees with 265 votes.

Press release:

The New York State Senate has passed legislation, sponsored by State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer, to name yogurt as the official snack for the State of New York. The bill, S.6695, passed by a 52 to 8 vote.   

“Yogurt is not only a delicious, healthy treat; it is also an economic driver for many communities in New York, with yogurt manufacturers located all across the State – from Western New York to Long Island. That is why yogurt is such a suitable choice to be New York’s State snack,” Ranzenhofer said. “I am pleased that the State Senate has approved this bill, and I encourage the State Assembly to pass it.” 

A Byron-Bergen fourth-grade class, while studying the history and government of New York State, wrote to Senator Ranzenhofer to suggest the idea for the bill.

“The idea for this legislation started in a Genesee County classroom, not at the State Capitol. A lot of credit goes to Craig Schroth and his fourth-grade class at Byron-Bergen Central School District for all of their hard work, research and study that went into proposing this bill,” Ranzenhofer said. “Today’s vote to designate yogurt as the State snack is an example of democracy in action.”

New York is the number one processor of yogurt in the United States. Increasing demand for milk, the primary component in yogurt, has helped to support and grow the State’s dairy industry. New York is now fifth in the nation in milk production, producing over 13 billion pounds in 2012, in part fueled by the demand from yogurt processors.

Assemblyman William Magee has introduced the bill in the New York State Assembly. Assemblyman Stephen Hawley is a co-sponsor of the legislation. The bill has been sent to the State Assembly.  

New York State has many other official state symbols, including a beverage, milk; a muffin, apple muffin; a fruit, apple; a tree, sugar maple; a flower, rose; a shell, bay scallop; a fish, brook trout; a bird, bluebird; an animal, beaver; a gem, wine-red garnet; and an insect, ladybug.

UPDATE: The New York Times: Animated Debate in New York State Capital? It’s About Yogurt

One senator, Liz Krueger, a Manhattan Democrat, suggested the designation might be inconsiderate to people who are lactose intolerant. Another, Gustavo Rivera, a Bronx Democrat, wondered if yogurt could count as a snack if it were consumed at breakfast time.

A caller to dispatch reported two dogs locked in a vehicle with the windows up near the food entrance at Walmart. The caller was concerned because they were panting. An officer responded and found several vehicles in that vicinity with dogs locked inside.

Scott A. Kopper, 36, of Batavia, entered a not guilty plea today on a four-count indictment that includes an accusation that he assaulted a Sheriff's deputy.

Kopper remains in custody and his next scheduled court appearance is July 8.

Judge Robert C. Noonan also signed three orders of protection, including one for Deputy Brian Thompson, the deputy Kopper is accused of dragging with his car Jan. 7.

Thompson is currently assigned to courthouse duty and Noonan noted that one of the orders involved Thompson and said the only way the order could be fair is if it allowed incidental contact between Thompson and Kopper while Thompson is on duty, barring any offensive conduct by Kopper.

Kopper is facing counts of assault, 1st, reckless endangerment, and two counts of assault, 2nd.

Previously: Truck drivers assist deputy being dragged by suspect's car

The Mane Attraction Salon and Spa, 99 Main St., Batavia, NY: offers "Affordable Luxury" in downtown Batavia. We pride ourselves in the great customer service we give to the entire family. Men, women and children are all welcome either by appointment or walk-in. We offer all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, facials, leg and back waxing, Shellac Polish System, manicures and pedicures. We are the only salon in Batavia that has an airplane chair for kids' cuts! Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Pudgie's Lawn & Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Spring is here and Pudgie’s has everything you need to enjoy the season -- hanging baskets of beautiful flowers, lawn care products, shrubbery, gardening supplies, and more. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Sweet Ecstasy Bakery & Bistro, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, NY. A retail and special-order bakery and cafe located in Downtown Batavia inside Seymour Place. Offering a wide variety of items such as cookies, filled cupcakes, quick breads, pies, breakfast pastries, daily. On Fridays, it offers fresh artisan bread like baguettes, sourdough and rye starting at noon. The custom cakes are out of this world with 3D characters or gorgeous wedding cakes to suit any budget. For all your sweet treats, we have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

$$$  Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl, 21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.

$$$  Casa Del Taco, 234 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Mexican food lovers will delight in this new eatery that makes tacos and burritos "the way you want 'em" plus it offers other items like taco salads, burrito bowls, loaded nachos, and churros. Choose from a variety of toppings, including jalapenos, black beans, cilantro and guacamole. There are also several varieties of salsa to select from, such as corn, mango, verde, and sweet Thai ranch. Hours are: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday thru Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday thru Saturday; closed Sunday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Sammy Hill's, 7 Mill St., Le Roy, NY: This new restaurant has good, fresh food, including hand-pressed burgers, and a friendly atmosphere. Choose a house specialty burger or make your own with a variety of toppings, cheeses and sauces to select from. The menu also includes flatbread sliders, garbage plates, shredded beef or marinated chicken tacos, sandwiches like the Cuban, bruschetta chicken, or deep-fried pork loin. Friday fish fry -- battered, broiled or blackened. Dine in or take out. "Come Get Some!" Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Monday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Oliver's Candies, 211 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Oliver's, a Batavia landmark, offers the finest chocolate and confections in the area. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Daphne's Restaurant & Lounge, 241 Swan St., (Off Rt. 63/Ellicott St.) Batavia, NY. Daphne's is destined to become a favorite for any who enjoy something special in a dining experience. Formerly the old St. Nick's Social Club, now unrecognizable to those who used to frequent the club, Daphne's provides you with a warm, inviting atmosphere and decor, which complements the array of wonderful dishes. We offer homemade seafood and pasta dishes, meatballs that are addicting as well as large salads, hot sandwiches & homemade potato chips. Fresh desserts are prepared in our own kitchen (tiramisu has been the top seller so far). We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Santino's Pizza, 2 Main St., Oakfield, NY: We're pizza and a whole lot more! Voted #1 pizza in Genesee County in blind taste test! Santino's features pizza, wings, subs, wraps, ice cream, and more! We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Clor's Meat Market, Catering & BBQ, 4169 W. Main St., 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 is under new ownership and now offers baked goods, pizza, wings, delivery service, and catering. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

T.F. Brown's, 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." Stop in and check out our Jumbo Chicken Wings, Roast Beef on Weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from Super Salads, butcher cut Strip Loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

$$$  Scooter's Restaurant in Le Roy, 140 W. Main Street Road (Route 5), Le Roy, NY: Come see us at Scooter's family restaurant with our friendly atmosphere and homestyle cooking! We offer classic American food with breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. We also offer a full take-out menu anytime. We have a $10 gift certificate for $4.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Stretch your body and soul with yoga. This offer is a $20 gift certificate off instruction. For new students only. Not good with any other discounts or offers. Use before October 2014.

Settler's, 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 $12.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

$$$  Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $8.

Greg'ry's Bakery, 13 N. Lake Road, Bergen, NY: The bakery offers a variety of the finest cakes, cookies, pies, cupcakes, breads, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and so much more. Each treat is made the same as it has been for decades and baked right here. Come in and sample some for yourself! We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

Dave's Ice Cream, 3872 W. Main Street Road, Batavia, NY: Dave's offers only locally purchased products, including Perry's hard ice cream in a wide variety of yummy flavors, with a wonderful assortment of toppings and homemade waffle cones. Different soft-serve flavors are offered weekly. We have a $10 gift certificate for $6.

$$$  The Enchanted Florist, 202 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Whether you need just the right gift or a memorial or just want to brighten your own home or workplace, The Enchanted Florist can put together just the right floral arrangement for you. We have a $20 gift certificate for $5.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $12.

Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, 9 Main St., Le Roy, NY. The kind of downhome, laid-back and comfortable place that just feels right. Open daily for lunch, dinner and drinks, this eatery and bar features a variety of eats and drinks that are outstanding. Specializing in smoked meats -- each meat is dry rubbed with a proprietary mix of seasonings, then smoked slowly in their on-site smoker for maximum flavor and tenderness. With a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, combo platters and entrées, there's always plenty of choice for even picky eaters. Great food, frosty brews and some of the best folk around call the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew their favorite -- make it your favorite today! Don't forget to ask about our catering! We have a $20 gift card for $12.

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 $15.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $12.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

SOLD OUT

Kassandra Ryan Funk, of Acton Road, Bergen, was charged with two felony counts of driving while intoxicated following a property damage accident at 1:35 a.m. today on North Bergen Road in the Town of Bergen.

The 21-year-old was arrested on felony charges of having previously been convicted of DWI within the last 10 years and aggravated DWI for an alleged BAC of .18 or more. In addition, she is charged with refusal to take breath test, failure to keep right, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

Funk is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges at 5 p.m. on June 4 in Bergen Town Court. The accident was investigated by Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Corona, assisted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Photo of accident scene submitted by a reader.

A rollover accident involving a 2001 Ford pickup truck was discovered by a deputy at 5:41 a.m. Monday morning in the Town of Byron.

The truck, allegedly driven by 20-year-old Jeremy S. Geisler, of South Swan Street, Batavia, was traveling northbound on Route 237 when it reportedly went off the east shoulder of the roadway. It then struck a guide rail, tumbled down an embankment and over a creek, striking several trees before coming to rest on its wheels, according to the accident report of Deputy Frank Bordonaro.

The officer came across the accident scene while on patrol and found the vehicle unoccupied and no one was around.

After investigating, Geisler was cited for allegedly moving from lane unsafely and leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it.

(initial report)

Richmond Memorial Library's budget vote and trustee election takes place today (Tuesday, May 6) until the library closes at 9 p.m. Voting takes place in the library's Gallery Room. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Any registered voter residing in the Batavia City School district is eligible to vote.

Ducklings waddling across Main Street are creating a dangerous condition. They are by the City Centre. Authorities are responding.

UPDATE 11:27 a.m.: An animal control officer is called to rein in the fowl.

UPDATE 11:36 a.m.: The ducklings, led by Mom, marched straight into the Tonawanda Creek on their own and in their own good time.

Help is sought in locating missing person John Shaughnessy, 38, of Washington Avenue, Batavia. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, gray sweatshirt, black boots. He is 5' 9" 140 pounds, black hair with a mustache and brown eyes. John was riding his bike, a red and white beachcomber style with whitewall tires and a small plate on the back that says John with Las Vegas. His proxy Charity R. Horncastle said that John is disabled with a severe social impairment and mild cognitive impairment. She said he will unknowingly put himself in danger. John has no food or clothing for inclement weather on his person nor a place to stay at night. She can be reached at (585) 813-5975 or call \Batavia PD at (585) 345-6350.

UPDATE: Shaughnessy has reportedly shaved off his mustache.  He was last seen yesterday at Tops wearing army fatigues.

UPDATE: Mr. Shaughnessy has been located and is safe.

A possible electrical fire is reported inside the residence at 6173 Ellicott Street Road. Pavilion and Le Roy fire departments are responding. The location is at the corner of Transit Road.

UPDATE 11:11 a.m.: National Grid is called to the scene.

UPDATE 11:56 a.m.: National Grid is there now.

UPDATE 12:18 p.m.: The assignment is back in service.

A former Dellinger Avenue resident arrested in November following a string of robberies in Batavia and Oakfield as well as an alleged botched burglary of a local Rent-A-Center was arraigned on a new burglary charge this morning.

Mark J. Maltese, 42, was arraigned in front of Judge Robert C. Noonan in County Court on the seven-count sealed Grand Jury indictment.

The indictment was sealed because it contained the new burglary charge.

Maltese was already charged with three counts of robbery, 2nd, burglary, 3rd, and criminal mischief, 2nd.

He's now being accused of second-degree burglary and grand larceny, 3rd, for allegedly breaking into a residence on Hutchins Street on March 26, 2013, and stealing a safe with cash and jewelry worth more than $3,000.

Maltese is accused of committing armed robbery Nov. 21 at the Best Western in Batavia, Nov. 22 at the 7-Eleven in Oakfield and Nov. 24 at the Days Inn in Oakfield.

He was arrested Nov. 27 after he and an alleged cohort broke into the Rent-A-Center in Batavia and allegedly stole a big screen TV. They were tracked to a residence on Colonial Boulevard.

Previously:

• BREAKING: Arrest made in recent robberies
• Suspect says 'out of control' addiction to crack cocaine led to robberies

The Genesee County Fairgrounds are empty this morning, but come July 15, fair organizers say they expect to see more people than ever walking the midway and sitting in the grandstands.

At least members of the Genesee County Agriculture Society are working harder than ever to create more reasons for people to come to the fair. There will be more attractions, more vendors, more rides and more entertainment.

"There will be something to do every day," said ag society President Norm Primm. "Before, the first part of the week was just ag shows, but we're planning on having big events throughout the week this year."

For the first time in years, the raceway will host a monster truck show. The Fair Queen Contest is also being expanded. There are now four age groups for contestants, 8-10, 11-13, 14-16 and 17-19.

The children's rides will be open for a total 39 hours, compared to 20 to 24 hours in the past, with a special kids' day for groups or families with discounted ride tickets.

A new kids' zone is being created with a corn-filled sandbox, a mural for kids to paint and even a horse to paint.

The tractor pull is being expanded.

There are a number of new vendors setting up in the vendor hall, including Alpina and Quaker Muller.

All of the towns and villages have been invited to set up displays.

It's the 175th anniversary of the fair, so organizers are hoping for the biggest fair parade yet, though because of DOT regulations, the parade will be confined to the fairgrounds instead of starting on Route 5.

"The fair is the center the county," Primm said. "Genesee County is an agricultural county and what's better than having an agricultural fair in our own county. That's why we want to see people come out and enjoy the fair. I really think we can get back to having great attendance and putting on a great fair where poeple will want to come throughout the week."

Trucks filled with base and binder are on the south end of Cedar Street this morning getting ready for this week's paving job. The south end will be closed until at least Friday. Everything north of Edwards Street remains open, though crews are putting the finishing touches on that street reconstruction project. Businesses on Cedar Street remain open.

Residents who have a run in with a potentially or known rabid animal will have another option for treatment starting June 1.

On Monday, the Human Services Committee approved a contract with Insource Urgent Care that would allow the County Public Health Department to refer clients to Insource.

The contract isn't exclusive. Patients would still be able to go to the emergency room at UMMC or the urgent care clinic at St. Jerome's if they wished.

"Insource offers a lower rate and the feedback we've been getting is it's a better experience," said David Whitcroft, environmental health director. "It's a faster in and out for the patients."

Whitcroft said Insource had sought out the contract and this was an opportunity "to enter into a contract more favorable to us.

The county pays for the initial exam and the first round of treatment, but booster shots are provided by the health department at County Building #2.

"St. Jerome's has worked out really well for us and we have a good relationship, but this is one more option," Whitcroft said.

The full County Legislature will be asked to approve the arrangement at its next meeting.

Alternet: Why Goats Are Coming to An Urban Backyard Near You