I spent most of the afternoon in Le Roy looking for news. I came up blank, but as the sun started to set, I took some back roads home to Batavia. This was shot on Smith Road, Pavilion Bethany.

At least eight buildings in Downtown Batavia were tagged with graffiti some time since later yesterday evening, according to police.

The police report doesn't specify which buildings, but the building owners were notified that police officers spotted the graffiti sometime around 2 a.m.

There has been a little tagging of downtown buildings in the past, but this new tagging does not match the previous words/symbols left.

Chief Randy Baker said the police officer wasn't even sure what the message of the tags were.

Baker suggested that anybody who is downtown after dark call police and report any suspicious activity around buildings.

UPDATE: Downtown property owner Ken Mistler is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the tagger.

Anthony P. Dioguardi, 28, a resident of Wyoming Correctional Facility, is charged with four counts of sexual abuse, 1st. Dioguardi is accused of having forcible sexual contact with a child under 11 on two separate occasions in 2006. Dioguardi is currently serving a sentence on a conviction for similar acts, also in 2006. The case was investigated by Det. Kevin Czora, Batavia PD.

Amanda Ann Barclay, 23, of Angling Road, Corfu, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd. Barclay is accused of remaining in the presence of two people whom she is barred by court order from contacting.

Local hotel owners are united in their opposition to the proposed four-story Holiday Inn Express that could become their new neighbor.

One by one, the owners gave their reasons why to the Town of Batavia Planning Board Tuesday night. They cited serious traffic concerns and opposed a building that would tower over others. They claimed another hotel would negatively impact their businesses and, ultimately, the local job market.

The proposed "franchise hotel" would have, according to architect Mark Tiedemann, of MWT Architecture, "...80 rooms with a small meeting room space along with a dining space/breakfast area and an indoor pool."

Developer Michael Patel was not present. He also owns the Hampton Inn in Batavia and is an investor in Chase Hotel Group.

"He doesn't live in our community -- he's not from the area," said a hotel owner.

More than one owner complained that the Hampton Inn continually undercuts the prices of its competitors, starting a "price war."  

Rashi Dev, owner of the Comfort Inn in Batavia, said her hotel will be the most negatively affected if the Holiday Inn Express is erected at four stories high next to her two-story building.

Hotel owners agreed that demand for their services has dwindled in this troubled economy. Some have had to lay off a number of employees and they admitted working long shifts as their own front-desk attendants, even having to clean rooms.

"We're already overpopulated," said Vibhu Joshi, owner of Days Inn and Super 8. He explained that the number of hotels at exit 48 proves to be the highest concentration off the thruway from Syracuse to Pennsylvania.

 "Currently, all the hotels here are struggling in a bad economy and this will hurt even more... the county and the state because the demand will not increase. The supply would be increasing."

The proposed project touts the creation of 19 jobs, but hotel owners questioned whether they are full or part time, and whether or not they will be seasonal. They also pointed out that Patel is known to "share" employees from facility to facility and said that the "new" jobs would most likely be given to those already employed at the Hampton Inn.

Dev informed the planning board of a few parking lot troubles she already encounters with her close proximity to the Hampton Inn, and asked that traffic and parking be looked into further. It was pointed out later by Tom Warth, of Hiscock and Barclay -- hired to represent the existing hotels, that the traffic studies should be conducted during the peak hotel season in the summertime.

Planning Board Chair Kathleen Jasinski tried to assure the concerned business owners that, "This is all so preliminary and it's the first the planning board is hearing of it tonight... If we need to have another public hearing on the matter, we will."

After listening to the genuine concerns and issues of the hotel owners and even a few hotel employees, Jasinski seemed certain that another public hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

The planning board agreed to serve as lead agency on the project and to go through the SEQR process beginning March 15 -- after the applicant provides a traffic study. Jasinski said she couldn't comment on whether the study would be considered adequate if it turns out it wasn't conducted during peak hotel season.

Besides parking and traffic, height was a big concern.

Tiedemann said the building's height shouldn't negatively affect those around it because westbound Thruway traffic can't see the buildings behind the Route 98 bridge anyway. And eastbound traffic would see it behind the others from the opposite direction.

Jasinski warned that, "Unfortunately, we deal with only the land use. We just determine whether or not the project is the right use for the land and that area. We are not involved in the economics -- they have already gone through that with the GCEDC and they've gotten their tax incentives and it's all worked out."

When Warth pointed out that, "Actually, they don't (have it all worked out) because they are waiting on the planning board."

Jasinski replied, "Well they are going to wait a little bit because we have a lot to do."

Although a 40-foot height variance was approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals, the project was incorrectly categorized as one not requiring a SEQR review. In fact, the zoning board cannot grant a variance until a SEQR is completed, so its decision is invalid.

"I don't see any reason to allow another hotel but just in case it turns out they have the right to be there, I would like to see that you don't give the varience for additional height," Joshi charged the planning board. "

"Show the reason - if there is supply and the need is there for a higher building, so be it... but why grant the unfair advantage when everyone else is at the same height? They are the ones getting tax benefits, they will lower all the rates to take the business from us and put us in jeopardy and they sell the bulding and run."

No more muddy football games, practice sessions that can begin a month earlier and end a month later and lower maintenance costs are among the advantages of an artificial turf field. That's what about 30 attendees were told about at a public hearing Tuesday night on a proposed $3.9 million upgrade to Van Detta Stadium and the field.

The upgrade would also bring showers into federal Title IX compliance and disability access to the stands into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. It would also add 75 adjacent parking spots.

The financial impact of the project, some of which would be covered by state aid, would mean the district would need to collect about $110,000 in annual taxes from district residents over 15 years.

Superintended Margaret Puzio acknowledges that in a slow economic time a proposal like this might be counterintuitive. But the time is right, she said, because the recession means the district is likely to attract lower bids from contractors.

"It's important for the public to understand that this may be the last opportunity to do a project of this scope funded at this level," Puzio said near the end of the public hearing.

Afterwards, Puzio said she thought it was important to at least present the option to the public.

"I told the board, morally this is the right thing to do -- to let the public know this is available and let them decide," Puzio said.

The local share -- the amount local taxpayers will pay for directly -- is $1.6 million. The district already has more than $500,000 in its capital improvement fund, which leaves a little over a million to raise locally.

That would mean a tax increase of $6.41 annually to the tax bill of a property assessed at $75,000.

Revenue to pay the balance of the $3.9 million project cost is expected to come from state aid.

The public vote on the proposal is March 29.

Besides converting the playing surface to artificial turf -- which would greatly multiple the number of events and practices the field could be used for annually -- the proposed project also renovates and expands the press box. It adds coaches offices adjacent to the locker rooms and creates separate shower facilities for boys and girls.

The current showers can't even be used because they don't comply with requirements of Title IX.

There would also be a new concession stand area that would include public restrooms.

A 75-space parking lot would be constructed on a current playing field off Union Street (near the center, top left of the picture above).

Today was a significant day in the growth of The Batavian -- our first two employees started work.

Granted, both are working on a limited part-time basis, but getting help for Billie and I will give us the latitude to continue growing the business. Over the past couple of months, it's been clear that there simply aren't enough hours in a week to get done all we need to get done, especially if we want to grow.

We've hired Brittany Baker and Ethan Thompson, two people with roots in Genesee County.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Dan Crofts, Gretel Kauffman and Jim Nigro continue on as correspondents and we very much appreciate their ongoing contributions.

Brittany Baker, Staff Writer: I first met Brittany more than 18 months ago when she introduced herself outside a restaurant where she worked. She wanted to write for The Batavian. We brought her on as a correspondent and both Billie and I were impressed with her work ethic and commitment to journalism.

We were exceptionally sorry a couple of months later to see her depart to the Batavia Daily News as a full-time staff writer, but wished her well. In December, I learned Brittany's position at the Daily was eliminated and since I knew I would be creating at least one part-time position in 2011, I immediately contacted her. Billie and I are quite proud that Brittany agreed to rejoin us.

Brittany is 24, born and raised in Genesee County and holds a bachelor's degree in broadcasting from Brockport and an associate's degree from GCC in communications and media arts. Her interests include video games, painting, photography and, of course, writing and reading. She's previously worked for, besides the Daily News, Terry Hills, Hot Shots, Delavan's, Bob Evans and has done some modeling.

She currently resides in Batavia.

Initially, Brittany will work four days per month, with an emphasis on covering the Town of Batavia. We'll add more work days as our revenue grows.

Ethan Thompson, Advertising Support: Ethan is another person who approached me in the early days of The Batavian with an interest in working for us. You may recognize his name. He has covered some football for us and done a couple of other video projects.

Ethan impressed me early on with his ambition and hard work, and when he applied for our advertising support position, I knew I at least had to talk with him about the job. We're very happy he decided to join our staff.

Ethan, 16, lives with his parents in Oakfield and is home-schooled -- he graduates this year. He runs his own media company, Just Passing Thru Productions and works with Ride to Recovery. 

Besides strong video production skills, Ethan can build Web sites in Word Press, knows his way around PhotoShop and other computer programs we use on the advertising side of the business.

One of the tasks I've been having a hard time keeping up with recently is "Deal of the Day," so Ethan's initial duties will be handling all of those responsibilities -- working four mornings a week to post the deals and send out the gift certificates. This should improve the entire process.

Ethan will take on additional responsibilities over the course of the year, all aimed at helping us serve local businesses better and generate more revenue so we can better serve both readers and advertisers.

A power line is down and arcing in the roadway on Lewiston Road in the area of Bliss Road in Oakfield. It is partially blocking traffic, too.

Oakfield Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 6:04 p.m.: National Grid is on scene. Oakfield fire is back in service.

A grease fire was reported about 10 minutes ago at a residence on Tracy Avenue (in the area of 15 or 16). It was called in by a neighbor.

The first started in the upper apartment kitchen, at the rear of the building. Electrical power is arcing at the back of the stove and National Grid is called. The power is now shut off in the basement but lights are still on on the second floor.

The fire is knocked out by City of Batavia Fire Department and the building is being ventilated. An off-duty crew is called to standby in the fire station.

UPDATE 3:10 p.m.: A fire chief says "no school transportation is acceptable" along that portion of Tracy Avenue. National Grid is expected on scene at any moment now.

As promised last week (see Friday's article, "Mancuso's hosts Holy Family School, of Le Roy, for Catholic Schools Week"), here are some photos of staff and students from Holy Family and St. Joseph schools celebrating Catholic Schools Week.

Our site has been experiencing some technical difficulties, otherwise they would have been posted sooner.

Holy Family at Mancuso Bowling Center:

The kids have just finished Mass at Notre Dame and are ready to hit the lanes!

Principal Kevin Robertson (aka "Mr. Rob") with Sister Bridget.

Amy Drakes, physical education teacher and chief organizer of this event.

"Representatives" from across the grade span. They are, left to right in the back, Ariba (fifth grade), Chris (eighth grade),  Drakes and Collin (fifth grade); left to right in the front, Annarose (kindergarten), Sam (third grade) and Nathaniel (first grade).

St. Joe's kids at the YMCA -- games and workouts:

Pictured fifth-grade teacher Todd Bowman, who did push-ups with some of his students.

Here's what happened at Monday night's city council meeting.

There were two public hearings -- one on the proposed budget with its $1.59 per-thousand property tax increase and another on the water and sewer rate increase (adding about $12 per year to the average homeowner's bill) -- and no members of the public showed up.

A pair of local residents raised their concerns about a neighbor dispute they would like the police department to take action on.

And Elijah Monroe, above, presented a framed certificate to the Batavia City Council commemorating Batavia for being the Niagara Frontier chapter headquarters for the The Society of the Second War with Great Britain In the State of New York.

The society is affiliated with the General Society of the War of 1812, which is an organization for the male descendants of anyone who served in the War of 1812.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) recently announced that he will not seek election in the 26th Congressional District. Hawley instead will continue his duties as an assemblyman in the 139th District.

“I have been truly inspired by the outpouring of support I have received from constituents, friends and colleagues regarding a potential run for the United States House of Representatives in the 26th Congressional District,” Hawley said. “Furthermore, the parallels and comparisons I have received to former Rep. Barber Conable Jr. from members of the community have been nothing short of humbling.

"However, after careful consideration, I have decided to forgo a run for Congress and remain in the New York State Assembly, representing my home -- the 139th Assembly District. There may be another day and another time for me to seek such office, but today is not that day and now is not that time.”

“Throughout my time in the Assembly, I have held myself to a core set of principles that continue to propel me through my life of public service,” Hawley said. “From lowering property taxes, attracting and retaining business in Western New York, and supporting and honoring our proud veterans to protecting the viability of New York’s number one industry, agriculture, I have fought day in and day out to meet the needs of my district.

"However, there is still much work left to be done in order to right New York’s ship. That is why I feel it is important for me to continue my role in the state Assembly. There is simply so much more to accomplish right here in our own community.”

On withdrawing his name from the running, Hawley announced his support for Assemblywoman Jane Corwin (R, C, I – Clarence), who represents the 142nd District. Hawley and Corwin have been colleagues in the Assembly minority since 2008.

“It is without hesitation that I endorse Assemblywoman Jane Corwin for the 26th Congressional District,” Hawley said. “Assemblywoman Corwin has shown tireless dedication in representing her constituents and shares many of the same common-sense, pro-business principles that I have made a priority in the state Assembly.

"Assemblywoman Corwin and I were the only two representatives to earn perfect scores on Unshackle Upstate’s 2009-10 Legislative Scorecards, which rate the voting records of all 212 state legislators regarding bills that would support the health and growth of New York’s economy. I take great pride in endorsing my friend and colleague as our next representative in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

A car as hit a tree on Lake Road, near Sackett Road, in Bergen.  

The elderly driver is reportedly disoriented.

Bergen Fire and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 9:15 p.m.: Lake Road is not being closed, but Fire Police are trying to slow down traffic.

UPDATE 9:20 p.m.: Mercy's response canceled. No injuries.

Here's a sweet deal. You can get a professional portrait of your pet done at Carlson's Studio Photography in Batavia for $20 and the money goes to benefit the spay and neutering program of the Volunteers for Animals.

Enjoy a studio photo session and get a 5-by-7-inch portrait on Saturday, March 5 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. The window of opportunity is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you make an appointment by Feb. 16, you can a free keychain, too!

Call the studio at 343-2823.

This story is based on information provided by Pavilion-based Syntec Optics.

Syntec Optics is hard at work on a project that could revolutionize the way we interact with computers. It's the nation's largest independent manufacturer of custom plastic lenses whose motto is “Precision Plastic Optics for Tomorrow’s Technologies."

The Pavilion-based company is working on the Eye-Com EC7T™ eye-tracking system -- designed and developed by Eye-Com Corp. This advanced eye-tracking platform uses frame-mounted microcameras to not only record eyelid and pupil activity, but also to track head movement. The integrated, wearable system is a versatile device with all video, lighting, and electronic components encased within the uniquely designed, unobtrusive eye frames.

Even in a universe of lighting-quick technological changes, this stuff is mindboggling. (Perhaps a bit "Borg-like" -- but in a good way.)

Entertainment, transportation and disability-assistance industries are among those expected to be significantly impacted by advancements in eye-tracking and biometric technologies such as this.

In the rapidly emerging "augmented-reality" industry, people are presented with information about their surrounding environment through various visual displays, including computers, TV screens, smart phones, or even through a pair of eye-tracking glasses with a heads-up display.

In the foreseeable future, a user wearing an eye-tracking device could look at a building such as a movie theater and be presented with information like show times or even watch movie trailers.

Imagine driving a car that has eye tracking, augmented reality, biometrics and oculometrics all integrated -- where the system is able to determine if you are in a traffic jam or cruising down the highway -- and selectively allowing phone calls to go through based on your level of fatigue, stress or the amount of attention needed to be devoted to the road.

“In the near term, the EC7T will enable many disabled individuals greater use of computers with a device that can be used in place of a traditional mouse and allows them to use their eyes to select objects on the screen," says Eye-Com Founder William C. Torch, Ph.D.

Syntec Optics has been working with Eye-Com for more than a year and is currently manufacturing and assembling the set of plastic optics used in the EC7T.

Since the device is worn by the user, the optics need to be light in weight. Using plastic as opposed to glass made sense. Syntec was able to produce a set of prototype lens from Zeonex E48R™.

One of the challenges was the size of the lens, which is roughly 3 millimeters in diameter according to Syntec Optics’ VP and General Manager Rick Arndt.

“We have significant experience manufacturing and assembling small optics but as technology progresses, we see parts getting smaller and smaller,” Arndt said.

As for the technology itself, Eye-Com CEO Ky Good says “Eye-Com’s eye-tracking technology has established a new level of biometric performance with both advanced hardware and innovative software, which offers a platform for the future.”

The EC7T provides a mechanism and platform for enhancing applications that have yet to be imagined. Good believes that the device will eventually integrate optical, audio and neural sensors that will drive many applications in the next 10, 20 to 50 years.

“Our intention,” he explains, “is to leverage and collaborate with many companies, ideally bringing those pieces together to provide a cost effective, usable product for a multitude of end-users.”

("Make it so," said the captain.)

To find out more visit <http://www.eyecomworld.com> or <http://www.syntecoptics.com>.

Kenyada R. Peterkin, 29, of Saxton Street, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation and unlawful possession of marijuana. Peterkin was arrested following a traffic stop by members of the Local Drug Enforcement Task Force. He was allegedly found in possession of crack cocaine and marijuana. Peterkin was jailed on $1,500 bail.

A 17-year-old from Asbury Road, Pavilion, is charged with criminal contempt, 2nd, and harassment, 2nd. The youth allegedly violated a court order by hitting another person during an argument.

Matthew Joseph Dahl, 19, Tinkham Road, Darien, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone and inadequate headlights. Dahl was stopped at 2:06 a.m., Saturday, on Tinkham Road, Darien, by Deputy Jason Saile.

Stephen Daniel Golembiewski, 32, of Main Road, East Pembroke, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, driving left of center pavement markings and obstructed rear plate. Golembiewski was stopped at 1:13 a.m., Sunday, on Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, by Deputy Patrick Reeves.

Jenna Alexandra Kavanagh, 18, of Guaymar Circle, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Kavanagh was allegedly found in possession of marijuana during a traffic stop on Thursday by Deputy James Diehl.

Brandy Rose Douglas, 31, of South Main Street, Elba, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, aggravated unlicensed operation and driving left of pavement markings in a no-passing zone. Douglas was stopped at 12:17 a.m., Friday, on Chapel Road, Byron, by Deputy Jason Saile.

None of the seven people involved in a two-car accident in Le Roy on Saturday afternoon were injured.

The driver of one car, Cody A. Busch, 19, of Batavia, said he was trying to brake for another car when he lost control of the 1989 Pontiac he was driving and the car spun into oncoming traffic.

The Pontiac struck a 2002 Kia driven by Angelo J. Rampino, 38, of Tonawanda.

No citations were issued following the 5:33 p.m. accident on Route 19 in the area of 8623 Lake Road.

In Busch's car were James K. Goodenow, 39, and Kristine M. Reynolds, 21.  In Rampino's car were Heather C. Rampino, 37, Angelo J. Rampino II, 4, and Deborah A. Gillmor, 57.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Joseph Graff.

One person suffered a minor injury and three others were unhurt in a rollover accident on Route 63 on Saturday that was blamed on excessive speed for conditions.

The driver, Laura F. Schimpf, 18, of Bishop Street, Watertown, received a citation.

Her passenger, Lauren S. Aulet, 18, reportedly had minor cuts and glass in her eye.

Uninjured were Stephanie Kingsbury, 19, and Allison J. Cropsey, 18.

Schimpf was reportedly driving north on Ellicott Street Road near Route 20 in Pavilion when her car went off the east shoulder. The 2007 Hyundai sedan struck a snowbank and over turned, coming to rest on its roof.

The accident was investigated by Deputy Chris Parker.

(Initial Report)