Press release:

After a year’s hiatus, GO ART!’s popular Salon Series returns in 2014 for three programs in March, April and May, on the theme “Small, Small World.” All GO ART! Salons are casual and fun, and each includes a themed menu, presentation from our artist(s), and time for socializing and discussion. They are sponsored by The Bank of Castile.

The line-up includes the following programs:

No Place Like Home: “America’s Songs – The Great American Songbook” with Michael Lasser

• 7 p.m. - Friday, March 28 at GO ART!, 201 E. Main Street, Batavia.

Michael Lasser says, “I’m not sure why, but American popular music is rich with anecdotes.”

Songs from the Great American Songbook -- when such songwriters as Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Cole Porter were at the height of the powers – were often collaborations between a composer and a lyricist. They often include anecdotes that give insight into how people work together, and also how the making of a song results from intuition and luck as often as intent.

Lasser’s talk weaves together the stories of how and why some of America’s most beloved songs came to be written. Books will be available for purchase!

Americana Menu: Chuck Brenner’s famous apple pie a la mode, assorted flavors of popcorn, mini hot dogs with mustard dips, chips and dip, chocolate chip cookies and soda. Bring your own wine or beer and we’ll provide the glass!

Far East: GCC Forum Players “Tales From Japan”

• 5:30 p.m. - Friday, April 25 at GCC “Roz” Steiner Gallery & Stuart Steiner Theatre, Batavia

For this Salon, your reservation includes Japanese-inspired hors d’oeuvres, the Salon program AND your ticket to the 7 p.m. performance. We start in the “Roz” Steiner Gallery where Director Norm Gayford shares entertaining insights about the production, presented by GCC Forum Players.

“Tales From Japan” is a collection of traditional Japanese tales where treasure is discovered in unexpected places, even the most unassuming characters are heroes, and beauty is found in all aspects of nature. From an old woman using her wisdom and wit to save a kingdom to a peach boy defeating the village monster, these exciting stories bring to life the subtle and surprising aspects of Japanese culture.

Zensai Menu: Asian cookies, spring rolls, cucumber rolls, ramen salad, fruit kebabs with plum sauce and green tea.

Across the Pond: St. James Handbell Choir

• 7 p.m. - Friday, May 16 at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia

Enjoy traditional English music presented by the Handbell Choir of St. James Church, Batavia. Director Theresa DeMars helps us explore the history of the bells and the different techniques used to produce their beautiful sound.

This Salon includes a delightful English inspired menu, bell choir concert, and some exciting audience participation. The first tuned handbells were developed in England around 1700 and were first brought to the United States in 1902. The English handbell evolved as an instrument to be used for practicing change ringing of church tower bells. Many English pubs in 17th, 18th and 19th centuries had sets of handbells available so that the change ringers could sit by the fire, purchase a pint or two, and practice their changes.

Ms. DeMars and the St. James Handbell Choir bring the history of the bells to life in our English themed Salon.

Sweets & Savories Menu: Scones with jam, cheese board with biscuits, tea sandwiches, trifle, assorted candies and English tea. Bring your own wine or beer and we’ll provide the glass!

Enjoy all three Salons in the Series for $45/members, $50/nonmembers; or join us for individual Salons for $18/members, $20/nonmembers.

Reservations are required and can be made by phone at (585) 343-9313, e-mail at info@GOart.org, or by stopping in to GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays).

Reservations may also be made online at <http://www.goart.org>  under “Events.”

New York Times: Genetically Modified Babies

The person in the surveillance photos to the right is wanted for questioning in connection with a robbery of a bank in Batavia today.

Batavia PD believes the woman is the suspect who robbed the Five Star branch at 567 E. Main St. at 2:11 p.m.

The perpetrator presented a note that claimed she had a gun and demanded money and left on foot with an undetermined amount of cash. She did not display a gun.

She is described as a female, mid-20s, 5'7" to 5'8" and slim build.

Tellers said the woman had a large, bright pink butterfly tattoo on the left side of her neck.

Tips and information can be provided to Batavia PD at (585) 345-6350 or the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Press release:

The New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute will begin its annual Honorary Membership Drive in Genesee County within the next few days, according to Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

The institute was established in 1979 and is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation, and contributions to it are tax deductible.

While the Sheriff's Office is a unit of county government, many of the concerns of Sheriffs and other law enforcement agencies are best addressed on a statewide level. The Sheriffs' Institute provides centralized training programs and services for all Sheriffs offices where those programs and services would be unavailable or impractical on a single-county basis.

The flagship program of the Sheriffs' Institute is the Sheriffs' Summer Camp for economically challenged children. This camp, in its 37th year of operation, is located on Keuka Lake and 840 children statewide attend each summer. The institute pays the entrie cost of the camp stay and transportation. Most children attending wouldn't otherwise have an opportinuty for vacation travel or a summer camp experience.

The Sheriffs' Camp program conbines summer recreation with activities designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them. The strong camper-to-counselor ration allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem.

"In these difficult economic times we cannot forget our youth who will not have the opportunity for a summer camp experience or a summer vacation," Sheriff Maha said. "By becoming an Honorary Member you are supporting the Sheriffs' Summer Camp for economically disadvantaged children."

In addition, the Sheriffs' Institute operates a scholarship program that provides one scholarship to each of New York State's Community College Justice Programs. This program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation.

For more information about the Sheriffs' Summer Camp and other Sheriffs' Institute Programs, visit www.sheriffsinstitute.org

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at 9865 Alexander Road (Route 98), north of Peaviner Road. Alexander Fire Department and Ambulance Service responding.

UPDATE 4:53 p.m.: Two Mercy rigs are also called to the scene. Mercy Flight #5 out of Batavia is available. Route 98 will be shut down -- northbound at Peaviner, and southbound at Dodgeson. There are three patients, one of whom has minor injuries.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: Mercy Flight is called to the scene. It has a three-minute ETA. Mutual aid from Town of Batavia fire is requested.

UPDATE 5:02 p.m.: The helicopter will land in a hay field on the west side of the road. The patient is a 77-year-old female who was a passenger in one of the vehicles. She is conscious and alert and complaining of chest pain.

UPDATE 5:07 p.m.: Mercy Flight has landed. Town of Batavia's Brush Truck #23 is on scene.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m.: Mutual aid from Attica fire is en route.

UPDATE 5:27 p.m.: Alexander ambulance is transporting a patient to UMMC. The patient is a 17-year-old female who experienced "major intrusion into the compartment (of the dashboard?)" and complains of a headache and pain below the sternum.

UPDATE 5:30 p.m.: Mercy Flight is airborne and headed to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE 5:34 p.m.: A Mercy ambulance is transporting a patient to Strong also.

UPDATE 5:51 p.m.: The road is reopened. Town of Batavia and Attica are back in service.

UPDATE 5:54 p.m.: Alexander is back in service.

John J. Astrologo, 20, of 107 State St., Batavia, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal nuisance for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party at his residence on State Street in Batavia on Saturday. He was released on an appearance ticket and ordered to appear in Batavia City Court on March 11.

Evan W. Horton, 19, of State Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal nuisance for allegedly hosting an underage drinking party on Saturday. He was released on an appearance ticket and is set to return to Batavia City Court on March 4.

Lukas M. Baildon, 18, of Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, was arrested on Saturday following an investigation into an underage drinking party and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is due in Batavia City Court on March 11.

Brody A. Jorgenson, 19, of Batavia-Stafford Townline Road, Batavia, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of alcohol following an investigation into an underage drinking party on State Street in Batavia on Saturday. He was issued an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on March 4.

Christopher Douglas Ball, 41, of Park Road, Batavia, is accused of 33 counts of criminal contempt. It is alleged that he violated an order of protection issued by Family Court on several occasions by sending 30 text messages, having two phone conversations, and by having personal contact with the protected person. Following his arraignment on Thursday, he was jailed on $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. He is set to reappear in Town of Oakfield Court on March 3.

Christian Gerand Santana, 32, of Kally Street, Rochester, was arrested Friday and charged with petit larceny for allegedly stealing merchandise valued at $129.99. He is also charged with possession of burglar tools for allegedly using a cutting instrument to aid in the theft, as well as second-degree harassment for allegedly pushing loss prevention personnel when they attempted to detain him. Following his arraignment in Town of Batavia Court, he was jailed on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond. He is set to reappear in town court on March 3.

Courtney A. Gaebler, 36, of Soccio Street, Batavia, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and failing to maintain lane after crashing her car into a utility pole on Liberty Street on Wednesday, causing significant damage to the pole and car. She will be arraigned in City Court on March 11.

Sharon Jean Chase, 55, of Route 19, Le Roy, was arrested last Monday and charged with third-degree grand larceny for allegedly stealing several items from the apartment of an acquaintance. She is scheduled to appear in Le Roy Town Court on March 20.

Michael E. Mistler, 48, of East Main Street, Batavia, turned himself into Batavia Police after a bench warrant was issued for failing to answer a traffic summons. He posted bail and is scheduled to return to City Court on Tuesday.

Jake Ross Simmons Jr., 27, of North Hill Parkway in Atlanta, Ga., was arrested on Friday for aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree following a traffic stop. It is alleged that he was driving while his privileges are suspended. He was also cited for failure to keep right.

A one-car rollover accident is reported at 9922 Alexander Road (Route 98). Minor injuries reported. Alexander Fire Deparment and an ambulance are responding. The location is between Peaviner and Lang roads.

UPDATE 3:40 p.m.: The female driver is being transported to UMMC for evaluation. She has no complaints of pain.

These are the latest indictments issued by the Genesee County Grand Jury.

Nathan W. Larson is indicted on four counts. The first is the crime of first-degree attemped rape, a Class B felony, for actions which allegedly occurred on Aug. 3 in the Town of Le Roy. He is accused of attempting to engage in sexual intercourse with another person by forcible compulsion. In count two, he is accused of first-degree sexual abuse, A Class D felony, for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact by forcible complusion. In count three, he is also accused of first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly subjecting another person to sexual contact when the person was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless. In count four, he is accused of first-degree criminal sexual act, a Class B felony, for allegedly engaging in oral sexual conduct or anal sexual conduct with another person who was incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless.

Steven E. Palmer is indicated for allegedly driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. He is accused of driving a 1998 Acura on Route 5 in the Town of Le Roy on Nov. 8 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, also a Class E felony, for allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more.

Stephen J. Holdaway is indicted for allegedly driving while intoxicated, a Class E felony. He is accused of driving a 2004 Ford pickup on Route 33 in the Town of Batavia on Aug. 21 while intoxicated. In count two, he is accused of aggravated driving while intoxicated, also a Class E felony, for having allegedly having a BAC of .18 or more.

A robbery is reported at the Five Star Bank, 567 E. Main St., in Batavia. The suspect handed the teller a note and fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. No weapon was displayed. The suspect is described as female, 26 years old, white, 5'7", wearing black sweatpants, a gray sweatshirt, with a train-conductor-type hat. She has a butterfly tattoo on her neck and had on black gloves. She may have gotten into a gray Honda Civic. Unknown direction of travel. Multiple law enforcement units on scene. A canine will be deployed shortly.

New York Times: Pentagon Plans to Shrink Army to Pre-World War II Level

The saying is that defense wins championships, and if that’s true, Batavia could be raising another sectional trophy next Saturday.

The Blue Devils’ defense was in full lockdown as they defeated Honeoye Falls-Lima, 56-37 in Class A2 action.

Batavia got off to a fast start offensively and defensively, as Justice Fagan scored the first seven points of the game as part of a 14-0 run to open the game. In fact, the Blue Devils held HF-L without a point until Evan Quackenbush knocked down a free throw with 57 seconds left in the first quarter.

“We had almost ten days to prepare for them,” Batavia Head Coach Buddy Brasky said. “We stressed our man-to-man defense all week. We saw, scouted them well, and we were pretty familiar with some of their sets. I thought we played great defensively.”

Quackenbush would score five more quick points to cut the lead to eight to end the opening frame.
Batavia would get back to their stifling defense at the start of the second quarter though, holding the Cougars to just 11 points in the first half.

“We got off to that good start, but then we struggled scoring,” Brasky said. “But, I preach all year that when the shots aren’t falling, your defense keeps you in it.”

One player that did not struggle in the second quarter or throughout the game, was sophomore forward Malachi Chenault. He scored eight of his 18 points in the frame to propel the Blue Devils to a 24-11 halftime lead. He also would add nine rebounds for the game, as Batavia dominated the glass 34-16.

“Malachi had a monster game,” Brasky said. “We’ve been waiting for a game like that from Malachi. If he can play like that then we will be a tough team to beat.”

The third quarter saw a familiar face get hot, as Jeff Redband picked up the scoring load coming out of halftime. The junior forward scored eight of his game-high 20 points in the third quarter as Batavia extended their lead to 39-23 heading into the fourth.

Until the final quarter, the Blue Devils had not allowed a three-point field goal the entire night.

Finally, HF-L was able to break through, knocking down four from beyond the arc.
The lead was cut to nine with just 3:53 to play, but every time the Cougars made a push, Batavia had an answer.

Justice Fagan countered with his own three-pointer on one occasion and Redband knocked in another basket to extend the lead.

In fact, only three Blue Devils found the scoring column, but Redband (20), Fagan (18) and Chenault (18) accounted for 56 points.

“We’d like to have more, but all year long that’s kind of what the deal is,” Brasky said. “We’d like to have more, but we’ll do whatever it takes to win. We’re trying to play really good defense. We try to get the ball to our go-to scorers, have our role players play their roles, but as long as we win we’re fine with it.”

Redband also added 12 rebounds and three blocks, while Fagan pitched in five rebounds.
Quackenburg finished with 10 points and six rebounds for HF-L (7-12).

Batavia (13-5) will play second-seeded Newark (17-2) on Tuesday at the Blue Cross Arena. Tip-off will be at 7:15 p.m.

A fire is reported in apartment #11 at 337 Bank St. in the city. Engine 11 is on scene and command says it looks like a fire burned itself out. Nothing was showing when they got there. The whereabouts of the occupant of the apartment is not known at this point. A firefighter says the first floor is clear and they are checking the second floor and ventilating the apartment. The second platoon was called to the scene and the fourth platoon was told to stage in the fire hall.

UPDATE 9:58 p.m.: The complex is called the Walden Estates. The fire is confirmed to be out and firefighters are overhauling the apartment. Apparently, no one is home.

UPDATE, Sunday (by Howard): The fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage, according to city fire. There was heat and smoke damage to the entire two-story apartment. Nobody was home at the time of the fire. The fire was reported by a neighbor who heard the smoke detectors sounding. City fire was assisted at the scene by Batavia PD, Mercy EMS and National Grid. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A large crowd filled the newest Habitat for Humanity home for a dedication at 11 Harvester Ave. in Batavia this morning.

The home will be occupied by Herb Neal, his mother, Barbara, and his two sons, Christopher, 13, and Matthew, 10. 

Neal says, "Moving in here will give my family the fresh start that we need."

Jessica Maguire Tomidy, CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Genesee County, says the home is the 11th project for Habitat for Humanity in the county, the 7th home in the City of Batavia.

Work on the Harvester Avenue house started in May of 2013. Hundreds of volunteers from all over WNY put in over 10,000 volunteer hours to make the renovations happen. The Neals will move into their new home March 16th.

Maguire Tomidy says the home was in very bad shape when they purchased it from the city. There were dead cats and dead squirrels inside and the remains of a dog in the backyard. The last time it was occupied was in 2007.

In under 10 months, Habitat for Humanity was able to identify a family with a need and put the property back on the city's tax rolls.

"It was not without a lot of resources, volunteer hours, energy and a lot of love, Maguire Tomidy said. "People have to have it in their hearts to help, and they do it again and again for us."

Habitat for Humanity paid the city about $2,000 for the Harvester Avenue parcel, according to City Manager Jason Molino, who says the renovation has increased its assessed value by about 35-38 percent.

"A renovated home and a new family add many benefits to a neighborhood and they contribute to the City's revitalization effort," Molino said.

Habitat for Humanity is currently rehabilitating another home at 2 McKinley Ave. and it will be completed and ready for another family by the end of the year.

Father James Fugle blesses the Neal home on Harvester Avenue.

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.

Daphne's Restaurant, 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.

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.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Stretch your body and soul with yoga. This offer is for one drop-in class of yoga instruction, a retail value of $12. Not good with any other discounts or specials. Use before June 2014. We have a gift certificate for $6.

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.

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, churros, and chili. 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 8 p.m. Monday thru Saturday; closed Sunday. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Jagged Edges Salon, 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, NY: Jagged Edges Salon is a walk-in and appointment salon for men, women and children. It is a fun, welcoming salon that offers all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, treatments, and facial waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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.

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.

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 $12.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $15.

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.

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 $6.

The Color Salon, 35 Center St., Batavia, NY: Our attention to detail, combined with the focus on precision haircutting techniques will ensure that your hair will be your best accessory when you leave The Color Salon. We offer all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, up-dos, as well as waxing services. We carry products such as KMS and Paul Mitchell. Now available: Bella Taylor purses! We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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 $12. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

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.

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.

SOLD OUT

There's a power outage at Walmart in Batavia and the store is being evacuated. There is reportedly a patron who is refusing to leave. Law enforcement is on scene to deal with that individual as well as assist personnel with clearing the store of shoppers.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: Officers say they've walked the aisles and believe all the customers are out of the building.

UPDATE 4:26 p.m.: Town of Batavia fire is at the store after the smell of something burning was reported. No signs of fire. Investigating.

UPDATE 5:32 p.m.: Firefighters have tracked the problem to a National Grid transformer across the street, which will have to be repaired or replaced. The store will be closed while that is happening "at least four or five hours, if all goes well."

UPDATE 7:07 p.m.: The Town of Batavia Fire Department's assignment at Walmart is back in service.

Batavia Police were called to Saint James Episcopal Church early this afternoon for the larceny of a silver chalice.

According to police, the chalice was stolen sometime during this past week. There was no evidence of a break-in at the church which is located at 405 E. Main St.

Members of Saint James Church say the silver chalice is an important part of their congregation. The all-silver chalice is used for the consecrated wine and is administered at the eucharist. Church members would like to have the silver chalice returned; they say it has been part of the St. James community for a long time.

Batavia Police are currently working to obtain further information in connection with the larceny.

Anyone with information on the silver chalice can contact the Batavia Police at 585-345-6350 or online at http://www.batavianewyork.com/police-department/webforms/report-suspicious-drug-or-criminal-activity.

A person on State Street called dispatch to report a neighbor struck her with a snowball. City police are responding.

A  pickup truck carrying a 600-pound safe lost its load a little before 10 this morning.

The pickup was traveling west on Main Street near Jackson when the safe fell onto the road.

According to Batavia Police, the driver will be ticketed for failure to secure the load properly.

Parise's was called to haul the safe off the road.

A two-car accident is reported at East Main and Ross streets. One person is complaining of abdominal pain. One of the cars is on the sidewalk. City fire, police and Mercy medics responding.

UPDATE 12:03 p.m.: A 26-year-old male complaining of abdominal pain and left side pain was transported to UMMC. Engine 11 left the scene and is back in service.

City firefighters are on scene at 14 W. Main St., Genesee Justice, after the smell of smoke was reported coming from the attic. Command says it is electrical in nature and that they "will be here awhile" investigating.

UPDATE 8:16 a.m.: The smoke is coming from a burned out motor of some kind in the attic. Maintenance personnel will handle it. City fire is leaving the scene. Assignment back in service.