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Motor-vehicle accident at Route 77 and Ledge Road, Alabama

By Billie Owens

A motor-vehicle accident is reported at Route 77 and Ledge Road. Alabama Fire Department is responding along with Mercy medics. There is one patient with a facial injury who is also complaining of chest pain.

UPDATE 12:39: Southbound traffic is blocked. Fire police are needed for traffic control. Law enforcement is on scene.

UPDATE 1:17 p.m.: Alabama is back in service. One patient is being transported to Erie County Medical Center.

Photos: Thunder and lightning pass through Batavia, more expected

By Howard B. Owens

A lightning and thunderstorm passed through Batavia in the 10 o'clock hour, and though things have gotten quieter, there are still a few flashes in the sky now and then.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement predicting ongoing lightning and thunder activity throughout the night with possibility of strong wind gusts at time and possibly hail.

Some hail was reported in the county tonight.

Power outages in the county so far tonight have been minimal. There was a report of a wire down and arching in Pavilion, but that doesn't sound like a serious issue.

Report of greenhouse fire at Pudgie's

By Howard B. Owens

A caller reports seeing flames inside a greenhouse at Pudgie's Lawn and Garden on West Main Street Road, Batavia.

Chiefs on scene report nothing showing.

UPDATE: A chief confirms an LED light inside the building -- no fire.

Former logger thinks co-defendant in timber scheme got off too easy

By Howard B. Owens

A chance meeting with five local farmers in a Le Roy diner helped convince Donnie Henderickson to take a logging job with David Henry Isabell, the 43-year-old, now-convicted timber con man, Henderickson said today.

Henderickson spoke after his appearance in Genesee County Court where he was given a conditional discharge on a single petit larceny conviction.

Isabell called Henderickson out to Le Roy to talk about a job on property owned by Lynn Belluscio, Henderickson said. It was the first time Henderickson had done anything with Isabell in 10 years, he said.

After the meeting at Belluscio's property, they went to a local diner and ran into the farmers, who greeted Isabell like an old friend, he said.

"After I got home, I said (to my wife), ‘I can’t believe it. He really changed his ways,’ " Henderickson said. "He was pretty shifty 10 years ago, and he hasn’t changed his ways. The only thing he’s done is he’s learned to finesse the BS a little more."

Henderickson described Isabell as charming -- a master of BS -- and said the 43-year-old Liverpool resident deserved a harsher sentence than he got.

He said he was sorry for what happened to the property owners Isabell conned.

He's also sorry for himself and what he's been through.

He said -- backed by his wife of 30 years -- that he's always been a legitimate logger, but this ordeal has ruined logging for him.

"It's a shame," he said. "When I drive out here, I see lots of good timber. I could have made a lot of money out here (in Genesee County) legitimately. I didn't need this.

"You know it's tough to make money (in logging) anyway. After this, all anybody has to do is get on the computer and pull a DEC report and see Mr. Henderickson’s name right there and they’re not going to deal with me."

To make a living now, Henderickson drives a log truck for another company.

The 49-year-old resident of Bernhards Bay was originally charged with grand larceny, 4th, 23 counts of timber trespass, grand larceny, 3rd, and scheme to defraud, 1st.

Those charges were reduced to petit larceny with a promise of no jail time on the condition that Henderickson testify truthfully against Isabell.

Rather than go to trial, Isabell entered a guilty plea to timber trespass and scheme to defraud, 1st. He was sentenced April 26 to six months in jail and five years probation.

Assistant Distirct Attorney Kevin Finnell said in court today that he is convinced that Henderickson was a partner in Isabell's timber scheme.

"I think Mr. Henderickson was well aware of what was going on with the home owners," Finnell said. "He was clearly part of this scheme, albeit to a lesser degree of culpability, but he certainly knew what was going on."

Even so, Finnell said, he didn't oppose the recommendation of the probation department that Henderickson receive a conditional discharge.

A conditional discharge means that if Henderickson isn't re-arrested for anything in the next year, the petit larceny conviction will be dropped from record.

"For the victims, I’m very glad they got the restitution they got, but as far as Mr. Isabell and (his sentence), what he did was wrong," Henderickson said.

Sunday's Empire Yankees game shifted to Rochester after Pettitte announced as starter

By Howard B. Owens

It's true, one of New York's premier pitcher's will make a final rehab start with the Empire Yankees on Sunday against the Red Sox farm club.

Unfortunately for Batavia baseball fans, the game has been shifted to Frontier Field in Rochester.

UPDATE: Additional information about tickets just in:

All fans holding tickets to the regularly scheduled Yankees--PawSox game in Batavia on Sunday may exchange their tickets for the same game at Frontier Field. The exchange must be made by 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Dwyer Stadium Box Office in Batavia or the Frontier Field Box Office in Rochester. If any ticket holder can not attend Sunday’s game at Frontier Field, they can exchange their ticket for the Yankees game on June 12 in Batavia or any regular season Muckdogs game.

Richmond Memorial Library budget passes, Stich reelected to board

By Daniel Crofts

On Tuesday, voters approved the proposed budget for the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia. This will mean a 3-cent increase in the library tax per $1,000 of assessed property value.

The budget passed by a four-to-one margin:

Yes: 252
No: 63

Also, library Board Member Beth Stich was reelected to another five-year term with 293 votes. She was unopposed.

For more information about the library's services, visit www.batavialibrary.org.

Genesee County is great, making it better is part of 'livable community' effort

By Howard B. Owens

By showing up at Genesee Community College this morning, more than 150 local residents demonstrated that this is a livable community, said Jill Babinski, a senior planner for the county.

But they also know things can always be made better.

In today's terms, that means "more livable," which was the focus of the forum at the college.

"I grew up in Erie County and I've chosen to live here and be here, so I think Genesee County is very livable," said Babinski, who also referred to Genesee County as the best county in the state.

"If you take into account all of the economic activity recently, companies from the outside are also judging Genesee County to be livable, because you're not going to bring your company here unless you know there are things here for your employees to do."

What makes a community livable?

That's a complex and not easily answered question said keynote speaker Vera Prosper, director of Livable New York.

It's easy to say it means it's a good place to live, work, to grow up and grow old, but what that means is different for each person and each community.

Generally, it means a place with a variety of housing to meet the needs of different people at different stages of their lives. It means good jobs, viable transportation, nice parks and sound infrastructure, up-to-date technology, smart land use planning, plenty of shopping, quality schools and accessible health care.

"These are the kind of elements that make up our living our environment," Prosper said. "They’re very tangible. They’re easy to see, easy to measure, easy to associate with livability. These are the kind of elements people look at when they’re aiming to improve livability."

Livable communities are sustainable. They are ones people want to move to, live in, and not leave.

"In order for Genesee County to at least to remain marketable, we have to address all of those isuses to get people here and to get people to stay here," Babinski said.

The County Planning Department is using the forum to kick off an update to the comprehensive plan, and the effort includes setting up a volunteer vision committee as well as 10 focus groups.

Babinski encourages residents to get involved.

"I've always believed, you can't complain unless you put in some effort," Babinski said. "We want people to put in the effort and then if they have a problem they can complain and make sure it turns out the way they want it to."

A strong community, Prosper said, is one where people are involved, and involvement spurs economic activity and better opportunities for all residents.

"It is a community's responsibility to understand what is coming up in that community and not base decisions on yesterday’s circumstances," Prosper said.

Le Roy resident accused of breaking into old Jell-O factory building

By Howard B. Owens

A 20-year-old Le Roy resident is being accused of burglary for allegedly breaking into the old Jell-O plant on North Street, Le Roy, and stealing tools, wire and other items from a business there.

The burglary was discovered after Easter weekend when employees returned to work.

The suspect, John H. O'Shea, of 84 Wolcott St., Le Roy, is accused of making forced entry into the building.

As part of the month-long investigation, police executed a search warrant at a residence in Riga, where some of the allegedly stolen property was located.

O'Shea is charged with burglary, 3rd, and grand larceny, 4th.

After arraignment, O'Shea was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Le Roy PD says the investigation is ongoing.

Batavia HS student wins 26th District art competition

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congresswoman Kathy Hochul today announced that Siena Pullinzi, a 10th-grader at Batavia High School, has won the New York 26th Congressional District Art Competition with her work entitled “What’s on the Inside.” The work is a self-portrait consisting of pencil, watercolor and ink.

“I want to congratulate Siena for a job well done, as well as all the students who took part in this competition,” Congresswoman Hochul said. “The arts play an essential part of education and I am proud that so many Western New York students exercised their creativity. While I would have loved to have displayed all these pieces of art in the halls of the Capitol for the next year, we could only have one.”

Pullinzi added, “I’m so surprised I won because some of my friends submitted pieces that were really good. I’m so excited. Yay!”

Over 800 residents of the 26th District voted in this year’s competition, choosing Pullinzi’s artwork to be displayed in the halls of the Capitol for the next year. Pullinzi will also now have the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., to participate in a ceremony for Congressional Art Competition winners. A photo of Pullinzi’s work can be seen here.

The Congressional Art Competition, now in its 30th year, was created to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district across the nation. High school students in each district are encouraged to submit original artwork – photographs, oil, watercolor, and mixed-media works are all permitted.

Today's Deals: Alex's Place, Delavan's, Palm Island Indoor Water Park, Pudgie's, and more!

By Lisa Ace

Sweetland Pines Golf Course - NEW TODAY, 5795 Sweetland Road, Stafford NY: Sweetland Pines is a par 3 golf course, great for beginners and experienced golfers working on the short game. Relaxed golf game, average play is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, leaving the golfer time to enjoy rest of the day. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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 $10.

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 $12.50.

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 $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently so you can try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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.)

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 $20 gift certificate for $10.

Kashmir Cafe, 85 Main St., Batavia, NY; This delightful cafe and coffee shop offers the finest flame-roasted artisan coffee and teas, a wide selection of sandwiches made with the freshest breads, and assorted baked goods. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kravings offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Log Cabin Restaurant, 1227 Gilmore Rd, Corfu, NY: Overlooking the picturesque Indian Falls on the Tonawanda Creek, the Log Cabin is known for casual dining, beef on weck, burgers, steaks, prime rib and mouthwatering BBQ baby back ribs. The Log Cabin is located off Route 77, 1.7 miles north of Exit 48 on the Thruway. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

New York Subs and Deli, 234 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Offering the freshest ingredients daily with a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, & daily specials. All tips collected go to an animal in need! We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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.

Palm Island Indoor Water Park, 8250 Park Road, Batavia, NY: The newest family fun center in Genesee County, featuring a hot tub, monsoon lagoon pool and play area, tipping buckets, water slides, arcade with 15 games and birthday party rooms. We have a pair of gift certificates worth $40 in merchandise or services for $20.

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

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Spring decorations are in as well as a large selection of Easter flowers and spring bulbs. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Rancho Viejo, 12 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Traditional Mexican cuisine, from tacos and burritos to pollo norteno, Rancho Viejo brings a bit of "South of the Border" to Batavia's restaurant scene. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Rosie's Diner, 4974 Ellicott St. Road, Batavia, NY: Serving breakfast and lunches daily. Rosie's features delicious homemade food including Italian and Polish dishes and the freshest homemade soups. "Where good people meet!" We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Salsa & Curry, 13 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: An authentic Mexican restaurant, offering all of your favorite dishes from enchiladas and burritos to tacos and fajitas, as well as daily Indian food specials. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Scooter's Family Restaurant, 3711 W. Main St. Road, Batavia NY: Nestled just outside of the Village of Batavia, Scooter's offers a homestyle menu, daily specials, kid's meals and homemade desserts! We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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 $10.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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 $10.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl21 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 $10.

SOLD OUT

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Law and Order: Man charged with DWI after accident in Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

Michael Timothy Van Houter, 21, of East Main Road, Le Roy, is DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, failure to reduce speed, driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone and failure to stop at stop sign. Van Houter was charged following the investigation into a motor-vehicle accident at 11:24 p.m., Tuesday, on Perry Road, Le Roy. The investigation was conducted by Deputy Jason Saile.

Rea Anne Leaha Wimmer, 19, of Broadway Road, Darien, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and moving from lane unsafely. Wimmer was stopped at 12:40 p.m., Tuesday, on Clinton Street Road, Batavia, by Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello.

Austin L. Wester, 17, of 3373 Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and criminal possession of stolen property, 4th. Wester is accused of violating an order of protection. During the investigation, Wester allegedly admitted to possessing property he knew was stolen. Wester was jailed without bail pending an appearance in Batavia City Court today.

Latoya D. Jackson, 26, of Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Jackson is accused of screaming profanities in Batavia City Court and then struggling with deputies in the lobby of the Genesee County Courthouse. Jackson was jailed on $2,000 bail.

Benefit for Pembroke High School senior stricken with rare cancer

By Rick D. Franclemont

Saturday, May 5, at the East Pembroke Fire Hall pavilion, Austin's Army will be holding a benefit for Austin Heineman (son of Jason Heineman and Jamie (McGiveron) Wasielewski). Austin is an 18-year-old Pembroke High School senior who was recently diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of childhood cancer.

The benefit runs from 4 to 11 p.m. and the fire hall is located at 2623 W. Main Road, East Pembroke.

There will be Chinese and silent auctions and side raffles. Some of the raffle items are a 32" flat-screen TV, a Sabres Jersey signed by 15 of the players, an X-Box and Kinect package, four Adirondack chairs, a large primitive hutch and three signed Philadelphia Eagles Jerseys (#7 Michael Vick, #10 DeSean Jackson, #24 Ninamdi Asomugha).

Entertainment will be provided by local bands Unruly and Mr. Hand. There is no entry fee. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.  

All proceeds from the benefit are to help offset costs not covered by health insurance. Donations are welcome and may be sent to Austin’s Army, c/o First Niagara Bank, Batavia NY 14020.

Bellavia's book on Iraq experience to become a feature film

By Howard B. Owens

"House to House: an Epic Memoir of War," a book cowritten by Batavia resident David Bellavia and released in 2007, will get the Hollywood treatment.

Deadline Hollywood reports that Rich Middlemas, who won an Oscar this year for the  documentary Undefeated will produce the film.

Bellavia won a Bronze Star and Silver Star and the book is based on his experiences in 2004 in the second battle for Fallujah.

Currently, Bellavia is running for Congress and is locked in a GOP primary battle with Chris Collins for the NY-27 District.

Yankees ace could pitch in Batavia on Saturday or Sunday

By Howard B. Owens

Yankees ace Andy Pettitte, rehabbing from an injury, is going to make one more start for one of the Yankees' minor league teams before returning to the big club, probably on Saturday or Sunday.

Which team Pettitte will start for hasn't been announced, but one possibility is the Empire Yankees.

The Triple A farm club is playing three games at Dwyer Stadium this weekend against Pawtucket, the farm team of the Boston Red Sox.

So ... there is some chance, perhaps a good chance, that one of the premier pitchers in baseball and a likely Hall of Famer, will be pitching in Batavia on Saturday or Sunday.

Yankees -- Red Sox, maybe Pettitte, warmer weather ... it could be a very good weekend for baseball in Batavia.

Multiple fire alarms blared at the Clarion Hotel, nothing found

By Billie Owens

Town of Batavia firefighters are scouring the Clarion Hotel on Park Road for any signs of fire after alarms sounded there about 15 minutes ago. The alarm system has been silenced and will likely be reset shortly. They have found nothing so far, other than the odor of cigarette smoke in the northwest stairwell, which a firefighter on scene said "I believe that's associated with employees."

The hotel is now allowed to "be repopulated" and people can go about their business. Alarms sounded for the fifth floor, the penthouse, the duct work and the first-floor atrium.

"Wow, and nothing showing -- how 'bout that!" said the chief in amazement.

UPDATE 5:45 p.m.: The alarm system has been reset.

UPDATE 5:57 p.m.: Town of Batavia is back in service.

Contestants wanted for Genesee County Fair Queen Pageant

By Billie Owens

Contestants are being sought for the 2012 Genesee County Fair Queen Pageant.

If you would like to compete for the title, please submit an application to the Pageant Coordinator at debrabaris@yahoo.com or by mail ro 7301 Griswold Road, Bergen, NY 14416.

The Genesee County Fair Queen Pageant would like to promote, confidence, community service, poise and talent for our young women.

Contestants must be:

  • Female
  • 15 to 18 years old
  • In grades 10, 11 or 12 in the 2012 or 2013 school year.
  • Genesee County resident

Completed applications are available at all Genesee County high school offices and are due by Friday, June 15.

Questions: call Debra Baris at 813-4149.

Sponsored by: The Genesee County Agricultural Society, Inc.

The Genesee County Fair runs July 17 – 21.

GCC President James Sunser to be inaugurated Saturday

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College welcomes James Sunser, EdD, as the fourth president with inauguration ceremonies beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. They will be held in the Stuart Steiner Theatre on the Batavia campus, located at One College Road.

The keynote address will be delivered by Onondaga Community College President Debbie Sydow, with special remarks by State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, and greetings by numerous dignitaries.

All this week, a number of events and activities that are free and open to the public are scheduled to welcome President Sunser.

For a complete list visit: http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/inauguration/events.cfm

Photos: Teddy Bear and Doll Clinic ready to receive patients today

By Howard B. Owens

The auditorium at UMMC's Cary Hall (next to the YMCA) is all set up for important patient care -- with all of the care stations, instruments and devices of good medical care ready to help heal any teddy bears or dolls that are brought in today.

The event is UMMC's annual Teddy Bear and Doll Clinic, designed to give pre-schoolers, kindergarteners and first-graders an understanding of what is involved in medical care in case they or anybody else they know needs significant medical care.

The clinic is sponsored by Healthy Living Department and is open until 5 p.m.

Top Items on Batavia's List

Marketing Assistant — The Batavian Wage: $17 to $18 per hour Status: Part-time (potential to expand to full-time) Location: Work from home (local candidates preferred) The Batavian is seeking a qualified individual to create banner ads and assist with advertising duties to support our customers. Qualifications: High competency with Photoshop, especially for graphic design Training and knowledge in effective ad design Excellent interpersonal skills for client interaction Additional skills with other graphic tools are a plus Key Tasks: Collaborate with the ad sales representative to design ads for our website according to customer specifications Make corrections and adjustments based on customer feedback Upload and traffic ads to our ad server, ensuring correct placement Experience: Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to perform the required tasks. Additional Information: This position starts as part-time and may expand to full-time. You will work from home; The Batavian will provide a Mac computer for the job. While remote work is possible, we prefer candidates who are local, familiar with our community, and have a strong understanding of our customers. To Apply: Submit your resume and a portfolio demonstrating your graphic design and ad creation skills with a cover letter to Publisher Howard Owens, howard@thebatavian.com.  
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