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Photos: Harvester Avenue on a cloudy afternoon

By Howard B. Owens

Driving back from the YWCA on Sunday afternoon, I noticed the great sky over Batavia and remembered that I've been wanting to take another shot at getting a picture of the William Morgan monument on a cloudy day. While I was stopped on Harvester snapping away at Morgan, I noticed the clouds reflecting off the windows of the Harvest Center and thought that that would make for a good shot, too. (If you want to see a bigger version, I'll post it to VuFindr.com some time in the next week, probably.)

Below is the shot I came up with of old Morgan, but a bit different than the one I imagined getting.

YWCA peeks into the past by opening 1967's time capsule

By Howard B. Owens

As part of its year-long 100th Anniversary celebration, the Batavia YWCA opened the time capsule in the cornerstone of its North Street building Sunday afternoon.

The cornerstone was laid in 1967 and the time capsule probably hasn't been opened since (it took a mason four hours to dislodge it).

Executive Director Barbara Hale said that the local YWCA thought it would be fun to peak inside the time capsule, which contained old newspapers, photos, the Batavia club's original application to join the YWCA and a scroll of donors who contributed to the building fund.

"What was of interest to me was the number of three-generation families that have been involved with YWCA, mine being among them," Hale said. "My dad’s name was on that roll."

All of the items found in the time capsule will be returned to a new box along with some items from the current time and bricked back into the corner of the building, Hale said.

Above, Hale, left, with City Council President Marianne Clattenburg, and Shirley Lasuer with Nora Sands, look over some other items of historical interest to the local YWCA, including a picture of the organization's founder and the original charter certificate.

Batavia student wins first scholarship race at Batavia Downs

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia High student has $3,000 more toward her college education after driving a harness racehorse to victory Saturday night at Batavia Downs.

Kaley Falkowski, paired with professional driver Jim Mulcahy, bested four other high school students racing in Batavia Downs first-ever scholarship challenge. A total of $7,500 was awarded to the students.

Taking second was Eric Harrower (Batavia High School) with Ron Beback Jr., earning $2,000. Tyler Pingrey (Notre Dame High School) with Jim Graham earned a $1,200. Mike Norway (Oakfield-Alabama High School) with Michael Baumeister finished fourth and earned an $800 scholarship, while Emily Sallome (Batavia High School) and Mike Pokornowski finished fifth and will receive a $500 scholarship.

More pictures related to the scholarship race and other scenes on Saturday at Batavia Downs after the jump:

Photos: Alexander Steam Show

By Howard B. Owens

The annual Alexander Steam Show was another big hit this year, with people coming from all over the region for tractor pulls, a flea market, displays, antique farm equipment and -- above -- steamed sweet corn.

The corn was cooked using an old steam engine, dumped on a table and then people could dive in, grab as many ears as they could, butter it up and salt it.

Let's just say, it was good.

More pictures after the jump:

Photo: Hay-hauling school bus

By Howard B. Owens

Drive a bit down Route 98 toward Alexander and you'll spot this former school bus for sale loaded up with round bales of hay.

Man lighting pilot light suffers burns

By Howard B. Owens

A man at 127 Pearl St., Batavia, was taken to UMMC by Mercy EMS this morning after he was reportedly burned while lighting a pilot light for a water heater.

When he tried to light the pilot, there was apparently a quick, small explosion, but no fire followed.

City fire responded at shortly after 9 a.m.

Because it was an accident and no fire, there is no publicly available report with the victim's name or age or medical condition.

Lancers dominate Alexander in 35-0 victory

By Howard B. Owens

Dylan Bordinaro was all over the field Saturday, making tackles, picking off passes and rushing for 85 yards.

The senior linebacker/running back scored two touchdowns and was a big part of Elba/Byron-Bergen's 35-0 victory over Alexander.

“This off-season, right at the end of the school year, he asked, 'What do I need to do to get better?'" said Head Coach Michael Cintorino. "We said, 'You’ve got the ability, you’ve just got to go hard every single play.'"

That's exactly what Bordinaro has done so far this season.

"He never wants to come out of the game," Cintorino said. "And it doesn’t matter if it’s practice, doesn’t matter if it's warm ups, doesn’t matter if it's agilities, doesn’t matter if it’s game day – he’s got one speed and that’s all he goes."

On the Trojan's side of the ball, injuries are making it a tough early fall in Alexander. After seeing at least two more players go down Saturday, Head Coach Dave Radley said it may be time to drop the JV program and bring those players into varsity to fill roster spots.

"It's back to the drawing board," Radley said.

For the Lancers (2-0), Eric Kowalik passed for 109 yards and completed five of 12 passes. Brandon Shucknecthad seven tackles and one sack.

Lucas Phillips ran for 57 yards  on 19 carries for Alexander (0-2).

Scores:

E-Dylan Bordinaro 42-yard interception
E-Bordinaro 29-yard run
E-Bordinaro 45-yard interception
E-Matt Ramsey 86-yard pass from Eric Kowalik
E-Bordinaro 9-yard run

Photos: Top, Elba/BB QB Eric Kowalik is leg tackled by Quinn Jared. Below, Matt Ramsey making the reception for his 86-yard TD catch.

More pictures after the jump:

Car takes down power lines in Darien

By Howard B. Owens

A driver reportedly swerved to avoid a deer and hit a utility pole.

There are no injuries reported in the accident at 7 Day Road and County Line Road in Darien, but power lines are down.

Darien Fire is responding.

Volunteer departments on hand for 9/11 event in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

If you're fascinated by big fire trucks, Home Depot was the place to be on Saturday. Multiple volunteer fire departments from throughout the county, along with Mercy Flight, the Sheriff's Office and Genesee County Emergency Management Services were on hand to let the public tour their equipment and learn about local emergency services.

Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yaeger said the Sept. 11 event was a way to remember the 343 firefighters and all of the civilians who lost their lives nine years ago and highlight emergency preparedness in Genesee County.

Yaeger also hoped the event would help with recruiting more volunteers, whether to the firefighting services, the Red Cross, Ameri Corps or other community organizations.

Within the firefighting services, there are numerous opportunities to volunteer Yaeger said. It's not all about rushing into burning buildings.

"You may feel that you’re not going to be a qualified interior firefighter, but you can be the driver of the apparatus," Yaeger said. "We need to get that truck there so we need those drivers there."

Volunteers are also needed to help prepare and get equipment ready and serve in management positions.

Possible car fire on East Main Street, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

An apparently abandoned car was found smoking at Hanson Aggregates, 7875 East Main Road, Le Roy. The car may be on fire.

Law enforcement and Le Roy Fire are being dispatched.

UPDATE 11:24 a.m.: Confirmed, working car fire; abandoned car.


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Today's Deals: Pudgie's, Present Tense, South Beach, Mane Attraction and more

By Howard B. Owens

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3646 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: Get started on your spring gardening projects. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

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.

South Beach, 59 Main St., Batavia, NY: Only recently reopened, a fine/casual dining atmosphere, offering steaks and seafood and daily specials. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50 (must be used by Nov. 30, 2010).

The Mane Attraction, 99 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: The Mane Attraction is a spa and salon offering pedicures, manicures, hair styling and massage. 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.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for seven weeks of yoga, a $70 value, for $35. Next session starts Sept. 27.

Matty's Pizzeria, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Matty's is another Batavia favorite for pizza and wings. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

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

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, 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 also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Settler's Restaurant, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

Accident reported at Route 19 and Route 33.

By Howard B. Owens

A motor vehicle accident has been reported at Clinton Street Road and South Lake Road, Bergen.

There is at least one injury.

The roadway is blocked.

Bergen Fire being dispatched, also Mercy EMS.

UPDATE 9:40 a.m.: The injury is now reported as an elderly woman shaken up.

Guy on porch with rifle prompts calls, police response

By Billie Owens

City of Batavia Police are responding to a number of calls about a male casually sitting on a porch with a rifle in hand.

The address is 133 South Swan St., north of Sumner Street.

At least 10 callers have voiced concerns about the situation.

Brush fire behind barn on Sumner Road

By Billie Owens

A brush fire is reported behind a barn at 516 Sumner Road, between Fargo and County Line roads.

Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE (5:10 p.m.): A person on scene on Sumner Road reports heavy smoke is coming from down in Erie County. A firefighter says wind may have blown in the smoke reported by a passerby. They are investigating the area.

UPDATE (5:22 p.m.): Darien fire is back in service. It was found to be a bonfire at 526 Sumner Road. A person there was informed that it was illegal to burn some of the material being used to fuel the flames.

Downtown gets fall makeover with mums and cornstalks

By Howard B. Owens

Downtown business owners were on Main Street this morning decorating the sidewalks for fall, putting out hay bales and pumpkins, cornstalks and mums.

Above, Carrie Lawrence from Valle Jewelers delivers mums for planting in front of The Daily Grind.

The merchants will host a wine walk Oct. 2. For more information, click here.

Warsaw school van plows into pizzeria in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A Warsaw Central School District van driver said his brakes failed yesterday causing the van he was driving to slam into a Pavilion pizzeria.

Nobody was injured in the 6:43 p.m. accident and no citations were issued.

The van was driven by Jeremy M. Donahue, 21, of Brooklyn Street, Warsaw.

The building struck was Paparoni Pizza, 11090 Route 19, Pavilion.

Witnesses said the van accelerated as it made a turn into the parking lot, and then braked. There were skid marks at the scene.

Chad B. Hanson, 24, was a passenger in the van.

(initial report)

Motocross rider suffers possible heart attack

By Billie Owens

A 40-year-old man is reported to be unconscious after he fell over for unknown reasons while riding his bike at Area 51.

East Pembroke and Darien fire and Mercy EMS are responding to the location at 3100 Harloff Road in the Town of Batavia. The availability of Mercy Flight is being determined.

It is believed he may have suffered a sudden heart attack while riding.

UPDATE (11:44 a.m.): A Darien ambulance is transporting the patient to Strong Memorial Hospital.

UPDATE (12:00 p.m.): Mercy Flight is leaving Home Depot in Batavia, where it was displayed as part of a 9/11 remembrance event, and is headed to Area 51 for the possible heart attack victim. Apparently, the transport previously referred to was for another victim.

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